Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups - Week 6

Phil Clark's fantasy football running back waiver wire pickups before Week 6 of the 2021 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream and stash off waivers.

After five 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.

The reemergence of bye weeks has now provided managers with an additional factor that could fuel interest in locating alternative options on the waiver wire. That includes the four teams that will be affected this week - Atlanta, New Orleans, San Francisco, and the New York Jets. This ensures that anyone with Cordarrelle Patterson, Mike Davis, Alvin Kamara, Trey Sermon, Elijah Mitchell, Michael Carter, Ty Johnson, and Tevin Coleman on their rosters will have to avoid starting those backs this week.

Regardless of why you are considering your waiver wire options, this week’s recommendations will appear in three tiers beginning with the most enticing and progressing to runners for anyone that is 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 5 Rushing Leaders

Frontrunners - Running Backs to Pickup in Week 6

These backs should be your top waiver wire pickup priorities among the options that are available on most waiver wires. Some will be more beneficial in PPR formats than standard.

Devontae Booker, New York Giants - 5% Rostered

Saquon Barkley had played on 86% of New York’s snaps from Weeks 2-4, as concerns surrounding his health had dissipated. However, he only carried twice during the Giants’ NFC East matchup in Dallas before suffering an ankle injury. That elevated Booker into lead back responsibilities and he generated 42 yards and a touchdown with his 16 attempts. The sixth-year back also collected three of his four targets, while producing 16 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Booker leaps into the end zone 🙌

📺: @NFLonFOX & Giants App pic.twitter.com/xT55xn5mpF

— New York Giants (@Giants) October 10, 2021

Barkley’s status will be monitored closely as the week progresses, but Booker would operate as the Giants’ primary back if Barkley is unable to perform when New York hosts the Rams on Sunday. Booker would function with a sizable workload if Barkley is absent, which has vaulted him atop this week’s list of waiver wire targets. He is only rostered in 5% of all leagues, and anyone with Barkley should prioritize the addition of Booker. All other managers should also capitalize on the opportunity to secure him for their rosters while he remains available.

Darrel Williams, Kansas City - 15% Rostered

Clyde Edwards-Helaire had produced 24 total yards on eight touches before he suffered a knee injury during Kansas City’s Week 5 matchup. That elevated Williams into an expanded role when the Chiefs hosted Buffalo. Williams manufactured 27 rushing yards on five attempts against the Bills, while also collecting three of five targets and accruing 18 receiving yards.

Kansas City relied on Patrick Mahomes to launch a season-high 54 passes during the contest, but Williams should accumulate more touches in upcoming games if Edwards-Helaire is unavailable. It will be critical to follow updates on Edwards-Helaire’s health, but the prospects of Williams commandeering a larger role should supply managers with the motivation to include him among this week’s waiver priorities. Anyone with Edwards-Helaire on their rosters can elude a roster crisis by securing him this week. All other managers can also capitalize on their opportunity to seize him, as a solution to production-inhibiting injuries, bye weeks, and ineffective performances by other backs on their rosters.

Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots - 7% Rostered

Stevenson began the season as a candidate to seize a consistent role in New England’s backfield after he paced all backs in rushing yardage (216) and rushing touchdowns (5) during the preseason. However, he promptly lost a fumble and failed to make a block in just five offensive snaps during the Patriots’ season opener.

We have a Rhamondre Stevenson sighting pic.twitter.com/JKTPduFFkL

— Ben Brown (@BenBrownPL) October 10, 2021

That relegated him to an extended stay in Bill Belichick’s doghouse, where he remained stationed through Week 4. Stevenson’s prospects of reemerging improved after J.J. Taylor lost a fumble in Week 4, which destined Taylor to absorb his own punishment. That occurred in Week 5 as Taylor was inactive when New England faced Houston, while Stevenson was activated for the first time since Week 1. The 6’0”, 225-pound rookie accumulated 11 carries against the Texans, as Damien Harris left the matchup with a chest injury. 31-year old Brandon Bolden also collected six touches, and both backs would share opportunities if Harris is unable to function in his normal role as New England's lead back. Stevenson provides greater upside than Harris for managers and should be secured by anyone who is searching for options on their waiver wire.

Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals - 34% Rostered

Perine was available in 98% of all leagues before Joe Mixon was sidelined (ankle sprain) near the conclusion of Cincinnati’s Week 4 matchup with Jacksonville. Perine functioned as the Bengals’ lead back during their final drive and was elevated to the primary targets on the Week 5 waiver wire. That compelled a number of managers to seize him, under the premise that his workload would expand if Mixon was affixed to the sideline in Week 6.

Joe Burrow finds Samaje Perine to give the @Bengals the lead! #RuleTheJungle

📺: #GBvsCIN on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/ycOtgFvR8R

— NFL (@NFL) October 10, 2021

After a week of uncertainty, Mixon reemerged to assemble 35 total yards on 11 touches against Green Bay. However, Perine led the Bengals’ backfield in multiple categories during the matchup while accumulating 11 attempts, 59 rushing yards, five targets, and 83 total yards. Chris Evans was limited to two touches when he collected both of his targets. The rookie would share the workload with Perine if Mixon would be unavailable during the upcoming weeks. However, Perine would confiscate the majority of touches if that scenario occurs. Mixon’s track record of health issues should incentivize managers to seize Perine, who is still available in over 65% of all leagues.

In The Running - More Running Backs to Pickup

These are more running backs to pickup for Week 6 and remain available on the waiver wire but are not necessarily must-adds.

Kenny Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles - 42% Rostered

The recommendation to add Gainwell on all rosters has been consistent in this column since he catapulted Boston Scott to seize the role as Philadelphia’s RB2. His ability to secure a respectable workload so quickly was unexpected. However, his ability to capitalize on his opportunity was not a surprise. He demonstrated his prowess to amass yardage as a dynamic and versatile weapon at the collegiate level (Memphis) and has earned the confidence of Nick Sirianni.

This has elevated Gainwell into ongoing deployment during negative game scripts which has resulted in usage as both a runner and a reliable pass-catcher for the Eagles. He has now accumulated 21 targets, while also leading the Eagles’ backfield in receiving yards (122). He has also collected 14 receptions, despite being limited to a season-low in Week 5 (1). Miles Sanders remains Philadelphia’s primary rusher and has now captured 16 receptions, but he trails Gainwell in targets (19) and receiving yards (111) entering Week 6.

Gainwell has not attained stand-alone value but he should be rostered in PPR leagues where he remains available. He can also be prioritized by anyone who has Sanders contained on their rosters, as he would elevate into a substantial role if Sanders would be absent for any reason.

Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears - 19% Rostered

Herbert accrued 2,918 rushing yards at the collegiate level, which included four seasons at Kansas and 11 games with Virginia Tech. He accumulated 1,183 of those yards in 2020 while performing for the Hokies, and was later selected by Chicago in Round 6 of last April's NFL draft. However, Herbert was limited to 10 offensive snaps, three carries, and just seven rushing yards entering Week 5.

.@JuiceHerbert movin' the chains!

11 yd gain on the run. #CHIvsLV | #DaBears pic.twitter.com/vOB1ADGSqc

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 10, 2021

David Montgomery‘s knee injury elevated Herbert into an expanded role when the Bears traveled to Las Vegas. He accumulated more rushing attempts (18) and produced more rushing yards (75) than Damien Williams (16/64) who had been a coveted waiver wire addition last week. Both backs will continue to operate in a rotation as the Bears remain reliant on their ground game, but Herbert will remain heavily involved in the reshaped rushing attack and should deliver more favorable yardage totals. He currently remains available in 81% of all leagues and should be among your targets on this week’s waiver wire.

Sony Michel, Los Angeles Rams - 51% Rostered

Michel was dropped in over 20% of all leagues after Darrell Henderson regained lead-back status for the Rams in Week 4. Henderson resurfaced following his rib injury during that matchup and commandeered a 90% snap share and generated 116 total yards. Michel only carried three times, manufactured 11 yards, and lost a fumble that likely contributed to his minimal involvement. The reaction to those developments has expanded Michel’s availability to nearly 50% of all leagues.

This has propelled Michel among this week’s options, as managers where provided with a reminder that he can ascend into a sizable role in Sean McVay’s backfield if Henderson experiences another health issue.

First TD as a Ram‼

TOUCHDOWN @Flyguy2stackz 🙌 pic.twitter.com/hYHk5WYyWl

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) October 8, 2021

That occurred when the Rams traveled to Seattle in Week 5, as Michel accumulated 12 touches while Henderson’s contended with an arm injury. Michel assembled 45 total yards and a touchdown and will operate with a significant workload if Henderson would encounter any additional injuries during the season. That elevates Michel among this week's most viable roster additions.

Alex Collins, Seattle Seahawks - 37% Rostered

Chris Carson has now been sidelined for 20 games since his 2017 rookie season after a neck issue prevented him from taking the field in Week 5. That vaulted Collins into lead-back duties when Seattle hosted the Rams. The former fifth-round pick (2016) was involved on 46 snaps (71% snap share) and generated 47 rushing yards on 15 attempts. Collins also caught two of his three targets, while accruing 25 yards as a receiver.

DeeJay Dallas also accumulated six touches and produced 39 total yards – with 29 of those yards being accrued on a reception. Dallas would share touches with Collins if Carson does not resurface in the lineup when the Seahawks travel to Pittsburgh on Sunday. Carson’s status should be monitored. His history of injuries would suggest that Collins will receive more opportunities to operate with sizable workloads during the season. Expectations should be realistic if that scenario unfolds as Collins is best deployed as a RB3, but he remains available in 39% of all leagues and is worthy of consideration as injuries and bye weeks impact your rosters.

Dark Horses - Deeper Waiver Wire Running Backs

This group consists of waiver wire 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.

Michael Carter, New York Jets - 54% Rostered

Carter’s output would be more enticing if Ty Johnson and Tevin Johnson were not pilfering touches. However, that does not alter the fact that Carter has consistently garnered the largest workload among New York’s trio of backs. He has now carried at least 10 times in three of his last four outings, including the Jets’ Week 5 matchup in London. He has also assembled 159 rushing yards since Week 2 while collecting three targets during each game in that sequence. His snap share has also increased from 25% during New York’s season opener, to over 50% in each of the Jets’ last two outings, while he has scored in two consecutive games.

MIIIIIIIIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/pVsU9JHm5p

— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 10, 2021

Ty Johnson has registered 15 touches and generated 70 total yards since Week 3. Tevin Coleman attained a season-high snap share of just 26% in Week 1, while his touches and output have diminished significantly since Week 3 (12 attempts/three targets/64 total yards). Carter can be stashed on your bench, which provides the option of inserting him into your lineup if his usage continues to expand.

Jaret Patterson, Washington Football Team - 2% Rostered

Underestimate Jaret Patterson at your own risk

📰 » https://t.co/KNIeIlsSUt pic.twitter.com/m2t0r36gVu

— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) September 3, 2021

Patterson accrued 3,884 rushing yards during his three collegiate seasons at Buffalo. That includes 2019 when he finished fifth among all backs in rushing yardage (1,799) and fourth in attempts (312). He was signed by Washington as an undrafted free agent and is positioned below Antonio a Gibson and J.D. McKissic on The Football Team’s depth chart. However, he is primed to accrue more carries than McKissic within Washington’s backfield rotation, particularly if Gibson is contending with a health issue.

Gibson accumulated 22 touches during Washington’s Week 5 encounter with New Orleans, but Patterson was entrusted with four attempts while McKissic only carried twice. Patterson would split opportunities with McKissic if Gibson would be forced from the lineup due to injury, but the rookie’s value would rise significantly if that scenario would emerge. He would be entrusted with a respectable workload as a rusher, which would elevate him into RB3/flex territory. That presents the incentive for stashing on your bench, particularly if you participate in a deeper league. That transaction could also pay dividends if Gibson misses any games.

Giovani Bernard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 16% Rostered

Bernard has recovered from the knee issue that sidelined him in Week 4 and promptly returned to his duties as Tamps Bay’s third-down back. His pass-catching prowess was not required on a frequent basis when the Buccaneers hosted Miami, but his first target resulted in a touchdown, and his defined role within a potent offense should seize the attention of anyone who is searching for options in PPR leagues.

Giovani Bernard tumbles into the endzone for six! #GoBucs take the lead with 7 minutes left in the 1st. #MIAvsTB #NFL #NFLTwitter #SNF pic.twitter.com/yafwMtALvS

— Football Outsiders (@fboutsiders) October 10, 2021

He reached a season-high 45% snap share during the Buccaneers’ Week 3 loss to the Rams while finishing second among all backs in targets (10) and receptions (9) during the Week 3 matchups. He also accrued six touches and generated 35 total yards against the Dolphins. Whenever the Buccaneers encounter game scripts that are similar to their matchup with the Rams, Bruce Arians will be compelled to deploy Bernard with greater frequency. Leonard Fournette will continue to operate as the primary back, while Ronald Jones II will poach a minimal number of carries. Bernard remains available in 84% of all leagues and can provide a matchup-based solution if you are searching for a receiving back.

Time To Say Goodbye - Running Backs to Drop

These are running backs to drop or cut from fantasy rosters in order to secure an RB with greater potential to bolster your scoring during the year.

Kenyan Drake, Las Vegas Raiders - 66% Rostered

When Las Vegas signed Drake to an $11 million contract, it appeared likely that he could collect a sufficient number amount of touches as a rusher and receiver to attain standalone value. Josh Jacobs’s role as the Raider’s lead back remained unquestioned, but Jacobs entered the season averaging 2.6 targets per game. His history of health issues presented the possibility that Drake could operate with a sizable workload if another Jacobs absence occurred.

However, what has actually transpired can justify extracting Drake from your rosters due to his diminished involvement in Jon Gruden’s attack. Drake was only entrusted with 15 carries while Jacobs was sidelined in Weeks 2-3 while being leapfrogged by Peyton Barber for lead back duties (36 carries). He was also relegated to just one rushing attempt in Week 4 while failing to register a target. Drake’s opportunities remained minimal in Week 5, as he carried twice and collected just one target. The consistency of his infinitesimal usage supplies your incentive to remove Drake this week.

Ronald Jones II, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 47% Rostered

Jones entered Week 5 having failed to exceed a 17% snap share during three of Tampa Bay’s first four matchups (9%/16%/17%). He was also averaging just 5.3 attempts per game and had been targeted three times throughout the season. These are hardly the numbers that anyone would prefer to see from a back who is contained on their roster, as the roles that have been confiscated by Leonard Fournette and Giovani Bernard have jettisoned Jones to irrelevance.

Jones’ opportunities remained minimal during Tampa Bay’s Week 5 matchup with Miami as he was limited to five carries, while he only manufactured 21 rushing yards. Fournette has exceeded 100 total yards during each of his last two games (139/110) while accumulating 39 touches during that span. Fournette's workload as Tampa Bay's lead back has blended with Bernard’s duties on third down to suppress Jones' usage. He cannot be used in anyone's starting lineups and Jones can safely be replaced by a back that has been mentioned in this article.

Mark Ingram II/David Johnson/Phillip Lindsay, Houston Texans - Ingram 31%/Johnson 30%/Lindsay 21%

The need to ignore all backs that operate in Houston’s overcrowded backfield remains ongoing, as does the logic in avoiding nearly all skill players on the Texans’ offense unless you have secured Brandin Cooks for your rosters. Ingram carried 12 times in Weeks 3-4 combined before accruing 16 attempts in Week 5. However, he only averaged 2.6 yards per attempt and has yet to approach the unsustainable workload that he accumulated during Houston’s season opener (26 attempts). The Texans were playing with a lead during that matchup, and which is an unlikely occurrence during their upcoming contests.

Johnson could be retained on your roster in deep leagues, but only if you are willing to wait for the possibility that he could be traded into a more favorable situation. That does not exist with his current role on the Texans (18 carries/16 targets/185 total yards). Lindsay is averaging a microscopic 1.7 yards per carry average on 29 attempts and is not utilized as a receiver (2 targets). The combination of a three-man rotation performing on an offense that operates with major deficiencies should remove all hesitation in dropping any member of Houston’s backfield.

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