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Winning a fantasy championship has been your goal since you began preparing for your draft. It has also remained the driving force behind every roster decision that you have made throughout the regular season. Congratulations to all of you who were able to fulfill those championship aspirations in Week 17 while navigating through injuries, unexpected decreases in usage, substandard performances, and other unwanted developments that emerged during the season.
If you have embraced the unique challenges of participating in a league that incorporates Week 18 matchups into the equation, you are just one win away from capturing your league’s title. This article is designed to help you make the critical decisions that await you by examining the running backs that are currently located on at least 40% of all waiver wires.
These recommendations will appear in three tiers -- beginning with the most enticing runners that are available, then progressing to backs that can be considered if your normal starting options are unavailable for any reason. You will also find a group of backs that can be dropped in order for you to secure your replacements. Good luck to everyone in your matchups this week.
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!
Week 17 Rushing Leaders
| Week 17 Rushing Leaders | Attempts | Yards | Yards/Att |
| Isiah Pacheco | 18 | 130 | 7.2 |
| James Conner | 26 | 128 | 4.9 |
| Khalil Herbert | 18 | 124 | 6.9 |
| Najee Harris | 27 | 122 | 4.5 |
| Aaron Jones | 20 | 120 | 6 |
| De'Von Achane | 14 | 107 | 7.6 |
| Travis Etienne | 16 | 102 | 6.4 |
| Jonathan Taylor | 21 | 96 | 4.6 |
| Kyren Williams | 20 | 87 | 4.4 |
| Breece Hall | 13 | 84 | 6.5 |
| Elijah Mitchell | 17 | 80 | 4.7 |
| Devin Singletary | 16 | 80 | 5 |
Frontrunners - Week 18 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs should be your top priorities among the options that are available on most waiver wires.
Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears - 53% Rostered
It is understandable if you want to avoid the potential risk that is involved with trusting any member of Chicago’s backfield in your lineup. That is a byproduct of the repeated modifications in touches that have occurred throughout the regular season.
However, Khalil Herbert has now operated as the Bears' lead back since Week 16 while accumulating 38 attempts, 236 rushing yards, and two touchdowns. He is second among all backs in rushing yards during that sequence, while averaging 6.2 yards per attempt.
.@JuiceHerbert was RUNNIN' runnin' 😤 pic.twitter.com/d3RgCaEivU
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 27, 2023
That includes his numbers when the Bears hosted Atlanta in Week 17. Herbert carried 18 times while generating a season-high 124 yards and a touchdown. He also collected two of his three targets.
Herbert’s pathway to a favorable workload in Week 17 was expanded when D'Onta Foreman was unexpectedly downgraded to healthy inactive status. Roschon Johnson has accumulated 16 rushing attempts, assembled 58 rushing yards, and collected all six of his targets since Week 16. However, Herbert’s ability to capitalize on his surging usage has positioned him among the top running backs to prioritize from this week’s waiver wire.
Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers - 12% Rostered
San Francisco has secured the top seed in the NFC along with home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. This has provided the 49ers with an opportunity to rest their usual starters in Week 18.
That vaults Elijah Mitchell among this week’s most viable roster additions in the aftermath of his performance in Week 17. Mitchell ascended into an expanded workload when the 49ers traveled to Washington after Christian McCaffrey sustained a calf injury in the third quarter.
First TD of the season for @EliMitch15! #SFvsWAS on FOX
NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4nCVJ pic.twitter.com/8jsEhkriiC— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 31, 2023
Mitchell led San Francisco’s backfield in rushing attempts (17) and rushing yards (80) and produced a two-yard rushing touchdown. This was a source of frustration for anyone who had McCaffrey contained on rosters that were playing for league championships in Week 17.
However, Mitchell’s instant elevation into lead-back duties following McCaffrey’s departure confirmed his status as the 49ers’ workhorse back whenever McCaffrey is on the sideline.
That scenario appears primed to transpire when San Francisco hosts the Rams in Week 18. This should incentivize you to prioritize Mitchell among your primary targets from this week’s waiver wire.
Zamir White, Las Vegas Raiders - 45% Rostered
Zamir White entered Week 15 with 37 rushing attempts (1.4 per game) and 124 rushing yards (4.8 per game) during the first 26 games of his career.
However, he has ascended into RB1 duties for Las Vegas since Week 15, while Josh Jacobs has been contending with a quad issue. White will also function as a significant roster asset in Week 18 if he retains his recent role as the Raiders’ primary back.
RUNNING WITH A PURPOSE 😤#LVvsKC | 📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/593gDwhIDx
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 25, 2023
White secured a 74.8% snap share in Weeks 15-16. He also generated 214 yards with his 39 carries during those two matchups, including 145 yards on 22 attempts (6.6 yards per attempt) when the Raiders visited Kansas City.
White also accumulated 20 carries and 71 rushing yards when Las Vegas visited Indianapolis in Week 17. The status of Jacobs should be monitored as the week progresses. However, White should be seized in leagues where he is still available, as he should become a highly productive resource if Jacobs does not resurface when the Raiders host Denver in Week 18.
In The Running - Week 18 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs remain available on the waiver wire and could become resources for your rosters.
Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens - 19% Rostered
Justice Hill’s fluctuating involvement during the season has included a late-season rise in opportunities during the fantasy postseason. This could remain beneficial to fantasy managers who are competing for championships in Week 18, depending upon the Ravens' usage of their starters during their matchup with the Steelers.
Baltimore has secured the top seed in the AFC, which could impact the number of snaps that will be allocated to the team's starters. However, Hill would become an enticing option for managers if the Ravens sustain Hill's recent workload.
Hill led Baltimore's restructured backfield with a 62% snap share in Week 16, which was the Ravens' first matchup following Keaton Mitchell’s season-ending knee injury. Hill also paced the backfield in rushing attempts (10), routes run (21), and targets (three) in Week 16.
THAT'S JUSTICE❗@jhill21_ | Tune in on CBS! pic.twitter.com/40wXFG3gdy
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 31, 2023
Hill also generated 112 total yards and a touchdown with his eight touches. That included involvement as a receiving weapon, as Hill collected all five of his targets and assembled 64 yards.
Updates should be monitored during the week surrounding the Ravens' plan for utilization of their starters. However, Hill remains available in over 80% of all leagues and could emerge as a viable flex option in PPR leagues.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 44% Rostered
Tyjae Spears’ home run capabilities provide the potential for him to deliver big plays. The explosive rookie could also be entrusted with his most extensive workload of the season, which sustains his presence as an enticing option on this week’s waiver wire.
Spears has exceeded a 50% snap share during 11 of his 16 matchups this season. He also leads Tennessee’s backfield with 167 snaps since Week 13, while Derrick Henry has accumulated 130 snaps during that five-game sequence.
Spears has also averaged 4.5 rushing yards with his 97 rushing attempts while also leading the Titans’ backfield in routes run (266), targets per route run (24.9%), targets (67), and receiving yards (344) since Week 1.
Henry will be a free agent in 2024. However, it is unclear whether that will compel the Titans to increase Spears’ workload during the team’s season finale. That should not deter you from securing Spears for your rosters and following updates surrounding Spears and Henry as the week advances.
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 47% Rostered
Allgeier’s ongoing involvement in the Falcons' backfield rotation has been an ongoing source of irritation for fantasy managers who have invested in Bijan Robinson. However, Allgeier is also operating within an Atlanta offense that ranks second in attempts per game (31.5).
This provides you with an opportunity to deploy Allgeier as a flex if you are contending with a dearth of viable starters on your current roster. Allgeier has averaged 11.3 attempts per game since Week 5 and has accumulated 9+ attempts in 11 different matchups.
TYLER ALLGEIER ALL THE WAY!!
📺 CBS | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/Ec8t0YUYMs
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 31, 2023
He has also accumulated 180 attempts (11.3 per game) while generating 659 rushing yards (43.3 per game) since Week 1. Allgeier also leads the Falcons with 35 carries inside the red zone, which has tied him for 17th among all backs.
Allgeier also generated a 75-yard touchdown as a receiving weapon in Week 17. He remains available in over 50% of all leagues and should operate with a favorable workload when Atlanta visits New Orleans on Sunday.
Dark Horses - Week 18 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs should be considered if you are searching for players who could eventually emerge in your lineups.
Jamaal Williams, New Orleans Saints - 18% Rostered
As you attempt to navigate the unique challenges that are inherent in constructing a roster during Week 18, there will be multiple backfields to monitor as the week progresses. Several teams could opt to sit their usual starters, while injuries will also become a factor in the workloads that are distributed to other backs.
That scenario could develop with New Orleans after Alvin Kamara sustained an ankle sprain during the Saints’ Week 17 matchup at Tampa Bay. Kamara had accumulated 45 yards with his 10 attempts before he was forced to the sideline. That propelled Jamaal Williams into an expanded workload, as Williams registered season highs in rushing attempts (19) and rushing yards (58).
Williams had been averaging 6.6 attempts/20.2 yards per game entering Week 17. He had also exceeded 11 carries just once from Weeks 1-16, while also failing to surpass 45 rushing yards.
Updates regarding Kamara’s health will be beneficial in determining whether Williams will emerge as a resource for your rosters. However, the uncertainty should not deter you from securing Williams, who could become a viable starting option if Kamara is sidelined in Week 18.
Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals - 18% Rostered
Chase Brown was limited to eight snaps, two rushing attempts, and six rushing yards from Weeks 1-12. However, he has delivered an additional level of explosiveness to Cincinnati’s backfield since he was infused into a rotation with Joe Mixon in Week 13.
Brown has now assembled 130 rushing yards with his 31 attempts during Cincinnati’s last five matchups. He has also collected all 10 of his targets while generating 139 yards as a receiving weapon.
That includes his production in Weeks 13-14, when Brown carried 17 times, assembled 86 rushing yards, and averaged 5.1 yards per attempt. He also amassed 80 yards and a touchdown as a pass-catching presence during that span.
Cincinnati has now been officially eliminated from playoff contention and it is uncertain whether Mixon will operate in his usual capacity in Week 18. Brown is still available in 82% of all leagues and possesses the potential to erupt for sizable yardage if he secures a higher touch total on Sunday.
Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos - 9% Rostered
Jaleel McLaughlin was at the periphery of being rostered in over 60% of all leagues entering Week 6 after he accumulated 193 total yards on 22 touches in Weeks 4-5.
However, his snap share decreased from 33.3% during that sequence to 16.7% from Weeks 6-15. He also carried 36 times (4.0 per game) and manufactured 163 rushing yards (18.1 per game), while accumulating 20 targets (2.5 per game) and 66 receiving yards (8.3 per game) during those matchups.
However, the elusive rookie was entrusted with 10 touches when the Broncos hosted New England in Week 16. He capitalized by accumulating 67 total yards, which was his highest total since Week 5.
He also led the Broncos’ backfield with 44 rushing yards while averaging 5.5 yards per attempt in Week 17. McLaughlin also collected all three of his targets and paced the backfield with 18 receiving yards in Week 17.
Sean Payton could be inclined to deploy McLaughlin with greater frequency when the Broncos travel to Las Vegas in Week 18. That supplies your motivation for seizing McLaughlin from the waiver wire and monitoring updates throughout the week.
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.
D'Onta Foreman, Chicago Bears - 37% Rostered
Inactives for #ATLvsCHI: pic.twitter.com/Ip73iZYs4U
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 31, 2023
During a season that has delivered erratic workloads for members of Chicago’s backfield, unpredictability surrounding the Bears’ usage of their backs continued in Week 17.
D'Onta Foreman was relegated to healthy scratch status when Chicago hosted Atlanta, which shifted the allocation of touches to Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson.
It was the first time that Foreman was inactive without an injury designation since was Weeks 2-5 before he emerged as the team leader in rushing attempts (109/12.1 per game) and rushing yards (425/47.2 per game). That includes as a sequence from Weeks 6-10 when Foreman soared to third among all backs with 351 yards (70.2 per game).
Even though Foreman could theoretically reemerge in the Bears’ rotation in Week 18, his stock has been descending. He should not be considered a resource if you are competing for a league championship this week, and he should be replaced with a stronger candidate to bolster your scoring.
Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans - 53% Rostered
Dameon Pierce remains rostered in over 50% of all leagues. However, there is no rationale for believing that he will perform efficiently, or that he will operate with anything beyond a microscopic workload when he does touch the ball.
Pierce’s inefficiency has been on display throughout the season, as he has failed to exceed 3.45 yards per attempt in 12 of his 13 matchups. He has also averaged under 2.9 per attempt during eight different contests.
Pierce sustained an ankle issue that sidelined him from Weeks 9-11. That three-game absence and Pierce's inefficiency opened a path for Devin Singletary to confiscate responsibilities as Houston’s RB1.
Pierce has also been limited to 58 snaps since Week 12, which trails Singletary (187) and Dare Ogunbowale (68). He has also carried 16 times since Week 14 while registering only 34 yards on the ground.
Pierce’s ineffectiveness and the constraints that have been placed on his touches have eliminated any rationale for elevating him into your lineups. That should incentivize you to jettison him this week.
Miles Sanders, Carolina Panthers - 45% Rostered
Even if you are somehow inclined to retain Miles Sanders on your roster, the unfavorable blend of Sanders’ ineffectiveness and his decreased workload should compel anyone who is participating in their league’s championship matchup to refrain from starting him.
Sanders has averaged 6.5 attempts per game since Week 5, which includes six games in which he failed to exceed six carries. He has also averaged just 23.3 rushing yards per game during that 11-game span and did not surpass 39 yards in nine of those contests.
Chuba Hubbard has averaged 16.4 attempts and 60.5 rushing yards per game since Week 6, and leads the backfield in routes run (269), receptions (37), and receiving yards (224) since Week 1.
Sanders’ role is unlikely to expand during Carolina’s regular-season finale versus Tampa Bay. There is also no indication his efficiency will suddenly improve if he does register more touches. All of which should lead you to extract him from your rosters.
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