RADIO
Phil Clark's running back (RB) fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream and stash off waivers.
Hopefully, the first three weeks of regular-season matchups have contained favorable performances from the running backs that you secured for your rosters. Unfortunately, performance-related issues and significant injuries to James Conner (ankle), Tyrone Tracy Jr. (shoulder), and Najee Harris (Achilles) have altered the running back landscape, while forcing some of you to contend with lineup dilemmas.
As you launch into your roster planning for Week 4 matchups, the factors that have fueled your interest in pursuing backs from the waiver wire will soon expand through the unwelcome reappearance of bye weeks. The teams that will be impacted in Weeks 5-8 are included below, which can serve as a tool in your planning process.
This column is designed to help you navigate all challenging developments by identifying the best running backs available on your waiver wires. That will include this week's top priorities, high upside handcuffs, and deep league stashes. After you've finished this breakdown, you can also find fantasy football waiver wire pickups at other positions. Good luck with your Week 4 matchups!
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Upcoming Bye Weeks
- Week 5: Atlanta, Chicago, Green Bay, Pittsburgh
- Week 6: Houston, Minnesota
- Week 7: Buffalo, Baltimore
- Week 8: Arizona, Detroit, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Seattle, Los Angeles Rams
Top Priorities - Week 4 Waiver Wire Running Backs
Prioritize These Running Backs On Most Waiver Wires
| Top Priorities | Team | Rostered |
| Trey Benson | Arizona Cardinals | 50% |
| Kyle Monangai | Chicago Bears | 13% |
| Woody Marks | Houston Texans | 7% |
| Blake Corum | Los Angeles Rams | 17% |
| Chris Rodriguez Jr. | Washington Commanders | 5% |
| Jeremy McNichols | Washington Commanders | 3% |
Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals - 50% Rostered
Trey Benson entered his second season entrenched among the elite tier of handcuffs, due to his ability to thrive with a mammoth workload during any absence by James Conner. That scenario has now emerged, after Conner sustained an impactful ankle injury during Arizona’s Week 3 matchup with San Francisco.
Benson’s numbers had already surged in Weeks 1 and 2 when contrasted with his 2024 rookie season, when he reached a 33.3% snap share once, while only exceeding a 19% share twice.
In his first two matchups this season, Benson had secured snap shares of 33.3%/43.6%. Benson had also surpassed last year’s per-game averages in attempts (5.5/4.8), rushing yards (41.5/22.4 per game), and receiving yards (18.0/4.5) per game.
Benson was also limited to 48 routes throughout the 2024 regular season, along with six targets and 59 receiving yards. However, Benson had accumulated 28 routes, seven targets, and 36 receiving yards entering Week 3.
Trey Benson goes 29 yards!
AZvsSF on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/mf8qW3fFmt
— NFL (@NFL) September 21, 2025
Benson also secured a 61% snap share in Week 3, while accumulating 10 carries, 42 rushing yards, and finishing eighth among all backs in rush yards over expected per attempt (1.07) according to Next Gen Stats.
Benson also ran 18 routes and captured three of his four targets. The convergence of Benson’s rise atop Arizona’s depth chart and his ability to perform proficiently as a three-down back make him the top priority at his position on this week’s waiver wire.
Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears - 13% Rostered
Kyle Monangai has become securely placed below D'Andre Swift on Chicago’s depth chart after operating as the Bears’ RB2 in Week 3.
Monangai has now functioned in that capacity during all three of his matchups. Roschon Johnson has also failed to register an offensive snap despite being active in Weeks 2 and 3, as Monangai continues to accrue numbers at his expense.
Monangai has attained an 27.8% snap share since Week 1, which rises to a 35.5% share since Week 2. Monangai has also capitalized by assembling 67 total yards with his 16 touches, while securing opportunities inside the red zone during each of his last two contests.
Swift had been dealing with a quadriceps injury in advance of the contest. However, Swift played on 36 snaps, while accumulating 16 touches and 78 total yards.
Monangai has been unchallenged in his participation as Chicago’s RB2, and his workload could expand further when the Bears visit Las Vegas in Week 4. Monangai would also secure a massive workload if Swift is forced to the sideline.
Woody Marks, Houston Texans - 7% Rostered
Woody Marks’ involvement in Houston’s offense has steadily increased during his first three matchups with the Texans. Marks has also capitalized on his infusion into an unsettled backfield due to the prolonged absence of Joe Mixon (foot).
Marks registered a 11.1% snap share in Week 1, which tied him with Dameon Pierce (12.3%) while trailing Nick Chubb (49.1%) and Dare Ogunbowale (26.3%). However, Marks secured a 28.3% snap share in Week 2, which was the second-highest percentage behind Chubb (52.2%).
#Texans Week 3 RB Usage
- Nick Chubb: 51% snaps, 9 carries, 17 routes, 4 targets (40 yards)
- Woody Marks: 49% snaps, 6 carries, 16 routes, 2 targets (36 yds)Marks starting to get more involved
— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) September 21, 2025
Marks’ snap share rose significantly in Week 3 (48%) while Ogunbowale failed to register a snap, and Pierce descended into healthy scratch status for a second consecutive week. Marks also attained season-highs in attempts (six), and rushing yards (27), while averaging 4.5 yards per attempt.
Marks also ran 16 routes and remains positioned to function as the Texans’ primary receiving back. Marks’ prowess as a pass-catcher at the collegiate level included his average of 21 routes per game and a target rate of 20.2% from 2022-2024 according to PFF. That has solidified Mark’s status among this week’s top options, as his role should expand further during his upcoming matchups.
Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 17% Rostered
There was reason for skepticism that Blake Corum would emerge with an expanded role with the Rams, due to his limited participation in Sean McVay’s offense during Corum’s 2024 rookie season.
Anticipation had surged during the 2024 offseason that Corum could confiscate a percentage of touches from the Rams’ incumbent starter, Kyren Williams. That failed to materialize as Williams led all backs in snap share (86.6%), while Corum was relegated to an 11% snap share, 65 touches, and 265 total yards.
Blake Corum scores his first career TD
LARvsTEN on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/szikEo7HN9
— NFL (@NFL) September 14, 2025
However, Corum’s snap share rose from 16.7% in Week 1 to 29.5% when Los Angeles visited Tennessee in Week 2. Corum also assembled a career-best 44 rushing yards on just five attempts (8.8 yards per attempt), and registered his first career touchdown.
Corum also registered a 24.2% snap share when the Rams traveled to Philadelphia in Week 3. He also accumulated a season high of eight carries and assembled a career high of 53 rushing yards during the matchup. Williams has failed to match his 2024 snap share during any of his first three games this season (81.7%/70.5%/75.8%).
If that process continues, Corum’s rising participation could eventually propel him to standalone value.
Corum would also operate with an integral role in the Los Angeles offense if Williams is forced to the sideline. Corum would also become a critical resource for anyone who has him on their roster if that scenario develops.
Jeremy McNichols / Chris Rodriguez Jr., Washington Commanders - (McNichols 3% Rostered), (Rodriguez Jr., 5% Rostered)
Washington’s reshaped backfield rotation was on display for the first time since Austin Ekeler sustained his season-ending injury in Week 2 (torn Achilles).
Touches were distributed to Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols, and Chris Rodriguez Jr., which has elevated McNichols and Rodriguez among this week’s viable options on the waiver wire.
McNichols’ snap share in Weeks 1 and 2 (18.6%/23.2%) had placed him third behind Ekeler and Croskey-Merritt. McNichols’ snap share improved to 26% in Week 3, which still trailed Croskey-Merritt (39.7%).
CAN'T STOP @JeremyMcNichols!!!
📺 #LVvsWAS FOX pic.twitter.com/oVL6AKg0Y7
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 21, 2025
However, McNichols generated a career-high 78 rushing yards and a touchdown on four attempts, while securing an average of 19.5 yards per attempt. However, his yardage total was primarily fueled by a 60-yard eruption during the second quarter.
Rodriguez had been relegated to healthy scratch status before Week 3, but was entrusted with a 38% snap share when the Commanders hosted the Raiders. Rodriguez was inefficient, although he garnered 11 attempts and assembled 39 rushing yards (3.5 yards per attempt).
Croskey-Merritt's continued presence constricts the outlook for McNichols and Rodriguez. However, both backs can be added as potential flex options if you have encountered a significant roster dilemma.
High Upside Handcuffs - Week 4 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These Running Backs Are Insurance Policies That Protect You From A Roster Crisis
| High Upside Handcuffs | Team | Rostered |
| Tyler Allgeier | Atlanta Falcons | 39% |
| Rachaad White | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 44% |
| Ollie Gordon II | Miami Dolphins | 20% |
| Rico Dowdle | Carolina Panthers | 13% |
| D.J. Giddens | Indianapolis Colts | 5% |
| Tyjae Spears | Tennessee Titans | 30% |
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 39% Rostered
Tyler Allgeier is an unwavering mainstay among elite handcuff options as he possesses the proven ability to deliver favorable production when he secures a significant workload. There is risk in utilizing Allgeier as an RB3/flex, as game scripts can create inconsistent workloads.
Allgeier has now played on 47 snaps while functioning as Atlanta’s RB2 behind Bijan Robinson. Allgeier has also assembled 104 rushing yards on 27 attempts, including six carries inside the red zone.
He has also accumulated 10+ attempts during Atlanta’s first two matchups this season (10/16), after accomplishing it five times throughout 2024. Allgeier also generated 76 rushing yards in Week 2, which has already matched the number of games in which he eclipsed 75+ last season.
Allgeier's participation diminished during the Falcons’ Week 3 matchup with NFC South rival Carolina, as he was only involved in six snaps. He also established season lows in carries (one) and rushing yards (four).
However, Allgeier remains an exceptional insurance policy for anyone with Robinson contained in their rosters. He could also emerge as a valuable asset for other managers who secure him this week, given his massive upside as a handcuff.
Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 44% Rostered
Rachaad White’s usage and output have been inconsistent, which can become problematic if you are utilizing him as an RB3/flex. However, that does not diminish his ongoing value as a handcuff.
White was restricted to a 24.1% snap share during the Buccaneers’ season opener. He was also relegated to just three touches and 16 total yards.
White’s participation in Josh Grizzard’s offense expanded during Week 2, as he secured a 31% snap share and was also entrusted with 12 touches for the first time since Week 15 of the 2024 regular season. He also amassed 65 rushing yards and averaged 6.5 yards per attempt.
White's numbers diminished during Tampa Bay‘s Week 3 matchup with the Jets as he operated with a 27.8% snap share. He also carried five times, generated 12 rushing yards, ran six routes, and collected his only target.
Despite White's fluctuating involvement, he remains an insurance policy for anyone with Bucky Irving contained on their rosters. White would vault into an extensive workload if Irving is sidelined for any reason. That could make him a critical asset if that situation transpires.
Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins - 20% Rostered
Ollie Gordon II's prospects of securing an impactful role in Miami’s backfield appeared promising during the preseason, as Gordon accumulated 26 attempts and 126 rushing yards while averaging 4.9 yards per attempt.
However, Gordon’s 25% snap share in Week 1 promptly decreased to 12.3% in Week 2. Gordon was also limited to three carries and 12 rushing yards during both matchups combined. Jaylen Wright had also appeared primed to re-emerge for his first snaps of the regular season in Week 3, after being sidelined since August with an ankle injury.
Rookie Ollie Gordon II finds the end zone for his 1st NFL TD!
MIAvsBUF on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/MrxKlhdcGa— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2025
That did not transpire as Wright failed to register a snap, while Gordon was entrusted with the largest workload of his rookie season. Gordon attained a 24.6% snap share while establishing season highs in attempts (nine) and rushing yards (38).
Gordon also scored his first touchdown of the season on a two-yard run and accrued three carries inside the red zone. Gordon’s usage could indicate that he is progressing toward an ongoing role as the Dolphins’ short-yardage and goal-line back.
Gordon would also operate with an expanded workload during any absence by De'Von Achane, which justifies adding him this week.
Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers - 13 % Rostered
Rico Dowdle signed a one-year contract with Carolina during the offseason and is currently unchallenged in his role as the direct backup to Chuba Hubbard. Dowdle's status as the Panthers' RB2 could become significant this week if Chuba Hubbard's calf injury impacts his availability when Carolina visits New England on Sunday.
Dowdle has currently secured a 34% snap share. He has also carried 19 times and generated 51 rushing yards during his first three games as a Panther.
The fifth-year back has also run 23 routes, while accumulating five targets, four receptions, and 22 yards as a pass-catcher. That includes Dowdle’s numbers when Carolina hosted Atlanta in Week 3. Dowdle functioned with a 21% snap share and established season highs in carries (10) and rushing yards (30). He also ran seven routes and secured his only target.
Carolina’s extensive lead in Week 3 positioned the Panthers to increase Dowdle’s usage, as Hubbard is easily pacing the Carolina backfield in every major rushing and receiving category.
Hubbard's status should be monitored. However, Dowdle would seize a sizable workload if Hubbard is forced to the sideline. That has propelled Dowdle among this week’s backs to target from your waiver wire.
D.J. Giddens, Indianapolis Colts - 5% Rostered
D.J. Giddens has now commandeered his place among the weekly handcuff options, due to his role as the unchallenged RB2 for Indianapolis. This sustains Giddens’ proximity to a substantial workload if Jonathan Taylor is unable to operate in his usual workhorse role for any reason.
Giddens has also demonstrated his ability to maximize any opportunity that might emerge if Taylor is sidelined, when Giddens ascended into temporary lead-back duties in Week 1.
Giddens operated with a 24.7% snap share after the Colts had built a significant lead. He also accumulated 12 attempts, 41 rushing yards, and 27 yards after contact, while finishing eighth in efficiency (3.73) according to Next Gen Stats.
Giddens also has the versatility to perform proficiently as a rusher and receiver, even though his involvement as a pass-catcher has been limited. Giddens collected 78 targets and generated 581 receiving yards during his final two collegiate seasons, while averaging 19.4 routes per game in 2023 and 2024, according to PFF.
Giddens will vault into a massive workload if Taylor is sidelined for any reason. That keeps Giddens contained among this week’s waiver wire options.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 30% Rostered
Tyjae Spears averaged 9.1 touches/47.4 total yards per game since his 2023 rookie year, while averaging 16.2 routes per game and 1.30 yards per route run during that span, according to PFF. Spears also finished seventh among all backs in target share (14.7%) and eighth in receptions (55/3.2 per game) in 2023,
Injuries have impacted his availability since 2024. He was inactive during five contests last season and has also been sidelined since being placed on injured reserve in August (high ankle sprain).
Tyjae Spears Nearing Injury Return Eligibility, In Line for Key Role in Tennessee? https://t.co/yHDnBpaKv6
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) September 17, 2025
Spears’ status should be monitored, but he could return for Tennessee’s Week 5 matchup with the Cardinals. He will promptly seize his role as the Titans’ RB2 behind Tony Pollard, who has been operating as a workhorse during Spears’ absence.
Pollard is now tied for the league lead with 165 snaps entering Week 4, after he accumulated 61 snaps when the Titans hosted the Colts in Week 3. Spears could emerge as an RB3/flex if he can elude further injuries. He can also operate as a handcuff, as he would secure lead back duties for Tennessee if Pollard is sidelined.
Deep League Stash Options - Week 4 Waiver Wire Running Backs
| Deep Stashes | Team | Rostered |
| Brashard Smith | Kansas City Chiefs | 2% |
| MarShawn Lloyd | Green Bay Packers | 3% |
Brashard Smith, Kansas City Chiefs - 2% Rostered
Brashard Smith accumulated 2,606 total yards during his four collegiate seasons (1,509 rushing/1,097 receiving). That includes Smith’s numbers at SMU during 2024, when he accrued 1,659 total yards with his 274 touches. Smith also received the highest receiving grade among FBS backs from PFF last season (90.8), after securing career highs in targets (51) and receiving yards (327).
Smith was later selected in Round 7 of April’s NFL Draft, which has launched him into a rotation with veterans Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. Smith has operated with a 10.9% snap share since Week 1, along with three rushing attempts and two targets.
That includes Smith’s 11.1% snap share when the Chiefs visited the Giants in Week 3. He also carried twice, generated 13 rushing yards, ran eight routes, and was targeted once.
Andy Reid could soon be incentivized to integrate a level of explosion that is currently lacking in Kansas City’s backfield by expanding Smith’s utilization.
Smith is available in 99% of all leagues and could soon ascend into a favorable role. That provides your opportunity to stash him this week, if you are building rosters in deeper leagues.
MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers - 3% Rostered
This recommendation is delivered primarily for anyone who is participating in deeper leagues. MarShawn Lloyd is eligible to resurface from injured reserve (hamstring) when the Packers host the Bengals in Week 6.
Marshawn Lloyd Eyeing Week 6 Return From Injured Reserve https://t.co/s8qvQoW8fa
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) September 17, 2025
That supplies the opportunity to stash Lloyd now, as he should ascend beyond Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks on the Packers’ depth chart, while functioning as Green Bay’s RB2 after his return.
Lloyd had entered his 2024 rookie season with the ability to operate proficiently as a three-down back, after accumulating 1,621 yards and 19 touchdowns as a rusher, and accruing 56 targets and 452 yards as a receiver. Lloyd also paced all draft-eligible backs in missed tackles per attempt (0.41) during 2023, according to PFF.
Lloyd’s prospects of assembling favorable numbers during his rookie season were thwarted by an array of injuries (hamstring/hip/ankle/appendicitis).
However, he is approaching an opportunity to secure responsibilities as the direct backup to Josh Jacobs. Lloyd would also launch into a sizable workload if Jacobs is forced to the sideline. That provides your incentive to add him and exercise patience.
Other Fantasy Football Running Backs To Consider
These running backs are rostered in over 60% of leagues, but should be added in any leagues where they remain available:
- Cam Skattebo, New York Giants - 75% Rostered
- Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns - 72% Rostered
- Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars - 64% Rostered
Good luck in Week 4!
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