RADIO
We were treated to some better football this weekend with no major injuries to star players (no, anyone nicknamed Fat Rob doesn't count as a star). The downside to Week 2 was that we didn't see any major breakouts or surprises by rookies and some of last week's shooting stars seem to already have fizzled. That doesn't mean there isn't value to be had on the waiver wire, though.
This article will aim to highlight Week 3 waiver wire adds for running backs, players that you should consider targeting on your league's waiver wire if available. Running backs will be split up into three tiers - from most desirable, to most desperate. I will also include RBs at the bottom of this list that you might consider cutting in order to make room for your new additions.
Once you're done here, be sure to read about even more Week 3 waiver wire analysis columns, with in-depth analysis for all fantasy-relevant positions. Just click on any link: ALL - RB - WR - TE - QB - DEF - FAAB
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Frontrunners for Week 3 - Waiver Wire Running Backs
This group consists of running backs that I would recommend adding if they are available on your waiver wire. Some are more viable for PPR formats, so take note of that. These players have either earned a greater workload due to injury/performance issues or have shown that they can be weekly contributors to their NFL teams. All players listed have 50% or less ownership levels across fantasy leagues.
Samaje Perine (RB, WAS) 22% owned
Perine wasn't impressive at the NFL Combine, didn't stand out in the preseason, and didn't even see the field in Week 1. Now, he has suddenly become the lead RB in Washington, thanks to a fractured rib by Rob Kelley. 21 carries in three quarters of work should make fantasy owners salivate, but 67 yards and barely over three yards a carry should dry things up a bit. Kelley and Thompson gashed the Rams defense for long runs, but Perine could only muster a long of 12 while being stuffed for no gain on several attempts. He'll get the goal-line work, but nearly nothing through the air, so value him higher in standard than PPR and temper your expectations.
Chris Thompson (RB, WAS) 29% owned
Thompson was listed as a dark horse last week, but he sure worked his way up with a two-TD performance this week. Thompson now has three scores in two games and will always have a secure role as the pass-catching back. The caveat is that his biggest asset also becomes a limitation. Thompson will never be a featured back in the running game, which was proven as the team went to rookie Samaje Perine in the second half after Robert Kelley was ruled out. Thompson only carried the ball three times. He won't often rip off 61-yard runs, so it's best to realize that this will wind up as one of his best games of 2017. Still, if you're in a PPR league that utilizes flex spots, Thompson makes for a must-add now that he's actually reaching the end zone this season.
Chris Carson (RB, SEA) 38% owned
When a coach talks up a player to the media, it doesn't always translate to immediate results. In this case, Pete Carroll wasn't pulling our leg. The Seahawks definitely saw what Carson can do with an extensive workload, running for 93 yards on 20 carries. Meanwhile, C.J. Prosise didn't have a carry, Thomas Rawls had five carries for four yards and last week Eddie Lacy had five carries for three yards. As the only back who is generating positive yards, it might not take much longer before this committee resolves itself. We can only wonder why they bothered to sign Eddie Lacy in the first place.
In The Running - Week 3 Waiver Wire Running Backs
This group consists of running backs widely available on the waiver wire who aren't must-adds, but could be worth stashing or streaming if the above options are already taken.
Chris Johnson (RB, ARI) 12% owned
Johnson might feel like a cheap rebound after the Cards had a sudden breakup with their stud RB and other Johnson, David, but he happily came running back. Run he did on Sunday, with 44 yards on 11 carries and the bulk of the offensive snaps in the second half with the game in question. There are definite limitations even if he retains the lead role in 'Zona. He averaged 3.8 Y/A last season, although to be fair he only carried it 25 times. Johnson could be a flex play in favorable matchups, but it still might be best to avoid this situation altogether.
Rex Burkhead (RB, NE) 21% owned
The rumblings of Burkhead being more involved in the passing game proved to be true pretty early on. Burkhead ran a corner route and got behind the Saints' secondary (although who hasn't done that?) for a touchdown in the first quarter. TD aside, his final line proved less than impressive: two carries for three yards, three catches for 41 yards. It looks like his value might lie solely in the passing game where he still runs a distant second to James White. He also left the game early with an undisclosed injury, so his status is unclear at the moment for a tough Week 3 matchup with Houston. He can't be trusted for a regular role on any fantasy team, but will flash on occasion. As far as when that will happen, your guess is as good as mine.
Honorable Mentions: Matt Forte (RB, NYJ) 44% owned, Darren Sproles (RB, PHI) 44% owned, Giovani Bernard (RB, CIN) 23% owned
Dark Horses - Week 3 Running Backs Waiver Wire
This group consists of running backs who are strictly desperation plays. They could serve as a bye week fill-in, short-term injury replacement or weekly lottery ticket.
Jalen Richard (RB, OAK) 4% owned
The good news: Richard tallied over 100 total yards and a touchdown in Week 2. The bad news: he only touched the ball eight times. Oh, and those yards came against the Jets. While there are no asterisks when it comes to fantasy points, Richard is still third in the pecking order for snaps in Oakland's backfield. He's simply a punt play for teams that need to pickup an RB due to injury or bye weeks.
Jamaal Charles (RB, DEN) 35% owned
C.J. Anderson, it's safe to say, is back. Charles will continue to play the RB2 role as a change-of-pace to Anderson, limiting his upside. He looked good in his opportunities, however, running 9 times for 46 yards, giving him a 4.52 Y/A over two weeks. Given Anderson's injury history, there is a sound rationale behind making Charles a handcuff if you have the roster space. Assuming he can stay healthy himself that is.
D'onta Foreman (RB, HOU) 7% owned
Foreman was used more heavily in Week 2, with 12 carries, but still lags behind Lamar Miller for touches. The fact it was short week may have contributed to higher usage and the fact they played the Bengals made it easier too. Foreman isn't yet worth playing, but someone to monitor. The Texans need to get Duane Brown back and shore up their O-line before he can be more than a dynasty value.
Honorable Mentions: C.J. Prosise (RB, SEA) 24% owned, Alvin Kamara (RB, NO) 37% owned, DeAndre Washington (RB, OAK) 6% owned, Branden Oliver (RB, SD) 1% owned
Also-Rans - Time To Say Goodbye
Eddie Lacy (RB, SEA) 36% owned
Lacy didn't even see a single carry this week, as he was deactivated in favor of Thomas Rawls, while seventh-round pick Chris Carson has taken over in the Seattle backfield. By all accounts, Lacy is fine physically (he did earn that weight bonus in the preseason) and simply not getting the ball by way of coach's decision. If this continues, don't be surprised if Lacy isn't on the team by mid-season or earlier, given the way they disposed of RBs last season. Again, why did they sign him?
Latavius Murray (RB, MIN) 21% owned
Why did the Vikings sign Murray? He toted the rock three times for six yards and is clearly there to watch Dalvin Cook lead the way. He doesn't need to be on any rosters right now and won't be a factor this season as long as Cook is healthy and on the field.
Kerwynn Williams (RB, ARI) 72% owned
Quicker than a Vegas wedding, Kerwynn Williams went from hot commodity to hot garbage. Williams only mustered 22 yards on the ground and nothing in the passing game against the also-hot garbage Colts. Chris Johnson immediately stepped in and fared better, which means the vet might take over RB1 duties in Arizona. Hopefully you didn't spend too much of your FAAB on him.
