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Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 1: Top Free Agent Adds Include J.D. McKissic, Rachaad White, Kenny Gainwell, Tyler Allgeier

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J.D. McKissic - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups, NFL Injury News

The long-awaited regular season openers for all 32 teams will unfold this week, which will provide your first opportunity to watch the players that you selected for your rosters. Many of you began the process of planning your draft strategies during the most dormant weeks of the offseason, then created and reshaped your plans as free agency, the NFL Draft, and training camp performances altered the fantasy landscape.

However, as you are now reviewing your rosters, you might not be enamored with your selections at running back and believe that this critical position should be addressed. If you are compelled to investigate your fantasy football waiver wire options, this article is designed to help you locate the best backs that are available entering this week's matchups.

These recommendations will appear in three tiers - beginning with the most enticing options and progressing to suggestions for managers that are struggling with desperation. You will also find a group of backs that can be dropped in order for you to secure your replacements. After you've finished this week’s recommendations, you can also find the latest news and data-driven analysis from the team at RotoBaller which is designed to help you bolster your scoring potential in Week 1 and beyond.

Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers received five total writing awards and 13 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association, tops in the industry! Congrats to all the award winners and nominees including Best NFL Series, MLB Series, NBA Writer, PGA Writer and Player Notes writer of the year. Be sure to follow their analysis, rankings and advice all year long, and win big with RotoBaller! Read More!

 

Frontrunners - Week 1 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These backs should be your top priorities among the options that are available on most waiver wires. Some will be more beneficial in PPR leagues. 

Kenny Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles - 53% Rostered

Gainwell’s versatility, vision, and collegiate experience with the Memphis Tigers’ RPO spread offense contributed to the promising start of his rookie season, as he carried 15 times during Philadelphia’s first two matchups and ascended to 10th among all backs with 31 targets (4.4 per game) entering Week 8. He also vaulted to second in targets per route run (32%) - among backs with 80+ routes - and was ninth in yards per route run (1.69).

Weeks 1-7 TPRR%
Cordarrelle Patterson 35
Kenny Gainwell 32
Myles Gaskin 30.3
Alvin Kamara 29.2
Kareem Hunt 27
D'Andre Swift 26.4
Michael Carter 25.3
Austin Ekeler 25.2
Najee Harris 24.9

 

Weeks 1-7 YPRR
Cordarrelle Patterson 2.87
Alvin Kamara 2.13
Jonathan Taylor 2.11
Kenyan Drake 1.99
D'Andre Swift 1.98
Austin Ekeler 1.91
Kareem Hunt 1.81
Kenny Gainwell 1.69
J.D. McKissic 1.68

Gainwell also averaged 2.7 receptions and 23.4 receiving yards per game during those matchups. However, his workload was reduced when Philadelphia transitioned to a run-heavy approach from Weeks 8-18 (2.1 targets/1.6 receptions/9.9 yards per game).

He still finished the year with the fourth-highest target total among rookie running backs (50/3.1 per game) and was also fourth in both receptions (33/2.1 per game) and receiving yards (253/15.8 per game). His average of 1.55 yards per route run also placed him 15th among backs who ran 100+ routes.

Weeks 1-18 Targets Targ/Gm Rec Rec/Gm Yards Yards/Gm
Najee Harris 94 5.5 74 4.4 467 27.5
Michael Carter 55 3.9 36 2.6 325 23.2
Javonte Williams 53 3.1 43 2.7 316 18.6
Kenny Gainwell 50 3.1 33 2.1 253 15.8
Chuba Hubbard 37 2.2 25 1.5 174 10.2

Miles Sanders should function as the Eagles’ lead back, but Nick Sirianni will be incentivized to involve Gainwell as a receiver. He should also accrue rushing attempts, including opportunities in the red zone.

Sanders was also limited to 12 games during both 2020 and 2021 and recently dealt with a lingering hamstring issue. Gainwell’s stock would rise substantially if Sanders becomes unavailable once again.

The Eagles re-signed Boston Scott and claimed Trey Sermon from waivers on September 1st. Scott might siphon touches during the season, and both backs could function in a rotation with Gainwell if Sanders is sidelined. However, that does not prevent Gainwell from vaulting atop this week’s list of waiver wire options.

 

Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 29% Rostered

The 5’11”, 225-pound Allgeier stockpiled 1,601 rushing yards (123.2 per game) for BYU during 2021, which tied him for fourth among all backs. He was also fourth in rushing attempts (276/21.2 per game), while also tying for the overall lead in touchdowns (23).

Running Back  School Yards Yards/Gm Attempts Att/Gm
Lew Nichols Central Michigan 1833 141 339 26.1
Kenneth Walker III Michigan State 1646 137.2 264 22
Tyler Badie Missouri 1604 133.7 268 22.3
Tyler Allgeier Brigham Young 1601 123.2 276 21.2
Abram Smith* Baylor 1601 114.4 257 18.4
Sean Tucker Syracuse 1496 124.7 246 20.5
Sincere McCormick UTSA 1479 105.6 299 21.4
Breece Hall Iowa State 1472 122.7 253 21.1

 

Running Back  School TDs
Tyler Allgeier Brigham Young 23
Rasheen Ali Marshall 23
Tavion Thomas Utah 21
Hassan Haskins Michigan 20
Breece Hall Iowa State 20
Jerome Ford Cincinnati 19
Kenneth Walker III Michigan State 18
Deuce Vaughn Kansas State 18

He was selected in Round 5 of last April’s NFL Draft. This initially placed him in a jam-packed Atlanta backfield that was also comprised of 31-year-old Cordarrelle Patterson, fourth-year back Quadree Ollison, Damien Williams, Avery Williams, and Caleb Huntley.

Allgeier assembled 68 yards on 17 attempts during the preseason, which was followed by the release of Ollison and Huntley. This leaves Patterson and Williams as Allgeier’s primary competitors for touches.

This still represents a committee, although Allgeier’s prospects of seizing a significant role during the year remain favorable. Patterson should begin the season with a sizable weekly touch total. However, his relevance as a rusher could conceivably evaporate just as quickly as it emerged last season under head coach and offensive architect Arthur Smith. Williams could receive touches, but is not a candidate for an extensive workload,

Allgeier should eventually emerge in the Falcons’ backfield rotation, and his vision and physical style should propel him into a consistent workload as the season progresses.

 

Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers -  34% Rostered

White accumulated 224 attempts (14.9 per game) during his two seasons at Arizona State and assembled 1,420 yards (94.7 per game) and 20 touchdowns in that span. That includes his 1,000 yards (89.9 per game) during 2021 when White eclipsed 90 yards in five different matchups. White also collected 43 receptions (3.9 per game), and 456 receiving yards (41.5 per game) last season, and his output incentivized Tampa Bay to select him in Round 3 of April’s NFL Draft.

Williams’ effectiveness as a receiving weapon should catapult him beyond third-year back Ke'Shawn Vaughn and 30-year-old Giovani Bernard on the Buccaneers’ depth chart. That will place him directly below workhorse Leonard Fournette, who should retain his responsibilities as the team’s lead back.

However, White is an intriguing roster addition for anyone who is willing to exercise patience as his role develops during his rookie season. He also becomes a viable option for anyone who is committed to securing a handcuff for Fournette.

 

In The Running - Week 1 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These backs remain available on the waiver wire but are not necessarily must-adds.

J.D. McKissic, Washington Commandeers - 33% Rostered

The touch distribution among members of Washington’s backfield has become a source of extensive conversation during the offseason. This has continued following the unfortunate incident that has impacted Brian Robinson’s availability, as Antonio Gibson‘s workload will increase during Robinson’s absence.

However, McKissic’s importance to Washington’s attack remains cemented entering Week 1. He has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to perform effectively as a pass-catcher, and his ongoing usage under the team’s offensive decision-makers elevates him among this week’s flex options.

McKissic signed with Washington in 2020, which coincided with the arrival of head coach Rob Rivera and offensive coordinator Scott Turner.

McKissic promptly led all backs in targets during 2020 (110/6.9 per game/19.2% share). He also finished second in receptions (80/5.0 per game) and receiving yards (589/36.8 per game). McKissic assembled favorable receiving numbers again during 2021, as he was fifth among all backs in targets (52/5.2 per game) and receptions (43/4.3 per game) from Weeks 2-12, and had vaulted to third in receiving yards (397/39.7 per game). McKissic was also targeted on 24.5% of his routes while averaging 1.87 yards per route run - which was seventh among receivers with 100+ routes.

Weeks 2-12 Targets Targ/Gm Rec Rec/Gm Yards Yards/Gm
Austin Ekeler 66 6.6 51 5.1 473 47.3
Najee Harris 64 6.4 51 5.1 347 34.7
D'Andre Swift 59 5.9 48 4.8 364 36.4
Leonard Fournette 55 5.5 46 4.6 327 32.7
J.D. McKissic 52 5.2 43 4.3 397 39.7
Cordarrelle Patterson 50 5.6 39 4.3 487 54.1
Myles Gaskin 49 4.5 38 3.5 185 16.8
Aaron Jones 46 4.6 35 3.5 285 28.5

 

Weeks 2-12  Routes TPRR% YPRR
Cordarrelle Patterson 151 33.1 3.23
Brandon Bolden 115 28.7 2.57
AJ Dillon 108 25 2.35
Tony Pollard 100 27 2.27
Alvin Kamara 143 28 2.11
Ty Johnson 136 26.5 1.91
J.D. McKissic 212 24.5 1.87

McKissic’s statistical momentum was interrupted at that juncture, as he was sidelined during his final six outings (concussion). However, his involvement under Rivera and Turner should bolster your confidence that he can function as a reliable flex in PPR leagues.

 

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Ameer Abdullah, Las Vegas Raiders - 7% Rostered

Abdullah’s prowess as a pass-catcher propelled him through competition within a highly-congested Las Vegas depth chart, while also enabling him to capture a role in the Raiders’ reshaped attack.

Abdullah signed with Las Vegas in March, and his ability to earn a significant role in his new environment should fuel a continuation of the career rebirth that was launched in Carolina during 2021.

Abdullah surfaced with the Panthers in Week 8 and finished third among all backs in targets (49/5.4 per game) and fourth in receiving yards (272/30.2 per game) during his final 10 matchups.

Running Back  Targets Targ/Gm Yards Yards/Gm
Austin Ekeler 62 6.2 405 40.5
Leonard Fournette 50 7.1 232 33.1
Ameer Abdullah 49 5.4 272 30.2
Josh Jacobs 48 4.8 238 23.8
Najee Harris 48 4.4 223 20.3
Ezekiel Elliott 45 4.1 182 16.5
David Montgomery 42 4.7 252 28
Darrel Williams 39 3.9 350 35
Saquon Barkley 37 4.6 133 16.6
Aaron Jones 37 4.6 205 25.6

He should maintain an ongoing role as a receiving back, while Josh Jacobs and Zamir White collect the majority of rushing attempts. Brandon Bolden could also pilfer targets, but Abdullah has secured a sizable role, and his production should be sufficient for deployment as a flex. This supplies the incentive to target him if you are constructing rosters in PPR leagues.

 

Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears - 41% Rostered

Herbert’s 2021 rookie season began unimpressively, as he was limited to just 10 offensive snaps during Chicago’s first four matchups. However, he surged into relevance when David Montgomery encountered a knee issue.

Herbert was entrusted with an extensive workload from Weeks 5-8 while finishing second only to Derrick Henry in rushing attempts (78/19.5 per game). He also thrived in his expanded role, while finishing fourth in yardage during that span (344/86 per game/4.4 per attempt). His performance also vaulted him to 13th among all backs in Football Outsiders' DVOA (Defense-Adjusted Value Over Average).

Weeks 5-8 Attempts Att/Gm
Derrick Henry 106 26.5
Khalil Herbert 78 19.5
Chuba Hubbard 76 19
Najee Harris 73 24.3
Damien Harris 69 17.3
Darrell Henderson 67 16.8
Jonathan Taylor 63 15.8
Alex Collins 61 15.3

 

Weeks 5-8 Yards Yards/Gm
Derrick Henry 427 106.8
Jonathan Taylor 375 93.8
Damien Harris 345 86.3
Khalil Herbert 344 86
Darrell Henderson 295 73.8
Najee Harris 294 98
Elijah Mitchell 287 95.7
Chuba Hubbard 272 68

It appeared that Herbert might earn an expanded role following his proficiency as the temporary lead back, but that did not transpire. Montgomery instantly regained his previous workload, while attaining the fifth highest snap share among all backs during that sequence (75.9%). Herbert only registered a 16.8% share, while being relegated to just 22 carries during those final nine matchups.

However, the Bears’ coaching staff has undergone an offseason transformation that could accelerate Herbert’s rise to an expanded role during his second season. He is an enticing handcuff option for anyone who has invested in Montgomery, as Herbert would also approach RB1 territory if Montgomery would be sidelined for any reason. That supplies your rationale for securing him this week.

 

Dark Horses - Week 1 Waiver Wire Running Backs 

This group consists of running backs that can be added if you are willing to wait for the possibility of a larger role during the year or consider your situation to be desperate due to injuries.

Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins - 48% Rostered 

Mostert’s potential to explode for sizable yardage has been offset by his staggering history of health issues. However, he is currently positioned to operate with a favorable workload in Miami, which presents your motivation for considering him as a roster addition.

Dolphins’ head coach Mike McDaniel is familiar with Mostert’s capabilities, after serving as San Francisco’s run game specialist (2017-2018), run game coordinator (2019-2020), and offensive coordinator (2021). This also supplies Mostert with valuable experience in the wide zone run scheme that McDaniel will deploy.

Mostert’s career-best numbers were assembled in 2019 (137 carries/8.6 per game), (772 yards/48.3 per game) when he played in 16 games. He has been encumbered by multiple injuries (knee/ankle) during the past two seasons, which has affixed him to the sideline for 24 matchups during that span.

The Dolphins’ decision to jettison Sony Michel has opened a runway for Mostert to operate in a rotation with Chase Edmonds. Expectations should be managed due to his injury-laden resume, but he is available in 52% of all leagues.

 

Mike Davis, Baltimore Ravens - 27% Rostered

The numbers that Davis generated during 2021 might be a deterrent if you are exploring your waiver wire options, but he has resurfaced as a temporary roster resource in deeper leagues. He averaged 12.4 attempts per game from Weeks 1-5 but was woefully inefficient (3.3 yards per attempt). Davis also averaged 4.8 targets per game during that sequence.

Those numbers were not sustained as the year advanced, as Davis only reached a double-digit carry total once from Weeks 6-18 (6.3 attempts per game) while averaging just 2.8 targets per game. However, Davis should accrue a respectable workload in Baltimore’s run-oriented offense, while J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards remain impacted by the torn ACLs that they suffered in 2021. It appears unlikely that Dobbins will operate with a sizable workload when the season launches. Edwards is currently on the reserve/PUP list, and his continued absence will be discussed in this week’s Time To Say Goodbye section.

Davis should also garner a more extensive touch total than new acquisition Kenyan Drake if Dobbins’ recovery precludes him from operating with a substantial workload. Even if Davis does not sustain relevance after Dobbins and Edwards have resurfaced, he can function as a short-term flex option as the regular season launches.

 

Jamaal Williams, Detroit Lions - 47% Rostered

You may not be overly enthusiastic about securing Williams for your roster, but his responsibilities in Detroit’s backfield will keep him consistently involved in the Lions’ attack. He will also remain affixed directly below D'Andre Swift on Detroit’s depth chart, and does not contend with significant competition for his ongoing role.

Williams tied his career-high in rushing attempts during 2021 (153) and established a new high in attempts per game (11.8). He also accumulated a career-best 601 rushing yards (46.2 per game) despite being unavailable during four of Detroit’s matchups (thigh/COVID-19).

Swift tied for the league lead among all backs in targets per game during 2021 (6.0), and his proficiency as a receiving weapon will continue to impact Williams’ opportunities as a pass-catcher.

However, Williams also averaged 18 attempts and 74 yards per game in Weeks 13 and 16, when Swift’s shoulder injury elevated Williams into lead back duties. He would secure a similar workload if Swift would miss any contests. This presents Williams as a handcuff consideration to anyone who invested a second-round selection on Swift.

 

Zamir White, Las Vegas Raiders 15% Rostered

White accumulated over 2,000 yards (2,043) and 25 touchdowns during his four seasons at Georgia and raised his stock at the NFL Combine by completing the 40-yard dash in 4.40. All of which incentivized Las Vegas head coach Josh McDaniel and general manager Dave Ziegler to trade up for the opportunity to seize White during last April’s NFL Draft.

This initially placed him into a burgeoning backfield that was undergoing a massive transition, as McDaniel and Ziegler also added several veterans (Abdullah/Brandon Bolden) and two additional rookies Brittain Brown/Sincere McCormick to compete for touches with White, Josh Jacobs, and the now departed Kenyan Drake.

Drake has been released, and Jacobs enters the final year of his contract lacking any prior history with McDaniel and Zeigler. The current regime specifically targeted White, who should emerge with a favorable weekly role in the reshaped attack. He is a physical and explosive runner, who will receive opportunities on both early downs and inside the red zone. This should encourage you to add White this week.

 

Also-Rans - Time To Say Goodbye

These backs can be dropped in order to secure an RB with greater potential to bolster your scoring during the year. 

Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens - 16% Rostered

There is a dearth of unquestioned drop candidates as we reach the periphery of Week 1. However, anyone who drafted Edwards can extract him from their rosters if you find yourself searching for backs who are positioned to bolster your scoring now.

He currently resides on the reserve/PUP list. This renders him unavailable until at least Week 5, as his protracted recovery from a torn ACL continues. The 27-year-old Edwards suffered the injury four days before Baltimore’s season opener in 2021 and has yet to register a snap since it occurred.

Whenever Edwards does resurface, he will join a backfield that includes lead-back J.K. Dobbins, Mike Davis, and the newly acquired Kenyan Drake. This will not preclude Edwards from accumulating carries upon his return, as he has exceeded 130 attempts and 700 rushing yards during each of his first three seasons (2018-2020).

However, the team’s committee approach has also compressed his career averages to 9.6 attempts and 50 yards per game. That is not sufficient for you to retain him if you are contending with roster issues that require immediate attention.

 

Ronald Jones, Kansas City Chiefs - 15% Rostered 

It may appear early to drop any players that you have recently drafted, but there are feasible candidates if you are planning to reshape your roster. This includes the perpetually disappointing Jones, whose recent outlook degenerated so extensively that it became uncertain whether he would retain a spot on Kansas City‘s 53-man roster.

Jones ultimately eluded being cut by the Chiefs, but that does salvage his viability as a roster component.

Jones had also been limited to a minuscule workload throughout much of 2021, as he averaged just 5.3 attempts and 22.8 yards per game from Weeks 1-14 - before Leonard Fournette’s hamstring injury elevated Jones into a larger role. Jones also was relegated to only 13 targets throughout the season.

Jones appeared to relocate in a promising environment when he surfaced in Kansas City. However, Clyde Edwards-Helaire has secured lead back duties, while Jerick McKinnon will operate as KC’s pass-catching back.

This relegates Jones to modest usage, which could include dwelling fourth on the depth chart below promising newcomer Isiah Pacheco. You cannot insert Jones into your starting lineup with any level of confidence, which should prompt you to find a player who you can trust.

 

Marlon Mack, Houston Texans - 12% Rostered

Mack appeared destined to enter his sixth season with a minimal role in Houston before he was cut by the Texans. All of which underscores the downward trajectory of his career. The enticement of Mack’s stellar numbers during 2019 compelled some fantasy managers to secure him for their rosters, as did his arrival in an environment that did not contain an unquestioned lead back.

Mack finished ninth in attempts (247/17.6 per game) and soared to 10th in rushing yardage (1,091/77.9 per game) during that career-best 2019 season. He was also fourth in first downs (67) and fifth in yards before contact (591).

Unfortunately, Mack tore his Achilles during the Colts’ season opener in 2020 and has registered a total of 59 snaps since that occurred.

Dameon Pierce has capitalized on his opportunity to capture a significant workload during his rookie season, after being underutilized during his collegiate career. 32-year-old Rex Burkhead should retain involvement as a pass catcher, and the ability of both backs to commandeer their responsibilities made Mack expendable. His release by the Texans’ should incentivize you to remove him from your roster this week.



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