🖥 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
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
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Running Backs Waiver Wire - Week 11 Pickups and Adds

If you're a believer in the All-RB bench strategy, you may consider acquiring multiple players on this list. We have no idea how much value players like Jamaal Williams or Rex Burkhead will have in another week or two, but the off-chance that they play significant roles on their respective teams during the fantasy playoffs should make them far more valuable than any interchangeable WR3 or WR4 that's out there.

This article will aim to highlight Week 11 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 and a suggested percentage of your FAAB to spend on each player.

Editor's Note: The FFPC Playoff Challenge #2 is back with a massive $100,000 grand prize and $203,250 total prize pool, paying down to 100th place. Here's the deal: no salary cap, no draft, no pickups, no subs. Choose 8 players, and as NFL teams get knocked out so will your players, so choose your team wisely. The entries will sell out quickly, and registrations will close on Saturday January 17th at 4:30 pm ET . Don't wait - get your team now and end your fantasy football season with a shot at $100,000! Sign Up Now!

 

Frontrunners for Week 11 - Waiver Wire Running Backs

Jamaal Williams, Green Bay Packers - 4% owned (7-10% FAAB)

Another new starter in Green Bay's backfield? When Aaron Jones left the game early, Ty Montgomery made the biggest impact but exited late, and Jamaal Williams wound up with the most touches. Williams wasn't overly effective, carrying 20 times for 67 yards and catching just one pass. He could be the de facto RB1 as last man standing, though. This pickup is far less exciting with Aaron Rodgers still sidelined, but any starting running back that's virtually unowned should be a high priority add.

Rex Burkhead, New England Patriots - 10% owned (4-8% FAAB)

I know, another Pats RB... All of a sudden, Rex Burkhead is the focal point of New England's offense, just to confuse us all. He scored a touchdown early in the first quarter and nearly scored again in the second quarter when the Pats seemingly force-fed him the ball near the goal-line. He finished with 63 total yards, but the scoring potential makes him relevant in both standard and PPR. The interesting thing is that he didn't just serve as a pass-catcher. Burkhead was on the field for 36 offensive snaps; Dion Lewis came in next with 21 snaps. His ceiling is limited and his usage extremely unpredictable, but that's the case with pretty much all these players.

Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers - 2% owned (5% FAAB)

Chargers fans might not remember Ekeler too fondly for his late fumble that allowed the Jags to eventually claim victory in overtime. Fantasy owners only care about the two touchdowns and 119 total yards that made Ekeler the second-leading RB scorer in Week 10. If Melvin Gordon were hurt, this would be an obvious situation of a backup whose value is tied to the starter's status. But Ekeler did all his damage with Gordon perfectly healthy and ineffective. Ekeler won't supplant Gordon any time soon, but he should definitely be worked into the offense more after he showed off breakaway speed. He joins the group of PPR flex-worthy options that are boom-bust on a given week.

 

In The Running - Week 11 Waiver Wire Running Backs

Latavius Murray, Minnesota Vikings - 43% owned (3-5% FAAB)

17 carries, 68 yards and one touchdown on the ground, nothing through the air. Not an overly exciting line, but it did show that Murray will continue to be involved in the offense for one of the top teams in the NFC. His value is certainly higher in standard leagues than PPR, as he's somewhat touchdown-dependent. With so few running backs assured of such a dedicated role, he still remains a widely available free agent.

Andre Ellington, Arizona Cardinals - 9% owned (3% FAAB)

Sure, it was a meaningless touchdown that Ellington scored, but it's something. He was stymied on Thursday night, catching three of six targets for 26 yards and running for just four yards, but it was against the Seattle defense. If Blaine Gabbert becomes the new starting QB in Arizona, expect a steady diet of checkdowns. He is far less exciting than he was a few weeks ago, but there's still some potential for a few cheap points.

Theo Riddick, Detroit Lions - 42% owned (2% FAAB)

In many competitive PPR leagues, Riddick has been owned since draft day. He hasn't been worth rolling out in your starting lineups, however. Riddick finally scored for the first time since Week 1, although he only saw seven touches on the day. His value will continue to have a definite limit as long as Ameer Abdullah stays healthy, but with the way the Lions offense is rolling, there could be more touchdowns in his future.

Honorable Mentions: Devontae Booker (8% owned), DeAndre Washington (9% owned)

 

Dark Horses - Week 11 Running Backs Waiver Wire

Rod Smith, Dallas Cowboys - 27% owned (1% FAAB)

So, it turns out Rod Smith is no Ezekiel Elliott. Alfred Morris got first run as expected and did a fair job. Smith was relegated to fourth quarter duty when it was obvious the Cowboys were going to lose and he managed just 14 yards. His role could hypothetically grow over the next couple weeks, but if you need immediate help he'll be of no value. The Cowboys face the best run defense in the league in Week 11, that of the Philadelphia Eagles. Their schedule doesn't ease up much leading to Zeke's next hearing, so expectations need to be seriously tempered for Smith and Morris.

Lance Dunbar, Los Angeles Rams - 0% owned (0% FAAB)

Dunbar was supposed to be the third-down back coming into the season, but he suffered a knee injury in the preseason and was just activated. He took some carries late in the blowout win against Houston, but wasn't needed as a pass-catcher. He could work his way into the backup role that had been occupied by Malcolm Brown, which still makes him no higher than a handcuff. If you're a Gurley owner, you may want to replace Brown with Dunbar. If you're looking to stash RBs just in case worst-case scenarios come true, he's a dark horse.

Honorable Mentions: Charles Sims (1% owned), J.D. McKissic (3% owned), Corey Clement (8% owned)

 

Time To Say Goodbye

Tarik Cohen, Chicago Bears - 54% owned

It's finally time to cut bait, if you haven't already, on this year's first waiver wire darling. Cohen burst onto the scene with eight catches in each of his first two games and 100+ total yards in two of his first three. In the last four games, he's seen a total of 11 targets and 135 combined yards. He had a mere two touches in Week 10 and has seen Benny Cunningham take over his job as the pass-catching back. Regardless of how much you spent to acquire him, you aren't losing anything by clearing up roster space to make room for someone who will actually get you points instead.

Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers - 83% owned

This one hurts too. Fantasy owners who thought they found waiver wire gold with Jones a few weeks ago were disappointed the last couple of weeks and now face the prospect of waiving him for good. The initial diagnosis was a sprained MCL, but we should find out more soon. Either way, look for Jones to be out of action while the above-mentioned Williams get a chance to take over, with Montgomery still in the mix, if healthy.

Rob Kelley, Washington Redskins34% owned

It is with great sadness that I must finally part ways with the obese one. Kelley just can't stay healthy and it isn't the same recurring injury. Kelley is like a human Operation board, only needing a broken funny bone before his nose lights up red. It appears the Skins don't need a RB to plunge in near the goal-line, as Kirk Cousins just did it himself twice in Week 10. Samaje Perine just isn't very good and is not worth adding. Wait until next year when the team finds their running back of the future in the draft.

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Darius Garland

Exits Early Wednesday With Foot Injury
Jalen Suggs

to Miss Sixth Straight Game Thursday
Wendell Carter Jr.

Cleared to Play in Berlin
Myles Turner

Available Thursday
Deni Avdija

Likely to Remain Out Thursday
Jaylen Brown

Ready to Face Heat Thursday
Bruce Brown

Spencer Jones, Bruce Brown Available Wednesday
Aaron Gordon

Cleared for Wednesday Night
Jamal Murray

Active Wednesday Night
Cade Cunningham

Ready to End Two-Game Absence
Devin Booker

Questionable for Thursday Night
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Probable to Face Spurs
Brandon Williams

Available Wednesday
Max Christie

Out Wednesday
P.J. Washington

Returns to Action Wednesday
Scotty Pippen Jr.

Season Debut Delayed for at Least Four More Weeks
Brandon Clarke

to Miss 4-6 More Weeks
Josh Giddey

Starting Ramp-Up Period, Could Return Soon
Ja Morant

Unavailable Thursday
Julian Phillips

Out Wednesday
Coby White

to Be Limited to 28-30 Minutes Wednesday
Mackenzie Blackwood

Activated From Injured Reserve
Ben Griffin

Looks To Stay Hot In 2026
Tom Wilson

Cleared for Contact, Could Return Thursday
Neal Pionk

Lands on Injured Reserve, Out Week-to-Week
Jamie Drysdale

Activated From Injured Reserve
Corey Perry

Unavailable Wednesday
Teuvo Teravainen

to Miss at Least One Game
Connor Bedard

Returns to Practice
Alexandre Texier

Canadiens Sign Alexandre Texier to Two-Year Extension
New York Giants

Giants Making "Massive Push" to Hire John Harbaugh on Wednesday
Ranger Suárez

Ranger Suarez Agrees to Five-Year Deal With Red Sox
CFB

Dante Moore Not Entering 2026 NFL Draft, Will Return to Oregon
NFL

Mike Tomlin Doesn't Plan to Coach in 2026
Travis Hunter

Expected to Play More Defense in 2026
CFB

FBS Coaches Unanimously Vote to Expand Redshirt Eligibility to Nine Games
CFB

Ohio State Transfer Mylan Graham Signs with Notre Dame
CFB

Caden Durham Withdraws from Transfer Portal, Will Stay at LSU
Leon Draisaitl

Has Three Points in Tuesday's Loss
Joel Hofer

Controls Hurricanes Tuesday
Jordan Spieth

Perhaps the Most Intriguing Player at Sony Open
Jeremy Swayman

Posts First Shutout of the Season
Zach Werenski

Totals Three Points in Tuesday's Win
Chandler Stephenson

Available Wednesday
Aaron Rai

Looking For Putting Confidence at Waialae Country Club
Jonathan Marchessault

Moved to Injured Reserve
Brayden Point

Labeled Week-to-Week
Collin Morikawa

Isn't The Safe Play He Used to Be Ahead of Sony Open
Kurt Kitayama

Needs His Putting to Turn Around For Success at Year's First Event
Ryan Weathers

Yankees Add Rotation Depth, Acquire Ryan Weathers in Four-Player Deal
Robert Thomas

Out Tuesday
Jake Walman

Available Against Predators
Troy Terry

a Game-Time Decision Tuesday
Justin Sourdif

Won't Play Tuesday
Jakob Chychrun

a Game-Time Call Tuesday
Morgan Geekie

Available Tuesday
Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers Fire Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman
Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Tomlin Stepping Down as Steelers Head Coach
CFB

Georgia Tech the Favorite to Land Justice Haynes?
Nolan Arenado

Cardinals Trade Nolan Arenado to Diamondbacks
Tom Kim

Desperately Needs a Solid Week at Sony Open
Billy Horschel

Hoping For a Fast Start to New Season at Sony Open
Corey Conners

Looks to Have a Return to Form in 2026
PGA

Chris Gotterup a Decent Play at Sony Open
Gary Woodland

Could Prosper at the Sony Open
Keith Mitchell

Unlikely to Contend at Sony Open
Robert MacIntyre

Looking for a Good Performance at the Sony Open
Michael Kim

Hopes to Start Sony Open Better This Week
Tom Hoge

Tries to Erase Poor 2025 Second Half in Hawaii
Brian Harman

Seeks Fresh Start in Hawaii
Eric Cole

Looks to Last Year for Success at Sony Open
Daniel Berger

Starts Off 2026 at Sony Open
Nico Collins

Suffers Concussion Against Steelers
Nico Collins

Carted to Locker Room for Concussion Evaluation
Kyle Tucker

Mets Meet With Kyle Tucker
Dalton Kincaid

"Should be Fine" for Divisional Round
Brooks Koepka

Officially Returning To PGA Tour
Tucker Kraft

Hopes to be Ready for Week 1 of Next Season
CFB

Georgia Lands Kentucky Transfer Dante Dowdell
Matthew Stafford

has "Little Sprain," Should be "Good to Go"
CFB

Sam Leavitt Expected to Sign with LSU
Green Bay Packers

Packers Expected to Work Out New Deal With Matt LaFleur in the "Coming Days"
CFB

Dylan Raiola Commits to Oregon
CFB

Isaiah Horton Landing with Texas A&M
George Kittle

Suffers Torn Achilles on Sunday
Omarion Hampton

Active for Wild-Card Round Against Patriots
George Kittle

Ruled Out After Non-Contact Achilles Injury
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Request Interview With Ejiro Evero
Los Angeles Rams

Mike LaFleur to Interview With Raiders and Cardinals
Aaron Rodgers

Steelers Open to Re-Signing Aaron Rodgers?
Matthew Stafford

X-Rays Come Back Negative
MacKenzie Gore

Yankees Pursuing Trade for MacKenzie Gore
Alex Bregman

Cubs Sign Alex Bregman to Five-Year, $175 Millon Contract
Freddie Freeman

Withdraws from World Baseball Classic
Max Kepler

Receives 80-Game PED Suspension
CFB

Cam Coleman Visiting Alabama on Friday
Omarion Hampton

Expects to Play Sunday Night
CFB

Eric Singleton Jr. Enters Transfer Portal, Trending to Land at Florida
CFB

NCAA Denies Trinidad Chambliss a Sixth Year of Eligibility
Omarion Hampton

Questionable for Wild-Card Weekend
Kyle Tucker

Mets Remain in Mix for Kyle Tucker
Ketel Marte

Will Remain With Diamondbacks
Rashee Rice

to be Reviewed Under League's Conduct Policy

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP