RADIO
As you now read this week’s recommendations from the waiver wire, we have progressed into planning roster construction for Week 3. The matchups of Week 2 delivered a collection of impressive performances, including three backs who eclipsed 100 rushing yards. Unfortunately, the numbers that were delivered by other runners only led to frustration.
Many of you are now contending with disappointing results due to injuries, production-inhibiting timeshares, and unproductive outings. These factors have all contributed to unfulfilled expectations despite your initial optimism regarding the scoring potential of the backs that were contained on your rosters. If you are incentivized to explore this week’s fantasy football waiver wire pickups, this article will help you locate the most enticing options entering Week 3.
These recommendations will appear in three tiers - beginning with the most enticing and progressing to options for managers that are struggling with desperation. You will also find a group of backs that can be dropped in order for you to secure your replacements. After you've finished this breakdown, you can also find NFL news and injury updates along with data-fueled analysis that is designed to help you maximize the scoring potential of your rosters.
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Fantasy Football Rushing Leaders
| Week 2 Rushing Leaders | Attempts | Yards | Yards/Att |
| Aaron Jones | 15 | 132 | 8.8 |
| David Montgomery | 15 | 122 | 8.13 |
| Christian McCaffrey | 15 | 102 | 6.8 |
| Nick Chubb | 17 | 87 | 5.1 |
| Jeff Wilson Jr. | 18 | 84 | 4.7 |
| Javonte Williams | 15 | 75 | 5 |
| Clyde Edwards-Helaire | 8 | 74 | 9.3 |
| Saquon Barkley | 21 | 72 | 3.4 |
| Damien Harris | 15 | 71 | 4.7 |
| Dameon Pierce | 15 | 69 | 4.6 |
| Josh Jacobs | 19 | 69 | 3.6 |
| Leonard Fournette | 24 | 65 | 2.7 |
| James Robinson | 23 | 64 | 2.8 |
| Mark Ingram II | 10 | 60 | 6 |
Frontrunners - Week 3 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These running backs should be your top priorities among the options that are available on most waiver wires. Some will be more beneficial in PPR leagues.
Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers - 5% Rostered
Mason was signed by San Francisco as an undrafted free agent in May after he averaged 10.4 attempts/54.6 yards per game during his four seasons at Georgia Tech. He has successfully navigated the challenge of competing for a roster spot in what was originally a congested 49er backfield and is now primed to accumulate touches in an attack that has been depleted by injuries to Elijah Mitchell (knee), and Tyrion Davis-Price (ankle).
The 49ers might have another hidden gem in Jordan Mason. #49ers || #FTTB pic.twitter.com/KCP9mMPxuy
— 49ers Highlights (@Highlights49ers) August 21, 2022
Mason averaged 4.95 yards per attempt during the preseason while leading the 49ers with 94 rushing yards. He was also active during the season opener although that was partially a byproduct of Mason’s involvement on special teams.
However, the extended absences of Mitchell and Davis-Price will now present Mason with an opportunity to collect touches. Jeff Wilson will commandeer a larger workload, but Mason should also be infused into the backfield rotation. That supplies the incentive to include him among this week’s roster additions.
Mark Ingram II, New Orleans Saints - 30% Rostered
10,000 Career Yards for Mark Ingram!
(& still counting) #Saints | @markingramII pic.twitter.com/sJkcN5GhiY
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 18, 2022
Ingram had already earned RB2 responsibilities for New Orleans, but Alvin Kamara’s troublesome rib issue elevated the two-time Pro-Bowler into lead back duties in Week 2. Kamara remained cemented to the sideline when New Orleans hosted Tampa Bay as the 32-year-old Ingram paced the Saints with 10 rushing attempts and also led the team with 60 yards on the ground. The 12-year veteran operated in a rotation with Tony Jones Jr. and Dwayne Washington, but that tandem combined for just six carries while being limited to 26 rushing yards.
Kamara’s status should be monitored as the week progresses, as he will immediately regain an extensive workload as New Orleans’ primary back upon his return. However, Ingram’s status as Kamara's direct backup is secure. He also attained a 33% snap share during the Saint’s season opener while performing in that capacity and there is no other runner on the team who is looming as a legitimate threat to his role.
Ingram also remains an effective insurance policy for anyone who has invested in Kamara, as he can operate as a viable flex option if Kamara is sidelined once again.
Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins - 43% Rostered
Chase Edmonds played just 27% of the snaps with 1 carry and 2 targets
Raheem Mostert is at 80% snaps, 6 carries and a target - definitely looking like a waiver wire guy this week
— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) September 18, 2022
Mostert’s stock has ascended significantly after his disappointing numbers from Week 1 improved sizably when Miami traveled to Baltimore in Week 2. The results of Mostert’s initial outing as a Dolphin had been uninspiring while providing no incentive to believe that he could be deployed as a starter in your lineups.
Mostert, who played on 41.7% of the Dolphins’ offensive snaps during the season opener, was limited to five carries and managed 16 just yards on the ground. He was also targeted once, which resulted in a 16-yard reception.
However, his numbers surged in Week 2, as he paced the Dolphins in carries (11) and rushing yardage (51) while averaging 4.6 yards per attempt. He also caught all three of his targets, while amassing 28 yards as a receiver.
Chase Edmonds carried five times against the Ravens and accumulated 33 rushing yards. He was also relegated to three targets, one reception, and just eight receiving yards.
Edmonds’ touch totals supplied a stark contrast to his usage and production during Miami’s season opener when Edmonds attained a 63.3% snap share while easily leading the backfield with 16 touches and 65 total yards. He also garnered a team-high 12 rushing attempts, captured four of his targets, and assembled 40 receiving yards. Mike McDaniel could easily adjust the workloads of both backs at any time, but that should not dissuade you from adding Mostert. He is attainable in 57% of all leagues and presents the prospects of a respectable touch total as he operates in what is emerging as a potent Miami attack.
In The Running - Week 3 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These running backs remain available on the waiver wire but are not necessarily must-adds.
Jamaal Williams, Detroit Lions - 58% Rostered
D’Andre Swift’s ankle injury did not preclude him from remaining involved in Detroit’s backfield rotation during the Lions’ Week 2 matchup with Washington. Swift accumulated 87 total yards on just seven touches which were fueled largely by his 50-yard burst in the first quarter.
However, that should not diminish your rationale for securing Williams who continues to share opportunities with Swift on a weekly basis. Williams operated with a respectable workload once again on Sunday, as he led the Lions in rushing attempts (12) while assembling 53 yards on the ground.
Williams has now accrued 23 carries and generated 81 rushing yards during Detroit’s first two contests. He has also capitalized on his carries in the red zone even though he is splitting those opportunities with Swift.
Another one for @jswaggdaddy!#PHIvsDET | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/BW8v4tjiaQ
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 11, 2022
Williams is not contending with legitimate competition for his responsibilities as the Lions’ RB2. You can also secure Williams for your roster without any concern that Dan Campbell and offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson will decrease Williams' involvement in the offense. He can still be added in 42% of all leagues, although his availability should decrease even further this week.
Eno Benjamin / Darrel Williams, Arizona Cardinals - (Benjamin 11% Rostered), (Williams 3% Rostered)
James Conner’s status as Arizona’s lead back has remained unchallenged since he signed a three-year deal with the Cardinals in March. The depth chart below Conner was more nebulous during the offseason as Benjamin, former Chief Darrel Williams, and sixth-round draft pick Keaontay Ingram were all competing for RB2 responsibilities if Conner would be sidelined for any reason.
Benjamin appeared to have secured that role in Week 1 when he accumulated 61 total yards and was the only back beyond Conner to garner touches for the Cardinals.
However, Benjamin and Williams shared the workload after an ankle injury forced Conner to the sideline during Arizona's Week 2 matchup in Las Vegas, which has vaulted the tandem securely onto the fantasy landscape as managers plan their Week 3 rosters.
Both backs carried eight times, as Williams generated 59 yards (7.4 per attempt), while his usage near the goal line has bolstered his status as a waiver wire target. Benjamin only manufactured 31 yards (3.9 per attempt) during the matchup against the Raiders, although his aforementioned usage in Week 1 keeps him worthy of consideration as a roster addition.
Conner's status should be monitored as the week progresses. However, Williams and Benjamin will be viable flex options this week if Conner is unavailable when Arizona hosts the Rams.
Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 35% Rostered
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers pick Arizona State RB Rachaad White at No. 91 overall.
92.4 PFF grade since 2020 (1st among RBs in the 2022 Draft) 🥇 pic.twitter.com/0H501x4M0P
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 30, 2022
Leonard Fournette remains entrenched as the Buccaneers' lead back, but that does not diminish White’s status as one of this week’s most enticing roster additions. The 6’0”, 215-pound White possesses a blend of size, vision, and pass-catching capabilities which has propelled him into RB2 responsibilities with Tampa Bay. He will also remain securely above Giovani Bernard and Ke’Shawn Vaughn on the team’s depth chart as the year advances.
His touch totals have been modest during Tampa Bay’s initial outings, as White has carried eight times and generated 15 yards on the ground. He has also been targeted four times by Tom Brady while assembling only seven receiving yards.
However, White's ability to earn Tampa Bay's backup duties has placed him at the threshold of a substantial workload if Fournette is forced to the sideline. That scenario would ignite significant interest in obtaining White, who remains available in 65% of all leagues.
If you have invested in Fournette, you can avoid that potential crisis by including him among your waiver priorities this week.
Dark Horses - Week 3 Waiver Wire Running Backs
This group consists of running backs that can be added if you are willing to wait for the possibility of a larger role during the year or consider your situation to be desperate due to injuries.
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 13% Rostered
Atlanta head coach and play caller Arthur Smith deployed a two-man backfield at the onset of the Falcons' season opener, while Allgeier was limited to spectator status as an inactive.
Damien Williams was involved initially during the matchup before he suffered a rib injury. This opened a cavernous runway for Cordarrelle Patterson to stockpile 22 carries, and finish sixth among all backs in rushing yardage (120). He also caught three of his five targets from Marcus Mariota, while amassing 16 receiving yards.
However, Allgeier was infused into a backfield rotation with Patterson when Atlanta visited the Rams, as both backs carried 10 times during the matchup. Patterson generated (40/4.1 yards per attempt), while Allgeier produced 30 yards (3.0 yards per attempt). Even though Allgeier's output was uninspiring, his expanded involvement (31.2% snap share) is a promising development.
Allgeier could maintain his role in a timeshare with Patterson, as Williams has been placed on injured reserve. Allgeier’s workload could also expand even further as the season progresses, which provides the incentive for stashing him on your rosters this week.
Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers - 17% Rostered
If Najee Harris is contained on your roster, you are already aware of the discomfort that was created by his foot injury in Week 1. He operated in his customary role as Pittsburgh’s workhorse back when the Steelers hosted New England while amassing 89 total yards with his 20 touches.
However, even though Harris eluded an unwanted absence, that does not diminish the benefits of seizing Warren as a safeguard to evade any roster crisis during the season. It also supplies motivation for any other managers to strongly consider the addition of Warren.
His status as the direct backup to Harris is secure after he earned that role during training camp and the preseason. His touch totals have been restricted by the presence of Harris, as Warren has now carried seven times while producing 22 yards on the ground. However, he would function with a substantial workload of Harris would become unavailable.
Warren's RB2 responsibilities will also remain unchallenged as there is no discernible threat of siphoned touches from Benny Snell Jr. or Anthony McFarland Jr. This keeps Warren contained among this week’s options from your waiver wire.
Brian Robinson, Washington Commandeers - 47% Rostered
Robinson’s emergence in Washington’s backfield rotation is still several weeks away. However, he should commandeer a sizable role once he has recovered from the unfortunate shooting incident that has forced him to the sideline.
All of Brian Robinson’s touches.
NFL Preseason Week 3. pic.twitter.com/btKbTPmky3— Zareh Kantzabedian (@ZKantzFF) August 21, 2022
Robinson performed proficiently in August and appeared destined to capture an early down role during the regular season before his momentum was temporarily halted by his placement on the NFI (reserve/non-football injury list).
Antonio Gibson has played effectively while accumulating 28 attempts and 86 yards on the ground, while also capturing 12 targets and generating 85 receiving yards during the Commanders’ first two matchups. That includes his usage and output when Washington visited Detroit in Week 2 (14 carries/28 rushing yards/4 targets/13 receiving yards).
However, Robinson will quickly loom as a threat to Gibson’s workload when he returns. He should also accrue enough touches to become an immediate resource for fantasy managers. If you are positioned to stash Robinson until he surfaces in Washington’s lineup, he will reward you for your decision.
Also-Rans - It Is Time To Say Goodbye
These running backs can be dropped in order to secure an RB with greater potential to bolster your scoring during the year.
James Cook, Buffalo Bills - 48% Rostered
To be clear, the suggestion of dropping Cook is directed to anyone who has been confronted by multiple issues, and a shortage of viable options to extract players from their rosters.
Interest in Cook was ascending after Buffalo seized him in Round 2 of April’s NFL Draft. The fervor appeared justified after Cook assembled 2,233 total yards during four seasons in Georgia’s talent-laden backfield. His ADP rose to Round 9 during July, in anticipation that his pass-catching prowess would propel him into an ongoing role, while he was also a logical candidate to siphon carries from Devin Singletary.
However, Zack Moss reemerged into the equation during training camp which added an unexpected layer of congestion. Cook’s NFL debut also could not have been more disastrous after he fumbled his first rushing attempt, then was immediately jettisoned to the bench. Cook should eventually be integrated into a rotation with Singletary and Moss.
However, his output will be encumbered by the restrictions of a crowded backfield whenever that occurs. Other backs are currently available on your waiver wire that will accumulate more touches than Cook.
Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers - 79% Rostered
If Mitchell is on your roster, then it is very likely that you selected him as your RB2. He appeared primed to reward that level of confidence from fantasy managers when he entered Week 1 as the primary back in San Francisco’s offense.
This would sustain the role that he had earned as a rookie when he led the 49ers in carries (207/18.8 per game) and rushing yards (963/87.5 yards per game). He had also finished eighth among all backs in yardage, and fifth in yards after contact (515), while leading all first-year backs in yards per game.
However, he was forced to the sideline after 17 snaps during the 49ers’ season opener, after suffering a sprained MCL. His return is hardly imminent, as he has also been placed on injured reserve, and should remain absent for two months.
If you do not have the option of utilizing a spot on injured reserve in your league, and you are operating with a short bench, then you can make more effective use of your roster spot during his lengthy recovery.
Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs - 35% Rostered
The garbage-time production that Pacheco generated during Kansas City’s season opener provided a brief but inaccurate impression of his role in the Chiefs’ backfield. He had collected a team-high 12 carries while assembling 62 yards on the ground in Week 1. Those numbers fueled rising interest in the 5’11”, 215-pound rookie, even though they were produced during inconsequential minutes of the game.
Pacheco’s involvement was reduced significantly in Week 2, as he was relegated to a minuscule five snaps, two carries, and only six rushing yards. Clyde Edwards-Helaire played on 25 snaps (44% share). However, he maximized his opportunities during the contest, by accruing 74 rushing yards on eight attempts (9.25 yards per attempt). Jerick McKinnon led the backfield in snaps (27/47%), although he was limited to just six touches and 16 total yards.
Edwards-Helaire might not commandeer massive workloads, but he will function consistently as Andy Reid’s lead back. Pacheco could garner a larger role as the season progresses but is currently behind Edwards-Helaire and McKinnon on the depth chart. That eliminates your rationale for retaining him if you need to create roster space this week.
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