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

December 8, 2014

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.

It'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

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