👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
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
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

Running Backs Waiver Wire: Week 13 Pickups & Adds

The RB picture held pretty steady in Week 12 with no major injuries or surprise performances to speak of. At this point, fantasy owners should be loaded with high-end handcuffs in case things break bad the next week or two before playoff time.

This article will aim to highlight Week 13 waiver wire adds for running backs, players that you should consider targeting on your league's waiver wire. 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.

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

Editor's Note: Once you're done here, be sure to read about even more Week 13 waiver wire recommendations, for all fantasy-relevant positions. Just click on any link: ALL - RB - WR - TE - QB - DEF - FAAB - CUTS

 

Frontrunners for Week 13 - 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.

Wendell Smallwood (RB, PHI) 49% owned - Smallwood will officially start on Monday Night Football with Ryan Mathews declared out. It's an MCL sprain for Mathews, which doesn't rule him out for the rest of the year, but it's a chance for Smallwood to claim his share of the backfield and prove his worth. The Packers have been great against the run up until two weeks ago when it all fell apart. He is worth starting this week and worth stashing even if your RBs have already played in Week 12. A big performance by Smallwood could thrust his ownership upwards of 80%.

Derrick Henry (RB, TEN) 46% owned - Henry was only on the field for 14 snaps, but outproduced his veteran counterpart. He ran for 60 yards and a TD against Chicago with just eight carries. He showed burst on his runs, looking better than DeMarco Murray most of the day. He won't claim Murray's job unless injury strikes, but he is worth a roster spot if you have the space. Henry is still available in over half of Fleaflicker leagues and may be the most valuable handcuff still on waivers.

Kenneth Dixon (RB, BAL) 29% owned Dixon continues to slowly creep into the starting RB job for Baltimore. According to @NathanJahnke of ProFootballFocus, Dixon's snap share has increased each of the past five weeks up to 44.9% in Week 12. He is seeing the field more than Terrance West and is more productive. The Ravens' offensive line isn't the best at opening up holes, but Dixon's ability to catch the ball keeps him viable in PPR formats.

 

In The Running - Week 13 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.

Akeem Hunt (RB, HOU) 2% owned - Lamar Miller seemed to tweak his ankle on the very last series of the game against San Diego. If this causes him to miss time next week, Hunt becomes an intriguing add. He appeared out of nowhere two in Week 10 to run for 52 yards in limited time. He hasn't done much since, but is likely to get first crack at the job with Alfred Blue still out.

Charles Sims (RB, TB) 10% owned - The Bucs had no healthy running backs just a couple of weeks ago, but now they may have their top two runners back again. Doug Martin will retain the lead role, but Sims is on track to return in Week 14 and claim his share of snaps. He will be a PPR value play, especially given Tampa's easy schedule the rest of the way. Don't think Doug Martin isn't prone to suffering a relapse with his gimpy hamstring either.

Matt Asiata (RB, MIN) 48% owned - Three straight weeks he has driven fantasy owners crazy by scoring on short touchdown runs. He's only accumulated 60 rushing yards in those three games, making him the very definition of a TD-dependent RB. If you're in a non-PPR league and need depth, he at least gives hope for six points in any given week.

Honorable Mentions: Mike Gillislee (RB, BUF) 29% owned, Alfred Morris (RB, DAL) 12% owned, Bilal Powell (RB, NYJ) 42% owned, Paul Perkins (RB, NYG) 21% owned, Chris Thompson (RB, WAS) 24% owned

 

Dark Horses - Week 13 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.

Ameer Abdullah (RB, DET) 11% owned - Updating last week's recommendation, Abdullah got good news from the foot specialist and could be on track to return soon. It will be a couple of weeks before he is in game shape and ready to contribute, so don't count on him to lead your team to the playoffs in Week 13 or 14. He is more of an emergency stash in case you need him in Weeks 15/16.

Jonathan Williams (RB, BUF) 0% owned - Mike Gillislee's hamstring injury made Williams the backup this week. He only carried the ball three times for 12 yards, but any RB in Buffalo has value if he sees the field. If Gillislee returns next week, Williams is simply the backup to the backup and not worth adding. Consider him an emergency stash if you are a McCoy owner.

Rex Burkhead (RB, CIN) 4% owned - Burkhead ran for 29 yards in the backup role, yet led the Bengals in rushing for Week 12. The Bengals offense struggled all day against a tough Ravens defense, so better days could be ahead. Burkhead also caught two passes for 19 yards, but Jeremy Hill did a fine job as a pass-catcher himself with six receptions for 61 yards. Burkhead is only recommended in deep leagues as a handcuff for now, but could be worth streaming in Week 14 against Cleveland.

Honorable Mentions: Jeremy Langford (RB, CHI) 28% ownedKapri Bibbs (RB, DEN) 11% owned, Damien Williams (RB, MIA) 4% owned, Shaun Draughn (RB, SF) 1% owned, Alex Collins (RB, SEA) 1% owned

 

Also-Rans - Time To Say Goodbye

Ty Montgomery (RB/WR, GB) 45% owned - It appears the hybrid experiment is over for the Packers. Just as fantasy owners were rejoicing his RB eligibility, Montgomery disappeared from the offense. He carried the ball a total of seven times and caught five passes over the last two games combined. With Christine Michael entering the mix, there is little reason to put Montgomery in your lineup.

DuJuan Harris (RB, SF) 15% owned - Just as quickly as he rose to relevance, Harris has fallen out of favor in San Fran. He played just four out of 78 snaps in Week 12 against the Dolphins. Shaun Draughn is back as the pass-catching back and Carlos Hyde is healthy for now. so Harris is droppable.

Giovani Bernard (RB, CIN) 46% owned - There will be no late season comeback here - Bernard is on IR with a torn ACL. His draft stock next year will be impacted as well since he will not be ready for training camp or the early part of the season.


Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Braelon Allen

Still Offers Dynasty Upside Despite Lost Season in 2025
Kyle Stowers

Will be Activated on Sunday
Aaron Rodgers

Remains a Free Agent Ahead of the NFL Draft
Josh Allen

Healthy and Armed with New Top Receiver
Kyler Murray

a Zero-Risk Dynasty Target?
Rachaad White

Is Rachaad White an Offseason Trade Target in Dynasty Leagues?
Jesper Wallstedt

to Start in Goal for Minnesota on Saturday
Stefon Diggs

Still a Free Agent Ahead of the NFL Draft
Trey Benson

Stuck in a Crowded Backfield
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Year 2 Value Tied to Pick No. 7 in the NFL Draft
Sean Tucker

Dynasty Value Still Comes Primarily as an Injury Replacement
Jake Tonges

a Capable Fill-in for as Long as He Needs to Be
NFL

Ja'Kobi Lane Could Need Time to Develop for Fantasy Managers
Chig Okonkwo

Could Still Be Undervalued Despite Calls for a Breakout
LaMelo Ball

Scores 23 Points in Season-Ending Loss
Jordan Goodwin

Fills Stat Sheet in Play-In Win
Paolo Banchero

Powers Magic Into Playoffs
Jalen Green

Drops 36 Points to Clinch Playoff Spot
Amen Thompson

Off Injury Report for Playoff Opener
Jabari Smith Jr.

Cleared After Resting in Season Finale
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Cleared for Game 1 Against Lakers
Logan Stankoven

Presumed Ready for Game 1
NFL

First Round of NFL Draft Could Feature Plenty of Trades
Max Muncy

has Another Multi-Homer Game at Coors Field
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

Expected to Make Season Debut on Saturday
Austin Riley

Hits Two Home Runs in Shutout Win Over Phillies
Daulton Varsho

Removed Early on Friday With Knee Discomfort
Rashawn Slater

Joe Alt Expected to Participate in Offseason Program
Aaron Gordon

Available for Game 1 Against Timberwolves
Julius Randle

Cleared for Playoffs
Jaxson Hayes

Available Saturday Night
Grayson Allen

Will Play Against Warriors
Kristaps Porzingis

Cleared for Friday's Game
Kevin Durant

Iffy for Saturday's Game 1
Mark Williams

Won't Play Friday Night
Spencer Jones

is Questionable for Game 1 on Saturday
Peyton Watson

is Ruled Out for Game 1 on Saturday
Edwin Uceta

Having More Shoulder Issues, "Shut Down for a Few Days"
Moussa Diabaté

Moussa Diabate is Available on Friday
Ayo Dosunmu

is Available for Saturday's Game
Anthony Edwards

Questionable for Saturday's Action
Jonathan Isaac

Remains Out Friday
NFL

Jeremiyah Love Considered the Top Overall Talent in 2026 NFL Draft?
Jarrett Allen

Removed From Injury Report Ahead of Playoffs
Aaron Jones Sr.

Role in Minnesota Could Continue to Decrease in 2026
Romeo Doubs

Appears Poised for Larger Role in New England
Isiah Pacheco

Is Isiah Pacheco a Worthy Buy-Low Target for Dynasty Managers?
Rico Dowdle

Will Rico Dowdle Emerge as the Clear RB1 in Pittsburgh?
Rashid Shaheed

Can Rashid Shaheed Establish a Higher-Volume Role in Seattle in 2026?
Marcus Mariota

Set for Backup Role in 2026
Josh Hader

Moved to 60-Day Injured List
Willson Contreras

Returns to Red Sox Lineup on Friday
Daniel Palencia

Goes on 15-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Juan Soto

Still on Track to Return Next Week
Los Angeles Angels

Garret Anderson Dies at 53 Years Old
Mike Malott

A Favorite At UFC Winnipeg
Gilbert Burns

Set For UFC Winnipeg Main Event
Kyler Phillips

Set UFC Winnipeg Co-Main Event
Charles Jourdain

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Jai Herbert

An Underdog At UFC Winnipeg
Mandel Nallo

Set For His UFC Debut
Karine Silva

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Jasmine Jasudavicius

Looks To Bounce Back
Robert Thomas

Wraps Up Season With a Hat Trick
Macklin Celebrini

Establishes Sharks' New Scoring Record
Scott Wedgewood

Keeps Kraken From Scoring Thursday
Nathan MacKinnon

Wins Rocket Richard Trophy With 53 Goals
Connor McDavid

Secures Sixth Art Ross Trophy With Four-Assist Performance
Connor Dewar

Ready for Game 1
Nikita Grebenkin

Unavailable at Start of Playoffs
Parker Messick

Flirts With No-Hitter in Latest Gem Against Orioles
Mike Trout

Hits Five Homers in Series Versus Yankees
CGY

Arsenii Sergeev to Make NHL Debut Thursday
Aleksander Barkov

Cleared for World Championship
Pierre-Luc Dubois

Dealing With Fractured Hand
Zach Whitecloud

Ready to Rock Thursday
Matt Coronato

Available Against Kings
Josh Manson

Expected to Return for Postseason
Nathan MacKinnon

Martin Necas Sit Out Regular-Season Finale
Spencer Arrighetti

Fans 10 in Season Debut, to Remain a Focal Point in Rotation?
Nick Pivetta

Dealing With Flexor Strain, Could Miss Months
Nico Hoerner

Homers, Drive in Five in Win Over Phillies
Shota Imanaga

Strikes Out 11 in First Win of the Season
Sal Stewart

Continues to Hit, Goes Deep Twice on Wednesday
Shohei Ohtani

Strikes Out 10 in Win Over Mets
Connor Bedard

Has Two Assists in Season Finale
Claude Giroux

Sends Out Two Assists in Battle of Ontario Win
Tye Kartye

Registers First Career Three-Point Game
Owen Power

Records Two Assists Wednesday
Esa Lindell

Tallies Two Points in Regular-Season Finale
Shohei Ohtani

Will Pitch on Wednesday, But Won't DH
Nick Pivetta

Confident he'll Pitch Again This Year
CFB

Michigan Lands Commitment From Quarterback Kamden Lopati
Sahith Theegala

Brings Strong Form Into Harbour Town
Wyndham Clark

Needs Putter to Show Up at RBC Heritage
Jacob Bridgeman

Looks to Return to Elite Form at Harbour Town
J.J. Spaun

a Volatile Option at RBC Heritage
PGA

Sungjae Im Offers High-Upside Value at RBC Heritage
Matt Fitzpatrick

Set for Another Strong Showing at RBC Heritage
Jason Day

Eyes Bounce-Back After Sunday Struggles at the Masters
Akshay Bhatia

Looking to Rebound at Harbour Town
Cameron Young

Hoping to Secure Second Win of Season at RBC Heritage
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Win Again at RBC Heritage
Shane Lowry

Has Disappointing Final Round at Masters
Viktor Hovland

Hoping to Build on Final Round at Masters
Brian Harman

Struggling For Consistency Heading to RBC Heritage
Chris Gotterup

Putting Together Outstanding 2026 Season
Justin Thomas

Looks to Defend in Hilton Head
Jordan Spieth

in Search of Improved Putting at RBC Heritage
Marco Penge

May Continue Up-and-Down Ride at the RBC Heritage
Xander Schauffele

Could Get The Job Done at RBC Heritage
Jake Knapp

Keeps Building Strong Results in 2026
Kurt Kitayama

Trying to Regain Form From Florida
Collin Morikawa

Continues to be a Scary DFS Play at RBC Heritage
CFB

Tramell Jones Jr. Outperforms Aaron Philo During Florida's Spring Scrimmage
CFB

Keelon Russell Flashes in Alabama's Spring Game
Ty Gibbs

Holds off the Field for His First Cup Series Victory at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Earns His First Runner-Up Finish at Bristol
Kyle Larson

Dominant Performance At Bristol Falls Short of Victory
Tyler Reddick

Matches his Career-Best Finish at Bristol
Alex Bowman

Crashes Early at Bristol in Return From Injury
Carlos Ulberg

Is The New Light Heavyweight Champion
Jiří Procházka

Jiri Prochazka Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Azamat Murzakanov

Suffers His First Loss
Paulo Costa

Wins Back-to-Back Fights
Curtis Blaydes

Drops Decision At UFC 327
Josh Hokit

Remains Unbeaten
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF