RADIO
After 10 weeks of the regular season, some of you have been able to embrace the numbers that have been assembled by the running backs that are contained on your rosters. Unfortunately, an increasing number of you have been negatively impacted by injuries to your backs, while others have contended with disappointing output due to a collection of unexpected developments.
The bye weeks are also providing managers with an additional factor that fuels interest in locating alternative options on the waiver wire. That includes the two teams that will be affected this week – Denver and the Los Angeles Rams. This ensures that anyone with Javonte Williams, Melvin Gordon, or Darrell Henderson your rosters will have to avoid starting those backs this week.
Regardless of why you are considering your waiver wire options, this week’s recommendations will appear in three tiers beginning with the most enticing and progressing to runners for anyone struggling with desperation. You will also find a group of backs that can be dropped in order for you to secure your replacements. After you've finished this breakdown, you can also find news updates and data-fueled analysis that is designed to help you maximize the scoring potential of your rosters.
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Remaining Bye Week Schedule
- Week 11: Denver, Los Angeles Rams
- Week 12: Arizona, Kansas City
- Week 13: Carolina, Cleveland, Green Bay, Tennessee
- Week 14: Indianapolis, Miami, New England, Philadelphia
Week 10 Rushing Leaders
| Week 10 Rushing Leaders | Team | Attempts | Yards | YPA | TDs |
| D'Andre Swift | Detroit | 33 | 130 | 3.9 | 0 |
| Jonathan Taylor | Indianapolis | 21 | 116 | 5.5 | 1 |
| Najee Harris | Pittsburgh | 26 | 105 | 4.0 | 0 |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | New England | 20 | 100 | 5.0 | 2 |
| D'Ernest Johnson | Cleveland | 19 | 99 | 5.2 | 0 |
| Christian McCaffrey | Carolina | 13 | 95 | 7.3 | 0 |
| Dalvin Cook | Minnesota | 24 | 94 | 3.9 | 1 |
| Jordan Howard | Philadelphia | 12 | 83 | 6.9 | 0 |
| Boston Scott | Philadelphia | 11 | 81 | 7.4 | 0 |
| A.J. Dillon | Green Bay | 21 | 66 | 3.1 | 2 |
| Antonio Gibson | Washington | 24 | 64 | 2.7 | 2 |
| James Robinson | Jacksonville | 12 | 57 | 4.8 | 1 |
| Godwin Igwebuike | Detroit | 2 | 56 | 28.0 | 1 |
| Wayne Gallman | Atlanta | 15 | 55 | 3.7 | 0 |
Frontrunners - Running Backs to Pickup in Week 11
These backs should be your top waiver wire pickup priorities among the options that are available on most waiver wires. Some will be more beneficial in PPR formats than standard.
Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots - 32% Rostered
Fluctuations in Stevenson's stock have been recurrent throughout his rookie season. However, his proficiency in Week 10 should fuel a rise in relevance that improves his prospects of retaining a significant role throughout the remaining weeks of the season. Stevenson soared into lead back duties for New England while collecting season highs in rushing attempts (20), rushing yardage (10), touches (24), and total yards (114). He also scored twice during the matchup with Cleveland, which was his first multiple touchdown performance of the year.
DREE DAY.@dreeday32 | #ForeverNE
📺: @NFLonCBS / Patriots app pic.twitter.com/M84nnNkNM8
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) November 14, 2021
Stevenson’s status had been uncertain while he remained in concussion protocol, but he was cleared prior to the Patriots’ matchup with the Browns. That coincided with the absence of Damien Harris due to his recovery from a concussion, as Stevenson flourished with his expanded workload. He has now carried 10+ times during three of his last five matchups while demonstrating the ability to deliver favorable numbers when his touches increase. Harris will regain lead-back duties upon his return, but Stevenson has now built sizable evidence that he should also retain a substantial role. He remains available in 68% of all leagues and should be rostered in all of them.
D'Onta Foreman, Tennessee Titans - 2% Rostered
The Titans have distributed touches between three backs in their attempt to navigate Derrick Henry’s absence, as Adrian Peterson, Jeremy McNichols and Foreman have all shared opportunities.
D'Onta Foreman getting free!
📺: Watch #NOvsTEN on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/4QvcBFHUPS
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) November 14, 2021
However, Foreman surfaced as the team leader in rushing attempts (11), rushing yards (30), receptions (2), and receiving yards (48) when Tennessee hosted the Saints in Week 10. He had joined the Titans’ active roster on November 6, but has now emerged as the Tennessee back to prioritize after amassing 107 total yards during his last two games.
Peterson has carried 18 times since Week 9 but has only manufactured 42 yards (2.3 per attempt). McNichols’ rushing numbers have been equally uninspiring, as he has carried 11 times while assembling 31 yards (2.6 yards per attempt). He has collected four of his six targets since Week 9 but has only managed 12 receiving yards. He was also relegated to a one-yard reception in Week 10.
Foreman is also available in 98% of all leagues, as managers have opted to secure Peterson (61%) and McNichols (56%) for their rosters. Any trepidation regarding Tennessee's three-man rotation should not dissuade you from seizing Foreman this week.
J.D. McKissic, Washington Football Team - 57% Rostered
The health and effectiveness of Antonio Gibson have remained ongoing topics as the season has progressed, and anyone who drafted him had not received the results that were originally envisioned. However, McKissic reliability while operating as Washington’s pass-catching back has been unwavering.
J.D. McKissic is such a weapon. Huge catch on 4th and short to covert and keep the drive alive. Washington needs this pic.twitter.com/2LpQzsxOtG
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) November 14, 2021
Gibson did lead Washington in rushing attempts (15) and rushing yardage (64) when the Football Team hosted Tampa Bay. He also generated two touchdowns but only averaged 2.7 yards per attempt. McKissic’s numbers did not match the results that he has attained in recent weeks, as Washington led throughout the contest. However, he collected all four of his targets, and assembled 35 yards. McKissic has now accumulated 46 targets (5.1 per game), 37 receptions (4.1 per game), and 367 receiving yards (40.8 per game)., That includes his usage and production from Weeks 6-8, when he led all backs in targets (24/8.0 per game), (20 receptions (20/6.7 per game), and receiving yards (182/60.7 per game).
McKissic will sustain his role as The Football Team’s preferred pass-catcher within the backfield. He can still be secured in over 40% of all leagues and remains a dependable option for anyone who participates in the PPR format.
In The Running - More Running Backs to Pickup
These are more running backs to pick up for Week 11 that remain available on the waiver wire but are not necessarily must-adds.
Jordan Howard, Philadelphia Eagles - 49% Rostered
Boston Scott, Philadelphia Eagles - 32% Rostered
Both Philadelphia backs are included among the Week 11 recommendations with the caveat that Miles Sanders is eligible to reemerge from injured reserve this week. Whether that transpires, and how that will reshape the entire backfield equation remains unclear.
However, Howard and Scott have been proficient following the Eagles’ transformation into a run-heavy strategic approach. Howard emerged from the team’s practice squad prior to their Week 8 matchup in Detroit and has now accumulated 41 attempts, 211 yards, and three touchdowns since Week 8. That includes the 12 carries and 83 yards that he accrued in Week 10.
Boston Scott goes right through the middle for a 17 yard gain!#Eagles #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/x0AfyuPE4A
— Brodes Media (@BrodesMedia) November 14, 2021
Scott had not registered a rushing attempt before Week 7, but has now accrued 33 attempts, 181 yards, and three touchdowns since Week 8. He also assembled 81 yards with the 11 carries that he accrued when the Eagles visited Denver on Sunday.
The status of Sanders should be monitored, although Scott and Howard can both be rostered. The tandem has performed effectively, which will supply Nick Sirianni with options as he determines his preference for distributing touches after Sanders returns.
Devonta Freeman, Baltimore Ravens - 60% Rostered
Freeman’s rostership percentage is stationed at 60% which places him at the threshold of qualification for this week’s article. However, he should be included in this week’s recommendations due to the various challenges that are impacting fantasy managers as the postseason approaches. Freeman only averaged 2.6 yards per attempt and a microscopic 4.3 yards per game from Weeks 3-5.
.@devontafreeman bulldozes in for 6!
Tune in on CBS! pic.twitter.com/P8J4c0Xyfr
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 24, 2021
However, he has averaged 4.7 yards per attempt and 45.3 yards per game from Weeks 7-9. Freeman has also surfaced as Baltimore’s lead back during that sequence due to a combination of Latavius Murray’s absence (ankle) and the exclusion of Ty’Son Williams from the backfield rotation (two carries since Week 6).
That includes the Ravens’ Week 10 matchup in Miami when Freeman carried 10 times, as Le’Veon Bell was relegated to three carries and no other back registered a touch. Freeman is not performing with the same capabilities that propelled him to 2,135 rushing yards in 2015-2016, but he has emerged as the clear lead back in what was once a crowded Ravens backfield. He should also sustain that role after Murray returns.
Wayne Gallman Jr., Atlanta Falcons - 0% Rostered
Gallman had entered Week 10 with a total of 16 snaps, eight carries, and 33 rushing yards. However, he vaulted onto the fantasy landscape for the first time this season by receiving the largest workload among any Falcon back during their Week 10 matchup. Gallman’s team-high 15 carries were the most since Week 13 of 2020, while his 55 rushing yards represented his highest total since last January. Gallman also leapfrogged Cordarrelle Patterson (five touches/39 total yards), and Mike Davis (4 carries/18 rushing yards) with his level of usage during the contest.
The Falcons were trailing by a significant margin, which led to Patterson’s lowest touch total of the season. He should continue to function as Atlanta's most critical backfield weapon. However, Davis has averaged eight touches per game since Week 7, and could easily be surpassed by Gallman on Atlanta’s depth chart. Gallman performed effectively as the Giants’ primary back from Weeks 8-17 last season while finishing 11th among all backs in rushing yardage (572/63.6 per game), and remains capable of delivering respectable numbers if he retains an ongoing role. He is also available in 100% of all leagues.
Dark Horses - Deeper Waiver Wire Running Backs
This group consists of waiver wire running backs that can be added if you are willing to wait for the possibility of a larger role during the year, or consider your situation to be desperate due to injuries.
Alex Collins, Seattle Seahawks - 37% Rostered
If Chris Carson is contained on your roster, then the latest delay in his return to Seattle’s lineup was disappointing. However, his continued absence was less problematic if you had already secured Collins for your roster and you avoided the temptation to drop him. Fantasy managers in 22% of all leagues opted to remove Collins during the past two weeks despite his status as Seattle's temporary RB1, and his ability to function as a handcuff when Carson does resurface.
Collins has operated as the Seahawks’ primary back since Week 4 while carrying 81 times and accumulating 312 yards during that sequence. That includes his usage and output in Week 10, (10 carries/41 yards), while Travis Homer registered the only other rushing attempt that was distributed to the backfield during the matchup in Green Bay
However, Collins is the preferred insurance policy for anyone who is contending with uncertainty surrounding Carson’s availability. He can also supply you with a flex option while Carson is sidelined.
Sony Michel, Los Angeles Rams - 33% Rostered
Darrell Henderson has been operating effectively as the Rams’ primary back while accruing 562 rushing yards on 121 attempts. He is also averaging 3.5 targets per game and is ranked fifth in Football Outsiders ’ DYAR (Defense-adjusted Yards Above Replacement).
However, even though Henderson is functioning as LA’s unquestioned RB1, Sean McVay has kept Michel involved on a weekly basis. The fourth-year back is averaging 9.0 touches per game and has now accumulated 72 attempts while accruing 271 yards.
and we finally have a rams touchdown… thank you sony michel. pic.twitter.com/efoUfEYbpv
— Alexis Kraft (@TheAlexisKraft) November 8, 2021
Michel currently does not supply standalone value, but the primary motivation for adding him involves the significant role that he would attain if Henderson encountered another injury. Michel amassed 67 yards with his 20 attempts in Week 3 when Henderson’s rib issue forced him to the sideline. Michel would become a viable starting option if he is elevated into temporary lead-back duties once again. That should entice anyone who is depending on Henderson to secure Michel as an insurance policy. That will negate a potential roster challenge if Henderson is impacted by another injury.
Eno Benjamin, Arizona Cardinals - 18% Rostered
Benjamin had only registered four snaps and two touches prior to Arizona’s Week 9 matchup with San Francisco. However, he ascended into the Cardinals’ backfield rotation when Chase Edmonds encountered a high ankle sprain. Benjamin attained a 24% snap share in Week 9 while accruing nine attempts, and assembling 39 rushing yards against the 49ers. He also exploded for a 21-yard touchdown, which accentuated his arrival into the fantasy landscape.
Benjamin continued to operate as Arizona’s RB2 behind James Conner when the Cardinals hosted Carolina, although the two backs only combined for 16 carries. Six of those were garnered by Benjamin, who also received one target. He will continue to function as Conner’s backup while Edmonds remains on injured reserve which provides the motivation for stashing him on your rosters. He would also vault into a sizable workload if Conner would be sidelined for any reason during Edmonds’ absence. You have an excellent opportunity to secure him this week, as he remains available in over 80% of all leagues.
Time To Say Goodbye - Running Backs To Drop
These are running backs to drop or cut from fantasy rosters in order to secure an RB with greater potential to bolster your scoring during the year.
Mike Davis, Atlanta Falcons - 69% Rostered
Davis was selected as an RB2 during draft season(ADP 52/RB21), with the belief that Atlanta’s roster did not present any formidable competition to confiscate his lead-back status. However, Cordarrelle Patterson unexpectedly catapulted onto the fantasy landscape, while Davis has been increasingly relegated to a modest workload.
The outlook for Davis degenerated even further in Week 10, as Wayne Gallman also emerged from irrelevance to lead Atlanta in carries (15) and rushing yards (55). The involvement of Gallman was not solely a byproduct of game script, as he was accumulating carries even before they trailed by a significant margin against Dallas.
Davis has now accumulated 86 rushing attempts (9.8 per game) and 281 rushing yards (32.1 per game) entering Week 11. However, he has been limited to 26 carries (6.5 per game) and 85 yards (21.3 per game) during his last four matchups. He has also been relegated to only four carries in two of his last four games, including his minuscule workload in Week 10. Davis had already reached the periphery of drop status entering the matchup, but all incentive for retaining him on your rosters has now been eliminated.
Kenny Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles - 29% Rostered
If you have been consuming information in this column during the season, then you are already aware that Gainwell was frequently mentioned as an enticing roster addition. He demonstrated the ability to accrue yardage as a dynamic and versatile weapon at the collegiate level (Memphis). He also entered Philadelphia’s backfield equation with experience in an RPO spread offense that seemed advantageous with Jalen Hurts spearheading the Eagles’ offense.
The results were promising earlier this season, as he carried 15 times in Weeks 1-2. He was also sixth among all backs in targets from Weeks 3-7 (25/5 per game), and 10th in receiving yards (140/28 per game). Unfortunately for anyone who has been retaining him on their benches, Gainwell has only been targeted once during his last three games combined, while Jordan Howard and Boston Scott have become the preferred options for Philadelphia’s ground game. Even fantasy managers who are participating in deeper leagues can locate other backs that are being entrusted with more opportunities.
Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears - 40% Rostered
David Montgomery was expected to regain lead-back responsibilities for Chicago when he resurfaced for the Bears’ Week 9 matchup at Pittsburgh. However, the massive reduction in Herbert’s involvement was not anticipated. Herbert was relegated to just 10 snaps and four carries, while Montgomery commandeered a 86% snap share, and confiscated 15 of the 19 touches that were allotted to the Chicago backfield.
Herbert had exploded into relevance when Montgomery’s knee injury forced him to the sideline in Week 5. He was also second among all backs in rushing attempts from Weeks 5-8 (78 (19.5 per game), and finished fourth in yardage during that span (344/86 per game). It was reasonable to anticipate that Herbert would receive a larger percentage of opportunities, even as Montgomery functioned as the Bears’ RB1. What actually transpired has eviscerated any argument that Herbert has sustained standalone value following Montgomery’s return.
If Montgomery is on your roster, it is recommended that you retain Herbert as a handcuff. Anyone else should consider alternative options as Herbert is no longer positioned to deliver fantasy points if Montgomery is active.
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