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After eight weeks of the regular season, some of you have been able to embrace the numbers that have been assembled by the running backs that are contained on your rosters. Unfortunately, an increasing number of fantasy managers have encountered injuries, while others have contended with disappointing output due to a collection of unexpected developments.
Six teams will also have their byes in Week 9. This will create yet another massive challenge for many of you while fueling your interest in locating alternative options on the waiver wire. The teams that will be impacted are Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Denver, San Francisco, and the New York Giants, which ensures that anyone with Nick Chubb, Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, Tony Pollard, Ezekiel Elliott, Najee Harris, Melvin Gordon, and Latavius Murray will have to avoid starting those backs.
This week's 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 news updates and data-fueled analysis that is designed to help you maximize the scoring potential of your rosters.
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Upcoming Bye Weeks
Week 9: Browns, Cowboys, Broncos, Giants, Steelers, 49ers
Week 10: Ravens, Bengals, Patriots, Jets
Week 11: Jaguars, Dolphins, Seahawks, Buccaneers
Week 13: Cardinals, Panthers
Week 14: Falcons, Bears, Packers, Colts, Saints, Commanders
Frontrunners - Week 9 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.
Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 31% Rostered
White continues to present fantasy managers with an enticing handcuff option while his prospects of securing standalone value have been escalating in recent weeks. This has been fueled by a surge in his usage combined with Leonard Fournette’s inability to duplicate his efficiency from last season.
First career TD for @chaad_3 ‼️
📺: #KCvsTB on NBC pic.twitter.com/zKWRpv1UnL
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 3, 2022
White has secured a snap share of at least 38% during three of his five matchups since Week 4 while averaging 4.4 attempts/15 rushing yards/3.6 targets per game. 74 of the 92 routes that White has run have also been accumulated since Week 4.
Fournette has carried 112 times (14 per game) while assembling 386 rushing yards (48.3 per game). However, he has only averaged 3.4 yards per attempt after attaining an average of 4.5 in 2021. Fournette has also averaged 5.3 targets/4.6 receptions/34.1 yards per game as a pass-catcher while running 218 routes.
#Buccaneers Week 8 RB Usage
- Leonard Fournette: 76% snaps, 9 carries, 3 target (58 yards, TD)
- Rachaad White: 24% snaps, 4 carries, 3 targets (43 yards)— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) October 28, 2022
White could ascend into a larger role if Tampa Bay’s recent offensive struggles continue. He would also vault into an extensive workload if Fournette would be sidelined for any reason. This has maintained his status as a back who should be seized from this week’s waiver wire.
Kenyan Drake, Baltimore Ravens - 31% Rostered
The concept of adding Drake may not elicit the same level of enthusiasm that exists for securing other backs from the waiver wire. However, he has delivered several productive outings despite fluctuating touch totals.
BIG RUN @KDx32‼️
Tune in on @NFLonPrime. pic.twitter.com/3M7KGxwflE
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 28, 2022
The health issues of J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards have repeatedly forced the Ravens to adjust the distribution of touches among their running backs. That has also contributed to Drake’s unpredictable usage and output, although he has operated with a 58% snap share during two of Baltimore’s last three matchups. He has also generated 181 rushing yards during those contests. That includes his numbers when the Ravens visited Tampa Bay in Week 8, as Drake assembled 62 yards on seven attempts (8.9 per attempt). Drake also added a five-yard touchdown reception during that matchup.
TOUCHDOWN @KDx32‼️‼️
We're all tied up in the third quarter. Tune in on @NFLonPrime. pic.twitter.com/DkfoU95iAs
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 28, 2022
Dobbins’ recovery from knee surgery is expected to be a 4-6 week process, while Edwards sustained a hamstring injury after accumulating 65 yards against the Buccaneers. Edwards' status should be monitored this week, although Drake should remain involved in the backfield rotation even if Edwards operates with the majority of carries. That elevates Drake among this week’s backs to prioritize.
Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers - 5% Rostered
Warren retains a place among this week’s most viable roster additions even though the frequent restrictions of his touch totals impede him from reaching standalone status.
Warren has carried 29 times and generated 153 rushing yards while also collecting 12 of his 14 targets and producing 88 receiving yards. While those are unexceptional numbers, he has performed efficiently with his opportunities (5.3 yards per attempt).
Jaylen Warren hitting it #Steelers pic.twitter.com/LPvuxbb8Gv
— Steelers Depot 7⃣🎃 (@Steelersdepot) October 30, 2022
Warren also led Pittsburgh in rushing yardage (50) during the Steelers’ Week 8 matchup with Philadelphia even though he was allotted two fewer rushing attempts than Najee Harris (8/6). However, it is his unwavering status as Harris’ direct backup that makes Warren a compelling roster addition.
Fantasy managers have been forced to recalibrate expectations surrounding Harris, but he is still operating with a 68% snap share while accumulating 361 rushing yards (45.1 per game) and 108 attempts (13.5 per game).
Warren would skyrocket into high-end RB2 territory if Harris would become unavailable for any reason. That should incentivize anyone who has Harris contained on their rosters to secure Warren as a critical insurance policy. It also delivers the rationale for any other managers to seize Warren this week.
In The Running - Week 9 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These running backs remain available on the waiver wire but are not necessarily must-adds.
Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams - 46% Rostered
Williams accumulated 2,799 total yards during his final two seasons at Notre Dame, and Los Angeles traded up for the opportunity to seize him during last April’s NFL Draft (164th overall). The 5’9”, 195-pound Williams was placed on injured reserve after he sustained an ankle injury in Week 1 but he could soon secure a sizable role in the Rams’ restructured backfield.
The anticipation surrounding Williams' potential emergence has intensified due to Cam Akers’ unresolved career freefall. Akers has not been involved in Sean McVay’s attack since Week 5, and the prospects of Akers being traded are looming. Darrell Henderson has accumulated 16 carries and 59 rushing yards during Akers’ absence while Malcolm Brown has also been entrusted with 12 attempts while generating 25 yards.
However, Williams possesses the ability to function as a three-down back, and he could garner an integral role during the Rams’ upcoming matchups. He remains available in 54% of all leagues and should be stashed by anyone who can comfortably locate a roster space.
Tyler Allgeier, Caleb Huntley - Atlanta Falcons – (Allgeier 54% Rostered), (Huntley 4% Rostered)
Allgeier and Huntley continue to share touches in a weekly rotation while Cordarrelle Patterson (knee) and Damien Williams (ribs) have remained sidelined by their injuries.
Allgeier has carried 13+ times during Atlanta’s last four matchups while accumulating 58 attempts (14.5 per game). He has also generated 269 rushing yards (53.8 per game) since Week 4, while also establishing new season-highs in targets (three) receptions (three), and receiving yards (46) in Week 8.
That's a 25 yard TD for 2️⃣5️⃣
📺FOX || NFL+ || @tylerallgeier17 pic.twitter.com/PulQqjsgiV
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 30, 2022
However, Huntley has carried 16 times in two of Atlanta’s last two matchups including his team-high total in Week 9. Huntley also generated a career-high 91 rushing yards when the Falcons hosted Carolina in Week 9.
Patterson (knee) has been absent since Week 4 but could potentially re-emerge from injured reserve before Atlanta hosts the Chargers on Sunday. Williams is also a candidate to resurface from the rib injury that has sidelined him since the season opener. However, the status of Patterson and Williams should be monitored.
Allgeier and Huntley should remain rostered until Patterson and Williams have resurfaced. Allgeier is the preferred option but Huntley is attainable in more leagues. They could both supply fantasy managers with viable flex options as injuries, bye weeks, and other unwanted developments continue to deplete rosters.
Latavius Murray, Denver Broncos - 40% Rostered
It appeared wise to avoid any member of Denver’s backfield while the Broncos were operating with a highly congested rotation of Murray, Melvin Gordon, and Mike Boone. Then, Boone’s ankle issue narrowed the rotation to Murray and Gordon. That temporarily positioned Murray to operate with a respectable workload while operating in a two-man rotation with Gordon.
Unfortunately, the arrival of Chase Edmonds appears destined to restore a three-man committee in the Broncos backfield after Edmonds was obtained in a trade with Miami. However, that does not eliminate all rationale for adding Murray if you contending with a roster crisis due to bye weeks, injuries, and other challenges.
Murray has now reached a 44% snap share in two of his last three games while accumulating 136 rushing yards on 37 attempts since joining the Broncos in Week 6. That includes his numbers when Denver traveled to London, as Murray led the Broncos in carries (14), and rushing yards (46), while also producing a two-yard touchdown.
Second trip to London. ✅
Second TD in London. ✅@LataviusM | 📺: ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/R5cR1cGfX5
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 30, 2022
Gordon has attained a 45.8% snap share while generating 128 yards on 38 carries (3.3 per attempt) in four games since Javonte Williams sustained a torn ACL. He has also been targeted 11 times while producing 89 receiving yards during that span. It is unlikely that Gordon or Edmonds will be entrusted with a mammoth workload which should sustain a path for Murray to retain relevance as a flex option.
Dark Horses - Week 9 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.
Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs - 36% Rostered
Any decision to add Pacheco should be fueled by your optimism that Andy Reid will eventually allocate a higher percentage of carries to the promising rookie. Pacheco is still functioning in a production-inhibiting committee with Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon while operating with a 16% snap share. However, he did secure a season-high 30% in Week 7.
He has carried 39 times (5.6 per game) and generated 192 rushing yards (27.4 per game). That includes two games in which he eclipsed 60+ yards, which were blended with four games where he failed to exceed nine.
#Chiefs rookie RB Isiah Pacheco trying to help close out the game with a 17-yard run. #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/iF9ArwD4Vu
— Devon Clements (@DevclemNFL) October 23, 2022
Edwards-Helaire has attained a 41.9% snap share and leads the Chiefs in rushing attempts (65/9.3 per game), rushing yardage (288/41.1 per game), targets (19/2.7 per game), and receiving yards (137/19.6 per game). McKinnon is pacing Kansas City’s backfield with a 42.3% snap share while accumulating 29 carries/119 rushing yards/17 targets/116 receiving yards).
Despite the crowded backfield, Pacheco’s explosiveness could eventually result in an expanded workload. That keeps him elevated among this week’s viable targets for any managers who can comfortably stash him.
Ronnie Rivers, Los Angeles Rams - 1% Rostered
The 6’ 0”, 195-pound Rivers stockpiled 4,838 total yards while performing collegiately at Fresno State (3,417 rushing/1,421 receiving). Rivers was later signed as an undrafted free agent by Arizona before eventually being signed to the Rams’ practice squad in September.
Rivers was also activated prior to Los Angeles’s Week 8 matchup with NFC West rival San Francisco and ultimately led the Rams in rushing attempts (eight) and rushing yards (21). He also captured all four of his targets and assembled 15 yards as a receiver.
Darrell Henderson only carried four times and manufactured 16 yards while collecting both of his targets and producing 14 receiving yards. Malcolm Brown also managed 10 yards with his five rushing attempts.
The Rams' backfield remains unsettled as Cam Akers is not currently included in the team’s rotation. Sean McVay also does not appear inclined to deploy Henderson as the team’s unquestioned feature back. Malcolm Brown is not a candidate for a massive role and it remains uncertain when Kyren Williams will be activated from injured reserve.
These factors warrant adding Rivers this week. He possesses three-down capabilities and could secure a temporary role until Williams emerges.
Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers - 60% Rostered
This recommendation is for fantasy managers who are positioned to stash Mitchell. He entered Week 1 as San Francisco’s RB1 but could only operate in that role for 17 snaps before he encountered a sprained ACL. He was placed on injured reserve but could resurface following the 49ers’ Week 9 bye.
He will re-emerge in a backfield that has undergone a massive transformation due to the arrival of Christian McCaffrey, whose presence will preclude Mitchell from regaining the RB1 responsibilities that he had attained prior to his absence.
However, Mitchell should operate as San Francisco’s RB2. Kyle Shanahan’s comfort level with Mitchell has remained consistent since Mitchell leapfrogged other members of a crowded backfield to seize lead-back duties as a rookie. Mitchell should quickly ascend beyond Jeff Wilson Jr. on the depth chart when he returns.
Mitchell would also reclaim responsibilities as San Francisco’s primary back if McCaffrey became unavailable during the 49ers’ upcoming matchups. That supplies you with an additional incentive to stash him this week.
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.
J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens - 61% Rostered
This suggestion may not initially be embraced if you have selected Dobbins as your RB2 during draft season. It also applies to those of you who do not participate in leagues that provide the option of placing your players on injured reserve.
Dobbins has been limited to four games, 104 snaps, 35 carries, and 123 rushing yards this season. His extended recovery from a torn ACL delayed his season debut until Week 3, and he is now unavailable following knee surgery that is expected to sideline him for 4-6 weeks.
He was operating with a managed workload when he was available, and that scenario would likely occur once again. The Ravens should be compelled to place restraints on his touches which will also limit his production.
The combination of another protracted absence and the likelihood of restricted usage might not provide enough incentive for you to retain him. Particularly if you are facing an uphill battle to advance into the fantasy postseason and are contending with significant roster challenges.
Chase Edmonds, Miami Dolphins - 56% Rostered
Edmonds’ ADP rose to Round 6 during the draft process (70/RB 25) after he signed a two-year contract with Miami. It appeared that he had relocated to a favorable environment, and the results from Week 1 were encouraging. Edmonds led the Dolphins’ backfield in snap share (63%), rushing attempts (12), targets (four), and receiving yards (40) during the season opener. Unfortunately, those numbers represent his season highs as Edmonds' usage and production have plunged to a level that should compel fantasy managers to jettison him from their rosters.
Edmunds has now averaged just 4.2 attempts, along with an anemic 13.6 rushing yards, and 1.9 targets per game since Week 2. Edmonds also ran 45 routes in Weeks 1-2 but has failed to exceed 11 routes in five of his last six matchups.
Mike McDaniel has consistently deployed Raheem Mostert as Miami’s lead back, while Mostert has averaged 13.7 attempts and 62.3 rushing yards per game since Week 2. Anyone who has remained patient while retaining Edmonds on their rosters should not hesitate to locate an alternative option from this week’s waiver wire.
J.D. McKissic, Washington Commandeers - 18% Rostered
McKissic’s pass-catching role had sustained his viability as a roster resource in PPR leagues during his first seasons with Washington. He led all running backs in targets during the 2020 regular season (110/6.9 per game) and was sixth in targets in 2021 (53/4.8 per game) before he sustained a season-ending neck injury.
McKissic was also fourth among all backs with 30 targets (6.0 per game) entering Week 6. However, he has been relegated to 10 targets during the Commanders’ last three matchups combined, as the distribution of touches within Washington’s backfield has shifted since Brian Robinson emerged in Week 5.
McKissic has also carried just seven times since Week 5 as Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson have confiscated the vast majority of opportunities. Gibson also secured season highs in targets (seven), receptions (seven), and receiving yards (58) in Week 8 as McKissic’s customary status as a pass-catching weapon has evaporated. This solidifies the need to locate a better option.
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