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After months of drafting and reshaping rosters, the highly-anticipated return of NFL matchups finally occurred. This was the first opportunity to witness regular-season game action, along with our initial chance to evaluate running backs as they performed during their opening day matchups. Many of you should be extremely satisfied with the production that your backs delivered in Week 1.
However, some of you have lost confidence in the runners that are currently on your rosters. This could be the result of an escalating collection of injuries, uninspiring performances, or restrictions in your starters' workloads. Regardless of why you might be considering your waiver wire options, this article will uncover the best running backs that remain available in up to 60% of all leagues.
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 news updates and data-fueled analysis that is designed to help you maximize the scoring potential of your rosters.
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Week 1 Rushing Leaders
| Week 1 Rushing Leaders | Team | Attempts | Yards | TDs |
| Joe Mixon | Cincinnati | 29 | 127 | 1 |
| David Montgomery | Chicago | 16 | 108 | 1 |
| Elijah Mitchell | San Francisco | 19 | 104 | 1 |
| Melvin Gordon | Denver | 11 | 101 | 1 |
| Damien Harris | New England | 23 | 100 | 0 |
| Christian McCaffrey | Carolina | 21 | 98 | 0 |
| Chris Carson | Seattle | 16 | 91 | 0 |
| Antonio Gibson | Washington | 20 | 90 | 0 |
| Mark Ingram II | Houston | 26 | 85 | 1 |
| Nick Chubb | Cleveland | 15 | 83 | 2 |
| Alvin Kamara | New Orleans | 20 | 83 | 0 |
| Miles Sanders | Philadelphia | 15 | 74 | 0 |
| Devin Singletary | Buffalo | 11 | 72 | 0 |
| Chase Edmonds | Arizona | 12 | 63 | 0 |
| Dalvin Cook | Minnesota | 20 | 61 | 1 |
Frontrunners - Week 2 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs should be your top priorities among the options that are available on most waiver wires. Some will be more beneficial in PPR formats than standard.
Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers - 4% Rostered
Mitchell accumulated 3,864 total yards and 46 touchdowns during his collegiate career (Louisiana), which compelled the 49ers to select him in Round 6 of last April’s NFL Draft. However, Raheem Mostert and third-round selection Trey Sermon were expected to share the vast majority of touches that were distributed within San Francisco’s backfield. But they combined for just 20 total yards on two touches during the 49ers' Week 1 matchup in Detroit. Sermon surprisingly emerged on the inactive list just hours before kickoff, while Mostert was sidelined in the first quarter by an injury (knee). These factors elevated Mitchell into an expanded role (19 attempts), and the rookie exploded for the third-highest yardage total among all backs (104).
Elijah Mitchell takes it straight to the house 🏠 pic.twitter.com/zkf8mz7vOt
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) September 12, 2021
Sermon should ascend into an integral role as the year advances. But Mostert’s latest health issue continues an extensive history of injuries that should not be dismissed. Mitchell is capable of performing effectively whenever Kyle Shanahan opts to deploy him and has soared atop the list of targets on this week’s waiver wire.
James White, New England Patriots - 33% Rostered
White’s extensive track record as a proficient pass-catching weapon was examined here last week, and his usage and output during Week 1 maintained his status as a valuable resource in PPR leagues. He entered the regular season with averages of 5.8 targets, 4.3 receptions, and 36.7 yards per game since 2016 while leading the Patriot backfield in each category during that span. He collected six of his seven targets when New England hosted AFC East rival Miami while finishing second on the Patriots in receiving yards (49).
What a throw by Mac Jones to James White. Absolutely perfect ball placement. (Video via @BenBrownPL)
— Pats Buzz (@PatsBuzz) September 12, 2021
This extended New England’s reliance on White as a dependable receiving option. His defined role should also eliminate any concerns about trusting a member of the Patriot backfield in your lineup. He was somehow rostered in only 33% of all leagues. But if you are participating in the PPR format, your opportunity could be squandered if you fail to add him this week.
Kenny Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles - 8% Rostered
TD GAINWELL.
The @Eagles rookie RB scores his first career touchdown. #FlyEaglesFly
📺: #PHIvsATL on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/PfAzrxFK94— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
It was easy to envision factors aligning favorably for Gainwell which would eventually propel him into an ongoing role in Philadelphia’s offense. He can burst for significant yardage due to his acceleration as a runner, and also possesses the ability to operate as a dynamic receiver. Gainwell also attained valuable experience in an RPO spread offense during his collegiate career (Memphis).
However, his timeline for involvement in the Eagles’ redesigned attack exceeded expectations after he collected 11 touches, producing 43 total yards, and generated a rushing touchdown during the team’s season opener. Miles Sanders collected 19 touches while performing as the Eagles’ primary back. However, Boston Scott did not register a touch during the season opener, which is a promising development for anyone who has already invested in Gainwell. Anyone with Sanders on their rosters can now consider Gainwell as a viable handcuff. He remains available in 92% of all leagues, which should motivate all other managers to secure him this week.
In The Running - Week 2 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs remain available on the waiver wire but are not necessarily must-adds.
Tony Jones Jr., New Orleans Saints - 21% Rostered
Jones was signed as an undrafted free agent by New Orleans in 2020 but was limited to five offensive snaps during the season. He also remained firmly outside the fantasy landscape throughout nearly all of the offseason. But his performance during the preseason (106 rushing yards/8.8 per attempt) provided evidence that he would surpass Latavius Murray on New Orleans’ depth chart.
Tony Jones has the #juice pic.twitter.com/s212eNps4Q
— Graham Barfield (@GrahamBarfield) September 7, 2021
That reportedly compelled the Saints to approach Murray about a pay cut, and the team released Murray when he refused. His exodus cemented Jones’ role as the Saints’ RB2, and he operated in that capacity during New Orleans’ Week 1 matchup with Green Bay. Jones generated 50 rushing yards with his 11 attempts and should sustain his responsibilities as the backup to Alvin Kamara. This will provide the opportunity for the second-year back to navigate yardage behind one of the NFL’s most effective offensive lines. Jones is still available in nearly 80% of all leagues and should be included among your primary targets this week.
Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys - 54% Rostered
There has been a massive overreaction to Ezekiel Elliott’s reduced workload during the Cowboys' Week 1 matchup in Tampa, and this is not a suggestion that Pollard will usurp Elliott’s RB1 responsibilities with Dallas. The Cowboys were facing a Buccaneer run defense that allowed a league-low 80.6 yards per game during 2020, and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore opted to deploy Dak Prescott and the Dallas passing attack on 58 of 77 the team’s offensive plays. That limited both backs to a combined 14 attempts (Elliott 11/Pollard 3).
Pollard does not deliver standalone value. But you can still be incentivized to add him if Elliott is contained on your roster. Pollard would thrive if Elliott were to be sidelined during the season. This was demonstrated when Pollard functioned as the lead back during last year's Week 15 matchup, while Elliott was contending with a calf issue.
Tony Pollard in Week 15:
-Rushing Grade: 85.1 (ranks 2nd among RBs, pre-MNF)
-Yards After Contact/Att: 5.08 (ranks 2nd)
-Elusive Rating: 169.4 (ranks 2nd)#Cowboys pic.twitter.com/D3MZ2z2Kg0— PFF DAL Cowboys (@PFF_Cowboys) December 21, 2020
Pollard collected 18 touches, generated 134 total yards, and finished at RB1 in scoring during that pivotal week for managers. He is fully capable of replicating that level of production if he vaults to lead back status again. That should supply your motivation to seize him while he remains available.
Mark Ingram II, Houston Texans - 19% Rostered
Texans head coach David Culley was included on Baltimore’s staff from 2018-2020 (assistant head coach/passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach) and maintains an excellent relationship with Ingram. But the nebulous nature of Houston’s overcrowded backfield did not present a reason for optimism that Ingram would confiscate a major percentage of touches. Particularly since Ingram’s involvement in Baltimore’s backfield rotation was systematically erased during the Ravens’ final 10 games of 2020.
In @markingramII we TRUSS 💪
📺 » @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/ILmrc9DVHh
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 12, 2021
But Ingram stockpiled 26 rushing attempts and finished ninth among all backs with 85 yards. He also produced his first touchdown since last October. Phillip Lindsay carried eight times, and managed 25 yards, while David Johnson was limited to six touches (3 carries/3 receptions) and manufactured just 28 total yards. This recommendation arrives with a caveat that negative game scripts are looming in Houston’s future and it will be difficult for Ingram to replicate his Week 1 output on a frequent basis. But his usage supplies your rationale for securing him this week.
Dark Horses - Week 2 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.
Latavius Murray, New Orleans Saints - 55% Rostered
We have signed RB @LataviusM. pic.twitter.com/4dXEmth1R2
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 10, 2021
Murray appeared primed to seize a consistent role within New Orleans’ reconstructed offense, as the Saints entered the regular season with an attack that was highly deficient in dependable receiving weaponry. That seemed to provide Sean Payton with the incentive to deploy Murray and Alvin Kamara extensively, while both backs operated behind one of the league’s premier offensive lines. But that did not transpire due to the emergence of Tony Jones Jr., which hastened Murray’s departure from the Saints.
However, he has quickly re-emerged as a potential flex option after joining Baltimore’s injury-ravaged backfield. Murray is one of three veterans who were signed by the Ravens, due to the team’s devastating series of season-ending health issues. But he retains the capacity to run more proficiently than Le’Veon Bell and Devonta Freeman, whose remaining ability to generate yardage is non-existent. This should elevate Murray into responsibilities as Ty’son Williams’ primary backup. It also justifies targeting him on this week’s waiver wire if you are searching for flex options.
Devontae Booker, New York Giants - 8% Rostered
Seven backs were selected prior to Saquon Barkley during the majority of drafts, which was a byproduct of the concerns that surrounded both his health and his environment. Barkley’s exceptional rookie season (2018) remains embedded in the consciousness of all managers. However, he has missed 17 matchups during his last two seasons and entered Week 1 amid the likelihood of a managed workload. Barkley’s diminished usage became reality when the Giants’ hosted Denver, as he was limited to 11 touches, and manufactured a modest 27 total yards.
Booker collected five touches while functioning as Barkley’s backup. He should accumulate opportunities on a weekly basis until Barkley’s restricted snap count has dissipated. But his primary value exists for anyone with Barkley contained on their rosters. If this applies to you, Booker also supplies your team with a temporary insurance policy that would help you negate a roster crisis if Barkley is absent during the year.
Tevin Coleman / Ty Johnson, New York Jets - 32%/11% Rostered
The arrival of new head coach Robert Saleh and his offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur provided an indication that the Jets’ rushing attack could mirror the strategic approach that had been used by the 49ers – since both coaches had served under Kyle Shanahan. This included the potential for New York to distribute touches between multiple backs. That ultimately transpired during the Jets’ season opener, as Coleman (9 attempts/24 rushing yards/0 targets), Johnson (4 attempts/15 rushing yards/1 target /11 receiving yards), and Carter (4 attempts/6 rushing yards/1 target/14 receiving yards) split the workload.
The results from New York's season opener do not equate to defined roles for any of the Jet backs. But Carter should garner more touches as the year advances, while the two veterans will remain involved for the foreseeable future. Coleman’s history with Saleh and LaFleur history in San Francisco should keep him active in the rotation, while Johnson will collect touches due to his big-play capabilities. That provides you with the opportunity to target them this week if injuries have left you scrambling for options at this position.
Also-Rans - Time To Say Goodbye
These backs can be dropped in order to secure an RB with greater potential to bolster your scoring during the year.
Gus Edwards/J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens - 44%/18%
An improbable number of season-ending injuries have permeated the Ravens’ backfield while eviscerating the plans of managers who had drafted Edwards and Dobbins. But if either Baltimore back is still on your roster, you should have made already made it a priority to remove them.
It is surprising that Dobbins’ name still appears on nearly 20% of all rosters, and anyone who has failed to locate an alternative option should drop him immediately. The torn ACL that he suffered in late August resulted in an unfortunate but definitive end to his season. The torn ACL that Edwards experienced transpired more recently. But the end result is identical, as his absence will also extend throughout the regular season. Extracting both backs from your roster will result in far better use of valuable spots. It also provides the opportunity for you to add a player who is clearly in a better position to generate fantasy points.
Le'Veon Bell, Baltimore Ravens - 51% Rostered
Bell joined a Baltimore backfield that has endured the loss of Dobbins, Edwards, and Justice Hill. However, Bell is not a back that you can rely on. He did finish among the top five in rushing yardage three times during his first five seasons, stockpiled 5,336 yards on the ground, and nearly 8,000 total yards during his tenure with Pittsburgh. However, that transpired from 2013-2017.
Much has occurred since Bell was performing at an elite level, and those developments have accelerated the enormous descent of his career. Since his catastrophic holdout during 2018, he has averaged 11.9 attempts, 3.6 yards per attempt, and 41.2 yards per game. That includes 2020, when he averaged just 7.5 carries, and 29.8 rushing yards per game. He also manufactured just 138 receiving yards, which was a massive drop from his per-season average as a Steeler (532). Ty’son Williams and Lamar Jackson are the critical components in Baltimore’s ground game, and Bell does not possess enough remaining talent to be included on your roster.
Boston Scott, Philadelphia Eagles - 15% Rostered
Scott operated as Philadelphia’s RB2 during most of the 2020 regular season, while accumulating over 1,000 total yards (1,035) on 105 touches. He also finished second only to Sanders in rushing yardage (384/23.4 per game), rushing attempts (80/5.0 per game), and targets (36/2.3 per game). The infusion of Gainwell into Philadelphia’s backfield loomed as an eventual threat to usurp Scott’s responsibilities. However, Gainwell ‘s aforementioned attributes allowed him to supplant Scott during the Eagles’ Week 1 matchup in Atlanta.
The rookie’s versatility should preserve his status as Sanders’ direct backup, while his pass-catching acumen should result in consistent usage as a receiver. None of which presents a favorable scenario for Scott, who failed to register a touch in Week 1. If Scott is currently on your roster you have an opportunity to improve your team by collecting one of the backs that were mentioned earlier in this column.
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