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Phil Clark's running back (RB) fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream and stash off waivers.
The planning process for the construction of your rosters in Week 3 has now begun following the performances that were delivered by running backs during their Week 2 matchups. As each week unfolds, developments will emerge that alter the composition of various backfields while impacting the scoring potential for a percentage of backs.
This can be the result of production-inhibiting factors that all fantasy managers dread, including overcrowded backfields, unexpected touch distributions, and disappointing performances that lead to dissatisfaction with backs that are contained in your rosters. Injuries also loom as an ongoing factor that can impact the availability of your backs.
This can create the need to locate alternative options for some fantasy managers, while others will be focused on securing handcuffs that can protect their rosters from experiencing a catastrophic loss of production. This column is designed to help you navigate any roster issues that emerge by identifying the best running backs that are available on your waiver wires. After finishing this breakdown, you can also find fantasy football waiver wire pickups at other positions. Good luck with your Week 3 matchups!
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:- 2025 fantasy football rankings
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- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Top Priorities - Week 3 Waiver Wire Running Backs
Prioritize These Running Backs On Most Waiver Wires
| Top Priorities | Team | Rostered |
| Bhayshul Tuten | Jacksonville Jaguars | 54% |
| Trey Benson | Arizona Cardinals | 52% |
| Cam Skattebo | New York Giants | 59% |
| Quinshon Judkins | Cleveland Browns | 62% |
Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars - 54% Rostered
The Jaguars' decision to discard Tank Bigsby did not eliminate the congestion in their backfield. However, the trade that sent Bigsby to Philadelphia did bolster the outlook for all three backs who will now secure touches in Jacksonville’s restructured backfield. That certainly applies to Bhayshul Tuten, who will benefit greatly from the extraction of Bigsby.
The explosive Tuten is now operating as the clear RB2 for Jacksonville. His snap share rose from 6% in Week 1 to 25% when the Jaguars visited Cincinnati in Week 2. He also capitalized by accumulating 74 total yards. That includes his involvement as a rusher, as Tuten carried eight times, accrued 42 yards, and averaged 5.3 yards per attempt. Tuten also scored his first career touchdown on an eight-yard reception.
Bhayshul Tuten scores his first NFL TD!
JAXvsCIN on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/B4EmYon3L8
— NFL (@NFL) September 14, 2025
Travis Etienne’s role as the Jaguars’ lead back remained intact during Week 2, and he has now attained a 63.9% snap share since Week 1. He is also second among all backs in rushing yards (214/107 per game), while leading the Jaguars’ backfield in routes run (40) and targets (six).
Tuten is a decisive runner whose elite speed fuels his potential to erupt for big plays. That should compel Liam Coen to deploy Tuten more frequently as Tuten's rookie year advances.
That will preserve Tuten’s place among this week’s recommended options, as he should become a valuable asset for fantasy managers as the season progresses.
Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals - 52% Rostered
Trey Benson’s encouraging involvement during Arizona’s season opener elevated his prospects of ascending beyond operating as an essential handcuff into an eventual starting option for fantasy managers.
just a reminder we have Trey Benson on our team@trey_uno1 | @FSUFootball pic.twitter.com/BFbNxmRaZI
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 8, 2025
Benson had tied his career high in snap share during Week 1 (33%), while averaging 8.6 yards per attempt, carried eight times, and generated a career-best 69 rushing yards. He also accumulated three missed tackles forced and finished third among all backs in explosive yards (52), according to Fantasy Points Data.
Benson’s usage and output were also favorable when the Cardinals hosted Carolina in Week 2. James Conner failed to reach the 65.2% snap share that he attained in Week 1, and his share was nearly replicated by Benson (52%/46%).
Benson also exceeded Conner’s totals in routes run (14/9), targets (six/one), receptions (four/one), and receiving yards (30/18). His target total also placed him fourth among all backs. Benson also carried three times, but averaged 4.7 yards per attempt in Week 2.
Benson remains an exceptional insurance policy for anyone utilizing Conner in their lineups, as Benson can operate as an RB1 if he functions as Arizona’s primary back. Benson’s usage on passing downs is also promising, and he is steadily approaching the threshold of standalone value.
Cam Skattebo, New York Giants - 59% Rostered
Cam Skattebo’s rostership percentage declined during the past seven days in the aftermath of his limited involvement in Week 1. Skattebo played on eight snaps during the Giants’ season opener. He also carried twice, registered -3 rushing yards, ran four routes, and secured both of his targets.
New York’s backfield was transformed in Week 2, as the Giants ’ fourth-round selection during April’s NFL Draft (105th overall) led their backfield with 35 snaps, while Tyrone Tracy Jr. operated with 28.
Cam Skattebo's first career TD!
NYGvsDAL on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/I5vYpPw2WF
— NFL (@NFL) September 14, 2025
Skattebo also surpassed Tracy in carries (11/5) and rushing yards (45/15), and generated his first rushing touchdown. He also finished ninth in efficiency (3.28) according to Next Gen Stats, while nearly matching Tracy’s totals in routes run (19/18) and targets (five/three).
Skattebo should also maintain an ongoing presence in the red zone, after he attained an 88.4% goal-line rate during his final season at Arizona State, according to PFF.
Brian Daboll is likely to continue to distribute a sufficient percentage of touches to both backs, which will frustrate fantasy managers. However, the significant expansion in Skattebo’s workload is encouraging, and he should be rostered in all leagues.
Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns - 62% Rostered
The rostership percentages for Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson have eclipsed the 60% threshold that is usually required for recommendations in this column. However, the enormous level of interest surrounding both backs justifies their inclusion in this article.
Even though the prospects of a suspension remain a possibility for Judkins, that did not prevent him from operating in a rotation with fellow first-year back Sampson during the Browns’ matchup with the Ravens in Week 2.
Browns activated rookie RB Quinshon Judkins, who now is set to make his NFL debut Sunday in Baltimore. pic.twitter.com/T0pBVDJBjp
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 13, 2025
Judkins returned to practice on September 11 for the first time since the Browns’ mandatory mini-camp ended in mid-June. He was also placed on the 53-man roster, which preceded Judkins’ rise to his first regular-season appearance.
Judkins was entrusted with a 26% snap share while operating as Cleveland's lead rusher. Judkins carried 10 times, generated 61 rushing yards, and averaged 6.1 yards per attempt. He also finished sixth in rush yards over expected (22) per Next Gen Stats.
Judkins also ran nine routes, secured all three of his targets, and assembled 10 yards as a receiving weapon.
Judkins' workload was favorable, and his role should expand further as he integrates into Kevin Stefanski’s offense. His status should be monitored this week, and he should be rostered in all leagues.
Secondary Options - Week 3 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters
| Secondary Options | Team | Rostered |
| Kyle Monangai | Chicago Bears | 6% |
| Dylan Sampson | Cleveland Browns | 62% |
| Jeremy McNichols | Commanders | 0% |
| Chris Rodriguez Jr. | Commanders | 4% |
| Najee Harris | Los Angeles Chargers | 37% |
Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears - 6% Rostered
The momentum that fueled Kyle Monangai’s rise into the fantasy landscape during training camp has continued during Chicago’s first two matchups. Monangai registered nine snaps and one touch in Week 1, but his involvement increased significantly when the Bears traveled to Detroit in Week 2.
Monangai accumulated 28 snaps, carried seven times, generated 28 rushing yards, ran 15 routes, and was targeted three times by Caleb Williams. It is also noteworthy that Monangai was utilized as the clear backup to D'Andre Swift, even though Roschon Johnson was active for the first time this season.
Monangai is a tough but elusive runner who did not register a fumble during his four seasons at Rutgers. Those factors could sustain his ability to function with an ongoing role in Ben Johnson’s offense, which would enable the Bears to avoid the allocation of massive workloads to Swift.
Monangai is still available in 94% of all leagues. However, he is currently at the periphery of an integral role in Chicago’s attack if Swift is sidelined for any reason. That presents the rationale for securing Monangai, who could become a resource on your roster in the upcoming weeks.
Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns - 62% Rostered
The ongoing collection cluster of possibilities toward determining when Quinshon Judkins would enter Cleveland’s backfield rotation continued to impact Dylan Sampson’s outlook before the Browns visited Baltimore.
Judkins ultimately made his NFL debut in Week 2, while Sampson attained a 24% snap share, carried four times, and assembled six rushing yards. He also ran nine routes and secured all three of his targets, and generated an eight-yard touchdown.
Jerome Ford surprisingly paced the background in snap share (49%) and routes run (19). Ford also assembled 54 total yards, while collecting five of his six targets.
first NFL TD for Dillon and Dylan#CLEvsBAL on CBS & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/FZ9qny1YLq
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 14, 2025
Judkins’ role will expand if he continues to elude a suspension, and game script can fuel a rise in Ford's usage. However, that should not prevent you from adding Sampson, whose versatility and big-play ability should result in a higher percentage of touches when contrasted with his usage in Week 2.
Sampson should also seize a substantial workload if Judkins is impacted by a suspension during any of Cleveland's upcoming matchups. That sustains Sampson's viability as a target from this week's waiver wire.
Jeremy McNichols, Washington Commanders / Chris Rodriguez Jr. Washington Commanders – (McNichols 0% Rostered), (Rodriguez Jr. 4% Rostered),
The Commanders’ backfield will transform after Austin Ekeler sustained a torn ACL in Week 2. Washington’s trade that sent Brian Robinson Jr. to San Francisco on August 22 had elevated Ekeler and Jacory Croskey-Merritt into a rotation during Weeks 1 and 2.
Ekeler secured a 49.6% snap share while accumulating 19 touches and 81 total yards during that sequence. Croskey-Merritt has registered a 27.3% snap share, accrued 14 touches, and generated 99 total yards.
McNichols has attained a 20.9% snap share, carried four times, assembled 25 rushing yards, and has yet to register a target. That includes his involvement in Week 2, when he finished second behind Ekeler in snap share (52.2%/23.2%).
McNichols was operating ahead of Rodriguez on the depth chart before Ekeler’s injury, and McNichols now appears primed to function in a rotation with Croskey-Merritt when Washington hosts the Raiders on Sunday.
Rodriguez was a healthy inactive in Weeks 1 and 2. However, he should now secure the remaining touches that are not allocated to McNichols and Croskey-Merritt.
Najee Harris, Los Angeles Chargers - 37% Rostered
Najee Harris has yet to attain a favorable workload in Greg Roman‘s offense. However, it is justifiable to target him for your rosters, as his usage will eventually rise.
Najee Harris Could Have Bigger Role in Week 2 https://t.co/32tJACrWJW
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) September 8, 2025
Harris’s snap share was constricted during his first matchup as a Charger (17.7%) while Omarion Hampton’s share (80.7%) placed him eighth among all backs. Harris was also limited to one attempt and five rushing yards, while he ran six routes and registered a 2.9% target share.
Hampton led the Chargers’ backfield in attempts (15), rushing yards (48), routes run (23), and target share (5.9%). He finished 31st in rush yards over expected according to Next Gen Stats, but should perform effectively as his initial season unfolds.
Los Angeles ranked 19th in rushing play percentage (40.2%) during Week 1. This represented a decline compared to 2024, when the Chargers were 10th overall (44.9%).
Increased deployment of the ground game can be expected, which should facilitate an expansion in Harris’s role. Harris will also supply you with an additional resource as you contend with the impending bye weeks, along with an assortment of other roster challenges.
High Upside Handcuffs - Week 3 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These Running Backs Are Insurance Policies That Protect You From A Roster Crisis
| Upside Handcuffs | Team | Rostered |
| Tyler Allgeier | Atlanta Falcons | 32% |
| Rachaad White | Buccaneers | 36% |
| DJ Giddens | Indianapolis Colts | 9% |
| Tyjae Spears | Tennessee Titans | 32% |
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 32% Rostered
Tyler Allgeier remains embedded among the top-tier handcuffs due to his unquestioned ability to become a highly productive asset when he operates with a sizable workload.
Allgeier’s track record of productivity during his one season as Atlanta’s lead back (2022) includes a 1,000-yard season, in which he finished as an RB2 during his final 10 games (12.0 points per game). That provides an enormous incentive to seize him from this week’s waiver wire if you invested in Bijan Robinson during draft season.
Allgeier has secured a 25.4% snap share since Week 1. He also carried 26 times, assembled 100 rushing yards, and averaged 3.8 yards per attempt. Robinson continues to function as Atlanta’s primary back and has already accumulated 106 snaps.
Allgeier is still available in nearly 70% of all leagues, even though he can provide RB1 production if Robinson is sidelined for any reason. That cements him as a valuable insurance policy for anyone who has Robinson contained on their rosters. He could also become a significant point producer for anyone else who adds him this week.
Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 36% Rostered
Rachaad White is functioning as the RB2 in Tampa Bay’s offense. This is a continuation of the role that he descended to when Bucky Irving emerged as the Buccaneers’ primary back during 2024.
White operated with a 24% percent snap share during Tampa Bay’s season opener, while accumulating 14 rushing yards with his two attempts. He also ran 10 routes and secured his only target from Baker Mayfield.
Irving has commandeered the majority of opportunities while securing a 76.8% snap share, which placed him 11th among all backs in Week 1. Irving is also pacing the Buccaneers’ backfield in carries (14), rushing yards (37), routes run (21), and target share (13.3%) entering the team’s Monday night matchup with Houston.
Depending on White as an RB3/flex is not advised unless offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard distributes a higher percentage of touches. However, the current restrictions on White’s usage and production do not alter his contingent value. White’s outlook would change significantly during any absence by Irving, as White would seize an extensive workload if that situation emerges.
DJ Giddens, Indianapolis Colts - 9% Rostered
DJ Giddens has secured his place among the elite tier of handcuffs due to his unchallenged role as the RB2 for Indianapolis. This keeps Giddens positioned to launch into temporary lead-back duties for the Colts if Jonathan Taylor is sidelined for any reason.
That scenario transpired during the season opener, after the Colts built a sizable lead. Giddens operated with a 24% snap share, while accumulating 12 attempts and 41 rushing yards. Giddens also finished eighth among all backs in efficiency (3.73) and 11th in rush yards over expected (-2) according to Next Gen Stats.
Giddens' versatility includes his ability to operate proficiently as a pass catcher. That cements his prospects of functioning with a massive workload during any absence by Taylor. Giddens did not approach his Week 1 numbers when Indianapolis hosted Denver in Week 2. He was limited to a 7.5% snap share, ran four routes, and was targeted once.
However, that does not alter his contingent value. Anyone dependent upon Taylor can curtail a potential roster crisis by securing Giddens this week. All other managers could also be rewarded for their decision to stash him.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 32% Rostered
Tyjae Spears’ current placement on injured reserve (high ankle sprain) will prevent him from rejoining Tennessee’s backfield rotation before the Titans’ Week 5 trip to Arizona.
Spears will resume his role as the direct backup to Tony Pollard once he returns. He also has an opportunity to regain the statistical momentum he built late last season, after recovering from multiple injuries (hamstring/ankle/concussion).
Spears climbed to 16th among all backs in snap share (59.7%) from Weeks 15-17. This included Tennessee’s Week 17 game against Jacksonville, when Pollard was inactive (illness/ankle).
Tyjae Spears scores his 2nd TD!
📺: #CINvsTEN on FOX pic.twitter.com/VMqeigPiQb
— NFL (@NFL) December 15, 2024
Spears also carried 34 times (11.3 per game), accrued 127 rushing yards (42.3 per game), and generated a league-high 139 yards after catch during his most productive sequence of the season. He also finished third in yards per route run (2.16) and fifth in both targets per route run (24.2) and points per game (20.7).
Spears can serve as an RB3/flex when sharing touches with Pollard. He is also a valuable handcuff who can become a highly productive option during any absence by Pollard.
Deep League Stash Options - Week 3 Waiver Wire Running Backs
| Deep Stashes | Team | Rostered |
| Jaydon Blue | Dallas Cowboys | 23% |
| Kendre Miller | New Orleans Saints | 4% |
| LeQuint Allen Jr | Jacksonville Jaguars | 0% |
Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys - 23% Rostered
The relegation of Jaydon Blue to healthy scratch status during the Cowboys’ first two matchups has been disappointing to anyone who was anticipating his NFL debut.
It has also compelled some managers to drop the explosive rookie, even though Blue possesses elite speed and big-play ability.
.@DallasCowboys 5th-round pick Jaydon Blue finds the end zone 🤠
Watch on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/x9ciDjzK0M— NFL (@NFL) August 23, 2025
Javonte Williams has been performing effectively while functioning as the lead back for Dallas. Williams is fifth among all backs with 104 snaps since Week 1. Williams is currently ninth in carries (33/16.5 per game) and sixth in rushing yards (75.5 per game). He has also run 54 routes and captured eight of his 10 targets.
Williams has thrived with lead-back duties, but surpassing Miles Sanders on the depth chart should not present Blue with a daunting task. Sanders has played on 31 snaps, while assembling 68 rushing yards. That yardage total has been built primarily by a 49-yard burst that preceded Sanders’ impactful fumble during the Cowboys’ season opener.
Blue’s playmaking abilities should eventually launch him into a rotation with Williams. That solidifies the rationale for securing Blue and exercising patience, as he can still emerge with a favorable role in the Cowboys’ attack.
Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints - 4% Rostered
Kendre Miller’s ADP was contained in Round 20 during draft season, and the third-year back was not included among the enticing handcuff options entering the regular season.
However, Miller’s involvement in the New Orleans offense has positioned Miller to ascend into a favorable workload if Alvin Kamara is unable to operate as the Saints’ workhorse back during the upcoming weeks.
Miller had averaged 5.7 attempts/21.7 rushing yards per game during 2023-2024. He also registered 0.31 avoided tackles per attempt during that span, according to PFF.
Miller played on 11 snaps in Week 1 while amassing 24 rushing yards with his five attempts, and averaging 4.8 yards per attempt. Miller also accumulated three missed tackles forced, according to Fantasy Points Data. Miller also played on 11 snaps and accrued five touches when New Orleans hosted San Francisco in Week 2.
Anyone who secured Kamara during draft season can consider stashing Miller in deeper leagues. He can solidify his status as the Saints’ unquestioned RB2 if he performs effectively.
LeQuint Allen Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars -0% Rostered
The September 8 trade that dispatched Tank Bigsby to Philadelphia also bolstered LeQuint Allen Jr.’s prospects of securing touches in Jacksonville’s backfield rotation even as Travis Etienne and Bhayshul Tuten remain above him on the Jaguars’ reshaped depth chart.
Allen operated with a 13.6% snap share in Week 1, which was third behind Etienne and Bigsby. Allen and Etienne were also the only Jaguar backs who ran routes or accumulated targets from Trevor Lawrence.
#Jaguars Week 2 RB Usage
- Travis Etienne: 66% snaps, 14 carries, 22 routes, 3 targets (89 yds, TD)
- Bhayshul Tuten: 26% snaps, 8 carries, 7 routes, 2 targets (74 yds, TD)
- LeQuint Allen Jr: 16% snaps, 2 carries, 7 routes (13 yds)— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) September 14, 2025
The departure of Bigsby has also expanded Allen’s path toward maintaining a weekly allotment of targets as a rusher and receiving weapon.
Allen secured a 16% snap share when Jacksonville visited Cincinnati in Week 2. He also carried twice and assembled 13 rushing yards. Allen also ran seven routes, but did not register a target. However, Allen still delivers prowess as a pass-catcher, as he captured 64 of his 83 targets during his final season at Syracuse (2024),
Etienne is primed to remain the Jaguars’ lead back entering Week 3, and Tuten could deliver a statistical eruption at any point of the season. Those factors should not discourage you from stashing Allen in deeper leagues, as he would launch into a significant role if Etienne or Tuten are forced to the sideline.
Other Fantasy Football Running Backs To Consider
- Kareem Hunt - 26% Rostered
- Rico Dowdle - 16% Rostered
- Blake Corum - 8% Rostered
Good luck in Week 3!
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