Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups - Week 5

Phil Clark's fantasy football running back waiver wire pickups before Week 5 of the 2021 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream and stash off waivers.

The matchups of Week 4 delivered a blend of favorable and unwanted developments for managers. This included the return of Dalvin Cook and Darrell Henderson into their teams’ starting lineups. We also witnessed Chuba Hubbard’s first game as Carolina's primary back, while New England progressed through their first contest without James White operating as their pass-catching back.

Injuries to David Montgomery and Joe Mixon have added uncertainty to the planning process for Week 5, as many of you are determining how to reshape your rosters. This could also be the result of disappointing performances or restrictions in your starters' workloads. Regardless of why you might be considering options on your waiver wire, this article will uncover the best running backs that remain available in up to 60% of all leagues.

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.

Editor's Note: Discover RotoBaller’s top Fantasy Football Sleepers to gain an edge in your drafts. Our free who to draft tool and expert picks spotlight undervalued players, breakout candidates, and late-round gems for all league formats.

Week 4 Rushing Leaders

Frontrunners - Week 5 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.

Kenny Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles - 30% Rostered

Gainwell will maintain a presence in this column on a weekly basis until he is rostered in at least 60% of all leagues. He possesses favorable strengths that have compelled Nick Sirianni to capitalize on Gainwell’s versatility, including his continued deployment as both a proficient rusher and a reliable receiving weapon. Gainwell has now accumulated 198 total yards on 37 touches, which includes his season-high usage and output during Philadelphia’s Week 4 matchup with Kansas City.

Kenny Gainwell second NFL TD

Good fun play call from Nick Sirianni, run the ball up the middle

Eagles within 5
pic.twitter.com/McZLnVHbeh

— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) October 3, 2021

Gainwell established season highs in targets (8), receptions (6), and receiving yards (58), while generating his second rushing touchdown of the season against the Chiefs. Gainwell’s nine touches nearly matched the total for Miles Sanders, who managed 47 total yards with his 10 opportunities. Gainwell has also assembled more total yards than Sanders during their last two contests (123/102). Gainwell was already operating as Philadelphia’s unquestioned RB2 behind Sanders prior to his Week 4 performance, and his importance within the Eagles’ offense is steadily rising. The talented rookie has attained standalone value for all managers and should be the top priority among backs on this week’s waiver wire.

Damien Williams, Chicago Bears - 7% Rostered

David Montgomery had rumbled for 108 yards and two touchdowns during Chicago’s Week 4 matchup with Detroit before he experienced a knee injury that forced his sudden departure. His status for Week 5 is currently unclear, and the situation should be monitored. Williams also experienced a quad injury, although it appears that he be available when Chicago travels to Las Vegas on Sunday. He would also ascend into an expanded role against the Raiders if Montgomery is sidelined during the matchup. 

Damien Williams would not be denied. 😤#DETvsCHI | #DaBears pic.twitter.com/hq4nehANA4

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 3, 2021

Williams generated 55 yards on eight carries versus the Lions, and his resume includes leading Kansas City in rushing attempts (111/10.1 per game), and rushing yardage (498/45.3 per game) during 2019. He also collected 30 of his 37 targets, which allowed him to establish career highs in each category. He also assembled 290 total yards and six touchdowns during the Chiefs extended postseason journey to the Super Bowl. Anyone who has invested in Montgomery should retain Williams as a season-long insurance policy regardless of Montgomery’s Week 5 availability  – provided that you are successful when you attempt to add him this week. Khalil Herbert could also receive touches touches if Montgomery is absent this week.

Latavius Murray, Baltimore Ravens - 47 % Rostered

Even though Ty’Son Williams appeared to be Baltimore’s most effective rusher within the Ravens' cluster of options, the team had maintained their commitment toward including multiple backs in an ongoing rotation. Williams accrued 27 attempts from Weeks 1-3 while attaining a 50% snap share. However, he surprisingly became a healthy scratch when Baltimore visited Denver, while Murray was entrusted with a team-high 18 attempts. Murray also led the Ravens in rushing yards (59) and generated a touchdown against the Broncos.

TOUCHDOWN @LataviusM‼

We're all tied up at 7-7 in the second quarter‼

Tune in on CBS. pic.twitter.com/1Rwh8jrP57

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 3, 2021

Murray has now accumulated 44 carries since he arrived in Baltimore and has produced 151 yards on the ground. Devonta Freeman and Le’Veon Bell have combined for just 10 attempts, while Williams’ role is now uncertain. These developments have propelled Murray into a position of operating with the most extensive workload among members of the Ravens’ backfield. The specifics of Baltimore’s committee approach could be altered at any time, but Murray has become the back that should be rostered within a Baltimore attack that ranks fourth in run play percentage (48.8%).

In The Running - Week 5 Waiver Wire Running Backs

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

Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals - 2% Rostered

Perine has been limited to 28 rushing yards on nine attempts this season, and his involvement as a receiver has also been minimal (4 targets/3 receptions/30 yards). However, that includes his four touches during Cincinnati’s final drive in Week 4 after Joe Mixon suddenly encountered an ankle injury. Mixon has only navigated through an entire regular season schedule once during his first four seasons, including his 10-game absence in 2020 (foot). Mixon should benefit from a 10-day rest period before the Bengals host Green Bay.

However, his brief departure served as a reminder that Perine will elevate into a sizable role if Mixon’s issue keeps him cemented to the sideline. Chris Evans could be expected to siphon touches if that scenario transpires, but Perine would commandeer the majority of opportunities in a reshaped backfield. He remains available in 98% of all leagues and should be prioritized among this week’s waiver wire options due to uncertainty surrounding Mixon’s injury. Perine will also supply managers with a valuable insurance policy if Mixon is absent at any other point of the season.

J.D. McKissic, Washington Football Team - 38% Rostered

McKissic was already a viable roster addition for managers in PPR leagues even before news surfaced that Antonio Gibson was contending with a hip issue. Not only did McKissic’s ongoing involvement as a receiver supply the potential for him to accumulate targets and receptions as the Football Team’s RB2, but Gibson’s injury also served as a reminder that McKissic can protect managers from a massive roster issue if they have invested in Gibson.

McKissic has now accumulated 14 targets, collected 12 receptions, and has also assembled 142 receiving yards. That includes his involvement as a pass-catcher when Washington traveled to Atlanta in Week 4, as McKissic captured all five of his targets, while also producing 44 yards and a touchdown.

WASHINGTON SURVIVES.

This TD from J.D. McKissic ends up being the game-winner 😤pic.twitter.com/b84zCD0oXW

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) October 3, 

He has also carried 15 times after being allotted a season-high seven attempts against the Falcons. McKissic still remains attainable in over 60% of all leagues and should be added by managers who are participating in the PPR format. He is also a vital handcuff to safeguard the interests of anyone who has Gibson contained on their rosters.

Darrel Williams, Kansas City Chiefs - 9% Rostered

Williams does not present standalone value as managers plan their Week 5 lineups. However, his usage has steadily increased during each of his last four matchups. He also continues to function as the RB2 in Andy Reid’s offense while remaining directly below Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the depth chart. Williams accrued 12 touches and generated 58 total yards during the Chiefs’ Week 4 matchup in Philadelphia. That includes his season-high 10 carries, which enabled Williams to assemble 42 yards and a touchdown on the ground. He has accrued 17 attempts during his last two contests and has scored twice during Kansas City's last three games.

GRIDDY UP @darrelwilliams_!!!! 🤠

📺: #KCvsPHI on CBS pic.twitter.com/y3nruwaQMd

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 3, 2021

Despite his increased involvement, the primary incentive for including Williams on your roster involves the significant workload that he would receive if Edwards-Helaire would be sidelined for any reason. If Edwards-Helaire is on your roster, you have an opportunity to elude a crisis before that scenario transpires. Williams remains available in over 90% of all leagues, and can also be stashed by managers in deeper leagues.

Dark Horses - Week 5 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.

Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts - 14% Rostered

This recommendation is for anyone who is in a position to stash Mack, on the premise that he could resurface in a new environment. He had been limited to 13 offensive snaps, five attempts, and 16 rushing yards from Weeks 1-3 while being rendered irrelevant due to the combined presence of Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines. He was also a healthy scratch during the Colts’ Week 3 matchup with Tennessee before Mack carried 10 times in Week 4 versus Miami.

Just a reminder of what Marlon Mack can do on a football field. Thank you for everything you gave this city @Marlon_Mack25 pic.twitter.com/vnwteo7ETO

— Matt🔥 (@coltsplswin) September 28, 2021

Mack has also requested a trade, which has provided the possibility that he will reemerge in a new backfield. This could vault Mack into an ongoing role with his new team’s rushing attack. That would resurrect his career while supplying managers with a reliable point producer for the remaining weeks of the year. Mack did finish ninth overall in attempts (247), and in 10th in rushing yardage (1,091) during 2019 while averaging 17.6 attempts and 78 yards per game. He also generated 56 total yards during two-quarters of Indy’s season opener in 2020 before a ruptured Achilles' ended his season. Mack is healthy now and could eventually become a valuable resource for anyone who adds him this week.

Jeff Wilson Jr., San Francisco 49ers - 20% Rostered 

With each passing week, the incentive for stashing Wilson on your bench continues to rise. He currently remains on injured reserve (knee surgery). but he will emerge during the next few weeks and has already proven that he can deliver highly productive outings when Kyle Shanahan includes him in San Francisco’s backfield rotation. Wilson capitalized on his opportunity to accumulate touches in a crowded San Francisco backfield during 2020 (Raheem Mostert/Jerick McKinnon/JaMycal Hasty/Tevin Coleman/Kyle Jusczyk) and ultimately led the 49ers in attempts (126/10.5 per game), rushing yardage (600/50 per game), and rushing touchdowns (7).

Touchdown number ✌ for Jeff Wilson Jr. pic.twitter.com/V9a6UNGTcu

— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) October 25, 2020

Wilson also finished at RB1 in Week 7, was RB10 from Weeks 12-17, and finished eighth among all backs in rushing yardage during the 49ers’ final six contests (437/72.8 yards per game). Wilson also finished eighth at his position in targets (21/3.5 per game) during that sequence. Wilson is fully capable of generating favorable numbers, and Shanahan should be incentivized to deploy him upon his return. He could supply your roster with a valuable roster component later this season when that occurs.

Peyton Barber, Las Vegas Raiders - 36% Rostered  

Josh Jacobs has been sidelined for six games since entering the NFL (2019) while contending with multiple health issues during that span. Jacobs could also encounter additional health challenges even after he returns from his current ankle injury. If Jacobs misses additional time for any reason, then Barber will be the beneficiary of an expanded workload - not Kenyan Drake.

Peyton Barber up and over 💈 @Pb25Peyton #RaiderNation

📺: #MIAvsLV on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/j29EEfDzR4

— NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2021

Barber procured a 57% snap share in Week 3 when Las Vegas hosted Miami, which was his highest since Week 2 of 2019. He easily surpassed Drake in rushing attempts (23/8), while Barber also tied his career-high. He also generated a career-best 111 yards, while averaging 4.8 yards per attempt. Jon Gruden is on record as stating that he has no hesitation in trusting Barber with a significant workload, which has also been verified by his usage during Jacobs' absence. This elevates Barber among the most viable backs to stash in deeper leagues. It also supplies managers with a legitimate insurance policy if Jacobs is contained on their roster.

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.

Ronald Jones II, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 54% Rostered

Jones was rostered in 73% of all leagues exactly one week ago, but a growing percentage of fantasy managers have wisely opted to remove him. Jones has also been relegated to just 21 carries, which includes his six attempts during Tampa Bay’s Week 4 matchup in New England. Jones did produce a touchdown, but Fournette commandeered 23 touches and stockpiled 138 total yards during the contest. Bernard was inactive (knee), but will join Fournette in confiscating targets that are distributed to the backfield after he returns. That tandem has combined for 34 targets while Jones has also been limited to three targets through four games.

The Buccaneers rank 31st in run play percentage (29.0%), and Bruce Arians will maintain his aversion to involving Jones in a sizable percentage of carries - which has ushered Jones into irrelevance. Jones will also remain excluded from involvement as a receiver and simply does not collect enough touches to function as a starter in any capacity. That leaves managers without a reason to continue wasting a valuable roster spot.

Mark Ingram II/David Johnson/Phillip Lindsay, Houston Texans -  38%33%/26%  Rostered

This suggestion applies equally for all three runners that split touches in Houston’s overcrowded backfield, as the continued deployment of Ingram, Johnson, and Lindsay within an abysmal Texans offense eviscerates all justification for starting any member of this trio. 26 of Ingram’s 52 carries were stockpiled back in Week 1 when Houston benefited from a favorable game script. That scenario will be rare for an offense that will be trailing frequently as the season unfolds. Ingram has also received a combined 13 touches in his last two contests.

Lindsay has accumulated 25 touches during his four matchups, manufactured a minuscule 53 total yards, and has been a non-entity in the Texans’ target distribution (2). Johnson would provide fantasy managers with the greatest potential for favorable numbers if he wasn’t languishing with minimal usage through four contests (16 carries/10 targets/134 total yards). The restricted usage of all three backs virtually guarantees that any potential to accumulate favorable yardage totals will be quashed. That should incentivize you to eliminate Ingram, Johnson, and Lindsay from your rosters.

Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots - 15% Rostered

It was conceivable that a runway might exist for Stevenson to re-emerge with a role in New England's reshaped backfield due to James White’s season-ending hip injury. However, that would also require Stevenson to resurface from his extended stint in Bill Belichick’s doghouse. The 6’0”, 225-pound rookie lost a fumble and subsequently missed a block during New England’s season opener and has been jettisoned to the sideline for his protracted role as a spectator.

Rhamondre Stevenson fumbles the ball on his first career reception. Not a great start for the Patriots early on. pic.twitter.com/RJrHOK0Fw2

— Ben Brown (@BenBrownPL) September 12, 2021

Unfortunately for Stevenson and anyone who retains him on the rosters, he was inactive yet again when New England hosted Tampa Bay in Week 4. The lingering punishment has eviscerated any positive momentum that had been achieved when he led all backs in rushing yardage (216) and rushing touchdowns (5) during the preseason. It also supplies the opportunity for anyone with Stevenson on their rosters to search for alternative options who retain the confidence of their head coach. The distribution of touches for Patriot backs could be altered at any time, but Stevenson can be dropped if you are contending with roster issues.

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