Top Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 8: Kenneth Gainwell, Khalil Herbert, Brandon Bolden, Rashaad Penny

After seven weeks of the regular season, some of you have embraced the numbers that have been assembled by the running backs that are contained on your rosters. Unfortunately, an increasing number of you have been negatively impacted by injuries to your backs, while others have contended with disappointing output due to a collection of unexpected developments.

The ongoing succession of bye weeks has presented an additional factor that fuels interest in locating alternative options on the waiver wire. That includes the two teams that will be affected this week – Baltimore and Las Vegas – which is a dramatic decline from last week’s challenge of six teams on bye. However, anyone with Josh Jacobs, Kenyan Drake,  Latavius Murray, and Devonta Freeman on their rosters will have to avoid starting those backs this week.

Regardless of why you are considering your waiver wire options, this week’s recommendations will appear in three tiers beginning with the most enticing and progressing to runners for anyone that is 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 breakdown, you can also find news updates and data-fueled analysis that is designed to help you maximize the scoring potential of your rosters.

Week 7 Rushing Leaders

Frontrunners - Running Backs to Pickup in Week 8

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

Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears - 59% Rostered

Herbert is currently rostered in under 60% of all leagues, just two weeks after he was only contained on 19% of all rosters. However, another surge in rostership is imminent, after Herbert flourished in a workhorse role for Chicago.

Khalil Herbert TD

Blessed be the waiver wire ? pic.twitter.com/xO8JVNL2FW

— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) October 17, 2021

He accumulated 18 carries when the Bears traveled to Tampa Bay, and accrued a career-high 100 yards (5.6 per attempt) versus a Buccaneer run defense that was only allowing 54.8 yards per game entering the contest.

Herbert also confiscated lead-back duties even though Damien Williams was active, as Williams only received four touches and failed to reach 10 total yards (8).

Herbert has now exploded for 272 yards on the ground since David Montgomery’s  Week 4 injury (knee), while also being entrusted with 55 carries. It is easy to envision Herbert sustaining an ongoing role in the backfield even after Montgomery returns, and he should soar atop this week's list of priorities if he remains available in your league. 

Kenny Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles - 21% Rostered

The ankle injury that was suffered by Miles Sanders elevated Gainwell into an expanded role during Philadelphia’s visit to Las Vegas  The rookie responded by manufacturing 61 total yards with his nine touches. That includes the 41 receiving yards that he accrued while capturing four of his eight targets.

Nothing but the hits from Kenny G#PHIvsLV | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/LcX23nBblZ

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 24, 2021

The rookie had previously received an encouraging level of usage Weeks 1-4 when he attained a 35% snap share, accumulated 19 rushing attempts, and generated 84 rushing yards. He was also 10th among all backs in targets (18/4.5 per game), and 13th in receptions (13/3.3 per game). However, it is understandable if you eschewed the option of adding Gainwell after his opportunities evaporated in Weeks 5-6 (23.5% snap share/2 carries/5 targets).

The status of Sanders will be continually updated, but Gainwell will commandeer the majority of touches within the Eagles' backfield if Sanders is unavailable. The blend of opportunity and his ability to accrue yardage both as rusher and receiver have vaulted him among this week’s primary targets on the waiver wire.

Brandon Bolden, New England Patriots - 6% Rostered  

Bolden’s fluctuating stock increased considerably when New England hosted the Jets, as Bolden tied for the team lead with a season-high seven targets, and led the Patriots in receptions (6). He also established yet another season-high in receiving yards (79) and generated his first touchdown of the season.

Bolden sprints to the pylon for the third @Patriots TD of the half. #ForeverNE

?: #NYJvsNE on CBS
?: NFL app pic.twitter.com/wKUeyJ6w51

— NFL (@NFL) October 24, 2021

Bolden had played on just two snaps while failing to register a target in Weeks 1-2, while James White was operating as New England’s pass-catching presence from the backfield. Bolden’s role expanded following White’s season-ending hip injury, as he collected 13 of his 14 targets, and assembled 80 receiving yards from Weeks 3-5. Bolden’s involvement diminished in Week 6  (1 target/1 carry/20% snap share) as Rhamondre Stevenson’s workload increased (8 touches/62 total yards/33% snap share).

However, Stevenson became a healthy scratch prior to the Patriots’ Week 7 matchup with the Jets, and that surprising development provided Bolden with his opportunity to flourish as a pass-catcher. We have also been reminded that Bill Belichick could modify the distribution of touches within New England's backfield at any time. However, Bolden is worthy of consideration for anyone who is searching for a flex option in the PPR format.

In The Running - More Running Backs to Pickup

These are more running backs to pick up for Week 7 and remain available on the waiver wire but are not necessarily must-adds.

Alex Collins / Rashaad Penny, Seattle Seahawks - 60%/36% Rostered

Multiple injuries continue to reshape the touch distribution within Seattle’s backfield, while the specifics regarding the availability of each back have been largely uncertain. Collins and Penny appear destined to split opportunities until Chris Carson returns from injured reserve (neck), with Collins expected to maintain lead back duties. Collins has recovered from the hip injury that he encountered in Week 6 when he eclipsed 100 yards (101) on 20 attempts versus Pittsburgh.

Back in it. ?@Budda03's touchdown will put us on the board!

?: #SEAvsPIT on FOX pic.twitter.com/sYXZ6h9pKK

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) October 18, 2021

Penny should be activated from injured reserve. This will allow him to reemerge following a protracted recovery from his calf issue, which has sidelined him since Week 1. He is expected to receive a weekly allotment of touches. However, Collins will garner the largest touch total if he can sustain his health.  Collins is available in 40% of all leagues and is capable of capitalizing on his workload while Carson is unavailable. Penny is attainable in over 60% of all leagues and joins Collins in providing fantasy managers with options if injuries and bye weeks are creating significant roster issues.

Michael Carter, New York Jets - 62% Rostered

The window for securing Carter is steadily closing, as his rostership percentage edged just beyond 60% before the Jets’ Week 7 matchup in New England. This should not prevent his inclusion among this week’s recommendations as fantasy managers are challenged by an escalating number of roster challenges.

The rookie has commandeered the largest workload in New York’s backfield during four consecutive games while accruing 42 attempts and generating 134 yards on the ground. That includes his numbers against the Patriots, when Carter led the Jets in carries (11), and rushing yards (387). He has also collected 14 targets during his last four contests, while establishing new season highs in targets (8), receptions (7), and receiving yards (67) in Week 7.

Tevin Coleman was sidelined with a hamstring issue, although his modest usage has already ushered him into irrelevance. Ty Johnson was allocated 11 touches and assembled a season-high 71 total yards. However, that should not deter you from securing Carter, who is positioned to become a valuable resource as the fantasy postseason approaches.

Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals - 7% Rostered

The fifth-year back returned from a one-week absence in Week 6 (reserve/Covid-19 list) to assemble 52 yards with his 11 carries in Week 7. Perine has now accumulated 11 rushing attempts during each of his last two games (Weeks 5-7) while eclipsing 50 yards on the ground during each contest (59/52). He has also scored twice during those matchups, including his 46-yard scoring burst during the Bengals' Week 7 matchup with Baltimore.

Samaje Perine goes all the way for a 46-yard TD run!@Bengals can smell first place in the AFC North.

?: #BALvsCIN on CBS
?: NFL app pic.twitter.com/vrNwXu6a3h

— NFL (@NFL) October 24, 2021

Joe Mixon continues to operate as Cincinnati’s primary back (123 attempts/539 rushing yards/16 targets/90 receiving yards), but Perine is functioning as the Bengals’ RB2. That positions Perine to ascend into lead-back responsibilities if Mixon would be unavailable during the upcoming weeks. It also presents fantasy managers who have secured Mixon for their rosters with the opportunity to also add Perine, as this provides a pathway to elude any potential roster dilemma if Mixon is sidelined for any reason. Perine is now available in over 90% of all leagues, which should motivate anyone with Mixon on their rosters to target him this week.

Dark Horses - Deeper Waiver Wire Running Backs

This group consists of waiver wire 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.

Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings - 55% Rostered

Mattison’s rostership percentage has dropped below the 60% threshold, as some fantasy managers have opted to remove him during the Vikings’ bye week. This presents an outstanding opportunity to secure him – particularly if you are depending on Dalvin Cook as the foundation back for your team. The ongoing rationale for securing Mattison remains intact after he demonstrated his ability to function as Minnesota’s workhorse back if Cook is cemented to the sideline.

Mattison performed effectively with his 51 carries in Weeks 3 and 5 while accumulating 225 yards during those matchups (4.4 yards per attempt). He also collected 13 of 15 targets while accruing 99 yards and a touchdown as a receiver.

HIGHLIGHT: Alexander Mattison rumbles in from 15 yards for his second career receiving TD! #KFANVikes pic.twitter.com/XRi6viJRRt

— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) October 10, 2021

Mattison also finished at RB7 and RB6 in those contests and remains the ultimate insurance policy that provides an instant remedy for any future absence by Cook.  He can also be stashed by all other fantasy managers who have sufficient roster space, as he would become a proficient point producer if Cook is unavailable during any upcoming games.

Latavius Murray, Baltimore Ravens - 48% Rostered

LATAVIUS MURRAY FOR 6️⃣pic.twitter.com/E1PRFVOJqq

— PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) October 17, 2021

Baltimore’s backfield consisted of an unsightly combination of congestion and underwhelming numbers in Week 7. The absence of Murray and the continued degeneration of Ty’son Williams’s role devolved the Ravens’ touch distribution to a blend of minimal usage and output from Devonta Freeman (4 carries/14 rushing yards), Williams (2 attempts/10 rushing yards), and the 2021 version of Le’Veon Bell (5 carries/5 rushing yards).

Murray was contending with an ankle issue, and his status should be monitored. However, he should benefit from Baltimore’s Week 8 bye, along with the fact that no Raven back performed effectively while he was sidelined. The 31-year-old Murray is not a candidate to explode for astronomical yardage at this point of his career. However, he has consistently delivered yardage totals that easily exceed the underwhelming numbers that have been manufactured by other members of Baltimore’s backfield. He remains available in over 50% of all leagues and can function as a flex option following the Ravens' bye.

Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts - 18% Rostered

Mack has emerged as a topic of conversation in recent weeks. However, interest in the fifth-year back has been fueled by the prospects that his workload would expand if the Colts trade him into a favorable landing spot before the NFL trade deadline. 

Mack has now accumulated 30 touches, with 25 of those opportunities occurring during his last four games. That includes Mack’s usage and output in Week 5 when he generated a season-high 47 yards on five attempts during the Colts’ matchup in Baltimore. He has also accrued 85 yards on the ground since Week 4.

However, your motivation for adding Mack surrounds his potential to relocate in an environment where he can procure an extensive role. Mack is fully capable of becoming a resource for fantasy managers if he is presented with the opportunity to operate with a consistent workload. He is attainable in over 80% of all leagues and can be targeted by anyone who can create roster space despite the ongoing presence of bye weeks.    

Time To Say Goodbye - Running Backs to Drop

These are running backs to drop or cut from fantasy rosters in order to secure an RB with greater potential to bolster your scoring during the year.

Trey Sermon, San Francisco 49ers - 42% Rostered  

We have now witnessed three games in which rookies Elijah Mitchell and Sermon were both available to accumulate touches in San Francisco’s backfield rotation. Mitchell has achieved a 65%, snap share, has been entrusted with 44 carries, captured four targets, and generated 222 total yards. Sermon has accrued just three snaps, carried two times, and only managed 15 yards during those same contests. Sermon has also failed to register a target, as Kyle Shanahan’s preference for allocating touches to Mitchell has been displayed repeatedly.

Mitchell also eclipsed 100 rushing yards during the 49ers’ season opener (104), while Sermon was a healthy scratch. Despite offseason expectations that Sermon would flourish as a workhorse back for San Francisco, Mitchell has commandeered that role. There is always the potential for Shanahan to alter the roles within the backfield, but that has become more improbable after each performance by Mitchell. That eliminates any reason to maintain any commitment toward keeping Sermon affixed to your rosters. He is now an afterthought within San Francisco's backfield, and anyone who is contending with lineup challenges should not dedicate a critical roster spot to Sermon.

Ronald Jones II, Tampa Bay Buccaneers  - 32% Rostered

With each passing week Tampa Bay‘s deployment Jones has provided escalating evidence that he cannot function as anything beyond a handcuff for fantasy managers with Leonard Fournette on their rosters.

Jones had failed to exceed six rushing attempts in five consecutive games (Weeks 2-6) before he collected 10 carries during a blowout win against Chicago in Week 7. That allowed Jones to exceed 25 yards for the first time since Week 2, as he did maximize his opportunity to operate with additional opportunities. Jones was not targeted during the matchup and remains limited to just six targets throughout the regular season.

Fournette seized lead back responsibilities in Week 4 and has now stockpiled 59 carries, 324 yards, and four touchdowns on the ground while generating 43+ receiving yards in three consecutive outings Weeks 4-6.

Jones can be retained as an insurance policy by anyone who also has Fournette contained on their roster. However, there are other backs who are more likely to provide your team with coveted fantasy points at a time when options can be limited.

Mark Ingram II/David Johnson/Phillip Lindsay, Houston Texans - 36%/22%/13% Rostered

Depending on any member of Houston‘s backfield has provided a clear path to disappointment throughout the season. However, some fantasy managers have retained  Ingram, Johnson, and Lindsay despite the enormous potential for modest yardage totals by each back on a weekly basis.

60 of Ingram’s 86 rushing attempts were accumulated in three games, including the season-high 26 that he accrued during Houston's season opener. He has also failed to exceed six attempts in three other matchups, is averaging just 3.3 yards per attempt, and has not generated a touchdown since Week 1

Lindsay has been limited to 5.4 attempts per game, while also being relegated to a season-low two attempts in Week 7. He has also been targeted just four times in seven contests. Johnson has only accumulated 46 touches (6.5 per game), although his value would rise if he is traded into a favorable environment. All three backs continue to share opportunities that will prevent each member of this trio from becoming reliable options for your roster.

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