Darren McFadden (RB, DAL) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Stash in 14+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 62% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: Darren McFadden picked up a lot of steam in the preseason, becoming a hot commodity as it was being reported that he might pass Joseph Randle for "lead dog" duties in Dallas' running back committee. As it stands, Randle has a pretty clear handle on that starting spot, with McFadden coming in to spell him. Lance Dunbar is being used almost exclusively as a passing back, and Christine Michael has yet to be activated.

Darren McFadden's stat line through three weeks? 22 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown, adding three catches for 40 yards. Week 3 saw McFadden find paydirt for the first time in 2015, though it was after Randle already scored three times in the first half.

McFadden's snap count each of these first three games? 10 of 71, 19 of 85, and 12 of 54. That is not encouraging, even behind an elite offensive line. Should Randle get hurt or suddenly become wildly ineffective, McFadden would be thrust into the conversation as a top running back. He is absolutely worth owning in leagues with more than a few bench spots, but be mindful of who is he at this point in time. He might be able to chip in 3-5 points worth of yardage a week, and you can hope for a touchdown, but his upside is limited as long as Randle looks like this.