RADIO
We have now progressed into reconstructing rosters and planning lineups for Week 13. The numbers that have been assembled by running backs during the first 12 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 will also be impactful to fantasy managers once again as players from six teams will be unavailable this week -- Buffalo, Baltimore, Chicago, Minnesota, Las Vegas, and the New York Giants. This ensures that anyone with James Cook, Gus Edwards, Keaton Mitchell, Khalil Herbert, D'Onta Foreman, Roschon Johnson, Alexander Mattison, Ty Chandler, Josh Jacobs, or Saquon Barkley 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 and progressing to options for managers who are struggling with desperation. 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.
Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers won two writing awards and received 12 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. A big congrats to our very own Byron Lindeque (Golf) and Jordan McAbee (NASCAR) for both winning Writer Of The Year awards! Be sure to follow RotoBaller's analysis and advice all year long, and win more. Win More With RotoBaller!
Upcoming NFL Bye Weeks
- Week 13: New York Giants, Buffalo, Baltimore, Chicago, Minnesota, Las Vegas
- Week 14: Arizona, Washington
Frontrunners - Week 13 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs should be your top priorities among the options that are available on most waiver wires.
Zack Moss, Indianapolis Colts - 50% Rostered
The news that emerged surrounding Jonathan Taylor’s problematic thumb has launched Zack Moss atop this week’s list of backs to prioritize from your waiver wires.
#Colts RB Jonathan Taylor, fresh off a 91-yard, 2-TD performance in a win over the #Bucs, suffered an injured thumb that is requiring further evaluation and puts his status in doubt going forward, sources say.
More info coming, with all options considered. One to watch. pic.twitter.com/pvlP0PSmHw
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 28, 2023
Taylor’s status should be monitored as the week progresses but Moss becomes an unquestioned must-add due to the combination of his potential to vault into lead-back duties with Indianapolis, and his proven ability to erupt for significant numbers when he operates with extensive workloads for the Colts.
ZACK MOSS TOUCHDOWN.
BIG Q sat on #50 for the Titans 🥞
— Talkin’ Colts (@TalkinnColts) October 8, 2023
Moss soared to the league lead in rushing yards (466/93.2 per game) and rushing attempts (96/19.2 per game) from Weeks 2-6, while Taylor was contending with an ankle injury. Moss also led all backs with four runs of 20+ during that sequence and was fifth in yards after contact (236).
Moss continued to perform effectively after Taylor regained RB1 responsibilities while averaging 84.2 yards/14.5 attempts per game in Weeks 7-8. The fourth-year back is currently available in 50% of all leagues and could become a league winner if Taylor is unavailable.
Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens - 62% Rostered
Keaton Mitchell remains available in 38% of all leagues even though the dynamic rookie possesses the ability to deliver a big play whenever he has the ball. Mitchell’s shoulder injury during the preseason resulted in his placement on injured reserve, which delayed his season debut until Week 7.
However, Mitchell has now accumulated 70 snaps since Week 9. He has also carried 29 times while assembling 269 rushing yards, averaging 9.3 yards per attempt, and generating two touchdowns.
That includes Mitchell’s involvement in Week 12 when Baltimore traveled to Los Angeles. The explosive rookie led the Ravens' backfield with 33 snaps while also pacing the team with nine carries. He also rushed for 64 yards and produced 25 yards as a receiving weapon.
Mitchell surpassed Gus Edwards in snaps for the second time in four games and continues to commandeer more opportunities than Justice Hill. Mitchell’s workload could expand even further in the upcoming weeks due to his home run capabilities. That could result in valuable fantasy points for savvy managers who seize him this week.
Ezekiel Elliott, New England Patriots - 40% Rostered
Even though Rhamondre Stevenson continues to function as New England's lead back, that should not deter you from considering Ezekiel Elliott among this week’s waiver wire options. His role has been more consistent than multiple backs who are contained on a larger percentage of rosters, and he has performed proficiently with his opportunities.
Elliott’s snap shares have ranged between 33%-46% from Weeks 4-11, including three games of 40%. He has also carried 95 times (8.6 per game), including 9+ during three of his last five contests. Elliott has also generated 377 rushing yards (34.3 per game) while running 114 routes and collecting 20 of his 26 targets.
That includes his numbers in Week 12 when Elliott accumulated 15 snaps, nine rushing attempts, and 46 yards (5.1 yards per attempt). He also ran five routes and collected both of his targets.
Elliott somehow remains available in 60% of all leagues, even though he is a viable RB3/flex option for fantasy managers. He should be included in this week’s waiver wire priorities. Particularly if you are contending with significant roster challenges during your Week 13 matchups.
In The Running - Week 13 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs remain available on the waiver wire and could become resources for your rosters.
Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers - 61% Rostered
This recommendation for adding Chuba Hubbard was originally included before Panthers owner David Tepper fired former head coach Frank Reich. It is now unclear how touches will be distributed between Hubbard and Miles Sanders as the Panthers transition their strategic approach during the team's remaining matchups.
However, Hubbard remains the most viable candidate to confiscate a sizable workload while functioning in a Carolina offense that ranks 29th in both rushing (92.6 yards per game) and run play percentage (37.1%).
Hubbard has accumulated 9+ rushing attempts during each of his last eight matchups and has carried 14+ times in five of those contests. He has also generated 299 rushing yards since Week 6.
That includes Hubbard’s numbers in Week 12 when he accumulated 47 snaps and 14 attempts while generating 45 rushing yards and his second rushing touchdown of the season. Hubbard also produced a season-high 47 yards as a receiving weapon, while collecting all five of his targets.
Sanders played on 27 snaps and accumulated 15 rushing attempts in Week 12. However, he only manufactured 28 yards, while averaging 1.9 yards per attempt. It was the sixth game this season in which Sanders failed to exceed an average of 3.1 per attempt.
If Hubbard’s recent usage is sustained during Carolina’s upcoming matchups, his ability to maximize his opportunities will position him to operate as an RB2 in your lineups. He becomes a flex option if he ultimately splits touches with Sanders.
Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears - 23% Rostered
Attempting to forecast the distribution of touches within the Bears’ backfield has been an ongoing challenge throughout the season. This includes the evolving status of Roschon Johnson, who averaged 8.3 touches/40.3 total yards per game from Weeks 1-4, suffered a concussion in Week 5, and did not resurface until Week 8.
Johnson had averaged 6.8 touches/29.8 total yards per game from Weeks 8-11 before he led Chicago’s backfield in snaps (50), carries (10), rushing yards (35), targets (five), and receiving yards (40) in Week 12. He also secured season highs in snap share, rushing attempts, and receiving yards during the matchup with Minnesota.
Herbert was limited to 15 snaps, six carries, and 24 rushing yards. Johnson’s level of involvement in Week 12 was encouraging and he should be rostered in all leagues.
D’Onta Foreman was sidelined in Week 12 (ankle/shin). However, he could re-emerge following Chicago’s Week 13 bye, while confiscating a sizable workload upon his return. Herbert will also remain involved in the backfield rotation which could destine Johnson to share touches with both backs when the Bears host Detroit in Week 14.
Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings - 47% Rostered
Ty Chandler has not catapulted Alexander Mattison on Minnesota’s depth chart. However, the second-year back continues to demonstrate his ability to operate proficiently when he is entrusted with touches.
Chandler has also performed with greater efficiency than Mattison since his workload expanded in Week 10. He had been limited to a 5.7% snap share from Weeks 1-9 and was relegated to eight carries and 42 rushing yards.
However, Chandler’s snap share rose to 36% in Weeks 10-11, while he accumulated 25 rushing attempts, 118 rushing yards (59 per game), and averaged 4.7 per attempt. He also generated 73 yards with his 10 carries when the Vikings traveled to Denver in Week 11, while averaging 7.3 yards per attempt.
Chandler also established new career highs in targets (four), receptions (four), and receiving yards (37) in Week 11. Chandler still trailed Mattison in snaps (31/18) carries (10/4), and rushing yards (52/8) in Week 12, as his workload from Week 11 was not sustained. However, Chandler would operate as an RB2 for fantasy managers if Mattison were sidelined for any reason. That supplies the rationale for stashing Chandler this week.
D'Ernest Johnson, Jacksonville, Jaguars - 1% Rostered
D’Ernest Johnson has emerged as the waiver wire target for fantasy managers who have prioritized securing Travis Etienne’s handcuff for their rosters. Johnson has usurped Jacksonville's RB2 responsibilities from Tank Bigsby, who failed to match the expectations of anyone who had projected him to become a fantasy resource during his rookie season.
Johnson had been limited to a 5.3% snap share from Weeks 1-9 while averaging 1.5 carries/5.8 rushing yards per game during that span. However, Johnson’s share rose to 22.8% in Weeks 10-11, and he has carried 10 times during that two-game sequence.
He also secured a 43% snap share when the Jaguars visited Houston in Week 12 while accumulating seven rushing attempts for a second consecutive week. Johnson also ran 16 routes, while generating a season-high 42 receiving yards.
The primary enticement for stashing Johnson involves his track record of erupting for significant yardage while operating with an extensive workload. This includes his two games as Cleveland’s RB1 in 2021 (Weeks 7/10) when he stockpiled 325 total yards on 50 touches. Johnson remains available in 99% of all leagues and could become a critical roster resource if Etienne becomes unavailable for any reason.
Antonio Gibson, Washington Commanders - 50% Rostered
Even though Brian Robinson Jr. continues to operate as Washington’s lead back, Antonio Gibson’s workload is sufficient to warrant consideration as a roster option. Gibson has been operating with a 44.1% snap share since Week 6 while retaining a sizable role as a receiving weapon. He has also accumulated 118 routes, 23 targets, 21 receptions, and 153 receiving yards while garnering 5+ targets in three of his matchups.
Gibson is also averaging 3.4 rushing attempts and 16.6 rushing yards since Week 6, although it is his involvement as a pass-catcher that sustains his viability as a roster resource. That includes Gibson’s numbers during Washington’s Thanksgiving Day matchup with NFC East rival Dallas, when he led the backfield in snaps (36), routes (19), and targets (four).
Gibson’s usage and output would also increase if Robinson were sidelined during any of the Commanders’ upcoming matchups. Gibson would share touches with Chris Rodriguez Jr. if that scenario transpires, but would still be capable of operating as an RB3/flex.
Dark Horses - Week 13 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs should be considered if you are searching for players who could eventually emerge in your lineups.
Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys - 12% Rostered
Rico Dowdle‘s weekly workloads are not sufficient for him to deliver standalone value. However, he remains a viable handcuff due to his unchallenged role as the direct backup to Tony Pollard.
Dowdle was limited to a 15.6% snap share from Weeks 1-7, but his share has risen to 25.9% since Week 8. That includes his involvement when Dallas hosted NFC East rival Washington on Thanksgiving Day when Dowdle played on 12 snaps.
He had been contending with an ankle issue that might have contributed to the decline in usage. Dowdle had averaged 10 attempts/51 yards per game in Weeks 10-11, which included the season-highs that he attained in each category during Week 10 (12 carries/79 yards).
Dowdle also generated his first rushing touchdown of the season during that matchup, while also delivering his second receiving touchdown of the year in Week 12.
Dowdle would instantly confiscate a high percentage of the touches that would be distributed within the Dallas backfield if Pollard were sidelined for any reason. Your decision to add him this week will pay dividends if that occurs.
Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers -17% Rostered
Elijah Mitchell is available in 83% of all leagues but has now re-emerged among the most viable handcuff options for fantasy managers. Mitchell sustained a knee injury that sidelined him in Weeks 4-5. However, he resurfaced in Week 6 and has accumulated 58 snaps during the 49ers’ last six games. He is also the only other back besides Christian McCaffrey to register a touch since Week 7 while reestablishing his status as the clear RB2 in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
Mitchell has also now carried 19 times (6.3 per game) and has generated 86 rushing yards (28.7 per game) while averaging 4.5 yards per attempt during the 49ers' last three matchups. That includes his involvement in Week 12 when he accumulated 18 snaps, seven attempts, and 39 rushing yards. While those numbers do not equate to standalone value, they do reaffirm his role as the direct backup to McCaffrey.
That presents the incentive for securing Mitchell on your roster as he would instantly vault into a significant workload if McCaffrey were sidelined for any reason. He would become a valuable resource if that develops.
Jeff Wilson Jr., Miami Dolphins - 18% Rostered
The injuries that Jeff Wilson Jr. was contending with at the onset of the season (abdomen/finger) ultimately delayed his debut until Week 7. His involvement from Weeks 7-11 was minimal, as he played on 37 snaps, carried seven times, and manufactured 29 rushing yards. He also ran 25 routes while collecting six of his seven targets and assembling 50 yards as a receiver. That sequence culminated with Wilson being relegated to healthy scratch status in Week 11.
However, injuries to De'Von Achane (knee) and Salvon Ahmed (foot) elevated Wilson into responsibilities as Miami’s RB2 behind Raheem Mostert when the Dolphins visited AFC East rival New York in Week 12. Wilson secured season highs in snaps (23), rushing attempts (11), and rushing yards (57).
Wilson can be added this week if the six-team bye week has depleted your options at running back, due to his potential to secure more favorable workloads within the Dolphins’ high-powered attack. However, Achane could reemerge when Miami travels to Washington on Sunday. That could restrict Wilson's opportunities as he shares touches with Mostert and Achane, while also placing constraints on Wilson’s numbers.
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.
Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans - 69% Rostered
Dameon Pierce reappeared following a three-game absence when Houston hosted AFC South rival Jacksonville in Week 12. However, his involvement was significantly reduced in comparison to the workload that he had obtained earlier this season.
Pierce was averaging 15,6 attempts per game from Weeks 1-8 before a high-ankle sprain forced him to the sideline. He was not operating efficiently during that sequence while averaging 3.00 yards per attempt and failing to exceed 3.50 per game in six of seven matchups during that span.
This combined with his extended time on the sideline created a navigable path for Devin Singletary to commandeer an expanded role. Singletary had capitalized while soaring to league-highs in rushing attempts (52) and rushing yards (262) in Weeks 10-11.
Singletary also led the Texans’ backfield in snaps (49), carries (six), and rushing yards (18) in Week 12, while pacing the backfield in routes (34), targets (seven), receptions (six), and receiving yards (54). Pierce was relegated to season lows in snaps (11), rushing attempts (five), and rushing yards (14) while averaging 2.8 per attempt. Pierce’s sustained ineffectiveness and his diminished workload should eliminate all hesitation surrounding your need to drop him.
Darrell Henderson, Los Angeles Rams - 22% Rostered
Kyren Williams resurfaced as the Rams’ feature back in Week 12 following his four-game absence. Williams was fully recovered from the ankle injury that he had sustained in Week 6, as he accumulated 41 snaps, 22 touches, and 204 total yards.
The return of Williams has also fueled an abrupt extraction of Darrell Henderson as he was waived from the roster. Any lingering question surrounding the viability of retaining Henderson on rosters was promptly answered when Henderson was released.
Henderson had led the Los Angeles backfield with a 56% snap share from Weeks 7-10, although his share dropped to 37.3% in Week 11. He had carried 40 times (13.3 per game) and generated 111 rushing yards (37 per game) from Weeks 7-10 while averaging just 2.8 yards per attempt. He was later limited to six attempts and one rushing yard in Week 11.
Royce Freeman has remained on the roster following the re-emergence of Williams and currently is RB2 on the Rams’ depth chart. Henderson has been removed from the equation and fantasy managers who have him contained on their rosters should follow suit.
Jerick McKinnon, Kansas City Chiefs - 28% Rostered
Some fantasy managers have retained Jerick McKinnon, with the hope that he might regain the favorable workload that he captured as a pass-catching presence from the backfield in 2022.
McKinnon operated with a 47% snap share and an 11.5% target share during 2022, while ascending to ninth among all backs with 71 targets (4.2 per game). He was also ninth in receptions (56/3.3 per game) and fourth in receiving yards (512/30.1 per game). However, his numbers this season have universally declined, while eliminating his viability as anything beyond a desperation flex option in PPR leagues.
McKinnon has operated with a 31% snap share and a 7.1% target share while failing to exceed three targets in nine of his 10 games this season. He has also been limited to an average of just 1.9 receptions and 15.5 yards per game and has failed to reach 25 yards through his first 10 contests.
It is conceivable that Andy Reid might alter McKinnon’s role once he returns from the groin injury that sidelined him in Week 12. However, some of you may not have the luxury of remaining patient as you navigate your roster through critical matchups.
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