👉 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
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

Jarquez Hunter

Can Jarquez Hunter Rebound from a Forgettable Rookie Season?
Ladd McConkey

Can Ladd McConkey Recapture Rookie Season Magic?
Ryan Flournoy

Faces a Hard Path to Fantasy Relevance Despite Rookie Season Flashes
Bryce Young

Entering Prove-it Territory
Devaughn Vele

Will Devaughn Vele See a Larger Role in Second Season with Saints?
Kevin Durant

to Rest on Sunday
Zion Williamson

to Remain Out on Sunday
Anthony Edwards

is Resting During Regular-Season Finale
Devin Booker

Won't Suit up on Sunday
DeMar DeRozan

to Miss Third Straight Game
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar A Worthy DFS Option for Bristol Lineups?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Resting on Sunday
NASCAR

Could Bubba Wallace Be A Solid DFS Option for Bristol Lineups?
Sam Antonacci

Slated to Make MLB Debut on Tuesday
Josh Manson

Suffers Upper-Body Injury Saturday
Noah Dobson

Injures Left Hand in Loss
Frank Nazar

Exits Loss Early After Taking Puck to Face
Andrew Mangiapane

Labeled Day-to-Day
Brady Tkachuk

Exits Early Saturday
Rasmus Sandin

Hurt in Saturday's Win
Pierre-Luc Dubois

Sustains Upper-Body Injury Saturday
Jonathan Taylor

Back to High-End RB1 Tier with QB Returning?
Jahmyr Gibbs

a Real Threat to Bounce Back as the RB1?
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Is Jaxon Smith-Njigba the WR1 in Dynasty Fantasy Football?
Keon Coleman

Can Keon Coleman be Dropped in Dynasty Fantasy Football?
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Does Chris Rodriguez Jr. Fill a Need for Jacksonville?
Darnell Washington

Lacks Ties to New Coaching Staff
Mickey Moniak

has Multi-Homer Game in San Diego
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Leaves Early on Saturday With Knee Tightness
Jake Oettinger

Shuts Out the Rangers
Steven Stamkos

Scores his 40th Goal of the Year
Noah Schultz

White Sox to Promote Top Pitching Prospect Noah Schultz
Tyler Soderstrom

Slugs Two Home Runs in Win Over Mets
Adley Rutschman

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Ankle Inflammation
George Springer

Suffers Fractured Toe on Saturday
Gabriel Moreno

Likely Headed to Injured List
Kevin Lankinen

Will Play Saturday Night
Blake Coleman

Available Against Kraken
Niklas Kokko

Makes First Career Start Saturday
Anthony Stolarz

Unavailable for Final Three Games
Roope Hintz

Not Expected to Return During Regular Season
Jacob Markstrom

Done for the Season
Markquese Bell

Facing Felony, Misdemeanor Drug Charges
Juan Soto

Could Return for Next Homestand
Corbin Carroll

Officially Back in Saturday's Lineup
Max Muncy

Hits Three Homers, Including Walk-Off Blast
Adonai Mitchell

Can Adonai Mitchell Become the Jets' WR2?
Saquon Barkley

Is Saquon Barkley Still a Safe Bet to Perform Despite His Falling Dynasty Ranking?
Michael Wilson

Varied Opinions on Michael Wilson Could Create Unique Trade Opportunities
Jake Ferguson

Accurately Priced as a Low-End TE1
Tyreek Hill

Faces Uncertain Future
Brock Bowers

Still a Top-15 Player in Dynasty Leagues Despite Injury-Plagued Season
Gavin Sheets

Goes Yard Twice, Including Walk-Off Round-Tripper
Washington Commanders

Commanders Host Omar Cooper Jr. for a Pre-Draft Visit
NFL

Makai Lemon to be a Top-20 Draft Pick This Year?
Corbin Carroll

Expected to Start on Saturday
Wyatt Langford

Forced From Friday's Game With Quad Tightness
Bijan Robinson

Falcons Pick Up Bijan Robinson's Fifth-Year Option
Kris Bubic

Dominates White Sox With 11 Strikeouts on Friday
Royce Lewis

Headed for Injured List
Clay Holmes

Removed With Hamstring Tightness
Cristian Javier

Placed on 15-Day Injured List
Jaylon Tyson

Rejoins Cavaliers Lineup as Starter
Klay Thompson

Misses Friday's Game Due to Illness
Kevin Huerter

Back in Action Friday
Sam Hauser

Cleared to Play Friday
Neemias Queta

Ready to Take on Pelicans
Derrick White

Good to Go Friday
Jaylen Brown

Active on Friday
Josh Giddey

Still Out Friday
Miles McBride

Exits Knicks Lineup Friday
Mitchell Robinson

Sidelined on Friday
Norman Powell

Won't Play Against Wizards
Tyler Herro

Out on Friday
Saddiq Bey

Herbert Jones Resting Friday
Immanuel Quickley

Unavailable Friday
Julius Randle

Misses Second Straight Game
Jackson Chourio

Still Not Cleared to Hit
Brent Rooker

A's Place Brent Rooker on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
J.T. Realmuto

Back in Friday's Lineup
Carlos Ulberg

A Slight Underdog
Jiří Procházka

Jiri Prochazka Can Become UFC Champion Again
Paulo Costa

Makes his Light-Heavyweight Debut
Azamat Murzakanov

Looks To Remain Unbeaten
Josh Hokit

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Curtis Blaydes

A Favorite At UFC 327
Sam Carrick

to Miss Start of Playoffs
Alex Lyon

Questionable for Start of Postseason
Dakota Joshua

Unlikely to Return This Season
John Gibson

Exits Thursday's Game Due to Neck Problem
Miro Heiskanen

Uncertain for Playoffs
Brandon Hagel

Expected to Return Before End of Regular Season
Tyrrell Hatton

a Steady Option at The Masters
Justin Thomas

a High-Risk, High-Reward Option at The Masters
PGA

Sungjae Im a Volatile Option at the Masters
Nicolai Hojgaard

Carrying Momentum Into The Masters
Si Woo Kim

in Strong Form Heading to The Masters
Chris Gotterup

Ready to Make His Masters Debut
Patrick Reed

Brings Momentum to The Masters
Jon Rahm

Looks Poised for His Second Green Jacket
Adam Scott

Form Points to Him Competing at Masters
Jordan Spieth

Finding Consistency Heading to Masters
Hideki Matsuyama

Trending In Right Direction For Masters
Tommy Fleetwood

a Contender if his Putter Cooperates at The Masters
Collin Morikawa

Vegas has Lost Confidence in Collin Morikawa Ahead of Masters Tournament
Ludvig Aberg

One of the Top Plays For This Week's Masters Tournament
Rory McIlroy

Set to Defend his Long-Awaited Masters Victory
Bryson DeChambeau

Looks to Finally Claim a Green Jacket
Patrick Cantlay

Needs Plenty to Go Right at Augusta
Harris English

Playing Solid Golf Heading to Masters
Sam Burns

Bouncing Back Nicely After Slow Start to 2026 Season
Corey Conners

Quietly Putting Together A Strong 2026 Season
Russell Henley

Looks to Bounce Back At Masters
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF