X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 4: Top Free Agent Adds Include Khalil Herbert, Jamaal Williams, Tyler Allgeier, Samaje Perine

Jamaal Williams - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Phil Clark's fantasy football running back waiver wire pickups for Week 4 of the 2022 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream and stash off waivers.

As you now read this week’s recommendations from the waiver wire, the planning process for your Week 4 roster construction has already begun. The matchups of Week 3 included five different 100-yard performances from running backs, although the numbers that were delivered by other backs were more difficult to embrace.

Some of you are now contending with disappointing results due to the latest cluster of injuries to Dalvin Cook, Joe Mixon, D'Andre Swift, and David Montgomery, while others have been impacted by production-inhibiting timeshares and unproductive outings. These factors have all contributed to unfulfilled expectations surrounding the scoring potential of 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 4.

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 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.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Fantasy Football Rushing Leaders

Week 3 Rushing Leaders  Attempts  Yards  Yards/Att
Khalil Herbert 20 157 7.9
Cordarrelle Patterson 17 141 8.3
Nick Chubb 23 113 4.9
Christian McCaffrey 25 108 4.3
James Robinson 17 100 5.9
Dalvin Cook 17 96 5.6
Jamaal Williams 20 87 4.4
Derrick Henry 20 85 4.3
Dameon Pierce 20 80 4
Jeff Wilson Jr. 12 75 6.3
Rhamondre Stevenson 12 73 6.1
Jonathan Taylor 21 71 3.4

 

Frontrunners - Week 4 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.

Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears - 48% Rostered  

Herbert has soared atop this week’s list of waiver wire priorities after ascending into lead back duties for Chicago. Herbert’s increased responsibilities developed when David Montgomery suffered an ankle injury during the Bears’ matchup with Houston.

That propelled Herbert into an extensive workload, and he responded by accumulating a career-high 157 yards and two touchdowns with his 20 attempts.

Montgomery’s status should be monitored as the week progresses. However, Herbert remains an enticing roster target due to his ability to capitalize whenever he is functioning with an expanded workload. Herbert demonstrated his ability to perform effectively with RB1 duties when Montgomery was unavailable (knee) from Weeks 5-8 last season. Herbert soared to second among all backs with a 75.9% snap share and was second in rushing attempts (78/19.5 per game), third in yards after contact (214), and fourth in rushing yardage (344/86 per game) during that sequence.

Herbert is this week’s preeminent waiver wire priority and is still available in over 50% of all leagues. However, that percentage will evaporate quickly.

Jamaal Williams, Detroit Lions - 60% Rostered

Williams had remained rostered in under 60% of all leagues until just hours before Detroit’s Week 3 kickoff, and it is surprising that he did not eclipse that percentage earlier this season. He is operating with a sufficient workload to justify deployment as an RB2. His role in the Lions' backfield rotation has also positioned him to become an RB1 for fantasy managers if D’Andre Swift's health issues (ankle/shoulder) affix him to the sideline.

Williams has now carried 43 times and assembled 168 rushing yards, while his usage and proficiency in the red zone have also fueled a surge in his stock as he enters Week 4.

Williams has now accumulated 10 rushing attempts inside the 20, and eight carries inside the 10. He has also generated a league-best four touchdowns, including two scores in Week 3.

Williams' sizable role will not diminish under head coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson regardless of Swift's status, and he should be rostered in all leagues. That elevates him among your top priorities if he remains attainable on your waiver wire.

Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings- 54% Rostered

Mattison’s name has many maintained a frequent presence in this column whenever his availability eclipses 40%. This is the byproduct of his proximity to a mammoth workload if Dalvin Cook is sidelined by an injury.

That same scenario has transpired with far too much frequency for any fantasy managers who invested a first-round selection in Cook yet failed to secure Mattison as a handcuff.

Cook’s injury-laden history is hardly a secret, as he has missed a total of 25 games since he arrived in the NFL (2017). The importance of utilizing Mattison as a roster safeguard in advance of any potential health issue for Cook resurfaced again when Minnesota hosted Detroit. Cook suffered a shoulder issue in the third quarter, and his availability for the Vikings’ Week 4 visit to London is uncertain.

Even if Cook’s outlook for Week 4 becomes favorable during the next few days, that should not deter anyone from commandeering Mattison in any league where he is attainable.

Mattison assembled 44 total yards and a touchdown with his eight touches against the Lions and would launch into RB1 territory for fantasy managers if Cook becomes unavailable this week.

 

In The Running - Week 4 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These running backs remain available on the waiver wire but are not necessarily must-adds.

Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals - 6% Rostered

Joe Mixon had entered Week 3 as the league leader in rushing attempts (46/23 per game) and was 10th overall in rushing yardage (139/69.5 per game). However, Mixon had only generated two rushing yards on 12 attempts before he sustained an ankle injury during the third quarter of Cincinnati’s matchup with the Jets. This propelled Perine into temporary lead back duties, and he responded by assembling 38 yards with his nine carries.

That was Perine’s largest yardage total since Week 7 of 2021. He also caught both of his targets, while producing 14 yards and a touchdown.

Mixon’s health should be monitored as the week advances. However, Perine’s sudden elevation into responsibilities as the Bengals’ RB1 could continue on Sunday if Mixon has not recovered from his latest health issue.

That would propel Perine into RB2 consideration for fantasy managers if he is functioning as Cincinnati's primary back when the Bengals host Miami. He is available in 94% of all leagues and has emerged among this week’s top-four targets from the waiver wire. Anyone who has invested in Mixon should also secure Perine regardless of Mixon’s Week 4 status.

Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 30%

White does not deliver standalone value while Leonard Fournette is stockpiling touches as Tampa Bay’s workhorse back. However, White remains one of the top handcuff options due to his clear path to that same massive workload if Fournette would be sidelined for any reason.

Fournette has now accumulated 227 rushing yards (76 per game) with his 57 attempts (19 per game), while also garnering 12 targets during the Buccameers’ first three matchups. White has only assembled 15 rushing yards on eight carries while also accruing four targets.

However, Giovani Bernard’s placement on injured reserve (ankle) leaves only Ke’Shawn Vaughn below him on the depth. This has cemented White as Tanpa Bay’s unquestioned RB2, and his pass-catching prowess would help him seize a sizable touch total if Fournette fails to elude injuries throughout the year.

White would vault into consideration as an RB1 for fantasy managers if that scenario would develop. That should incentivize you to secure him this week. Particularly as an insurance policy if Fournette is on your roster.

Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 15% Rostered

Atlanta’s fifth-round selection during April’s NFL Draft was entrusted with 17 carries during the preseason but was relegated to healthy scratch status during the Falcons’ season opener However, Allgeier has now accumulated 55 rushing yards on 16 attempts during Atlanta’s last two matchups.

That includes the rookie’s workload in Week 3 when the Falcons traveled to Seattle. Allgeier shared touches with Cordarrelle Patterson  who accrued 17 attempts, and produced a career-best 141 rushing yards.

This sustained the two-man rotation that was initiated in Week 2 following Damien Williams’ placement on injured reserve. Arthur Smith may be inclined to keep Patterson consistently involved in the backfield if he can sustain his current workload  but Allgeier will also accumulate carries.

Allgeier should also operate with an extensive workload as the season progresses, which delivers the rationale for including him on your roster. He is also attainable in 85% of all leagues and could become a valuable resource in upcoming weeks.

 

Dark Horses - Week 4 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.

Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers - 10% Rostered

Warren was signed as an undrafted free agent following the NFL Draft and ascended into relevance by seizing Pittsburgh’s RB2 responsibilities during training camp and the preseason.

Warren accomplished this by surpassing Benny Snell and Anthony McFarland on the Steelers’ depth chart and has become entrenched in that role during the first three weeks of the regular season. Warren has also accumulated 52 yards on 11 carries while operating as the backup to Najee Harris.

That includes the season-high 30 yards that he accrued when Pittsburgh traveled to Cleveland in Week 3. Warren averaged a season-high 7.5 yards per attempt against the Browns and would have generated sizable yardage on a shovel pass if the play had not been nullified by a penalty.

Warren is a competitive runner who has earned snaps on a weekly basis. He is worthy of consideration as a roster addition as he would secure a sizable workload if Harris would be sidelined during the season. Warren would also operate as a high-end RB2 for fantasy managers if that situation would transpire.

Brian Robinson, Washington Commandeers - 52% Rostered

Robinson’s debut in Washington’s backfield has become increasingly imminent as the weeks advance. The progress of his recovery should be monitored but the promising rookie could emerge in the backfield rotation when the Commanders host Tennessee in Week 5.

Robinson’s prospects of entering Week 1 with a sizable role appeared as Washington progressed through training camp and the preseason. The 6’2”, 225-pound newcomer was primed to accumulate early down carries before his emergence on the field was delayed by the late-August shooting incident.

However, Robinson’s return is looming, and he will become an integral resource in Washington’s backfield when he resurfaces. He should quickly confiscate touches that had been distributed to Antonio Gibson during his absence while becoming a starting option for fantasy managers.

Robinson remains available in nearly 50% of all leagues. Savvy fantasy managers can capitalize on this opportunity by stashing Robinson this week. Particularly in leagues that provide the option of placing players on injured reserve.

Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins - 56% Rostered

It would have been reasonable to expect Mostert to be rostered in over 60% of all leagues after his workload increased significantly in Week 2 (55% snap share/11 rushing attempts/51 rushing yards/three targets).

His surging usage exceeded the snap share (51%) and workload that was allotted to Chase Edmonds (five carries/33 rushing yards) which launched Mostert among the highly recommended options entering Week 3.

Mostert led that tandem in touches again when Miami hosted Buffalo, although his numbers were underwhelming. The eighth-year back only registered 11 rushing yards on eight carries, while failing to catch either of his targets. Edmonds generated 21 yards on six attempts and captured his only target.

The results of Mostert’s outing versus Buffalo’s defense might deter you from adding him before Miami‘s Week 4 visit to Cincinnati. However, the touch distribution between both backs will fluctuate through weekly adjustments by Mike McDaniel. Mostert will still retain an integral role as part of the two-man rotation in a Dolphins’ attack that should be dynamic during their upcoming matchups.

 

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 - 41% Rostered

Cook’s stock had plummeted following the results of his debut in Week 1, as he was affixed to the bench after fumbling on his first touch. He was also entrusted with 11 rushing attempts and generated 53 yards on the ground in Week 2, which seemingly provided a new reason for optimism.

However, there was still concern that his Week 2 workload only transpired late in Buffalo’s blowout win. That appears justified after Cook was only entrusted with one carry when the Bills visited Miami in Week 3. The rookie did collect four of his five targets and assemble 37 receiving yards during the matchup.

Devin Singletary easily led Buffalo’s backfield with 18 touches and 91 total yards. Zack Moss also remained involved in the crowded rotation as he accumulated 52 total yards on five touches.

It is reasonable to expect Buffalo‘s second-round selection to eventually confiscate a larger role as the year progresses, although the current backfield configuration will constrain Cook’s production for the foreseeable future.

The preferred strategy is to hold Cook for now. However, anyone who has been confronted by a roster crisis might not have the luxury of waiting for Cook’s workload to increase.

Rex Burkhead, Houston Texans- 32 % Rostered

The 32-year-old Burkhead attained a 71% snap share during Houston’s season opener. He also carried 14 times, tied for fifth among all backs with eight targets, and generated 70 total yards in Week 1.

However, Burkhead’s snap share plunged to 37% in Week 2, while he was only targeted three times and failed to register a rushing attempt. He was also limited to three attempts while failing to reach a double-digit yardage total in Week 3, as rookie Dameon Pierce’s surging workload continued.

Pierce carried 11 times during Houston’s season opener while operating with a snap share of 29%. His snap share (62%) and usage (15) both increased in Week 2, while Pierce attained season-highs in carries (20) and rushing yardage (80) when the Texans visited Chicago in Week 3.

Burkhead has accrued 11 receptions, but Pierce is thriving as the Texans’ lead back and will continue to confiscate the majority of carries in Houston's backfield rotation. This will lead to frustration and minimal point production for anyone who will would be compelled to start Burkhead. That supplies the incentive for locating another back who is positioned to bolster your scoring.

Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers - 77% Rostered

This recommendation is for fantasy managers who have Mitchell contained on the rosters and participate in leagues that do not supply the option of placing players on injured reserve. While you might be able to retain him on your bench during his extended absence, it is advisable to capitalize on opportunities to improve your roster without the encumbrance of holding a player that will not provide any scoring for several months.

Mitchell entered Week 1 as San Francisco’s RB1 but could only operate in that role for 17 snaps before he encountered a sprained ACL. Mitchell has already been sidelined for two matchups and will remain unavailable during a protracted recovery. Kyle Shanahan will distribute touches to Jeff Wilson Jr., Jordan Mason, and Deebo Samuel during his absence, although Mitchell should reclaim lead back duties whenever he does resurface.

However, his track record of health issues since arriving in 2021 (nine missed games) remains a legitimate concern. If the process of placing him on injured reserve is not an option it is wise to evaluate the downside of cementing him to your bench if you are confronted by roster challenges.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Scottie Scheffler

The Untouchable Favorite At CJ Cup
Tom Kim

A Popular Name To Avoid At TPC Craig Ranch
Austin Eckroat

Looking To Find Success Again At TPC Craig Ranch
Ben Kohles

Finishes Tied For 59 At Corales Puntacana Championship
Joel Dahmen

Finishes Tied For Second At Corales Puntacana Championship
Beau Hossler

Finishes Tied For 60 At Valero Texas Open
Doug Ghim

Finishes Tied For 18 At the Valero Texas Open
Jordan Spieth

Finishes Tied For 18 At RBC Heritage
Kurt Kitayama

Misses The Cut At Valero Texas Open
Si Woo Kim

Finishes Tied For Eighth At RBC Heritage
George Kirby

"Feeling Great", Could Throw Again On Sunday
Tyler Fitzgerald

Returning To Starting Nine
Josh Lowe

Progressing Well, Could Play In Rehab Games On Saturday
Shane McClanahan

Begins "Throwing-Like" Activities
Patrik Laine

Remains Day-To-Day
Gabriel Vilardi

On Track To Return Wednesday
Brandon Hagel

Ruled Out For Game 5
Marcus Johansson

Returns To Action Tuesday
Cole Ragans

Won't Start On Wednesday
Dylan Moore

Placed On 10-Day Injured List With Hip Inflammation
Jonas Siegenthaler

Considered A Game-Time Decision Tuesday
Brett Pesce

A Game-Time Call Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Back In Tuesday's Lineup
Frederik Andersen

Unavailable Tuesday
Aaron Nesmith

Upgraded To Available
Las Vegas Raiders

Jack Bech A Strong Candidate To Be An Immediate Starter
Las Vegas Raiders

Zamir White Competing For Depth Role
New York Jets

Mason Taylor To Immediately Be Atop Jets Tight End Depth Chart
Bennedict Mathurin

Cleared For Game 5
Buffalo Bills

Dalton Kincaid Setting Up As Post-Hype Sleeper In 2025?
Denver Broncos

Dre Greenlaw Expected To Be Ready For Training Camp
Seattle Seahawks

Sam Darnold To Take Over 90% Of The Snaps
Tennessee Titans

Titans In No Rush To Trade Will Levis
Daulton Varsho

Reinstated From Injured List And Starting On Tuesday
Minnesota Vikings

J.J. McCarthy Says He Knows He's Ready To Start For Vikings
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Picking Up Fifth-Year Option On Dax Hill
Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers Apply Unrestricted Free-Agent Tender To J.K. Dobbins
Seattle Seahawks

Jaren Hall Cut Loose By Seahawks
Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs Compare Josh Simmons To Christian Darrisaw, Rashawn Slater
Denver Broncos

Pat Bryant Compared To Michael Thomas
Denver Broncos

RJ Harvey Could Do It All For Broncos
Carolina Panthers

Tetairoa McMillan Likely To Man The X Spot For Panthers
Green Bay Packers

Packers, Jaire Alexander Continue To Discuss Potential Reunion
Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys Discussed George Pickens With Steelers
Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs To Pick Up Fifth-Year Option On Trent McDuffie, George Karlaftis
Washington Commanders

Matt Gays Signs One-Year Deal With Commanders
San Francisco 49ers

George Kittle Signs Four-Year Extension With 49ers
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Records Third Consecutive Double-Double
Brandin Podziemski

Hits Six Treys During 26-Point Performance
Jimmy Butler III

Leads Warriors In Scoring Monday Night
Jarrett Allen

Has Double-Double, Six Steals In Blowout Win
Brandon Boston Jr.

Recovering From Ankle Surgery
Kelly Olynyk

Undergoes Heel Procedure
Aaron Nesmith

Probable For Tuesday's Action
Nathan MacKinnon

Has Two Points In Losing Effort
Martin Necas

Records Two Assists In Game 5 Loss
Mikko Rantanen

Tallies Three Points In Monday's Win
Wyatt Johnston

Leads Stars To Game 5 Victory
Sergei Bobrovsky

Returns To Winning Ways
Anton Lundell

Earns Two Points Monday
Ryan Gerard

Going For A Texas Trifecta Of Sorts
Brandon Hagel

Departs Loss Early
Joe Highsmith

Hoping To Make More Putts In Texas
Eric Cole

Expecting Big Things In Texas
Brian Campbell

May Go Under The Radar At CJ Cup
Riley Greene

Homers Twice On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

Exits Monday's Win Early
Los Angeles Chargers

Tre Harris Expected To Fill X Role For Chargers
Jimmy Butler III

Officially Active For Game 4
Isaiah Stewart

Uncertain For Game 5
Michael Porter Jr.

Expected To Play In Game 5
Brandon Nimmo

Has Career Game
Russell Westbrook

Questionable For Tuesday Night
Tyler Glasnow

Going On The Injured List
Jaylen Brown

Back On The Injury Report
Jrue Holiday

Out Again On Tuesday Night
Bennedict Mathurin

Questionable For Game 5
Damian Lillard

May Not Play Next Season
Luis Arraez

Expected To Return On Tuesday
Johnathan Kovacevic

To Remain Out Tuesday
Brenden Dillon

Unavailable Tuesday
Luke Hughes

Not Ready To Return For Game 5
Darius Garland

Remains Out On Monday
Ross Colton

Remains Out On Monday
Oskar Bäck

Oskar Back Returns To Stars Lineup Monday
Miro Heiskanen

To Miss Game 5
Jordan Westburg

Placed On Injured List
Anthony Cirelli

Good To Go For Game 4
William Byron

Ends With A Strong Top-Five Finish At Talladega
Ryan Blaney

Bad Luck Continues With Talladega Crash
Kyle Larson

Has A Career-Best Performance At Talladega
Ian Machado Garry

Gets Back On Track With UFC Kansas City Win
Brad Keselowski

Talladega Run Ends Early After Crashing
Carlos Prates

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Zhang Mingyang

Still Undefeated In The UFC
Anthony Smith

Retires After UFC Kansas City Loss
Giga Chikadze

Takes Unanimous Decision Loss
Giga Chikadze

Takes Unanimous-Decision Loss
David Onama

Extends Win Streak At UFC Kansas City
Michel Pereira

Drops Decision At UFC Kansas City
Abus Magomedov

Extends His Win Streak
Nicolas Dalby

Gets Finished For The First Time
Randy Brown

Gets Back In The Win Column
Ikram Aliskerov

Gets First-Round TKO Finish At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Gets TKO'd At UFC Kansas City
Chase Elliott

Recovers from Speeding Penalty to Finish Fifth
Joey Logano

Finishes Last at Talladega After Disqualification for Missing Spoiler Brace
Ryan Preece

Loses Talladega Race First in Photo Finish Then in Post-Race Inspection
NASCAR

Poor Toyota Strategy Arguably Cost Bubba Wallace Winning Chances at Talladega
Christopher Bell

Unhurt After Hard Contact with Inside Retaining Wall
Joe Ryan

Posts Stellar Outing
Jaylen Brown

Available For Game 4
Nick Lodolo

Throws Seven Scoreless Innings
Tyler Glasnow

Removed Early On Sunday
Darius Garland

Questionable For Game 4
Jaden Ivey

Making Progress
Tarik Skubal

Racks Up 11 Strikeouts
Luke Weaver

In Line To Get The Bulk Of Save Opportunities Moving Forward
Devin Williams

Removed From Closer Role
Chase Elliott

Is One OF The Top Overall DFS Picks Of The Week
Joey Logano

Could Joey Logano Finish A Race With A Top Finish At Talladega?
NASCAR

DFS Players Should Like Bubba Wallace For Talladega This Week
Christopher Bell

Should DFS Players Roster Christopher Bell At Talladega?
Austin Cindric

Is Austin Cindric Worth Rostering For Talladega DFS Lineups?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Is A Solid, Safe, DFS Choice For Talladega Lineups
Austin Dillon

Is Austin Dillon A Viable DFS Play At Talladega This Week?
Josh Berry

Qualifies Too High At Talladega To Be Worth Rostering In DFS
Michael McDowell

Should DFS Players Take A Shot On Michael McDowell At Talladega?
Noah Gragson

Could Be A Sneaky DFS Play For Talladega
Denny Hamlin

Probably Qualified Too Well for DFS Consideration
Kyle Larson

Increasingly Undervalued Due to His Crashing, but Still a Great DFS Option
Austin Hays

Smacks Two Homers On Saturday
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF