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RotoBaller Uncle Leo breaks down week ten waiver wire running backs (RBs) for deeper fantasy football leagues. In a year where fantasy running backs are so thin, we deep digger into the waiver wire to find some hidden gems.
In this space we will highlight some NFL running backs that need to be considered on the week 10 waiver wire. Some of these running backs are still being overlooked in fantasy, and should be owned in all leagues, and some players may not be as widely owned but can help fill-in for a bye week crunch. For those who are hurting at running back in week 10, or have bench space to stash another player – look no further.
Week 10 Waiver Wire – Running Backs (RBs)
Mike James – RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 53% owned in Yahoo leagues
Baller Move: Add in All Leagues Immediately
Analysis: The fact that James is still only owned in 53% of Yahoo leagues is somewhat understandable, but also kinda crazy. On the one hand, he didn't have a great 1st game as the lead running back for the Bucs after Doug Martin went down with an injury in week 7. In week 8 he only rushed for 39 yards on 10 carries, and added 4 catches for 25 yards. Not the greatest performance by any means, so folks may have been hesitant to add him off the waiver wire and onto their fantasy teams. But yesterday James may have had the best performance of any Tampa Bay running back this year, and did it against Seattle's defense. He racked up 158 rushing yards on 28 attempts (5.6 YPC), and also hauled in 2 catches for 8 yards. That's good for 27.68 points in PPR leagues, or RB1 type numbers. While James probably won't put up RB1 numbers the rest of the year, he will be a solid RB2/FLEX play. The Bucs will be feeding this running back until Doug Martin is able to return, so he needs to be added off the week 10 waiver wire immediately in all fantasy football leagues.
Chris Ivory – RB, New York Jets – 45% owned in Yahoo leagues
Baller Move: Add in All Leagues
Analysis: For the 2nd time in the last 3 weeks, Ivory put together a very impressive performance as the lead running back for the Jets. In week 7 against the Patriots, Ivory ran hard and controlled the game with 104 yards on 34 rushing attempts. Last week against the Bengals, the Jets fell behind early and never really had an opportunity to establish a running attack. But this week facing his former Saints team, Ivory continued to show flashes of running back greatness and dominated New Orleans with 139 yards on 18 rushed (7.7 YPC) and a touchdown. Simply put, Ivory can be a dominant NFL running back as long as he can stay healthy. Right now he is looking strong and fresh, the Jets have a very good offensive line, and he has a week 10 bye to rest up. So although the Jets are on bye, don't let this running back slip through the cracks. If Ivory is still available in your fantasy leagues, make sure to add him off the week 10 waiver wire - especially if you are in need of a running back for week 11.
Ben Tate – RB, Houston Texans – 52% owned in Yahoo leagues
Baller Move: Add in All Leagues
Analysis: Although Arian Foster was active and "got the start" last night, he had to quickly leave the game on the opening drive with a back injury. He was already very questionable coming into the game with a hamstring issue, and clearly wasn't ready to play like an NFL running back against the Colts. And although Tate was nursing a rib injury of his own, he was thrust into the lead running back role and ran well. Tate wasn't really able to finish off his runs aggressively, as he was trying to avoid further aggravation to his ribs, but he still was able to find the running lanes and create his own openings as well. He ended up with 81 yards on 22 rushing attempts (3.7 YPC), and added in 1 catch for those in PPR leagues. If Foster needs to miss more time, and that seems more likely by the day, Tate will continue to act as the primary running back for Houston and get a heavy volume of carries. Let's not forget, Tate has been regarded as one of most talented running back handcuffs in fantasy football for some time now. If Tate is still available in your league, be sure to target this running back off the week 10 waiver wire. Although he isn't 100% healthy right now, there aren't many running backs with this level of talent and upside who are still available on the waiver wire this time of year.
Shonn Greene – RB, Tennesse Titans – 16% owned in Yahoo leagues
Baller Move: Add in Deep Leagues
Analysis: As promised by coach Mike Munchak, the Titans got Greene involved in their running back scheme yesterday. After pledging to feed the tough-running Greene 15 carries a game, the Titans only got him the ball 10 times. But despite the lower workload, he still played well. Greene racked up 9 rushing attempts for 38 yards (4.2 YPC) and a touchdown, and also added 1 catch for 28 yards. While we would like to see even more volume out of Greene, this was an encouraging game after barely playing at all this season to date. Chris Johnson played surprisingly well yesterday, so the Titans understandably wanted to feed the hot hand. But Greene also looked strong, and will be an important part of the Titan's running game moving forward. Their opponents coming up aren't very imposing for running backs, including a nice matchup with the Jaguars in week 10. If you are looking for a bye-week running back, a solid weekly FLEX option, or just some more running back depth for your fantasy team - be sure to target Greene on the week 10 waiver wire.
Mike Tolbert – RB, Carolina Panthers – 14% owned in Yahoo leagues
Baller Move: Add in Deep PPR Leagues
Analysis: Although Jonathan Stewart returned from his multi-week injury yesterday, Tolbert was still involved in the Carolina running back scheme. DeAngelo Williams did not not play particularly well this week, and the Panthers want to try and keep Stewart healthy for the remainder of their playoff-bound season. So Tolbert will continue to be involved in the running game, especially since he continues to be effective. Yesterday Tolbert only had 24 yards on 6 rushing attempts, but also added in a touchdown (which Williams could not convert on) and had 3 catches for 13 yards. Overall that equaled 12.70 points in PPR leagues, and 2 weeks ago Tolbert had 16.40 points in PPR leagues. Not too shabby for a bye-week fill in or a deep league FLEX play. If you're looking for some running back help on the week 10 waiver wire, you can add Tolbert to your fantasy team especially if it's a PPR league. While he probably won't win you any leagues single-handedly, it looks like he will continue to get consistent touches and provide decent production for fantasy owners.
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