👉 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.

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! 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

Jonas Brodin

Out for Games 1 and 2 Against Colorado
Joel Eriksson Ek

Will Miss First Two Games of Colorado Series
Joel Kiviranta

Remains Out of the Lineup Versus Minnesota
Anthony Volpe

Reinstated from Injured List, Optioned to Triple-A
Josh Manson

Out for Game 1 Against Minnesota
Carter Bryant

Iffy for Game 1 Against Timberwolves
Joel Embiid

Considered Probable for Monday
Kyle Anderson

Available for Round 2 Opener
Ayo Dosunmu

Tagged as Questionable on Injury Report
Anthony Edwards

Listed as Questionable for Game 1 Against Spurs
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Unavailable for Start of Round 2, Considered Week-to-Week
Brandon Ingram

Won't Play in Game 7 Against Cavaliers
Ranger Suarez

Exits Sunday's Start with Hamstring Tightness
Agustín Ramírez

Marlins Demote Agustin Ramirez to Triple-A
Victor Hedman

Will Not Play Sunday Versus Montreal
Noah Dobson

Will Play Against Tampa Bay on Sunday
Marvin Mims Jr.

Path to Dynasty Relevance May Require a Change in Scenery
Tank Bigsby

Remains a High-End Dynasty Handcuff Running Back in Philadelphia
Ben Rice

Exits Sunday's Contest with Left Hand Contusion
Hunter Henry

Long-Term Future in New England in Question After NFL Draft?
Matthew Golden

a Prime Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate Heading into 2026
Kevin Huerter

is Out for Game 7
Jalen Coker

Carries Breakout Potential into 2026
Dak Prescott

Remains a Dynasty QB1 Heading into 2026
Nikola Vučević

Nikola Vucevic Could be Done in Boston
Christopher Bell

Is Christopher Bell Worth Rostering for Texas Lineups?
Cal Raleigh

Considered Day-to-Day With Soreness in his Side
Brandon Ingram

is Downgraded to Doubtful for Game 7
William Byron

Might have the Speed to Compete for the Win at Texas
Jonathan Isaac

Remains Out for Game 7
Joey Logano

Provides Solid Upside for Texas DFS Lineups
Joe Ryan

Exits Early From Start on Sunday Due to Elbow Soreness
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Pick for Texas Lineups?
Ty Gibbs

Should DFS Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Texas?
Daniel Suarez

Is Daniel Suarez Worth Rostering After Career-Best Starting Position at Texas?
Daniel Palencia

Cubs Reinstate Daniel Palencia From the Injured List on Sunday
Kyle Busch

Is a DFS Risk Starting in the Top 10 at Texas
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Braves Place Ronald Acuna Jr. on Injured List With Strained Hamstring
Nick Lodolo

Expected to Make Season Debut on Friday
Tyler Reddick

One of the Favorites to Win Texas
Chase Elliott

Could Contend for Another Win at Texas
Carson Hocevar

on Pole at Texas
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Wrecks in Practice at Texas
Chris Buescher

Looking to Continue Strong Run at Texas
Austin Dillon

Blows Engine in Practice at Texas
CeeDee Lamb

Is CeeDee Lamb Being Undervalued?
Bijan Robinson

Could Just Be Entering His Dynasty Prime
Derrick White

Delivers All-Around Line in Game 7 Loss
Neemias Queta

Finishes with Double-Double in Playoff Loss
Malik Washington

Emerging as a Low-Cost Dynasty Buy Out of Ambiguous Receiver Room
Jaylen Brown

Posts Strong Line but Celtics Fall Short
Diego Pavia

Ravens Noncommital on Diego Pavia's Future with Team
Tyrese Maxey

Dominates in Series-Clinching Victory
David Njoku

Visiting the Chargers on Monday
VJ Edgecombe

Provides Key Spark in Game 7 Win
Patrick Mahomes

Expected to Participate in OTAs
Joel Embiid

Delivers 34 Points in Series Clincher
Ayo Dosunmu

Considered Day-to-Day Ahead of Game 1
Mike Reilly

Delivers Two Assists in Game 1 Win
Logan Stankoven

Establishes New Franchise Record With Five-Game Goal Streak
Frederik Andersen

Records Second Postseason Shutout
Radko Gudas

Ducks Hope to See Radko Gudas Return During Second Round
Josh Manson

Day-to-Day Ahead of Game 1 Against Wild
Joel Kiviranta

Considered Day-to-Day
Joel Eriksson Ek

Questionable for Game 1 Against Avalanche
Cal Raleigh

Scratched From Lineup, No Reason Given
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Exits with Left Hamstring Tightness
Anthony Edwards

Remains Week-to-Week
Joel Embiid

Available for Game 7 Against Celtics
Paul George

Cleared to Play Saturday
Owen Tippett

Unlikely to Play Saturday
Jonas Brodin

to Miss Game 1 Against Avalanche
Nikita Zadorov

Played Through Torn MCL in Playoffs
Connor McDavid

Played With Fractured Foot Against Ducks
Alexander Nikishin

a Game-Time Call Saturday
Nikolaj Ehlers

Expected to Play Saturday
Greg Dulcich

Carries Breakout Potential into 2026
Kaelon Black

Well-Positioned for Dynasty Success Following NFL Draft
J'Mari Taylor

Can J'Mari Taylor Break Through Crowded Running Back Depth Chart in Jacksonville?
Eli Raridon

Dynasty Stock Rising Following NFL Draft
Michael Trigg

Facing Uphill Battle for a Roster Spot in Dallas
Matthew Hibner

Is Matthew Hibner the Tight End of the Future in Baltimore?
Seth McGowan

Likely to be RB3 to Begin his Rookie Season
Caleb Douglas

a Low-Upside Dynasty Stash Competing for a Role in Miami
Francis Mauigoa

Giants "Comfortable" With Francis Mauigoa's Back
Yandy Díaz

Yandy Diaz Leaves With Side Tightness, Considered Day-to-Day
Jacob Misiorowski

Leaves Start Early on Friday With Hamstring Cramp
Brandon Nimmo

Aggravates Hamstring, Pulled Early on Friday
Ryan Helsley

Placed on Injured List With Elbow Inflammation
Dylan Holloway

Signs Five-Year Extension With Blues
Barrett Hayton

Jack McBain Iffy for Friday
Ryan Pepiot

to Miss the Rest of the Season, Scheduled for Hip Surgery
Brandon Woodruff

Goes on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation
Nico Hoerner

Leaves Friday's Game Early With Neck Tightness
Jack Della Maddalena

Returns At UFC Perth
Carlos Prates

Set For UFC Perth Main Event
Quillan Salkilld

Set For Co-Main Event
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC Perth
Steve Erceg

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Tim Elliott

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Ollie Schmid

Set For His UFC Debut
Marwan Rahiki

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Wyatt Langford

Suffers Setback With Forearm Injury
Brandon Woodruff

to Get Some Time Off
Michael Harris II

Could be Forced to the Injured List
Gary Woodland

Riding Momentum Into Cadillac Championship
Jordan Spieth

Brings Boom-or-Bust Potential to Cadillac Championship
Adam Scott

Looks Poised for Another Strong Finish at Doral
Maverick McNealy

Needs Approach Game to Click at Doral
CFB

Jameson Williams Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, SEC, Big Ten
Harry Hall

Volatility Continues at Cadillac Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Looks to Rebound at Trump National Doral
Pierceson Coody

a Risky Value Play at Cadillac Championship
Akshay Bhatia

Offers Upside with Risk at Cadillac Championship
Justin Thomas

a Scary Proposition at Cadillac Championship
Scottie Scheffler

The Leading Favorite at Cadillac Championship
Collin Morikawa

Still a Smash Play at Cadillac Championship
Viktor Hovland

Showed at Augusta He Can Finish Well
Sepp Straka

Attempting to Finish Better in Miami
PGA

J.J Spaun Enduring Roller Coaster Start to 2026
Min Woo Lee

Seeks to Make Adjustments at Cadillac Championship
Max Homa

May Struggle at Old Doral This Weekend
Ben Griffin

Rebounds From Rough Stretch as Miami Looms
Shane Lowry

Searching For Answers at Cadillac Championship
Russell Henley

Daunting Test at Doral Likely Not a Place For Russell Henley
Justin Rose

Returns to Action After Finishing Third at Masters Tournament
Hideki Matsuyama

Has The Approach Game to Win at Cadillac Championship
CFB

Brendan Sorsby Facing Potential Permanent Loss of Eligibility
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF