RADIO
We have now progressed into reconstructing rosters and planning lineups for Week 9. The numbers that have been assembled by running backs during the first eight weeks of the season have fueled a variety of emotions for all fantasy managers. Unfortunately, some of you have been contending with underwhelming results due to injuries, inefficient performances, and production-inhibiting committees.
The unwelcome process of managing bye weeks also continues, which will fuel interest in locating alternative options on the waiver wire. That will impact players from four different teams this week – Jacksonville, Detroit, Denver, and San Francisco. This ensures that anyone with Christian McCaffrey, Travis Etienne, David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, or Javonte Williams contained on their rosters will have to avoid starting those backs this week.
The recommendations in this week's article will appear in three tiers, beginning with the most enticing backs to prioritize and progressing to options for managers who are struggling with desperation. You will also find a group of backs that can be dropped in order for you to secure your replacements. After you have finished this breakdown, you can explore all of this week's fantasy football waiver wire pickups that are designed to help you maximize the scoring potential of your rosters.
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Upcoming Bye Weeks
- Week 9: Jacksonville, Detroit, Denver, San Francisco
- Week 10: Philadelphia, Miami, Kansas City, Los Angeles Rams
- Week 11: Atlanta, Indianapolis, New England, New Orleans
- Week 13: New York Giants, Buffalo, Baltimore, Chicago, Minnesota, Las Vegas
- Week 14: Arizona, Washington
Frontrunners - Week 9 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs should be your top priorities among the options that are available on most waiver wires.
Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers - 59% Rostered
Chuba Hubbard had averaged 24.3 snaps per game from Weeks 1-3 while averaging 4.0 carries, and 26 yards per game. However, his numbers expanded prior to Carolina’s Week 7 bye, as he had averaged 40 snaps, 14 attempts, and 54.7 yards per game from Weeks 4-6. That includes his numbers in Week 6, when Hubbard secured season highs in snaps (53), rushing attempts (19), and rushing yards (88).
Hubbard also led the Panthers’ backfield in each category, as Miles Sanders averaged 31 snaps, 10 carries, and 25.5 yards per game during that sequence. Sanders was also contending with a shoulder injury that sidelined him in Week 6.
#Panthers Week 8 RB Usage
- Chuba Hubbard: 66% snaps, 15 carries, 14 routes, 2 targets (54 yds)
- Miles Sanders: 20% snaps, 2 carries, no targets (0 yards)— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) October 29, 2023
It was unclear whether Hubbard’s surge in usage and output would be sustained following Carolina’s bye. However, Hubbard ultimately led the Panthers' backfield in snaps (45), rushing attempts (15), rushing yards (28), and routes run (45). Sanders was involved on 12 snaps, while being relegated to just two carries, and failing to accumulate any rushing yardage.
Hubbard’s ability to operate with a more extensive workload than Sanders both before and after the Panthers’ bye has vaulted him atop the list of this week’s targets from the waiver wire.
Emari Demercado, Arizona Cardinals - 36% Rostered
Emari Demercado has now played on 91 snaps while operating with 33 attempts and assembling 136 rushing yards during Arizona’s last two matchups. The undrafted free agent has also eviscerated any lingering concerns surrounding his role as the Cardinals’ temporary lead back.
Cardinals rookie UDFA RB Emari Demercado has been getting most of the run in the backfield today, and has his best run of the afternoon here. Hitting the edge, and showing some patience for a first down run. pic.twitter.com/YOkeBNt7IK
— Seven Rounds in Heaven (@7RoundsInHeaven) October 22, 2023
Demercado’s erratic usage from Weeks 5-7 had included two games in which he had eclipsed a 77% snap share while averaging 11.5 attempts: and 51.5 rushing yards per game. However, those games were sandwiched around disappointing results in Week 6, which included a 43% share, two carries, and 11 rushing yards.
However, Demercado's numbers during Arizona’s last two matchups, have eliminated any lingering concerns surrounding his role as the Cardinals’ lead back while James Conner remains sidelined (knee).
Conner cannot reemerge before Week 10, and the exact timeline for his return remains uncertain. Demercado could also retain an ongoing role after Conner has resurfaced. That supplies an opportunity to utilize Demercado as an RB3/flex if you secure him for your roster this week.
Darrell Henderson, Los Angeles Rams - 38% Rostered
It was initially unclear how Sean McVay would distribute touches within the Rams’ reconstructed backfield, following injuries that had sidelined Kyren Williams (sprained ankle), and Ronnie Rivers (knee).
Who started Darrell Henderson Jr? 🙋
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) October 22, 2023
However, Darrell Henderson has now led the backfield in snaps (68), and rushing attempts (30), while generating 92 rushing yards since Week 7. This has solidified his status as the most viable fantasy option among members of the Rams’ reshaped backfield. Royce Freeman has now accumulated 59 snaps while accruing 21 carries, and producing 110 yards on the ground during that two-game span.
Henderson also led Los Angeles in carries for a second consecutive game in Week 8 (12), although he was limited to 31 yards on the ground. Freeman carried nine times while assembling 44 yards during the Rams’ matchup with Dallas.
Henderson is also pacing the restructured backfield in routes (43), targets (five), and receiving yards (59), since Week 7. That includes the 54 yards that he accrued as a receiving weapon in Week 8. He should remain the Rams’ most productive back until Williams reemerges from injured reserve. That elevates him among this week’s backs to target from your waiver wires.
In The Running - Week 9 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs remain available on the waiver wire and could become resources for your rosters.
Cam Akers, Minnesota Vikings - 56% Rostered
Even though Alexander Mattison has been functioning as Minnesota’s RB1 throughout the regular season his performances have been largely underwhelming. Mattison has failed to exceed 3.5 yards per attempt in four of his eight matchups. He has also averaged just 3.2 per attempt from Weeks 5-8 while failing to exceed 44 yards during any of those contests.
That had sustained a path for Cam Akers to ascend into a sizable role, with the increasing likelihood that Akers could overtake Mattison as the Vikings’ lead rusher.
Is Cam Akers back? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/E1t6Sgf7Fh
— PlayerProfiler (@rotounderworld) October 29, 2023
That has yet to transpire. However, Akers continued to accrue opportunities during Minnesota’s Week 8 matchup with NFC North rival Green Bay. The fourth-year back accumulated 17 snaps, while generating 19 rushing yards and his first touchdown as a Viking. Mattison played on 44 snaps, carried 16 times, and manufactured 31 yards on the ground.
Akers’ numbers were hardly astronomical, and Mattison is retaining a sizable role in the Vikings’ backfield rotation. The absence of Kirk Cousins could also lead to modifications in Minnesota's strategic approach to their offense. However, those factors should not deter you from adding Akers. He remains available in over 40% of all leagues, and could still emerge with an expanded role during the upcoming weeks.
Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks - 38% Rostered
Zach Charbonnet was rostered in over 50% of all leagues entering Week 6. He was then limited to just five rushing yards on two attempts when the Seahawks traveled to Cincinnati in Week 6 and was sidelined by a hamstring issue in Week 7. These factors contributed to the rookie’s rise in availability.
However even though Charbonnet is not currently lurking as a candidate to leapfrog Kenneth Walker on Seattle’s depth chart, he remains cemented as the Seahawks’ RB2. Walker was also contending with a calf issue prior to Seattle’s Week 8 matchup with Cleveland. That provided a reminder that Charbonnet will quickly launch into a sizable workload if Walker becomes impacted by injury.
Charbonnet led the backfield with 32 snaps in Week 8 while generating a season-high 53 yards on five attempts (10.6 yards per attempt). Charbonnet also captured both of his targets while accruing 11 yards as a pass-catching presence from the backfield.
Charbonnet is also capable of performing proficiently as an every-down back if that scenario transpires. This fuels the rationale for securing Charbonnet while he remains attainable.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 50% Rostered
Tyjae Spears is somehow available in 50% of all leagues even though the incentive for having the explosive rookie contained on rosters in all leagues remains enormous. Spears has accumulated 197 snaps from Weeks 1-8. He has also generated 198 rushing yards with his 34 attempts while averaging 5.8 yards per attempt.
#Titans rookie RB Tyjae Spears does this every week. pic.twitter.com/I8Erit0HY9
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) October 29, 2023
Spears played on 30 snaps in Week 8. He was limited to three carries, but still generated 27 yards (9.0 yards per attempt). Even though Spears did not operate with the same number of attempts that he had attained in recent outings, that does not alter the factors that have vaulted him among the most enticing backs to target on the waiver wire.
Spears is also pacing Tennessee’s backfield in routes run (114) targets (24/3.4 per game), and receptions (18/2.6 per game). His ability to operate as an explosive difference-maker provides the potential for sizable numbers in any matchup - even as he shares touches with Derrick Henry.
Spears is also positioned to operate as a critical roster resource if Henry is sidelined or jettisoned before the NFL trade deadline. This should be a significant source of motivation to secure Spears while he is still available.
Dark Horses - Week 9 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs should be considered if you are searching for players who could eventually emerge in your lineups.
Devin Singletary, Houston Texas - 20% Rostered
Devin Singletary became an enticing waiver wire target after he accumulated more snaps (31/21), and rushing yards (58/34) than Dameon Pierce in Week 6. Singletary’s average of 4.8 yards per attempt also exceeded the 2.6 per attempt that was attained by Pierce. He also paced the backfield in routes (13), and targets (two), during that matchup.
Singletary did not confiscate the majority of snaps and touches when the Texans returned from their bye in Week 8. However, he still secured enough opportunities to present managers with a viable option on this week’s waiver wire.
Singletary nearly matched Pierce’s totals in snaps (25/23) and rushing attempts (12/10) in Week 8. Singletary and Mike Boone also led the backfield in routes run (eight), while Singletary captured both of his targets when Houston traveled to Carolina. Singletary is still available in 80% of all leagues and can function as an RB3/flex option for anyone who has been confronted by a roster dilemma.
Pierre Strong Jr., Cleveland Browns - 10% Rostered
Jerome Ford (high ankle sprain), and Kareem Hunt (thigh) were both contending with injuries prior to Cleveland’s Week 8 matchup with the Seahawks. That elevated Pierre Strong Jr. into his most extensive workload of the season.
STRONG catch and run from Pierre for 41!!#CLEvsSEA on FOX & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/kmaAX9beK1
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 29, 2023
Touches were distributed to all three backs when the Browns traveled to Seattle. That did not prevent Strong from securing season highs in snaps (24), and rushing attempts (10), while also assembling 41 yards on the ground. Hunt led the backfield in snaps (27), carries (14), and rushing yards (55), while also generating a touchdown. Ford played on 26 snaps, carried nine times, and produced 37 rushing yards.
Hunt also paced the trio with 11 routes run, while Ford and Strong both registered 10. All three backs combined for four targets, while Strong generated a 41-yard reception. The health of Hunt and Ford should be monitored as the week progresses. However, Strong is still worthy of consideration as a roster addition, as he would accumulate touches if Hunt or Ford remain impacted by their injuries. Strong can function as a temporary flex option if that situation occurs.
Also - It Is Time To Say Goodbye
These running backs can be dropped to secure an RB with greater potential to bolster your scoring during the year.
Dalvin Cook, New York Jets, 43% Rostered
Dalvin Cook somehow remains rostered in over 40% of all leagues. That fuels his reappearance in this section, as his microscopic usage and production provide no justification for retaining him on any rosters. Particularly when there are players available who can deliver more favorable numbers.
The seven-year veteran is averaging just 4.6 carries and 13.5 rushing yards since Week 2. He has also averaged just 2.9 yards per attempt during that span while failing to surpass 23 yards in any of those matchups. Cook also continues to operate with career lows in yards before contact per attempt (1.4), and yards after contact per attempt (1.4). Breece Hall also out-snapped Cook 41-8 in Week 8 and is stockpiling opportunities as the Jets’ workhorse back.
If Cook remains on your roster, the only reason to retain him surrounds the possibility that he might resurface in a new environment before the trade deadline. Otherwise, your valuable roster space can be used far more effectively by replacing him with another option from this week’s waiver wire.
Antonio Gibson, Washington Commandeers - 49% Rostered
Antonio Gibson has been included in this section on multiple occasions this season. However, we are eight weeks into the season, and the ongoing limitations in his usage are preserving his status as a drop candidate.
Gibson is averaging an infinitesimal 2.5 attempts per game. He has also entered Week 9 with a season-high of just 19 rushing yards and has failed to exceed 15 years in six different contests. His numbers as a receiving weapon are equally concerning, as he is averaging a career-low 3.0 targets per game while failing to exceed 24 yards in five different matchups.
That includes Gibson’s numbers when Washington hosted Philadelphia in Week 8, as Gibson was limited to just two rushing attempts for the fourth time this season. He also manufactured 14 yards on the ground and has now averaged 9.0 yards per game since Week 5. Gibson also assembled 28 yards as a receiving weapon, but he is now averaging a career-low 23 yards per game. If Gibson is currently on your roster, it will be advantageous for you to locate a back who will accrue more opportunities.
Jerick McKinnon, Kansas City Chiefs - 38% Rostered
Jerick McKinnon remains rostered in nearly 40% of all leagues, even though his role in Kansas City’s offense has decreased considerably when contrasted with his level of involvement during 2022.
McKinnon secured a team-high 556 snaps last season (46.2% share) last season, while Isiah Pacheco played on 405 snaps (33.0% share). McKinnon easily paced the Chiefs’ backfield in routes run (302) while Pacheco ran 136 routes. McKinnon also finished fifth among all backs in receiving yards (512/30.1 per game), eighth in targets (78/4.2 per game), and receptions (56/3.3 per game.
However, McKinnon currently trails Pacheco in snaps (283/162). He was also limited to two targets and an 11-yard reception in Week 8, and is also averaging just 2.7 targets/1.9 receptions/15.8 yards per game) – as Pacheco leads Kansas City’s backfield in each category.
It is unlikely that McKinnon’s workload will expand unless Pacheco is forced to the sideline by an injury. McKinnon would share touches with Clyde Edwards-Helaire if that scenario transpires, which reduces the incentive to retain McKinnon even further. That should also encourage managers to locate a player who delivers the potential to become a productive resource during the remainder of the season.
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