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Phil Clark's running back (RB) fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream and stash off waivers.
Any emotional letdown that you may have experienced due to the conclusion of the 2024 fantasy season was eventually replaced by a transition toward extensive draft planning and savvy roster construction during the 2025 draft season. You have devoted countless hours to researching data, absorbing analysis, examining tape, and developing strategy, which were essential as you advanced through this year’s draft process.
However, this will not prevent you from contending with factors that require alterations to your rosters during the regular season. Your ability to overcome obstacles that emerge due to injuries, substandard performances, and unwanted coaching decisions can be a pivotal aspect of your efforts toward capturing league championships. This certainly applies to the challenges that you might encounter at the running back position during the upcoming months.
This column is designed to help you navigate those issues by locating the best running backs that remain available on your waiver wires. That will include this week's top priorities, along with a group of secondary options if you are unable to seize a back that is contained within the top tier. High upside handcuffs will also be included, and recommendations will focus on players with rostership percentages of 60 percent or less in Yahoo leagues. After finishing this breakdown, you can also find fantasy football waiver wire pickups at other positions. Enjoy the long-awaited return of NFL matchups and good luck in Week 1!
Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!
Top Priorities - Week 1 Waiver Wire Running Backs
Prioritize These Running Backs On Most Waiver Wires
| Top Priorities | Team | Rostered |
| Ray Davis | Buffalo Bills | 35 Percent |
| Ollie Gordon II | Miami Dolphins | 34 Percent |
| Kyle Monangai | Chicago Bears | 5 Percent |
| Jaydon Blue | Dallas Cowboys | 37 Percent |
| Dylan Sampson | Cleveland Browns | 47 Percent |
| Bhayshul Tuten | Jacksonville Jaguars | 58 Percent |
Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills - 35% Rostered
Ray Davis has demonstrated the ability to perform proficiently when he captures a sizable workload. That scenario could occur once again this season while he operates as Buffalo’s RB2 behind James Cook.
Davis possesses a blend of power, vision, and purpose as a runner, while his capabilities as a receiving weapon solidify his prospects of functioning as a three-down back. Those attributes also embed Davis among the top-tier handcuff options, as he would ascend into a massive workload if Cook is unavailable at any point of the season.
Ray Davis goes 63 YARDS to the house as the Bills retake the lead!
(via NFL, CBS)
pic.twitter.com/4bvXQCPpqm— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) November 3, 2024
Davis only eclipsed a 31.1 percent snap in three matchups during 2024, but averaged 15.3 attempts/74.7 rushing yards per game during those contests.
That includes the season-best numbers that he assembled in Week 6 when Cook was sidelined by a troublesome toe. Davis carried 20 times, bolted for 97 rushing yards, and rose to fourth among all backs in receiving yards (55). He also finished 13th in efficiency (3.69) and 14th in rush yards over expected (7.0) per Next Gen Stats.
Ray Davis takes it in for the TD! Time for snowballs in Buffalo ☃️
📺: #SFvsBUF on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Mny7SZpama— NFL (@NFL) December 2, 2024
Davis retains unquestioned status as a crucial insurance policy for anyone who has invested in Cook and would approach RB1 production if Cook is sidelined for any reason.
Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins - 34% Rostered
Dolphins rookie RB Ollie Gordon II averaged 4.8 YPC on 26 carries this preseason.
Jaylen Wright averaged 1.5 YPC.
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) August 24, 2025
Jaylen Wright appeared to be the most viable handcuff for anyone who secured De'Von Achane during draft season. However, rookie Ollie Gordon II will begin the regular season as Miami’s RB2.
Ollie Gordon’s first NFL (preseason) touchdown.pic.twitter.com/gXdJhtNwLV https://t.co/nMEJ7QKtQN
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) August 10, 2025
Gordon performed more effectively than Wright during the preseason, while accumulating 26 attempts, rising to fifth among all backs in rushing yards (126), and averaging 4.8 yards per attempt. Wright also underwent leg surgery and is primed to miss multiple matchups.
Dolphins RB Jaylen Wright underwent a small procedure and is expected to miss the first few weeks of the season, per HC Mike McDaniel. pic.twitter.com/r9Z7U91uhW
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) August 28, 2025
The convergence of Gordon’s promising preseason, Wright’s absence, and the calf injury that has been sustained by Achane could vault Gordon into a significant workload in Week 1. Gordon could also earn carries in short-yardage situations and collect red zone opportunities even if Achane is operating as Miami’s lead back.
| 2023 | Yards | YPG | YPA | Attempts | APG | TDs |
| Ollie Gordon II | 1732 | 123.7 | 6.1 | 285 | 20.4 | 21 |
| Kimani Vidal | 1661 | 118.6 | 5.6 | 297 | 21.2 | 14 |
| Cody Schrader | 1627 | 125.2 | 5.9 | 276 | 21.2 | 14 |
| Tahj Brooks | 1538 | 118.3 | 5.3 | 290 | 22.3 | 10 |
| Omarion Hampton | 1504 | 115.7 | 5.9 | 253 | 19.5 | 15 |
| R.J. Harvey | 1416 | 108.9 | 6.3 | 226 | 17.4 | 16 |
| Quinton Cooley | 1401 | 100.1 | 6.3 | 221 | 15.8 | 16 |
| Peny Boone | 1400 | 107.7 | 7.2 | 194 | 14.9 | 15 |
| Makhi Hughes | 1378 | 98.4 | 5.3 | 258 | 18.4 | 7 |
Gordon assembled 2,920 rushing yards (74.9 per game) and 36 touchdowns during his three collegiate seasons at Oklahoma State. His best numbers were generated in 2023, when he led all backs in rushing yards (1,732/123.7 per game), rose to second in touchdowns (21), and finished third in carries (285/20.4 per game).
Y'all... @Ollie_Gordon2
27 carries
221 yards rushing
3 TD's
8.2 yards/carry📺: ESPN pic.twitter.com/L26kA2Gqqa
— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) October 21, 2023
Gordon also secured first downs on 27.7 percent of his attempts while capturing a 95.0 percent goal-line snap rate, according to PFF. The health of Achane and Wright should be monitored. However, there is growing justification for adding Gordon this week, regardless of the veterans’ status.
Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears - 5% Rostered
Kyle Monangai's status as a seventh-round selection during April’s NFL Draft (233rd overall) initially prevented him from gathering the level of interest that other members of his rookie class attained during draft season.
However, Monangai’s ADP rose 46 slots between June and late August as a result of his potential to seize an ongoing role in Ben Johnson’s reshaped offense.
Count the missed tackles Kyle Monangai forced on this run: pic.twitter.com/ZPGmVATwD1
— Brian Fonseca (@briannnnf) September 28, 2024
Monangai is a determined runner who assembled 2,541 rushing yards (105.9 per game) and 21 touchdowns during his final two seasons at Rutgers (2023-2024). Only seven backs generated a higher number of forced missed tackles (139) during that span, according to PFF. He also did not register a fumble while accumulating 707 touches during his collegiate career.
The debut. @kylemonangai | @ChicagoBears pic.twitter.com/pbeAtbFmPH
— Rutgers Football 🪓 (@RFootball) August 11, 2025
Monangai generated 30 yards on six attempts in Chicago’s first preseason matchup before he encountered an undisclosed injury. However, Monangai should operate with a favorable workload during the regular season, even as he functions as a backup to D'Andre Swift.
Monangai should also confiscate a larger role as the season progresses while ascending beyond third-year back Roschon Johnson on Chicago’s depth chart. Monangai would also operate with an extensive workload if Swift is forced to the sideline at any point during the season. Monangai remains available in 95 percent of all leagues, which provides additional incentive to secure him this week.
Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys - 37% Rostered
Jaydon Blue's workload was constricted by the formidable presence of Bijan Robinson, along with Roschon Johnson and Jonathon Brooks, during Blue’s first two seasons at Texas. Blue ultimately assembled 1,161 rushing yards while averaging 30.6 yards per game and 5.4 yards per attempt during his collegiate career.
Blue did secure utilization as a receiving weapon, while attaining a 23.3 percent target rate. That includes the career high 25.3 percent that he registered in 2024, when he also averaged 15.3 routes per game according to PFF.
JAYDEN BLUE 77 YARDS TO THE CRIB HOOK ‘EM pic.twitter.com/MqGdTEfTgl
— Barstool SEC (@SECBarstool) December 22, 2024
However, it is Blue’s home run potential that has launched the elusive rookie among the most enticing backs to target from this week’s waiver wire. He possesses unquestioned speed and is a perpetual threat to erupt for sizable yardage whenever he emerges in space.
Cowboys rookie RB Jaydon Blue (ankle) was a full participant in today’s practice. He didn’t have any limitations. “I’m feeling great. I feel I’m back to myself.”
“I think I was having a great camp before I went down. I’m just ready to showcase (what I can do) in a game Friday.” pic.twitter.com/hAi9nCVLbG
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 20, 2025
Blue also generated 25 rushing yards and a touchdown during the Cowboys’ final preseason matchup, before he suffered a low ankle sprain.
.@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 and Miles Sanders signed one-year contracts in March, and Williams should operate with the largest percentage of touches at the onset of the season.
However, neither veteran can match the big-play capabilities that Blue delivers. That should facilitate Blue’s rise within the Cowboys’ backfield rotation. It also launches him among the top backs to pursue this week.
Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns - 47% Rostered
DYLAN SAMPSON CONTINUES TO BALL THIS SEASON 🔥
A 27-YD TOUCHDOWN TO RETAKE THE LEAD VS. GEORGIA 😤 pic.twitter.com/HmuJLppFvZ
— ESPN (@espn) November 17, 2024
Cleveland selected Dylan Sampson during Round 4 of April’s NFL Draft (126th overall), in the aftermath of a collegiate career in which he accumulated 422 attempts (12.1 per game), 2,492 yards (71.2 per game), and 35 rushing touchdowns. 14.7 percent of Sampson’s attempts generated 10+ yards last season, while he also registered first downs on 30.2 percent of his carries according to PFF.
Dylan Sampson, 33 yards TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/CJC6ob9x2x
— gmannVOLS (@gmannVOLS) November 10, 2024
Sampson was drafted exactly 90 slots after the Browns had secured Quinshon Judkins in Round 2 (36th overall). Judkins was seemingly destined to begin the regular season atop Cleveland’s depth chart, while Sampson and fourth-year back Jerome Ford were candidates to earn backup roles in Kevin Stefanski’s offense. However, the lingering impact of Judkins’ July 12 arrest (domestic violence and battery) has reshaped Cleveland’s backfield rotation.
Dylan Sampson started over Jerome Ford in the final Browns preseason game. He also did this! pic.twitter.com/NbqSqIsuKU
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) August 24, 2025
Judkins’ unresolved status accelerated Sampson’s pathway into an ongoing role in the Browns’ attack, which included operating with first-team reps during training camp. Sampson also performed as the starter during two of Cleveland's preseason matchups and solidified his role within the team’s reshaped backfield.
Sampson should still garner a favorable workload while sharing touches with Ford in Week 1. Sampson should also maintain an ongoing role in any backfield rotation that includes Judkins, due to the convergence of Sampson’s prowess as an inside runner and his ability to accumulate yards after contact.
Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars - 58% Rostered
Bhayshul Tuten’s explosiveness, toughness, and athleticism blend with his exceptional speed to fuel his prospects of erupting for big plays. Those capabilities also ignited Tuten’s emergence as a back to prioritize from this year's rookie class despite the depth that exists at the position.
Bhayshul Tuten will have a long touchdown run sometime in the first 4 weeks of the season, and all the offseason narratives will go out the window. You can't keep a player with his burst, speed, strength, and elusiveness off the field. Draft him everywhere. pic.twitter.com/gjR0b4l8zl
— JohnJohn Analysis (@JohnJohnalytics) July 18, 2025
Tuten also averaged 18.9 attempts and 123.9 rushing yards per game at North Carolina AT&T during 2022. He later accumulated 2,022 rushing yards (84.3 per game) and 25 touchdowns during his two seasons at Virginia Tech.
Tuten also generated 1,159 yards (105.4 per game) and 15 touchdowns and registered 10+ yards on 18.6 percent of his carries last season. He also finished fourth among all rookies in avoided tackles per attempt (0.339) per PFF.
Tuten’s integration into the Jaguars’ backfield also placed him in a crowded depth chart. This has created competition for touches from veterans Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby, along with fellow first-year back LeQuint Allen Jr.
BHAYSHUL TUTEN DID NOT GIVE UP ON THE PLAY 😤
He powers his way in for the TD
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/sQ5iIMUSLh
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2025
However, Tuten should secure an ongoing role in Liam Coen’s backfield rotation through his performances during training camp and the production that he accrued during his only preseason contest (59 rushing yards/two touchdowns).
Even if Etienne and Bigsby confiscate early down and pass-catching roles during the initial weeks of the season, that does not diminish Tuten’s attributes or his potential to seize an expanding workload as the weeks progress. He remains available in 45 percent of all leagues and should be prioritized as a roster addition while your opportunity remains.
Secondary Options - Week 1 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters
| Secondary Options | Team | Rostered |
| Woody Marks | Houston Texans | 9 Percent |
| Chris Rodriguez Jr. | Washington Commanders | 6 Percent |
| Jerome Ford | Cleveland Browns | 45 Percent |
| Quinshon Judkins | Cleveland Browns | 50 Percent |
| Tahj Brooks | Cincinnati Bengals | 2 Percent |
| Najee Harris | Los Angeles Chargers | 47 Percent |
| Keaton Mitchell | Baltimore Ravens | 3 Percent |
Woody Marks, Houston Texans - 9% Rostered
Woody Marks is still attainable in 91 percent of Yahoo leagues, despite his impending opportunity to emerge as a resource at the onset of his rookie season.
Woody Marks with the score!
That's @JoquaviousMarks' first receiving touchdown of the season, 4th of his career #HailState🐶 | 📺 » https://t.co/Ak248kTWHi (ESPN) pic.twitter.com/GmQvmGHAjq
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) October 21, 2023
Marks was selected by Houston in Round 4 of April’s NFL Draft (116th overall), following a collegiate career in which he accumulated 4,562 yards from scrimmage. That includes the 3,108 yards that he generated during four seasons at Mississippi State (1,883 rushing/1,225 receiving).
| Season | Team | Attempts | Yards | YPA | YPG |
| 2020 | Mississippi State | 70 | 312 | 4.5 | 28.4 |
| 2021 | Mississippi State | 106 | 416 | 3.9 | 32 |
| 2022 | Mississippi State | 113 | 582 | 5.2 | 48.5 |
| 2023 | Mississippi State | 121 | 573 | 4.7 | 63.7 |
| 2024 | USC | 198 | 1133 | 5.7 | 94.4 |
| Career | Career | 608 | 3016 | 5 | 52.9 |
Marks also captured 55+ targets during four different seasons at the collegiate level, while stockpiling 100 in 2021.
| Season | Team | Targets | Rec | Rec Yards | YPR |
| 2020 | Mississippi State | 71 | 60 | 268 | 4.5 |
| 2021 | Mississippi State | 100 | 83 | 502 | 6 |
| 2022 | Mississippi State | 65 | 48 | 288 | 6 |
| 2023 | Mississippi State | 31 | 23 | 167 | 7.3 |
| 2024 | USC | 57 | 47 | 321 | 6.8 |
| Career | Career | 324 | 261 | 1546 | 5.9 |
Marks has now integrated into a backfield that will temporarily transform as Joe Mixon remains impacted by his protracted foot injury.
Woody Marks scampers into the end zone 😤
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/82JpwHDKFb
— NFL (@NFL) August 23, 2025
Mixon‘s lingering health issue forced his placement on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list, which ensures his absence for a minimum of four games.
BREAKING - Joe Mixon (foot, ankle) is being placed on the Non-Football Injury list and will miss the first 4 games this season. pic.twitter.com/xFaaudljNe
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) August 25, 2025
This has created an expanded runway for Marks to function as Houston‘s primary receiving back. He could also share opportunities as a rusher with 29-year-old Nick Chubb and Dameon Pierce in the Texans’ restructured backfield.
Marks' prowess as a pass-catcher should keep him involved in a rotation with both veterans. Uncertainty surrounding Chubb’s level of effectiveness and the extended absence of Mixon should encourage you to target Marks this week.
Chris Rodriguez Jr., Washington Commanders - 6% Rostered
Even though the Commanders' decision to jettison Brian Robinson Jr. removed him from their running back room, the trade did not eliminate the congestion in Washington's backfield.
Commanders to trade RB Brian Robinson Jr. to 49ers for 2026 6th-round pick. (via @RapSheet, @TomPelissero, @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/zMcxZ8diVO
— NFL (@NFL) August 22, 2025
For the sake of clarity, Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the preferred back for you to target among your remaining options on the Commanders, and his prospects of seizing a role in Washington's offense were originally examined here.
Croskey-Merritt and Austin Ekeler would also have been included among the Tier 1 recommendations in this article if their rostership percentages had not eclipsed the 60 percent threshold that is required for inclusion in this column.
However, the absence of Robinson has also solidified Chris Rodriguez Jr.'s prospects of earning touches within Washington’s transformed backfield.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. gets loose for the big gain!
Watch on ESPN
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/dBKeXjgPpl— NFL (@NFL) August 19, 2025
Rodriguez averaged 4.9 yards per attempt and 3.9 yards after contact per attempt with his 35 carries last season. He also performed impressively during the preseason, while assembling 118 yards and averaging 6.9 yards per attempt. He remains available in 95 percent of all leagues, which presents your opportunity to seize him this week.
Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns - 45% Rostered
Jerome Ford's role within Cleveland’s reconstructed backfield appeared destined for a decline after the Browns made their aforementioned investments in Sampson and Judkins during April’s NFL Draft.
Jerome Ford pops a long run against the 1st Defense. pic.twitter.com/BBrC36jKBZ
— Browns Film Breakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) August 2, 2025
However, the transformational impact of Judkins' current situation has temporarily restored Ford’s relevance, as he should begin the year in a rotation with Sampson
Ford has recovered from the unspecified health issue that impacted his involvement at the onset of training camp and generated 19 total yards with his four touches during the Browns’ preseason finale.
Ford’s largest workloads will be allocated during the initial weeks of the season, with Sampson’s role expanding as the weeks progress.
Jerome Ford with the first TD of the day 🙌
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/OOW9t39dkP
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 24, 2023
Ford will be challenged to match the career-best numbers that he secured in 2023, when he accumulated 204 carries (12.0 per game) and 813 rushing yards (47.8 per game). He also attained a 10.6 percent target share and averaged 12.4 points per game.
JEROME FORD TOUCHDOWN! #BearcatsInTheNFL #TENvsCLE on CBS & NFL+pic.twitter.com/vLDHkYzKNI
— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) September 24, 2023
Ford should still confiscate a sizable percentage of touches during any matchups in which Judkins remains unavailable, even though Ford’s involvement will diminish if he is sharing touches with Sampson and Judkins. That elevates Ford into temporary RB3/flex territory unless Judkins emerges to garner a significant workload.
Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns 50% Rostered
Quinshon Judkins' nebulous status was finally altered when Cleveland signed him to a fully guaranteed contract. This reduced the lingering impact of his July 12 arrest (domestic violence/battery), which has included Judkins’ continued absence from the Browns’ backfield rotation.
Finally: the Cleveland Browns and their second-round pick Quinshon Judkins reached agreement today on a four-year, $11.4 million deal that now means all 2025 draft picks have deals. pic.twitter.com/M9W7LpK7sH
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 6, 2025
The NFL granted Cleveland a two-game roster exemption for Judkins, who cannot accumulate touches in Kevin Stefanski’s offense until the Browns conclude the exemption. Potential ramifications of the NFL’s investigation into the allegations that emerged surrounding Judkins’ arrest continue to loom, and he could still be suspended.
Judkins’ newly signed deal clears the runway for Judkins to eventually enter the field, but he will not be infused into the Browns’ rotation during Cleveland’s season opener.
However, even though additional time will be required before Judkins is entrusted with a favorable workload, Judkins still possesses the same enticing attributes that fueled his selection in Round 2 of April’s NFL Draft. He is available in 50 percent of all leagues, although that percentage is destined to drop immediately.
Tahj Brooks, Cincinnati Bengals - 2% Rostered
The rationale for adding Tahj Brooks does not involve standalone value, as Chase Brown will confiscate massive touch totals while operating as Cincinnati’s primary back.
However, Brooks has not been incorporated into a crowded backfield and should not be impeded from eventually seizing a role as the Bengals’ RB2.
| 2023 | Attempts | APG | Yards | YPG | YPA | TDs |
| Kimani Vidal | 297 | 21.2 | 1661 | 118.6 | 5.6 | 14 |
| Tahj Brooks | 290 | 22.3 | 1538 | 118.3 | 5.3 | 10 |
| Ollie Gordon II | 285 | 20.4 | 1732 | 123.7 | 6.1 | 21 |
| Cody Schrader | 276 | 21.2 | 1627 | 125.2 | 5.9 | 14 |
| Marcus Carroll | 274 | 22.8 | 1350 | 112.5 | 4.9 | 13 |
| Quinshon Judkins | 271 | 20.8 | 1158 | 89.1 | 4.3 | 15 |
| Makhi Hughes | 258 | 18.4 | 1378 | 98.4 | 5.3 | 7 |
| Blake Corum | 258 | 17.2 | 1245 | 83 | 4.8 | 27 |
| Omarion Hampton | 253 | 19.5 | 1504 | 115.7 | 5.9 | 15 |
| 2024 | Attempts | APG | Yards | YPG | YPA | TDs |
| Ashton Jeanty | 374 | 26.7 | 2601 | 185.8 | 7 | 29 |
| Cam Skattebo | 293 | 22.5 | 1711 | 131.6 | 5.8 | 21 |
| Marquez Cooper | 292 | 24.3 | 1274 | 106.2 | 4.4 | 12 |
| Tahj Brooks | 286 | 26 | 1505 | 136.8 | 5.3 | 17 |
| Omarion Hampton | 281 | 23.4 | 1660 | 138.3 | 5.9 | 15 |
| Tre Stewart | 278 | 19.9 | 1638 | 117 | 5.9 | 25 |
| Makhi Hughes | 265 | 18.9 | 1401 | 100.1 | 5.3 | 15 |
| Dylan Sampson | 258 | 19.8 | 1491 | 114.7 | 5.8 | 22 |
| Kyle Monangai | 256 | 23.3 | 1279 | 116.3 | 5 | 13 |
Brooks assembled 4,557 rushing yards (81.2 per game) and 45 touchdowns during five seasons with Texas Tech. He also thrived with a mammoth workload during each of his final two years.
Tahj Brooks returns for the Red Raiders, powers in a 21-yard rushing touchdown @TexasTechFB | #WreckEmpic.twitter.com/cgWlhaRhmq
— Collin Wilson (@_Collin1) September 14, 2024
Brooks vaulted to second overall in attempts (290/22.3 per game) and was fourth in yardage (1,538/118.3 per game) during 2023. He also finished fourth in carries (286/26.0 per game) and seventh in yardage (1505/136.8 per game) during 2024. Brooks also registered a pass blocking grade of 72.6 in 2023-2024 from PFF, which was the second highest among Power Four backs.
Manor grad Tahj Brooks reversing field for a Bengals first down
"Nice carry by the rookie Brooks"#WreckEm | @Manor_Sports | @ManorISD pic.twitter.com/oT59EnSeQt
— Cory Mose (@Cory_Mose) August 19, 2025
Samaje Perine was signed by the Bengals during the offseason, but Brooks is capable of ascending beyond the nine-year veteran on the depth chart. Brooks would also operate with a substantial role if Brown is unavailable. That elevates Brooks among this week’s roster additions if you are unable to secure a top-tier option.
Najee Harris, Los Angeles Chargers - 47% Rostered
The massive fluctuations in Najee Harris‘s outlook throughout the offseason continued when he was activated from the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list on August 26.
Sources: The #Chargers have activated RB Najee Harris off the NFI list, making him eligible to play as early as Week 1 vs the #Chiefs in Brazil. pic.twitter.com/qUOUUT0Ptl
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 26, 2025
Harris's future was unclear as he entered the process of free agency, but he eventually signed a one-year contract with the Chargers. That initially placed Harris atop the Los Angeles depth chart before the team selected Omarion Hampton with the 22nd pick in April‘s NFL draft.
Harris later sustained a superficial eye injury during a Fourth of July fireworks accident. Harris’s absence during his recovery fueled his unsettled status while providing Hampton with an opportunity to function as the Chargers’ RB1 during training camp and the preseason.
Najee Harris is back in practice. pic.twitter.com/sSKV7sD79E
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) August 27, 2025
However, Harris will now begin the regular season on the active roster. He now has the potential to deliver fantasy points after he is fully integrated into the Chargers’ backfield rotation.
Harris operated with consistency during his tenure in Pittsburgh, while finishing second among all backs in attempts (1,097/16.1 per game). and fifth in rushing yards (4,312/63.4 per game) from 2021-2024. He also played in all 68 regular-season matchups that transpired during his four seasons with the Steelers.
Hampton will maintain a significant role, but Harris could evolve into a tangible starting option after he operates with a favorable workload.
Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens - 3% Rostered
Keaton Mitchell is now healthy, which positions him to infuse an additional level of explosiveness into Baltimore’s backfield.
TOUCHDOWN, @_KeatonMitchell❗
Tune in on WBAL! pic.twitter.com/m9kiJP5ruu
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 7, 2025
Mitchell reemerged last season to accumulate 16 touches in Weeks 17–18. This was the culmination of his lengthy recovery from the torn ACL that he sustained in Week 15 of his 2023 rookie year. He also assembled 68 yards and a rushing touchdown during the Ravens' preseason opener.
Mitchell originally made a memorable entrance into the fantasy landscape during his first season while delivering a statistical eruption from Weeks 9-15.
FIRST CAREER TOUCHDOWN FOR @_KeatonMitchell ❗
Tune in on CBS! pic.twitter.com/G20hxbg8Fc
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 5, 2023
He assembled a league-best 138 rushing yards while operating with only nine attempts in Week 9. Mitchell also averaged a league-high 15.3 yards per attempt and finished fifth in scoring (20.4).
That performance launched Mitchell into a high-productive sequence in which he paced all backs in yards per attempt (8.4), and runs of 20+ yards (seven) from Weeks 9-15. Mitchell also finished 11th in yards after contact (264) and 13th in rushing yards (396/66 per game) before sustaining his injury.
Your incentive for adding Mitchell surrounds his undeniable big-play ability. He is not a clear handcuff to Henry, as Mitchell would share touches with Justice Hill if Henry becomes unavailable. However, Mitchell could also emerge as a flex option if his home run capabilities propel him to a percentage of touches on a weekly basis.
High Upside Handcuffs - Week 1 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These Running Backs Are Insurance Policies That Protect You From A Roster Crisis
| Elite Handcuffs | Team | Rostered |
| Trey Benson | Arizona Cardinals | 38 Percent |
| Tyler Allgeier | Atlanta Falcons | 33 Percent |
| Rachaad White | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 44 Percent |
| D.J. Giddens | Indianapolis Colts | 3 Percent |
| Will Shipley | Philadelphia Eagles | 11 Percent |
Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals - 38% Rostered
Trey Benson can still be added in over 60 percent of all leagues, even though he is entrenched within the premier tier of handcuff options. Benson’s role as Arizona’s RB2 is unquestioned, as he is affixed directly below 30-year-old James Conner on the Cardinals’ depth chart. This provides the opportunity to secure Benson as an effective insurance policy if you have selected Conner during your draft process.
It should also encourage all other managers to add Benson, whose role includes sustained proximity to a massive workload if Conner is sidelined during the season.
Conner played in 16 of Arizona’s matchups during 2024, which established a career high. That placed constrictions on Benson’s involvement, as he only exceeded 16 snaps once throughout his rookie season. Benson also reached a double-digit touch total twice and registered 10 missed tackles forced, according to Fantasy Points Data.
give it up for @trey_uno1's FIRST career TD 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ZnU7AUlfcZ
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) November 3, 2024
However, Benson also possesses a promising mixture of speed, size, strength, and acceleration, and is capable of maximizing any expansion in his role. Conner's ability to elude impactful health issues during 2024 does not diminish the prospects of Benson ascending into a sizable role if Conner is unavailable this season. Benson would also supply RB2 output if that situation develops.
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 33% Rostered
Tyler Allgeier has already proven that he can thrive as a lead back at the NFL level when he finished 12th overall in rushing yards (1,035/64.7 per game) and seventh in yards after contact (706) in 2022. Allgeier also soared to third among all backs in yardage (711/79.0 per game), and fourth in yards per attempt (5.6), from Weeks 9-18 of his aforementioned rookie year.
Tyler Allgeier has 10 carries for 107 yards and a touchdown.
There are over 10 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. #DirtyBirds
— PlayerProfiler (@rotounderworld) December 18, 2022
Allgeier has functioned as the direct backup to Bijan Robinson during his last two seasons, but Allgeier’s contingent value has been unwavering during that sequence. Allgeier has averaged 161.5 carries (9.5 per game) and 663.5 yards (39.0 per game) while finishing as an RB1 in two different contests since 2023.
Tyler Allgeier’s first carry of the game is a TD!
📺: #ATLvsMIN on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/Pz9ZDqqiV0— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2024
Allgeier also secured career bests in avoided tackles per attempt (0.27) and first downs per attempt (31.4 percent) in 2024, according to PFF. Allgeier’s opportunities will be condensed while Robinson is operating as the Falcons’ primary back.
However, Allgeier will supply RB1 production to anyone who has him contained on their rosters if Robinson is forced to the sideline. That makes Allgeier an exceptional insurance policy, who could emerge as a league winner. It also supplies your motivation to target him this week.
Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 44% Rostered
Fantasy managers drafted Rachaad White as a high-end RB2 (ADP 45/RB14) during the 2024 draft regular season. That occurred in the aftermath of the numbers that he assembled during 2023, when White paced all backs in snaps (823), and routes run (443), and tied for second in carries (272/16.0 per game).
Seven touchdowns in the last seven weeks for Rachaad White 🔥
He has scored under 15 fantasy points just ONCE since Week 7 pic.twitter.com/PUT0bDOnDs
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) December 17, 2023
White also finished third in receiving yards (549/32.3 per game) and rose to sixth in points per game (15.8). He was also just 36th in yards per attempt (3.6) and 49th in rush yards over expected (-115) according to Next Gen Stats.
His inefficiency as a rusher eventually facilitated Bucky Irving’s ascension into lead back duties for Tampa Bay. This has contributed to the comparative dearth of interest in White as the 2025 regular season commences. However, the pendulum swing has been excessive, as White’s current role does not preclude you from considering him for your rosters.
Rachaad White takes the screen pass for SIX!
📺: #TBvsLAC on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/D6AphKsgrT— NFL (@NFL) December 16, 2024
White maintains an effective pass-catching presence who can still function as an asset in his role as the Buccaneers’ RB2. He could also approach the 49 percent snap share that he attained from Weeks 10-18 last season.
White also averaged 10.6 carries/3.3 targets per game during that sequence when Irving was emerging as the Buccaneers’ lead back. White would easily surpass those numbers if Irving were unavailable for any reason.
D.J. Giddens, Indianapolis Colts – 3% Rostered
D.J. Giddens was the 15th running back from his rookie class to be selected during April‘s NFL draft when the Colts secured him in Round 5 (151st overall).
Giddens was instantly placed in a favorable situation through his infusion into an Indianapolis depth chart that does not contain formidable competition for an ongoing role as the Colts’ RB2.
DJ Giddens CARRIES A DEFENDER WITH HIM FOR THE TD!!! 😅💪 @KStateFB pic.twitter.com/SvmsVgZrtE
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 20, 2024
Giddens possesses an enticing blend of size, quickness, and vision that propelled him to 3,087 rushing yards (79.2 per game) during three seasons at Kansas State. He also generated first downs on 30.1 percent of his carries, according to PFF.
| Season | Team | Attempts | APG | Yards | YPA | YPG |
| 2022 | Kansas State | 89 | 6.4 | 518 | 5.8 | 37 |
| 2023 | Kansas State | 223 | 17.2 | 1226 | 11.1 | 94.3 |
| 2024 | Kansas State | 205 | 17.1 | 1343 | 12.3 | 111.9 |
| Career | Career | 517 | 13.3 | 3087 | 11.7 | 79.2 |
| Season | Team | Targets | Rec | Yards | YPR | YPG |
| 2022 | Kansas State | 11 | 8 | 98 | 12.3 | 7 |
| 2023 | Kansas State | 42 | 29 | 323 | 11.1 | 24.8 |
| 2024 | Kansas State | 38 | 21 | 258 | 12.3 | 21.5 |
| Career | Career | 91 | 58 | 679 | 11.7 | 17.4 |
That includes the 1,343 yards (111.9 per game) that Giddens assembled last season, when he captured 78.8 percent of the Wildcats’ goal line snaps, along with 70.2 percent of their short yardage snaps per PFF.
Giddens also collected 50 receptions and 581 yards as a receiving weapon in 2023-2024, and could garner opportunities as a pass-catcher throughout the season.
DJ Giddens is a home-run hitter.
Absolute steal for the Colts. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Zhxoa2vaPA
— Indy SportsOne (@IndySportsOne) April 26, 2025
Jonathan Taylor remains cemented as the Colts’ unquestioned lead back. However, Giddens should ascend directly below Taylor on the Colts’ depth chart, following the release of Khalil Herbert, and the elbow injury that could impact Tyler Goodson's availability in Week 1.
Giddens will capture a massive workload in Shane Steichen’s offense if Taylor is sidelined at any point during the year. That has launched him into the top tier of handcuff options to pursue from this week’s waiver wire.
Will Shipley, Philadelphia Eagles - 11% Rostered
The league-high 378 touches that Saquon Barkley accumulated during his historic 2024 season became a consistent topic within the fantasy community throughout draft season.
Barkley will maintain his role as Philadelphia’s workhorse back, provided that he is able to evade injuries during the regular season. However, Barkley is not the only Eagle back who retains viability as a roster option.
The offseason departure of Kenneth Gainwell has positioned Will Shipley as the RB2 on Philadelphia’s modified depth chart, which also contains A.J. Dillon.
38 yards from Will Shipley!
Stream CINvsPHI on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/EsOfeXOj5r
— NFL (@NFL) August 7, 2025
Gainwell's exodus has also vaulted Shipley among the most intriguing handcuffs that can be seized from this week’s waiver wire. Shipley operates with a promising blend of elusiveness, burst, and athleticism that fuel his effectiveness while operating in space.
Those attributes will propel Shipley into a critical role in the Eagles’ backfield if Barkley is unable to sustain enormous touch totals as the season progresses.
This makes Shipley an excellent safeguard for anyone who has Barkley contained on their rosters. Shipley’s presence will curtail the enormous lineup challenge that would otherwise occur during any absence by Philadelphia’s lead back. He can also develop into a valuable resource for any other managers who extract him from the waiver wire.
Other Fantasy Football Running Backs
These running backs are rostered in over 60% of leagues, but should be added anywhere if still available:
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders - 69% Rostered
- Austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders - 63% Rostered
- Braelon Allen, New York Jets - 63% Rostered
- Nick Chubb, Houston Texans - 62% Rostered
More Waiver Wire Pickups and Advice
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