Week 2 Running Backs: Waiver Wire Pickups & Adds

Hey guys, for those of you that don't know me I'm Rek. Until the fantasy football season started, I had been writing MLB and fantasy baseball content for RotoBaller. Now I'll also be writing a weekly fantasy football column focusing on running backs who are not as widely owned as they should be, and I think these are running backs that you should either pick up or trade for.

Hopefully these running backs will help you hurdle over your opponents.  Yes, I make dad puns. No, that won't change over the course of the season.

With that stated, let's get started!

• 2025 fantasy football rankings
• Running back (RB) rankings
• Wide receiver (WR) rankings
• Quarterback (QB) rankings
• Tight end (TE) rankings
• Defense (D/ST) rankings
• Kicker (K) rankings
• FLEX rankings
• Dynasty rankings

Editor’s Note: be sure to bookmark our awesome fantasy football waiver wire pickups list, which is a daily updated list of waiver wire adds and players to pickup for all NFL positions.

Fantasy Football Running Backs (RB)

James Starks (RB, GB) - 15% owned in Fleaflicker

In case you missed it, the Seahawks looked every bit the champion they were last year. The Packers meanwhile looked like they forgot to unpack the box marked "mid-season form required to beat the Sawhawks". One bright note for the Packers was that Eddie Lacy looked like he was running with authority - or at least he did until he had to leave the game due to a concussion.

Enter James Starks who had 7 carries, 37 yards, a 5.3 average of yards per carry and generally looked pretty good on his cuts. Add in the fact that Starks had two receptions for 11 yards, and that last year he also rushed on average for 5.5 yards per carry, and you're looking at a nice sleeper in PPR leagues.

Don't get me wrong, Eddie Lacy is the man in Green Bay. But he's had two concussions in the two years he's been in the league. Starks is one injury away from being the lead back on an Aaron Rodgers led offense, and is easily worth a roster spot on your bench in deep leagues. Rush to make the add managers.

Mark Ingram (RB, NO) - 67% owned in Fleaflicker

One of the most exciting games of the week, the Saints-Falcons matchup lived up to its shootout hype. However, not all of the scoring plays in this one came off the arms of the two very good quarterbacks who were facing each other. Many pundits had Mark Ingram dubbed as a breakout candidate this year, despite the 3-man committee he finds himself in with the Saints backfield.

Well, in the first game of the season all he did was rush 13 times for 60 yards and 2 TDs. Ingram has never impressed with his career 4.1 yards per carry, and this game wasn't much different with only 4.6 yards per carry - but that's enough of a difference to be encouraging.

Ingram looked quick in the pre-season, and he looked fairly quick in this game as well. Another reason to be optimistic is that Drew Brees should make rushing for TDs a breeze for Ingram. Keep him stashed on your bench or as your FLEX in case he proves he is the breakout candidate he has the talent to emerge into.

Chris Ivory (RB, NYJ) - 57% owned in Fleaflicker

I've been talking Chris Ivory up all pre-season, and today he did not disappoint me. Sure Chris Johnson or "CJ2k" looked explosive catching passes for the Jets, and also running out of the backfield, but that didn't stop Chris Ivory from having a big day. Personally, I don't think a brick wall could stop Chris Ivory from having a big day.

Chris Ivory rushed 10 times for 102 yards, a TD, 10.2 yards per carry, and this beautiful TD run for 71 yards. Long term, Chris Ivory has a chance of being the lead back if anything happens to CJ2k - although it should be noted that Ivory himself can be fairly fragile. He is also bigger than CJ which means that the Jets are best served by using him as the goal line and power back. He is a suitable RB2/RB3 or FLEX in deeper leagues. Personally, I traded Jarret Boykin in my dynasty league for him and I'm thrilled.

Justin Forsett (RB, BAL) - 3% owned in Fleaflicker

Remember when this game was supposed to be Bernard Pierce's party? Well, no one told Pierce. He fumbled, and found himself on the bench. Enter the journeyman Forsett who rushed 11 times for 70 yards, a TD, and 6.4 yards per carry. Forsett and new offense coordinator Gary Kubiak have some history together from their shared time with the Texans, which means that Forsett is comfortable with Kubiak's offensive schemes.

For his career, Forsett gains 4.9 yards per carry and 7.4 yards per reception. These two stats combined can make him a great FLEX play in PPR leagues as long as Ray Rice is still suspended and Pierce finds himself in the dog house (probably for this next week only). Based on the current 3% ownership, not many foresaw this great game for Forsett. But as long as the opportunities present themselves, he should continue to be solid for the Ravens, and you should consider grabbing him off the waiver wire.

Other Running Back Options: Terrance West (51% owned), Isaiah Crowell (5%), Carlos Hyde (69% owned), Shonn Greene (59% owned)

I hope these guys help you in your matchup next week and going forward for the season. As always, I'd love to hear from you on twitter @RekedFantasy. Until next week RotoBallers!