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
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Week 15 Running Backs: Waiver Pickups, Adds & Playoff Matchups

By Keith Allison (Flickr) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Rek analyzes Week 15 fantasy football running backs (RB) - waiver wire pickups, adds and sleepers for both PPR and non-PPR leagues. NFL running backs are a key component.

By Keith Allison (Flickr) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia CommonsIt's been a crazy week. Many typically reliable fantasy assets like Peyton Manning, Drew Brees and Lesean Mccoy had very quiet games, just in time for the first round of the playoffs. But if you're still reading this, I can only assume you've advanced to the next round. Congratulations! Let's get started on finding some deeper running backs who may be able to help you win next week's matchup.

 

Week 15 Waiver Wire Options - Running Backs

Andre Williams (RB, NYG) - 51% owned on Fleaflicker

Editor's Note: Discover RotoBaller’s top Fantasy Football Sleepers to gain an edge in your drafts. Our free who to draft tool and expert picks spotlight undervalued players, breakout candidates, and late-round gems for all league formats.

Admittedly I'm breaking my own rule of 50% or under here, but just by a little bit. I'm also going to level you with guys: I could list a bunch of fringe players for you to go chasing, but considering the time of the year, we know who is or who isn't going to be useful and I don't want to waste your time.  But I digress! We finally saw the breakout game for Andre "Future 2000" Williams that Giants fans and fantasy owners alike have been waiting for! Sure, sure, it came against the Titans run defense, but just let us have this, okay? For those who didn't catch the game, Williams rushed 24 times for 131 yards and a touchdown. He also added three receptions for 16 yards, which is a big deal because he has a reputation for not being able to handle catching the ball.

This was Andre's first 100-yard rushing game, but more importantly, it was the first time he broke 4.5 yards per carry (he managed 5.5). One of the major criticisms of Williams has been that he has shown poor field vision, but he looked great in this game, especially when he broke off a 50+ yard run for a touchdown.  Nevertheless, the long-term outlook for Williams is very dependent on Rashad Jennings's health. If Jennings can't go against Washington, that makes another juicy matchup for Williams to be in your lineups. Even if Rashad can go, I believe the Giants will use Andre as the goal-line back, as they've done in the past. Pick him up if he's still out there.

 

Dan Herron (RB, IND) - 38% owned on Fleaflicker

Surprise, surprise, Dan Herron makes this list again. In Week 14, he failed to break 12 PPR points for the first time in three weeks, but 11.6 points is still pretty usable from a guy who is this widely available. For the sake of comparison, Trent Richardson (82% owned) only managed three points this week AND has only broken five points twice in the past five weeks.

I've given you guys the spiel about Herron vs. Richardson before. Boom is averaging 5.4 YPC vs. T-Rich's 3.3 YPC. Herron once again had more rushing attempts than Richardson, and had four receptions to Richardson's none.

Herron is the de facto starter in an offense run by Andrew Luck. I'll take fewer carries from my back in exchange for a greater percentage of red zone opportunities, and I believe you should too. I'm not saying to drop starters for Boom Herron, but I can almost guarantee you there are players on your bench less valuable than he is. Go get him before your semifinals opponent wises up.

 

Kerwynn Williams (RB, ARI) - 0% owned on Fleaflicker

No, you did not read that wrong. I am, in fact, recommending you a player that is 0% owned on Fleaflicker. I'm not sure if you heard, but Andre Ellington has officially been confirmed done for the year, and many have speculated which running back would win the job out of the committee. Enter Kerwynn Williams, who was just signed off the practice squads this past Friday.

Kerwynn rushed 19 times for 100 yards, which in my opinion is an excellent way to welcome yourself to the pro circuit. He's certainly earned himself a shot at the lead back job next week, but you should know that he isn't built like a lead back. He's only 195 pounds, and 5'8''. His mold is very similar to Justin Forsett, who is 198 pounds and also 5'8'', but we have seen how well that has worked out for the Ravens.  Unlike Forsett, Kerwynn ranks in the 77th percentile for the 40-yard dash among running backs. I wouldn't be too worried about his build.

What I am worried about is the fact that he faces the Rams next. The Rams have been pretty good at stopping the run of late, and obviously Williams is an unknown quantity. That said, if I were in a deeper league I'd take a shot on him as a FLEX play.

 

Latavius Murray (RB, OAK) - 47% owned on Fleaflicker

Have you guys noticed the pattern yet? When Latavius Murray does well, the Raiders win!  Obviously after the big game against the Chiefs in Week 12, he didn't do much. That tends to happen when you end up with a concussion that keeps you out for a week. This past Sunday, Murray made it up to his owners by rushing 23 times for 76 yards. He also had two receptions for nine yards. 85 all-purpose yards isn't bad at all for your "worst" game as a starter. Yes, I'm aware it's only two games and Murray's floor could probably be much worse, but he does have a ton of natural ability.

People looking to poke holes in my argument for Murray will say that he only rushed for 3.3 YPC, but the 49ers have a pretty stout run defense. You know who Murray faces next week? The same Chiefs he torched for that incredibly juicy 4-112-2 line back in Week 12. I'd feel pretty comfortable rolling with Murray as my RB2 or FLEX option next week.

 

Matt Asiata (RB, MIN) - 48% owned on Fleaflicker

Just when you think you're done with Matt Asiata, he comes back. We all wish we still had Jerick Mckinnon around, but we're going to have to learn to live with what we have. So was Matt Asiata able to work his three-touchdown magic against the Jets?  No, he was not. The Jets are a pretty tough run defense despite being one of the worst teams in the NFL this year, and limited Asiata to 54 yards on 19 carries. That's a gross 2.8 yards per carry.  I mean we're talking former Andre Williams territory. (Obviously not new awesome Andre who rushes for 100 yards and we love!)

So, why am I recommending you pickup Asiata? Because he's the really the only option the Vikings have besides Ben Tate, and the Vikings have shown no signs that they trust Tate at all. A lead back job is a lead back job, and Asiata currently has one. However, the matchup against the Lions next week is not ideal. That's why Asiata makes the bottom of my list. You all know what his deal is by now. He's not the most talented, but occasionally he might get you a touchdown. Pick him up if you need him.

 

Honorable Mentions: Bernard Pierce (RB, BAL) - 35% owned on Fleaflicker, Lorenzo Taliaferro (RB, BAL) - 16% owned on Fleaflicker, Isaiah Crowell (RB, CLE) - 58% owned on Fleaflicker, Terrance West (RB, CLE) - 60% owned on Fleaflicker and Juwan Thompson (RB, DEN) - 6% owned on Fleaflicker.

 

I hope this article helps you make it to your championship, RotoBallers! Next week will be my final article for this football season. I've really enjoyed writing for you and I look forward to writing baseball content in the spring! I may work on other projects in between, as well, so be on the lookout!  Sincerely,

Rek




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Josh Naylor

Back in Action on Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Suffers Setback
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
ANA

Mikael Granlund Moves to Anaheim on Three-Year Deal
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
NJ

Jake Allen Signs Five-Year Extension With Devils
VAN

Brock Boeser Remains in Vancouver on Seven-Year Deal
Conor Garland

Signs New Six-Year Deal with Canucks
Thatcher Demko

Signs Three-Year Extension with Canucks
Brandon Woodruff

Ready for Season Debut
Martin Fehérváry

Martin Fehervary Agrees to Seven-Year Extension with Capitals
Garrett Mitchell

Out for the Rest of the Season
MLB

Brewers-Mets Postponed on Tuesday
MLB

Tigers-Nationals Postponed on Tuesday
Zach Neto

Returns to Tuesday's Lineup
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
MLB

Padres-Phillies Postponed on Tuesday
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Hunter Goodman

Back Behind the Dish on Tuesday
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Jason Day

is a Fine Play With Limited Upside at John Deere Classic
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Luke Clanton

Looks to Have Another Strong Week at TPC Deere Run
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Sacramento Kings

Dennis Schroder Set to Join Sacramento
Bo Bichette

Out Again on Tuesday
Trent Grisham

Likely Heading to Injured List
Boston Celtics

Luke Kornet Agrees to Contract With San Antonio
Jonas Valančiūnas

Nuggets Trade for Center Jonas Valanciunas
Royce Lewis

Twins Activate Royce Lewis
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Signs Massive Extension With Oklahoma City
Corbin Carroll

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
New York Knicks

Knicks Pick Up Guerschon Yabusele
Yordan Alvarez

Could Return Early Next Week
NFL

Negotiations on 18-Game Season Not Expected Until Next Year
Indiana Pacers

Myles Turner Leaves Indiana, Signs With Milwaukee
Kerry Carpenter

Shelved with Hamstring Issue
Tyler Boyd

Steelers Have Talked With Tyler Boyd
Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard Waived By Milwaukee
Darren Waller

Coming Out of Retirement to Play for Dolphins
Alexander Romanov

Islanders Retain Alexander Romanov on $50 Million Contract
Andrei Kuzmenko

Signs Up for One More Year with Kings
Morgan Geekie

Signs Long-Term Extension with Bruins
Ivan Provorov

Stays in Columbus on Seven-Year Deal
Alex Pietrangelo

Stepping Away From Golden Knights for Health Reasons
Matias Maccelli

Maple Leafs Bring in Matias Maccelli
Evan Bouchard

Inks $42 Million Contract with Oilers
Vladimir Tarasenko

Wild Acquire Vladimir Tarasenko From Detroit
Patrick Kane

Signs New One-Year Deal with Red Wings
Brad Marchand

Lands Six-Year Extension
Aaron Ekblad

Remains a Panther on Eight-Year Deal
Mitchell Marner

Heads to Vegas
Randy Arozarena

Homers Twice, Plates Four Monday
Shea Langeliers

Hits Three-Run Homer In Return From Injured List Monday
Wilyer Abreu

Belts Grand Slam and Hits Inside-the-Park Home Run
Philadelphia 76ers

Trendon Watford Lands in Philadelphia
New York Knicks

Jordan Clarkson Expected to Sign With Knicks
Zack Wheeler

Tosses Eight Shutout Innings, Punches Out 10
Santi Aldama

Remains with Grizzlies
Atlanta Hawks

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Lands in Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Could Move Around in Pittsburgh
Los Angeles Clippers

Brook Lopez Strikes Deal With Clippers
Jonnu Smith

to be Used in Hybrid Role
Terry McLaurin

Commanders, Terry McLaurin Not Close on Contract Extension
Chicago Bulls

Tre Jones Remaining in Chicago
Michael Mayer

Raiders Not Interested in Trading Michael Mayer
Houston Rockets

Dorian Finney-Smith Signing With Rockets
Atlanta Hawks

Caris LeVert Joining Pistons
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Max Homa

Misses Cut at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Lucas Glover

Finishes Tied For Ninth at Travelers Championship
PGA

Nico Echavarria Finishes Tied For Sixth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF