Running Back Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 4: Top Free Agent Adds Include Braelon Allen, Bucky Irving, Chuba Hubbard, Cam Akers

September 24, 2024

Phil's running back (RB) fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 4 of the 2024 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream and stash off waivers.

Hopefully, you are among the fantasy managers who benefited significantly from impressive performances that were delivered by running backs during their Week 3 matchups. This included Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Jonathan Taylor,  Chuba Hubbard, David Montgomery, and Aaron Jones, who all generated 100+ rushing yards. Unfortunately, some of you have not been the recipients of favorable numbers from backs that are contained on your rosters.

An avalanche of injuries and disappointing performances has created roster dilemmas for many of you who are planning your rosters for Week 4. The ability to navigate these challenges will remain critical as this year’s collection of bye weeks is steadily approaching.

If you are incentivized to explore the Week 4 waiver wire, this article will locate the most enticing options that are available at a position that remains both critical and volatile every week. Nearly all of this week’s recommendations remain available in over 40% of all Yahoo leagues and will be listed in three tiers. After you have finished this article, you can also find these fantasy football waiver wire pickups. Good luck in your Week 4 matchups.

Tier 1: Front-Runners - Week 4 Waiver Wire Running Backs

Prioritize These Running Backs On Waiver Wires

Braelon Allen, New York Jets - 36% Rostered

Breece Hall remains embedded within the league’s Tier 1 running backs. However, Braelon Allen's value is surging as his integration into the Jets’ rushing attack has expanded.

Braelon Allen said GET OFF ME pic.twitter.com/qs1Bx0P4g0

— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) September 20, 2024

Allen has flourished with his opportunities, playing on 49 snaps (28% share), accumulating 19 attempts, and generating 96 yards (5.1 yards per attempt). 74% of Allen’s yards have also been generated after contact according to Fantasy Points Data. Allen has also run 27 routes, and collected six of his eight targets while producing 45 yards and a touchdown as a receiving weapon.

TD for rookie @BraelonAllen!! 💨💨💨

📺 #NYJvsTEN on CBS & @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/A7Y4rgCdnL

— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 15, 2024

Allen also performed impressively while establishing season highs in snaps (23), carries (11), and rushing yards (55) when New York hosted AFC East rival New England in Week 3.

Hall will confiscate the majority of snaps as New York’s primary back. However, Allen is rapidly approaching viability as a flex option for managers who will encounter an unwanted mix of injuries, underwhelming production, and looming bye weeks.

Allen would also become a league winner if Hall would be forced to the sideline. This makes him an essential handcuff while vaulting him among this week’s top options on the waiver wire.

Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 35% Rostered

Bucky Irving's enticing blend of decisiveness, burst, and acceleration has propelled him into an ongoing role within Tampa Bay’s backfield rotation. The promising rookie should also maintain a weekly allotment of touches in offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s attack. Irving has now accumulated 55 snaps (33.5% share), while Rachaad White leads the Buccaneers’ backfield with 116 (70.7% share).

White is also pacing the team in rushing attempts (31/10.35 per game) but registered a season-low six carries in Week 3. White has also manufactured 66 yards, is only averaging 2.1 yards per attempt, and is 45th in rush yards over expected (-46) according to Next Gen Stats.

.@BuckyIrving with the moves 💨

📺: #DENvsTB on FOX pic.twitter.com/zn8X1KCGcG

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 22, 2024

Irving has performed with greater efficiency while accruing 25 attempts, and generating 154 yards. He also secured a career-high 70 yards in Week 3 and is now tied for fourth overall in yards before contact per attempt (3.8).

.@BuckyIrving had the 🕹️ workin' pic.twitter.com/LcbIw04XpH

— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2024

White easily paces Tampa Bay‘s backfield in routes run (62), targets (12), and receiving yards (98) and Irving does not lurk as a threat to White’s role as the Buccaneers’ pass-catching back. However, White’s inefficiency as a runner remains a significant factor that should fuel a rise in Irving’s involvement during the upcoming weeks.

Irving has also led Tampa Bay's backfield in yardage during all three of the Buccaneers' matchups while averaging 6.2 per attempt. Irving would also operate as Tampa Bay’s RB1 if White became unavailable during the Buccaneers' upcoming contests. He remains available in 65% of all leagues and has vaulted among this week’s backs to prioritize from your waiver wires.

Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers - 52% Rostered

Chuba Hubbard delivered his most productive outing of the season in Week 3 while erupting for the second-highest yardage total in his career. Hubbard also operated as the unchallenged lead back in a Carolina offense that improved significantly following the emergence of Andy Dalton under center.

Carolina was ranked dead last in total offense (176 yards per game), and scoring offense (6.5 points per game) entering Week 3, while the Panthers’ rushing attack was 29th overall (74 yards per game).

Let Chuba cook. 🧑‍🍳@Hubbard_RMN | @Panthers pic.twitter.com/qEjoWAuoVH

— NFL Canada (@NFLCanada) September 22, 2024

However, Carolina generated 131 rushing yards and 437 total yards in Week 3 as Hubbard paced the backfield in snaps (46), carries (21), and rushing yards  (114/5.4 per attempt). It was the fourth time that Hubbard has eclipsed 100 yards in his career. He also ran 12 routes, collected all five of his targets, and assembled 55 receiving yards in Week 3.

Miles Sanders played on 31 snaps, carried seven times, and managed 17 rushing yards (2.4 per attempt). Hubbard leads Sanders in snaps (99/67), carries (37/19), rushing yards (192/59), routes run (43/37), and receiving yards (67/18) since Week 1.

Hubbard can provide RB2 production in Carolina's rejuvenated offense until Jonathon Brooks emerges from his recovery (torn ACL). That has vaulted him among the top priorities from this week’s waiver wire.

Carson Steele, Kansas City Chiefs - 63% Rostered 

The Chiefs traveled to Atlanta in Week 3 for their first matchup without Isiah Pacheco operating as the team's feature back. It was reasonable to expect Carson Steele and Samaje Perine to share the workload touches although it was unclear which back would operate with the highest percentage of touches.

Carson Steele : 17 carries for 72 yards on 4.2 yards per carry pic.twitter.com/l98Q6RNu2K

— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) September 23, 2024

Steele ultimately led the Chiefs’ backfield in snaps (46), carries (17), and rushing yards (72), while averaging 4.2 yards per attempt. He also ran 24 routes and caught one of his two targets.

Perine played on 28 snaps while securing six attempts and assembling 25 rushing yards (4.2 yards per attempt). Perine also ran 15 routes, captured three of his four targets, and produced 15 yards as a pass-catcher. Hunt did not register a snap but will be infused into the backfield rotation during upcoming matchups as the Chiefs navigate Pacheco‘s absence.

Steele’s ability to perform effectively should sustain his role as Kansas City’s lead rusher, while Perine will operate primarily as a receiving weapon.  However, Steele is the preferred option for you to target in Kansas City’s backfield.

Cam Akers, Houston Texans - 46% Rostered  

The mercurial value of Cam Akers has led to erratic usage and enormous changes in his viability as a roster component since he entered the NFL in 2020. Akers' most recent surge in value occurred when Houston visited Minnesota in Week 3, as injuries to Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (hamstring) fueled Aker’s rise into lead back duties for the Texans.

Akers had been relegated to healthy inactive status during Houston’s season opener and had accumulated 13 snaps, seven carries, and 32 rushing yards (4.6 per attempt) in Week 2. However, Akers accumulated 29 snaps in Week 3, which was his highest total since Week 18 of 2022.

Who started Cam Akers?! 😤
pic.twitter.com/hB82A1MpFT

— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) September 22, 2024

He also carried nine times and was limited to 21 rushing yards, but easily paced Houston’s backfield in both categories. Akers also ran 13 routes, captured three targets, and produced his first receiving touchdown since Week 8 of 2023.

Dare Ogunbowale also played on 28 snaps but did not register a rushing attempt. Ogunbowale functioned as the Texan’s primary receiving back, while running 16 routes, and collecting both of his targets.

Mixon will regain his role as Houston’s RB1 upon his return but is currently considered week-to-week. Touches could also be allocated to Pierce whenever he reemerges. However, Akers will retain a sizable role in Bobby Slowik's offense until Mixon and Pierce resurface. That has launched him among this week’s waiver wire options.

Tier 2: In The Running - Week 4 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters

Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers - 3% Rostered

Emanuel Wilson ascended directly below Josh Jacobs on Green Bay’s depth chart, after the Packers placed MarShawn Lloyd and A.J. Dillon on injured reserve, which extracted both backs from the equation.

Wilson operated as Green Bay's RB2  when Green Bay visited Tennessee in Week 3 and capitalized on his increased utilization by Matt LaFleur. Wilson secured career-highs in snaps (26), carries (12), and rushing yards (50). Wilson also averaged 4.2 yards per attempt and has now eclipsed 46+ yards during two of his last three games.

Keep that ball!

Emanuel Wilson scores his first NFL TD 🙌

📺: #GBvsTEN – Sunday on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/0TW8INVcwc

— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2024

Wilson also ran 10 routes, captured both of his targets, produced a career-best 35 receiving yards, and generated his first career touchdown. He has now accumulated 55 snaps, 21 carries, and 105 rushing yards since Week 1. Wilson has also exceeded his season total from 2023 in all three categories and is 14th in rush percentage over expected (42.9%) according to Next Gen Stats.

Wilson has yet to reach standalone value even though he is performing effectively. That does not diminish his value as a handcuff for anyone who depends on Jacobs in their lineups. That provides the incentive for including Wilson among this week’s roster additions.

Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys - 42% Rostered 

Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott had operated with a balanced percentage of touches during the Cowboys’ first two matchups, as both backs entered Week 3 with an identical snap share (44.4%), and had also accumulated 56 rushing yards. Elliott had run a higher number of routes (28/25), but Dowdle led the backfield in targets (six), and receiving yards (35).

However, even though the Cowboys’ committee approach appeared unwavering, Dowdle easily secured the majority of touches when Dallas hosted Baltimore in Week 3.

Rico Dowdle on Toss pic.twitter.com/TSxf9TrqS5

— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) September 23, 2024

Dowdle played on 37 snaps, carried eight times, and assembled 32 yards on the ground. He also ran 18 routes, collected three of his five targets, and generated 24 yards as a receiving weapon.

Elliott's weekly snap count continued its steady descent (32/28/15), as he was limited to a season-low 15. He also manufactured just six yards on three attempts, ran eight routes, and was limited to one six-yard reception.

Dowdle has bypassed the inefficient Elliott on the Cowboys’ depth chart, as Elliott’s involvement has declined. This elevates Dowdle into consideration as a flex option, if you are attempting to locate additional running backs for your lineups. 

Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants - 3% Rostered 

Tyrone Tracy Jr.'s status as the primary backup to Devin Singletary has been solidified during the Giants’ first three matchups, and his involvement in Brian Daboll’s offense increased when the Giants traveled to Cleveland in Week 3.

Tracy has played on 45 snaps (23.4% share) including the season-best 22 that he secured during New York’s matchup with the Browns. Tracy had also been limited to three attempts and four rushing yards in Weeks 1 and 2 combined but established season-highs in both categories during Week 3 (five carries/23 yards). Tracy also began Week 3 with 18 routes run and one reception but accumulated 14 routes and two receptions in Cleveland.

Tyrone Tracy saw his highest running back rush share (23%) and snap share (28%) of his season in Week 3.

— JJ Zachariason (@LateRoundQB) September 23, 2024

Tracy’s involvement has not been encumbered by second-year back Eric Gray, who is located below Tracy on the Giants depth chart. Gray has been relegated to 10 snaps (5.3% share) three attempts, and six rushing yards, and is not a threat to siphon touches.

Tracy would also ascend into lead-back duties for the Giants if Singletary becomes sidelined at any point during any upcoming matchups. That provides a viable insurance policy for managers with Singletary contained on their rosters.

Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears  - 2% Rostered

Second-year back Roschon Johnson has emerged as a prospective roster addition following his encouraging workload in Week 3. Johnson had not registered an offensive snap in Weeks 1-2. However, Johnson’s path toward an expanding role was cleared when Travis Homer was placed on injured reserve (finger surgery).

Johnson secured a 37% snap share, carried eight times, and led Chicago with 30 rushing yards. He also ran 22 routes and paced the Bears’ backfield in targets (five), receptions (four), and receiving yards (32).

Johnson’s ascending role has also coincided with the steady degeneration of D'Andre Swift's numbers. Swift operated with a season-low 58% snap share in Week 3. He also accumulated 13 attempts but averaged just 1.54 yards per attempt. Swift has now averaged 1.8 per carry since Week 1 and is 49th in rush yards over expected per attempt (-2.38) according to Next Gen Stats.

Johnson also appears primed to garner a larger workload than Khalil Herbert, who has been limited to a 10% snap share, 10 touches, and 20 total yards.
Johnson is available in 98% of all leagues and could become a resource for depleted rosters in the weeks ahead.

Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills - 12% Rostered  

The percentage of touches allocated to Ray Davis during his first three contests with the Bills might not prompt you to target him on your waiver wires. However, his involvement in Buffalo's offense should improve as the season progresses. That will provide Davis with a path to utilize his capabilities as a decisive and physical runner.

Ray Davis scores his first TD

Bills lead 47-10.

📺: #JAXvsBUF on ESPN
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/iBOJXsqpaW

— NFL (@NFL) September 24, 2024

Davis has now attained a 19.6% snap share which currently trails sixth-year back Ty Johnson  (22.1%), and James Cook, whose 52.8% share leads the Bills' backfield. Davis is second among Buffalo backs in attempts (19) and rushing yards (64).

That includes his numbers in Week 3 when he carried seven times and generated his first touchdown. 69% of his yards have been generated after contact according to Fantasy Points Data.

During the Bills' first three contests, Johnson is a distant third behind Cook and Davis in carries (six), and 24 rushing yards (24). His role as a pass-catcher places him second behind Cook in routes run (24), targets (six), and receiving yards (61).

Davis would operate as Buffalo’s lead back if Cook became unavailable for any reason, while Johnson would accumulate snaps on third downs. Davis is available in 88% of all leagues, and his potential to emerge as an asset in the upcoming weeks supplies the rationale for adding him now.

Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings - 38% Rostered

Ty Chandler continues to function as the RB2 behind Aaron Jones in Minnesota’s offense while providing fantasy managers with a viable handcuff for their rosters. Chandler has now played on 60 snaps (36.4% share) during Minnesota’s first three contests.

He has also accumulated 25 attempts while generating 112 yards on the ground (4.5 yards per attempt). That includes the 82 yards that Chandler assembled in Week 2, which placed him 16th among all backs.

Ty Chandler with 82 yards on 10 carries in today’s W for the Vikings 🚀

📺: @NFLonCBS#CarolinaFootball 🏈 #ProHeels pic.twitter.com/HoSXrpNISx

— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) September 15, 2024

Chandler also averaged 9.0 attempts per game in Weeks 1-2 before he carried seven times in Week 3. He has also run 27 routes while collecting all three of his targets and generating 25 receiving yards.

Chandler is still available in over 60% of all leagues and should continue to perform effectively as Jones’ direct backup. That supplies his pathway for standalone value if his opportunity share increases. Chandler will also deliver RB2 production if Jones is forced to the sideline.

Tier 3: Dark Horses - Week 4 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These Running Backs Could Emerge In Your Lineups

Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens - % Rostered 

The Ravens signed Justice Hill to a two-year, $6 million contract extension two days before Baltimore’s Week 3 visit to Dallas. That indicates that the fifth-year back should remain involved in a Ravens’ backfield rotation with Derrick Henry.

Hill has now accumulated 96 snaps (48.7% share) since Week 1 and has rushed for 58 yards with his 10 attempts. Hill’s role as a pass-catcher has been more impactful, as he has run 53 routes, and is eighth among all backs in targets (12), and receiving yards (83).

Henry has now been relegated to 27 routes, four targets, and 35 receiving yards, as Hill collects the majority of targets that are distributed within Baltimore’s backfield.

Hill’s overall results also include his numbers from Week 3, when he played on 26 snaps, carried five times, and assembled 33 rushing yards (6.6 yards per attempt). Hill also ran 10 routes, collected two targets, and assembled 21 yards as the Ravens’ pass-catching back.

Hill has been elevated into consideration as a flex option for managers in PPR leagues who have encountered health issues, substandard production, and the imminent arrival of bye weeks. Hill would also launch into a sizable workload during any absence by Henry.

Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 25% Rostered 

Tyler Allgeier's role in Zac Robinson’s offense includes the ongoing constraints of functioning as Atlanta’s RB2 behind feature back Bijan Robinson.
However, Allgeier has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to generate yardage and fantasy points when he garners a significant workload. This elevates him among the most trustworthy handcuffs that are available on this week’s waiver wires.

Allgeier finished 13th overall in rushing yards (1,035/64.7 per game) and 11th in red zone attempts (39) during his 2022 rookie season, while rising to ninth in yards after contact (426). Allgeier also finished 25th in attempts(186/10.9 per game), and 21st in red-zone attempts (36) in 2023.

Allgeier has only accumulated 36 snaps, 19 attempts, and 106 rushing yards (5.6 per attempt) entering Week 4. However, his effectiveness while performing with sizable workloads would be displayed once again if (Bijan) Robinson is suddenly affixed to the sideline. That sustains Allgeier's place among the most effective insurance policies available on your waiver wires. 

Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars - 18% Rostered  

Tank Bigsby's encouraging numbers during Jacksonville’s first matchup temporarily launched the second year back among the most intriguing options that remained available on over 65% of waiver wires entering Week 2.

Tank Bigsby gets 26 yards.
Check out Brandon Scherff continuing the block while on his knees. pic.twitter.com/Sq59lHXwS9

— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) September 8, 2024

Bigsby accumulated 17 snaps (32% share), 12 carries, and 73 rushing yards (6.1 per attempt) during the season opener. He also generated 43 explosive yards in Week 1 and averaged 0.25 missed tackles forced per attempt according to Fantasy Points Data.

However, suffered a shoulder injury during a second-quarter kickoff return and failed to register an offensive snap when Jacksonville hosted Cleveland in Week 2. D'Ernest Johnson secured a 28% snap share during Bigsby’s absence while operating as the Jaguars’ RB2 behind Travis Etienne.

Johnson also carried five times, accrued 26 rushing yards, and averaged 5.2 yards per attempt. He also ran five routes but was not targeted during Jacksonville’s Week 2 matchup.

Bigsby has recovered from his shoulder issue and resurfaced to accumulate nine snaps, and two carries in Week 3. He has recaptured his role as the primary backup to Etienne and remains a viable handcuff for anyone who selected Etienne during draft season.

Antonio Gibson, New England Patriots - 19% Rostered 

The three-year contract that Antonio Gibson signed with New England in March appeared to position him for an ongoing role as a receiving weapon from the Patriots’ backfield. However, it is Gibson’s involvement in New England’s rushing attack that has fueled his usage and production.

Gibson has now played on 49 snaps (27% share) during his first three matchups with the Patriots. He has also generated 143 yards (47.7 per game), with his 23 attempts (7.7 per game) That includes his performance in Week 2 when Gibson finished ninth among all backs with 96 yards on 11 attempts (8.7 yards per attempt).

GIBSON GETTING AWAYYY 🏃💨

📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/uIRHhirEMJ

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 15, 2024

Gibson was limited to 29 yards on five attempts in Week 3, which underscores the potential for inconsistency in his workloads as he operates as New England’s RB2 behind Rhamondre Stevenson.

Gibson will not replicate the career-best numbers that he attained in 2021 when he soared to fifth among all backs in attempts (258/16.1 per game), and sixth in rushing yards (1,037/64.8 per game) while operating as Washington’s lead back. However, Gibson remains a viable handcuff, as his value would rise substantially if Stevenson is sidelined for any reason.

Isaac Guerendo  San Francisco 49ers - 6% Rostered 

Kyle Shanahan had restricted rookie Isaac Guerendo to just four snaps, and one carry during San Francisco’s first two matchups, before Guerendo secured career highs in snaps (10), attempts (five), and rushing yards (19) in Week 3.

However, the enticement for adding Guerendo surrounds his location directly below Jordan Mason on the 49ers’ depth chart. This positions him to surge into a significant workload if Mason is sidelined during Christian McCaffrey's absence.

Guerendo was the ninth running back to be selected during April‘s NFL Draft and operates with an intriguing blend of size, athleticism, explosiveness, and power.

Guerendo accumulated 1,750 yards from scrimmage during his collegiate career. He also averaged 4.11 yards after contact per attempt during 2023 according to PFF, and paced all backs in the 40-yard dash (4.33) during the NFL Combine.

Guerendo’s stock would skyrocket if he secures a sizable role in Shanahan’s offense. That should incentivize you to secure him if Mason is contained on your rosters. That should also encourage all other managers to consider stashing him this week.

Other Fantasy Football Running Backs To Consider

Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears - % Rostered

Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins - 14% R0stered

Tyler Badie, Denver Broncos - 0% Rostered

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