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Thankfully, the injury bug didn't bite running backs as hard this week. Many of these names may now look familiar, but it's still important to gauge which players have rising values and which are merely roster depth or desperation plays. If you want absolute clarity on the backfield situation in New York or New England, let me know when you find it.
This article will aim to highlight Week 6 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.
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Frontrunners for Week 6 - Waiver Wire Running Backs
This group consists of running backs that I would strongly 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 Yahoo leagues.
Adrian Peterson, Arizona Cardinals - 37% owned (30-40% FAAB)
It looks like AP could be back to being "All Day" again. Peterson went from the cut list to a must-add on Tuesday morning when he was traded to the RB-starved Cardinals. Arizona has been the worst rushing team in the league and Peterson has only managed 81 yards on 27 carries, but this could be a match made in heaven. Don't expect heavy volume right away or any involvement in the passing game, but Peterson should be added in all standard leagues for TD potential alone.
Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers - 52% owned (25% FAAB)
By Sunday night, he was technically over half-owned in Yahoo leagues but there's a good chance he might be available in some shallower formats. Jones flashed as the lead runner, gaining over 100 yards in his first NFL start. Jones also scored his first touchdown and made a nice sideline grab moments earlier, showing his viability as a receiver. Ty Montgomery and Jamaal Williams will be back soon, but their timetables are unknown and Jones could still see decent usage against the Vikings in Week 6 based on the strength of his performance. If he's still out there, don't hesitate to pay up.
Matt Breida, San Francisco 49ers - 6% owned (15-20% FAAB)
Don't look now, but Breida could be taking Carlos Hyde's job. Breida outrushed Hyde 49-11, but more importantly he carried the ball two more times (10-8). Hyde has been struggling with a hip injury suffered a couple weeks ago, but he was never ruled out on Sunday. He simply struggled when he was in the game. None of Breida's numbers were particularly great, but the lead back on any NFL team is fantasy relevant. Breida ran a 4.44 40-yard dash and posted an elite burst score at the NFL Combine, so there's big-play potential here, even on an 0-5 team.
Wayne Gallman, New York Giants - 39% owned (15% FAAB)
He wasn't even the most productive Giants RB on Sunday, but he could emerge with the biggest boost in value. Gallaman was effective when he got opportunities, averaging five yards a carry, and caught five passes for 25 yards. Gallman's value goes up because of several injuries on the offense. Orleans Darkwa will be questionable with a calf injury, but the decimation of their receiving corps may force the team to focus on the run game and involve the running backs even more in the pass game.
In The Running - Week 6 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 frontrunners are already taken in your league.
Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts - 7% owned (8-10% FAAB)
The rookie was inactive the previous two weeks with a shoulder injury and wasn't even sure to play in this one. Play he did, ripping off a couple of long runs, including a 35-yarder in overtime to help his team win. 91 yards and a touchdown are enough to get you excited about a third-round pick, but he's still behind Frank Gore on the depth chart and won't face the 49ers each week. Mack did show great speed and breakaway ability that Gore just doesn't have any more. He's worth a bench spot if you need RB depth and could gain value when Andrew Luck returns.
Elijah McGuire, New York Jets - 17% owned (5% FAAB)
It was a disappointing effort in an ideal spot, especially after Bilal Powell went to the sidelines with an injury. McGuire just couldn't do anything against the Browns, however, rushing for 20 yards on 11 carries. He does face a Patriots defense that is susceptible to the run in Week 6. Matt Forte should still be out, but Bilal Powell's status needs to be updated before McGuire can be whole-heartedly recommended as a waiver wire add. This would be a case of zigging when everyone else zags, as McGuire is sure to be dropped in several leagues.
D'onta Foreman, Houston Texans - 22% owned (3% FAAB)
Foreman fumbled in his first touch of the game Sunday night, but rebounded with a stronger effort by trucking defenders in his next couple of carries. The touches weren't there, with just four carries and one reception on the night, but the Texans were playing from behind all game long. Their Week 6 opponent, Cleveland, actually hasn't been bad against the run, just bad at everything else. That said, there is a clear scoring opportunity for one of the league's better teams going up against the winless Browns as they are sure to be running the ball more.
Honorable Mentions: Alex Collins (41% owned), Theo Riddick (46% owned), Charcandrick West (6% owned)
Dark Horses - Week 6 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.
Orleans Darkwa, New York Giants - 2% owned (2% FAAB)
Darkwa got the start and looked good early on, scoring on a 23-yard run. He then left with a calf injury and may be questionable for Week 6. Had he finished the game, things might have turned out differently for him and the team, but as it stands he is still a dark horse due to unclear usage and injury issues. You're better off going with Wayne Gallman for the near future.
Corey Clement, Philadelphia Eagles - 3% owned (1% FAAB)
Clement didn't see an uptick in usage even with Wendell Smallwood ruled out for Week 5. He isn't a great receiver and will run well behind LeGarrette Blount on early downs. The Eagles get a short week to prepare for the Panthers on Thursday night, so you're better off leaving him alone even if you're in desperate need of a flex play.
Thomas Rawls, Seattle Seahawks - 39% owned (1% FAAB)
The Seahawks are on a bye in Week 6, so ignore the Seattle backfield if you need a streamer or flex play for the coming week. If you are looking to get ahead of the game and stash a high-upside RB, Rawls could still become the main running back in Seattle at some point. Technically, his 20 yards led the team against L.A.
Honorable Mentions: Shane Vereen (3% owned), Zach Zenner (0% owned), Dion Lewis (6% owned)
Also-Rans - Time To Say Goodbye
This group consists of running backs who don't need to be owned. They aren't necessarily must-drop players, but if you need the roster space for one of the above players, don't hesitate to cut bait in order to chase upside.
Chris Johnson, Arizona Cardinals - 8% owned
If you are in a deep league and took a chance on Johnson reclaiming some of his former glory, you should probably cut bait now since the Cardinals just did. Arizona dropped the vet as soon as they acquired Adrian Peterson, so it appears his days as an NFL running back, at least as a starter, are over.
Jacquizz Rodgers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 38% owned
I advised to ditch or sell Rodgers two weeks ago in advance of Doug Martin's return. It's obvious now that Rodgers will have a limited role, as Martin looked great in his first game back from suspension. Rodgers only carried three times for two yards. He has no value and isn't worth a roster spot unless you want to hedge against a Doug Martin injury and have the space.
Terrance West, Baltimore Ravens - 39% owned
He's also a repeat customer on the cut list here, but this time he's a must-drop. West left within the first couple of minutes against Oakland, as he suffered a lower leg injury. He appeared to be in serious pain and was carted off the field. If you really want a piece of Baltimore's backfield, look for Buck Allen in PPR leagues and Alex Collins in standard.
