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

Week 2 Running Backs - Waiver Wire Pickups and Adds

Well, that didn't take long. Injuries to star running back David Johnson and fantasy sleeper Danny Woodhead have left openings for their understudies to make an impact in the coming weeks. Other lesser-known RBs have shown glimpses of talent that could be an indicator of future success. While I'd never recommend overspending FAAB or dumping more highly-drafted players based on the first week of the season, if you're in need of a free agent addition then these names may be the first to consider.

This article will aim to highlight Week 2 waiver wire adds for running backs, players that you should consider targeting on your league's waiver wire if available. Running backs will be split up into three tiers - from most desirable, to most desperate. I will also include RBs at the bottom of this list that you might consider cutting in order to make room for your new additions.

Once you're done here, be sure to read about even more Week 2 waiver wire recommendations, for all fantasy-relevant positions. Just click on any link: ALL - RB - WR - TE - QB - DEF

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

 

Frontrunners for Week 2 - Waiver Wire Running Backs

This group consists of running backs that I would recommend adding if they are available on your waiver wire. Some are more viable for PPR formats, so take note of that. These players have either earned a greater workload due to injury/performance issues or have shown that they can be weekly contributors to their NFL teams. All players listed have 50% or less ownership levels across fantasy leagues.

Tarik Cohen (RB, CHI) 11% owned

Could the rookie from tiny North Carolina A&T become this year's RB version of Tyreek Hill? Cohen was initially thought to be just a return man, but he's shown great elusiveness as a runner and put his 4.42 speed on display throughout the preseason. He did just that in his NFL debut against the Falcons in Week 1, putting up 113 total yards, including 66 rushing yards on just five attempts and a long of 46. He's shown great hands and breakaway ability, which means it won't take a big workload to produce a fantasy-relevant game on any given week. Jordan Howard isn't in danger of losing his job, but the team already ditched Jeremy Langford and Benny Cunningham was nowhere to be seen in Week 1. His value will be much higher in PPR than standard, as his points from receptions will likely outweigh his touchdown total.

Kerwynn Williams (RB, ARI) 3% owned

The last thing David Johnson owners wanted to see was exactly what happened on Sunday. It may not be a season-ending injury, but DJ is expected to miss 2-3 months and was put on injured reserve. When Johnson went out of the game the first time with an apparent rib injury, Williams got the call and plunged in the end zone. He wound up with just 10 yards on five carries and shared time with Andre Ellington, but he impressed in the preseason and earned the backup job. He's never been a starter before, but could serve well in the role. He owns a career average of 5.6 Y/A, and must be considered a high-priority waiver wire pickup since Johnson is indeed out for a while.

Javorius Allen (RB, BAL) 0% owned

The notion that Buck Allen looked like the best running back on Baltimore's roster during training camp is about to be put to the test. Danny Woodhead was already looking like a PPR monster until he went down early in Week 1 with a hamstring strain. The injury that is expected to keep him out at least 2-4 weeks, and it's not reassuring that it's a repeat of the same exact injury he suffered in the preseason. Allen came in to rush for 71 yards in about three quarters of work against the Bungles. Although he didn't catch any balls, the Ravens were ahead all game and only attempted 17 passes all game so that was more a result of game flow. When Woodhead returns, Allen could be expendable again, but this coming week's matchup against the Browns is too tasty to pass up.

 

In The Running - Week 2 Waiver Wire Running Backs

This group consists of running backs widely available on the waiver wire who aren't must-adds, but could be worth stashing or streaming if the above options are already taken.

Mike Tolbert (RB, BUF) 1% owned

If there were a higher ceiling, Tolbert's opportunity would make him a higher priority add. As it stands, Tolbert is playing the role that made Mike Gillislee a desirable free agent last year as Shady's backup. It was certainly a surprise when the team cut Jonathan Williams just before the season began and left only a 31-year-old fullback as their No. 2 runner, but they sure seemed committed to using him in the run game on Sunday. He put up a respectable 42 yards on 12 carries and scored a touchdown as well after LeSean McCoy went to the sidelines momentarily with a hand issue before later returning. If you own McCoy, it appears you almost have to own Tolbert as a handcuff.

Marlon Mack (RB, IND) 9% owned

Mack was the only Colt to visit the end zone in their Week 1 disaster, but don't get too excited. He averaged 2.4 yards per carry on 10 attempts and was mainly used after it was clear the game was out of hand. Frank Gore is still the RB1 in Indy and should get more carries if they manage to be competitive. That said, Mack was used a bit more than initially expected, so perhaps a committee could form if he shows better in the future.

Giovani Bernard (RB, CIN) 17% owned

The only Cincinnati player who may have improved his stock this week is Gio Bernard. A few weeks ago it was thought he might not even be ready for the season, but now it seems he's at the forefront of a three-headed RBBC. Bernard outrushed both Jeremy Hill and Joe Mixon with 40 yards and wound up as the overall yardage leader among skill players with 79. Unless one of the other two RBs is out of the picture, Bernard is nothing more than a flex play, but he could be a better play than either Hill or Mixon who are higher owned.

Honorable Mentions: James White (RB, NE) 50% ownedDarren Sproles (RB, PHI) 46% owned, Jamaal Williams (RB, GB) 23% owned

 

Dark Horses - Week 2 Running Backs Waiver Wire

This group consists of running backs who are strictly desperation plays. They could serve as a bye week fill-in, short-term injury replacement or weekly lottery ticket.

Charcandrick West (RB, KC) 11% owned

It's pretty clear West is merely a backup to future Hall of Famer Kareem Hunt (too soon?), but he'll still get some run in KC. West jogged in a touchdown in the fourth quarter of Thursday's game as part of a surprising offensive outburst. It was just his ninth TD in his 37th career game, however. West is player to monitor in case Hunt goes down, but doesn't possess stand-alone value in re-draft leagues.

Chris Thompson (RB, WAS) 17% owned

There weren't many offensive highlights for the Skins in Week 1, but Thompson provided the best one. Thompson took a 29-yard touchdown pass to the house while bouncing off tacklers in the process. He only carried three times for four yards and will never see double-digit carries on a regular basis, but there's deep-league value in PPR formats.

Chris Carson (RB, SEA) 15% owned

Is it possible that a seventh-round pick can supplant one-time fantasy darlings Eddie Lacy and Thomas Rawls for early down work in Seattle? Carson outrushed everyone but Russell Wilson on the Seahawks in Week 1 with 39 yards, which may say more about the ineffectiveness of the offense than anything. Still, Carson's six carries was tops on the team and he had a nice 30-yard scamper. Once Rawls comes back, it will really become a four-headed monster in the backfield, which is scary for any fantasy owner. Wait to see if Carson is able to really distinguish himself down the road before investing. Prosise is still the better bet in PPR leagues.

Honorable Mentions: C.J. Prosise (RB, SEA) 33% ownedRex Burkhead (RB, NE) 29% owned, Alvin Kamara (RB, NO) 17% owned

 

Also-Rans - Time To Say Goodbye

Darren McFadden (RB, DAL) 68% owned

Run DMC's value dried up quicker than you can say "temporary injunction." To be honest, I still have no idea what's going to ultimately happen with Ezekiel Elliott, but he's on the field right now against the Giants, while McFadden has been labeled inactive. That's right, he didn't even dress up as the backup. If Zeke's legal issues take another turn for the worse, then you always have time to overreact once again and add McFadden after he's been dropped.

Samaje Perine (RB, WAS) 34% owned

Anyone still projecting Perine to take over the starting RB job in Washington is basing it off of pure hope rather than actual performance. Perine didn't impress at the combine, didn't show much in preseason, and didn't play in Week 1. I'm not cutting his NFL career short already, but he doesn't need to take up roster space at this moment.

Dion Lewis (RB, NE) 12% owned

There aren't enough balls to go around in New England for Lewis to gain any value. James White is locked in as the main pass-catching back, while Rex Burkhead also appears ahead of Lewis for touches.

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Analysis




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

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Kodai Senga

Could be "in Play" to Return Before All-Star Break
Ha-Seong Kim

Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim From Injured List
Christian Moore

Placed on Injured List With Thumb Sprain
Luis L. Ortiz

the Subject of Gambling Investigation
Jordan Lawlar

to Miss Multiple Weeks With Hamstring Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Receives Encouraging News on his Hand
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Avonte Maddox

has Impressed Dan Campbell
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Chicago Bears

Ruben Hyppolite Shows Notable Improvement
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Daron Payne

Commanders Coaches Impressed With Daron Payne
Danny Gray

Makes Impression During Offseason Workouts
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dane Belton

Should Have a Role in 2025
Kaiir Elam

Flashes During Offseason Workouts
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF