RADIO
The dust is starting to settle on several backfields across the league. If you were lucky enough to scoop up previous waiver recommendations like Tevin Coleman, Jordan Howard or Christine Michael, you are already reaping the rewards. If you still need some help in the backfield, you're in the right place. Here are some RB still widely available that could be future contributors for your fantasy squad.
This article will aim to highlight Week 6 waiver wire adds for running backs, players that you should consider targeting on your league's waiver wire. 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.
Editor's Note: Once you're done here, be sure to read about more Week 6 waiver wire recommendations, for all other positions. Just click on any link: ALL - RB - WR - TE - QB - DEF - FAAB - CUTS
Frontrunners for Week 6 - 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.
Jacquizz Rodgers (RB, TB) - 16% owned - If you are desperate for a RB before Monday night and have the time and flexibility to make a roster move, Rodgers is your man. Doug Martin will miss his third straight game and Charles Sims has also been ruled out. Rodgers has mainly been a third-down back in his six-year career, mostly with Atlanta. This fits perfectly with the Bucs offense, which utilizes running backs in the passing game heavily. Rodgers may be a one week only play, but he could save your week if you are in tough spot. Martin may return next week, but hamstring issues are tricky and Martin has proven to be injury prone.
Chris Ivory (RB, JAX) - 48% owned - Ivory has been discarded by enough frustrated owners that he is now available in half of fantasy leagues. He certainly hasn't shown anything to deserve a roster spot anywhere, but RB-starved teams may want to take a chance that he will bounce back after the bye week. Ivory's season never really got going after a still-undisclosed medical issue kept him sidelined for the first couple of weeks. If you have the space, Ivory could be worth a stash. Keep in mind, he ran for over 1000 yards and seven TD last season. If healthy, he can still be a highly effective RB2 for the remainder of the year.
Kenneth Dixon (RB, BAL) - 38% owned - His NFL debut was as unremarkable as you could imagine. Dixon carried the ball three times and ended with -1 yards. For what it's worth, he also caught one pass for six yards. Dixon is being brought along slowly, but should see his usage increase as the year goes on. Keep him on your bench until he is worked into the mix, but don't become despondent based on one game.
In The Running - Week 6 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.
Matt Asiata (RB, MIN) 16% owned - You knew it would happen. Asiata is the master of vulturing short TD and he did so in Week 5. He actually wound up with 55 yards on 11 carries, averaging double the yards per carry of backfield mate Jerick McKinnon. He is an unreliable play that won't see much volume, but he is always a threat to reach the end zone. He is probably flex-worthy in standard leagues only.
Jalen Richard (RB, OAK) 6% owned - With Latavius Murray out, Richard saw even more carries than anticipated. Fellow rookie DeAndre Washington got the start, but Richard saw one fewer carry and one more reception. He ended the game against San Diego with eight carries for 31 yards and six catches for 66 yards. The situation in Oakland seems to be a full-blown committee even with Murray around, which limits the value of each. Richard has shown the most big play ability, however, and has deep league PPR value.
Devontae Booker (RB, DEN) - 10% owned - Patience may be rewarded eventually with this rookie. Coach Gary Kubiak stated he wants to focus on the running game more, which would be wise if he is forced to roll with Paxton Lynch again. The Falcons' potent offense didn't allow for that on Sunday, but Booker could see more than six carries next week. The Chargers have limited the run fairly well and C.J. Anderson is the undisputed feature back, so Booker is still more of a stash than a start recommendation.
Honorable Mentions: Dwayne Washington (RB, DET) 13% owned, Bilal Powell (RB, NYJ) 35% owned, Wendell Smallwood (RB, PHI) 12% owned, Fozzy Whittaker (RB, CAR) 33% owned, C.J. Spiller (RB, SEA) 6% owned
Dark Horses - Week 6 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.
Bobby Rainey (RB, NYG) 5% owned - In the last two weeks, Rainey seems to have become Eli Manning's safety valve. Rookie Paul Perkins has shown some burst and is an intriguing prospect, but is a liability in pass protection. The veteran Rainey will likely see the most snaps going forward, as he did against Green Bay. He caught six passes for 52 yards, after securing seven passes a week ago. He is a cheap value play in daily leagues and a relatively safe PPR play, albeit one with a low ceiling.
Jay Ajayi (RB, MIA) - 33% owned - On the one hand, he got the vast majority of carries in the Dolphins' backfield (13 for 42 yards) and found the end zone for a score. In fact, he had a potential second touchdown called back on a holding penalty. On the other hand, starter Arian Foster is likely returning next week and the entire Dolphins offense has looked downright awful this season. If Foster is still out, Ajayi will stay an RB3/flex with risk. If Foster returns, he isn't worth playing.
Orleans Darkwa (RB, NYG) 28% owned - Before you look at his disappointing line from Week 5 (seven carries, 11 yards), keep in mind that the Packers possess the top rushing defense by far. The Giants have a tough matchup against the Ravens' stout defense next week, but he is still a potential flex play in standard leagues.
Honorable Mentions: Kenyan Drake (RB, MIA) 2% owned, Daniel Lasco (RB, NO) 0% owned, Mike Gillislee (RB, BUF) 3% owned, Alfred Morris (RB, DAL) 16% owned
Also-Rans - Time To Say Goodbye
Jeremy Langford (RB, CHI) 44% owned - If you drafted Langford as a starting RB, hopefully you were able to scoop up Jordan Howard before your competition. Howard has shown far more in the last two games than Langford did in the first two before getting injured. Langford will be out for at least a couple more weeks and it's hard to envision him getting anything close to a full workload with the way Howard is running. He is droppable in most formats unless you have a very deep bench.
Charcandrick West (RB, KC) 2% owned - It appears most of you have already abandoned West anyway. Spencer Ware has been solid through the first quarter of the season and Jamaal Charles should see double-digit carries in Week 6. West has had injury problems since the preseason as well. This once valuable handcuff should be left on the waiver wire.
Chris Johnson (RB, ARI) 3% owned - Johnson only had value as a handcuff for the other Johnson in Arizona. He has been placed on IR with a sports hernia and won't return for eight weeks at the minimum. Andre Ellington becomes the #2 man in Arizona now.
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