Week 9 Running Backs: Waiver Wire Pickups & Adds

Evan Okulanis analyzes Week 9 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.

In Week 8, some newly emerging running backs cemented themselves as the lead backs on their team.  Others have seen their opportunities increase due to underperformance or injuries.

That's good news for those of you who are in desperate need of a waiver wire running back for Week 9 and beyond, which I imagine is a lot of you. Let's get rolling on which running backs and potential sleepers that you should be willing to spend some FAAB bucks on in Week 9's waiver wire.

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Fantasy Football Running Backs (RB) - Week 9

Denard Robinson (RB, JAX) - 40% owned on Fleaflicker

Well, if you didn’t believe last week, it’s time to believe this week.  Robinson rushed for 106 yards on 18 carries and added a reception for 12 yards. In the first half, he was nearly unstoppable, ripping off big gain after big gain against what is supposed to be a strong Miami front (they have struggled somewhat recently).

Despite statements to the contrary from Jaguars staff, Robinson was very clearly ahead of a “healthy” Toby Gerhart, as he should be, and he should see a majority of snaps week in and week out after two solid performances.  Against a Bengals team that’s been well below average against the run this year, look for Robinson to continue his hot stretch.  I’d start him as a solid RB2.

Charles Sims (RB, TB) - 9% owned on Fleaflicker

This is the guy I’m looking to buy in just about any PPR league as a great stash.  With Doug Martin struggling (and injured), and Bobby Rainey clearly not a favorite of the coaches, Sims should have his chance to shine once he returns from IR.  Sims was drafted to be the 3rd down back, and the running back of the future in Tampa Bay, however a broken ankle in the preseason cost him the first half of the season.

With Sims back at practice, look for him to be activated by Week 10, and with Martin being so incredibly ineffective, we can expect some immediate touches for Sims.  If he plays any bit like the player he was in college, he may have the backfield all to his own come fantasy playoff time. And given his scat-like ability, that could mean some good fantasy production for your team.  If you have a roster spot, spend some FAAB dollars to pick him up off the Week 9 waiver wire while he's cheap.

Theo Riddick (RB, DET) - 4% owned on Fleaflicker

Reggie who?  Riddick has made a name for himself in two of the past three weeks as a dangerous pass catching weapon out of the backfield. Against the Falcons swiss-cheese defense, he hauled in 8 catches for 74 yards and a touchdown, including a drive-saving one handed catch that helped setup the game winning field goal.  While Riddick doesn’t have game-breaking speed or power, he makes up for that with superb hands and good vision.

As long as Reggie Bush remains banged up, Riddick will see his fair share of snaps as a 3rd down back, which in the Lions offense makes him someone to own.  Bush has been disappointing when he’s played this year, so it wouldn’t be too surprising to see Riddick have a role regardless of when Bush comes back. Calvin Johnson's imminent return should have minimal impact on Riddick's outlook, so I’d hang on to Riddick as a stash coming out of their bye as he could be a valuable flex asset come playoff time, especially in PPR leagues.

Jonathan Stewart (RB, CAR) - 56% owned on Fleaflicker

Well, this a nice resurgence.  Had it not been for Stewart's strong play in Week 8, the Panthers may have had the opportunity to fail miserably in the red-zone against the Seahawks.  He rushed for 79 yards on 16 carries and hauled in 3 catches.  Stewart was breaking tackles and making defenders miss like his rookie year.  He clearly lost some of the explosiveness that made him an elite prospect, but he’s showed the past 2 weeks that he can be an effective runner when healthy.

With Carolina’s offense looking better the past few weeks (outside of the red zone), Stewart becomes an interesting waiver wire pickup for this Thursday against the leaky Saints run defense.  DeAngelo Williams probably won’t be playing, so Stewart should have the backfield to himself.  I’d take a flyer on him as a flex if you have the option, as Carolina should come out to play in a big division matchup.

Update: DeAngelo Williams is expected to return for Week 9, which takes away some potential value for Stewart. Either way, Williams hasn't been very effective with his opportunities for some time now, and Stewart is still a solid waiver wire pickup and stash if you're hurting at the running back position.

Lorenzo Taliaferro (RB, BAL) - 13% owned on Fleaflicker

It’s clear that the Ravens won’t be using Justin Forsett in goal line opportunities this year, as Bernard Pierce stole touchdowns in Weeks 6 and 7, while Taliaferro stole two this week.  With Pierce being hugely ineffective, Taliaferro got his shot and delivered big time in Week 8, rushing 7 times for 27 yards and two touchdowns. He also lead the team in receiving.  Taliaferro is a big bodied power back with decent speed, which makes a nice compliment to Forsett’s undersized but highly skilled package. The Ravens have shown faith in Zo in the past, and they are clearly done with the Pierce era.  Taliaferro is a solid bet for 8-10 carries a week and goal line vulture opportunities, so while he’d be a gamble of a flex play, he’s a great stash to hold onto in case Forsett can't play at this high of a level for the entire season.

Deep Leagues Running Backs (RB) - Week 9

Jonas Gray (RB, NE) - 5% owned on Fleaflicker

It’s impossible to judge Patriots running backs. Vereen had a monster game in Week 7, so it’s only fair that Bill Belichick rewards Jonas Gray with more touches than Vereen in Week 8, right?  The master of game planning, it’s impossible to predict how the Patriots game plan will incorporate their running backs week to week, so I’d consider Gray in only the deepest of leagues as a flyer.  The Pats have a tough matchup next week against the Broncos #2 ranked run defense, but after that the schedule does lighten up a bit.