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After eight weeks of the regular season, some of you have been able to embrace 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 reemergence of bye weeks continues to provide fantasy managers with an additional factor that could fuel interest in locating alternative options on the waiver wire. That includes the four teams that will be affected this week – Tampa Bay, Washington, Detroit, and Seattle. This ensures that anyone with Leonard Fournette, Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic, D’Andre Swift, or Alex Collins on your 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.
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Remaining Bye Week Schedule
- Week 9: Detroit, Seattle, Tampa Bay, Washington
- Week 10: Chicago, Cincinnati, Houston, New York Giants
- Week 11: Denver, Los Angeles Rams
- Week 12: Arizona, Kansas City
- Week 13: Carolina, Cleveland, Green Bay, Tennessee
- Week 14: Indianapolis, Miami, New England, Philadelphia
Week 8 Rushing Leaders
| Running Back | Team | Attempts | Yards | YPA | TDs |
| Elijah Mitchell | San Francisco | 18 | 137 | 7.6 | 1 |
| Najee Harris | Pittsburgh | 26 | 91 | 3.5 | 1 |
| Darrell Henderson | Los Angeles Rams | 14 | 90 | 6.4 | 1 |
| Chuba Hubbard | Carolina | 24 | 82 | 3.4 | 1 |
| Damien Harris | New England | 23 | 80 | 3.4 | 1 |
| Justin Jackson | Los Angeles Chargers | 3 | 79 | 26.3 | 0 |
| A.J. Dillon | Green Bay | 16 | 78 | 4.8 | 0 |
| Dalvin Cook | Minnesota | 18 | 78 | 4.3 | 1 |
| Michael Carter | New York Jets | 15 | 77 | 5.1 | 1 |
| Khalil Herbert | Chicago | 23 | 72 | 3.1 | 0 |
| Jonathan Taylor | Indianapolis | 16 | 70 | 4.3 | 1 |
| Derrick Henry | Tennessee | 28 | 68 | 2.4 | 01 |
Frontrunners - Running Backs to Pickup in Week 9
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.
Adrian Peterson / Jeremy McNichols, Tennessee Titans – 4%/8% Rostered
Derrick Henry entered Week 9 as the league leader in rushing attempts (219/28.4 per game) and rushing yards 937/117.1 per game), and rushing attempts. Henry had carried the ball 80 times more than any other rusher, well also accumulating 365 more yards then Joe Mixon, who was second overall (572/71.5 per game). He was easily on pace to stockpile more yardage and more carries than any other back for a third consecutive season.
However, anyone who has capitalized on his ongoing accumulation of exceptional numbers is already very aware that his foot injury (Jones fracture) will result in an extended absence. This is clearly an unwanted situation, although the most effective strategy for fantasy managers is to shift all focus toward the options that remain available on their waiver wire.
It’s 2020 and Adrian Peterson is still getting it done pic.twitter.com/9e61I2GAx7
— MyBookie - Bet With The Best (@MyBookie) September 20, 2020
The Titans have already signed Adrian Peterson to their practice squad, and he should be active for their matchup with the Rams. Peterson has repeatedly demonstrated the unique ability to perform at a level that defies his age. That includes his performance with Detroit during 2020 when he averaged 10. 8 attempts per game from Weeks 1-12, while also averaging 40.4 yards per game during that span.
Peterson appears likely to share opportunities with McNichols, who was a fifth-round selection during the 2017 NFL Draft. McNichols has accumulated 54 rushing attempts and 44 targets in two seasons with Tennessee, and would currently be primed for a pass-catching role. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues can also consider Mekhi Sargent, who is an undrafted free agent that has carried the ball twice during the regular season.
All updates should be monitored as the week progresses, as the Titans could make further additions to their roster. However, that should not preclude you from prioritizing Peterson and McNichols among your top waiver wire targets.
Boston Scott, Philadelphia Eagles - 19% Rostered
Kenny Gainwell’s rostership percentage rose from 21% to 66% during the past week after Miles Sanders incurred his ankle injury. Interest in attaining Scott was not nearly as robust, as a byproduct of his limited involvement prior to Sanders’ sudden departure. Scott had only registered four offensive snaps before Week 7 and remained available in over 80% of all leagues before Philadelphia visited Detroit in Week 8.
Boston Scott's second TD of the day! #FlyEaglesFly
?: #PHIvsDET on FOX
?: NFL app pic.twitter.com/JBaqhmvx07— NFL (@NFL) October 31, 2021
However, it was Scott who instantly vaulted into an extensive role against the Lions, while Gainwell remain uninvolved until the second half. Scott ultimately generated 60 yards and two touchdowns with his 12 carries (5.0 per attempt) and operated in an extensive role while the outcome remained uncertain. Gainwell eventually carried 13 times, although he only manufactured 27 yards (2.1 per attempt).
Jordan Howard also produced 57 yards and two touchdowns with his 12 carries, which has elevated him into consideration for anyone who participates in deeper leagues. However, Scott is the preferred back to target on this week’s waiver wire, as his performance should keep him highly involved in Philadelphia’s touch distribution during Sanders’ absence.
J.D. McKissic, Washington Football Team - 57% Rostered
A collection of fantasy managers removed McKissic from their rosters within the past week, which has dropped his rostership percentage below 60%. Why this occurred is uncertain, as his ongoing involvement as a receiving weapon remains intact. McKissic leads Washington’s backfield in targets (42), receptions (33), and receiving yards (332). He is now second among all backs in targets from Weeks 2-8 (33), and expanded his season total by collecting all eight of his targets when The Football Team traveled to Denver in Week 8.
J.D. McKissic with an ABSURD touchdown to give Washington (-2) the lead ?
— The Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) October 3, 2021
McKissic has supplemented his production as a pass-catcher by averaging 4.0 attempts per game. He has also attained a 47% snap share, which has risen to 57% since Week 6. Antonio Gibson appears to have recovered from his protracted shin issue, although Washington’s ongoing deficiencies should result in game scripts that are conducive to McKissic’s continued utilization as a receiving back. His workload would also increase if Gibson is sidelined for any reason. McKissic should be rostered in all PPR leagues and should function as a dependable resource following Washington's bye.
Alex Collins Seattle Seahawks - 59% Rostered
Collins has now accumulated 227 rushing yards with his 61 attempts since ascending into lead-back responsibilities for Seattle. That includes his usage and output in Week 8 when the Seahawks hosted Jacksonville. Collins carried 10 times and generated 44 yards against the Jaguars, which was the fourth consecutive game that he has operated as the team’s RB1.
Collins’ expanded duties have coincided with Chris Carson’s absence due to a neck injury. Carson remains stationed on injured reserve, and there is no guarantee that he can absorb an extensive workload whenever he resurfaces in the lineup. Collins would be the logical candidate to share opportunities with Carson, and would also function as the direct backup if Carson is entrusted with a sizable touch total in upcoming weeks.
Collins is still available in over 40% of all leagues. This provides the incentive to secure Collins if Carson is on your roster, as Collins can operate in your starting lineup during Carson's continued absence.
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.
Jaret Patterson, Washington Football Team - 2% Rostered
Patterson entered Week 8 with a season-high of four rushing attempts, while the rookie had also accumulated just nine carries from Weeks 1-7. His involvement increased significantly during Washington’s matchup with Denver, as Patterson led the Football Team in attempts (11) and rushing yardage (46). Patterson’s expanded role transpired even though Gibson had been removed from the injury report following his troublesome shin issue.
Jaret Patterson with a nice quick-cut for the first-down run.#WashingtonFootball pic.twitter.com/5c0vek97WL
— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 31, 2021
Washington’s impending bye week will provide Gibson with an additional week to rest. However, Patterson remains worthy of consideration as a roster addition due to his proximity to sizable workloads if Gibson’s usage is reduced for any reason. Patterson would also share touches with McKissic if Gibson would be sidelined completely from any upcoming matchup. These scenarios provide sufficient motivation for fantasy managers to stash him on deeper benches this week. If you have Gibson on your roster, you can also be incentivized to seize Patterson, as a safeguard that would help you avoid a potential lineup crisis.
Carlos Hyde, Jacksonville Jaguars 6% Rostered
The concept of adding Hyde to your roster has not evoked the same level of enthusiasm as other backs that have been contained in this column. However, his outlook has been altered in the aftermath of the heel injury that sidelined James Robinson. That elevated Hyde into lead-back duties for Jacksonville when the Jaguars traveled to Seattle, and he accumulated 72 total yards with his 17 touches.
Hyde tied his season-high with nine rushing attempts while accruing 32 yards on the ground. He had also entered the matchup with just two targets from Weeks 1-7, then proceeded to assemble his highest totals in targets (8), receptions (6), and receiving yards (40), since 2017.
The status of Robinson’s injury should be monitored as Jacksonville’s matchup with Buffalo approaches. However, Hyde will commandeer a sizable touch total if Robinson is absent during the contest. Anyone with Robinson contained on their rosters can also secure Hyde even if Robinson does resurface on Sunday, as Hyde would receive a significant workload if Robinson is unavailable for any reason during the upcoming weeks.
Mark Ingram II, New Orleans Saints - 37% Rostered
Ingram’s reappearance in New Orleans has extricated him from Houston’s overcrowded backfield, while also placing him in a more favorable environment. His opportunity to function as the Saints’ RB2 should provide more consistency with his workloads than he experienced as a Texan.
Welcome back, @markingramII! #Saints
?: #TBvsNO on FOX
?: NFL app pic.twitter.com/4xNV0uiU8N— NFL (@NFL) October 31, 2021
Ingram attained a 37% snap share, while averaging 13.1 attempts per game during his seven games with Houston. His usage fluctuated substantially during that sequence, as he was allotted 14+ attempts in four different matchups, which were interspersed with three games in which he failed to exceed six carries.
However, Ingram accrued eight touches and generated 52 total yards when New Orleans hosted Tampa Bay. This included his involvement as a pass-catcher as Ingram generated more receiving yards (25) than he assembled during his seven games with Houston (24).
Ingram will also be operating behind an excellent offensive line when he does accrue carries, and his touch totals would expand if Kamara would be sidelined for any reason. This elevates him into consideration as an insurance policy for anyone who has invested in Kamara.
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.
Jeff Wilson Jr., San Francisco 49ers - 17% Rostered
Wilson was included in the weekly recommendations when he was expected to return from injured reserve in late October. The timetable for him to resurface has shifted to late November, but that does not preclude you from stashing him if you are participating in a deeper league. Wilson will still reemerge as you are contending with bye weeks, and other roster challenges and he should commandeer a role within San Francisco’s backfield rotation when that occurs.
Elijah Mitchell has performed effectively as the 49ers’ lead rusher, but he is not being deployed as a pass-catcher (4 targets). Kyle Shanahan has also jettisoned Trey Sermon to a region outside the fantasy landscape. However, Shanahan has already demonstrated his confidence in Wilson, who led the 49ers in carries (126/11.5 per game), rushing yardage (600/55 per game), and rushing touchdowns (7) during 2020.
Fifth rushing touchdown of the year for Jeff Wilson.@49ers take a 7-0 lead! #FTTB
?: #WASvsSF on FOX
?: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/3alYfT3slD pic.twitter.com/5K0pnzluJ4— NFL (@NFL) December 13, 2020
Wilson also generated 437 rushing yards (72.8 per game) from Weeks 12-17 which placed him eighth overall during that sequence. Shanahan should infuse Wilson into the backfield equation upon his return, and he could become a valuable resource for your rosters before the onset of your fantasy postseason.
Latavius Murray, Baltimore Ravens - 40% Rostered
Murray does not present fantasy managers with the statistical ceiling that exists with several other backs who are available on this week’s waiver wire. However, his usage within a crowded Baltimore backfield has positioned Murray as the lead back within the Ravens’ offense.
LATAVIUS MURRAY FOR 6️⃣pic.twitter.com/E1PRFVOJqq
— PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) October 17, 2021
That designation appeared to exist with Ty’Son Williams when he attained a 50%, snap share in Weeks 1-2 while accumulating 22 attempts (11 per game) and generating 142 rushing yards. His involvement evaporated after those outings, as he has been limited to a total of 11 attempts since Week 4, which includes two healthy scratches. Devonta Freeman has only exceeded four carries during one matchup and has only surpassed 29 rushing yards once. He was also limited to four attempts and 14 yards when Murray was absent in Week 7.
Murray has been entrusted with favorable workloads in multiple games. That includes Week 4 when he accumulated 18 attempts and generated 59 yards. He remains available in 60% of all leagues and can operate as a flex option for anyone who is challenged by lineup issues.
Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings - 52% Rostered
Dalvin Cook resumed his workhorse role for Minnesota after the Vikings returned from the Week 7 bye, as he rushed for 78 yards while accumulating 18 attempts when Minnesota hosted Dallas. Cook also operated without any encumbrance from health issues, which limited Mattison to minimal usage during the matchup (2 carries/5 rushing yards).
However, even though Cook is currently performing with an extensive workload, you should not eschew the opportunity to add Mattison if Cook is also contained on your roster. Securing Mattison can allow you to evade a potential crisis if Cook is suddenly unavailable. Mattison stockpiled 325 total yards with his 74 touches when Cook was sidelined in Weeks 3 and 5 (ankle). Mattison also carried 51 times during those two contests, while capturing 13 of his 15 targets.
Mattison’s usage and production provided the latest evidence that having him accessible on your bench supplies an effective safeguard whenever Cook’s availability is in question. Mattison’s rostership percentage has now dropped to 52%, and anyone who has invested in Cook has the opportunity to secure Mattison this week.
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.
Damien Williams, Chicago Bears - 26% Rostered
The soaring value of rookie Khalil Herbert during David Montgomery’s absence has provided some of you with a productive starting option. His unexpected rise to relevance and also occurred at a fortuitous time as roster issues have become an escalating source of aggravation.
However, Herbert’s usage and output since Week 5 (78 carries/344 rushing yards) have also decimated Williams’ value. Williams’ rostership percentage had gradually dropped after he was sidelined in Week 6 (reserve COVID-19 list). He resurfaced for the Bears’ Week 7 matchup with Tampa Bay but was relegated to four touches and eight total yards. He also lost three yards on two rushing attempts in Week 8, before being sidelined by a knee issue. Herbert reasserted his proficiency as Chicago’s workhorse back while accumulating 23 carries and generating 72 rushing total yards against San Francisco in Week 8.
Williams will remain a clear backup to Herbert while Montgomery’s is unavailable, and will descend even further down the depth chart when Montgomery has reemerged. This supplies the motivation for locating a more effective option on this week’s waiver wire.
Trey Sermon, San Francisco 49ers - 30% Rostered
Enthusiasm for Sermon was rising during the offseason due to the belief that his capabilities as a one-cut runner would propel him into a consistent role within San Francisco’s backfield. This contributed to his Round 6 ADP during draft season. However, Elijah Mitchell continues to operate with an extensive workload for the 49ers (81 attempts/433 rushing yards), while Sermon’s value has been eviscerated.
Sermon has now accumulated just three snaps, two attempts, and a paltry 15 rushing yards during games in which Mitchell has been active,. That includes San Francisco’s Week 8 matchup at Chicago when Sermon performed the role of spectator throughout the entire contest. It was the second consecutive week in which Sermon did not emerge on the field.
JaMycal Hasty was also activated from injured reserve (ankle) prior to Week 7 and has accrued 11 touches and eight targets during the 49ers’ last two outings. Jeff Wilson Jr will also resurface later this month (knee) and should commandeer a role in rotation with Mitchell. Sermon’s lack of involvement in the offense has been consistent in recent weeks, and there is no reason for you to waste a roster spot on a back who has become a nonentity.
Ronald Jones II, Tampa Buccaneers - 27% Rostered
A sufficient number of fantasy managers are still retaining Jones on their rosters to warrant a reminder that you will not be rewarded for your ongoing commitment to the fourth-year back. Jones has now failed to surpass five rushing attempts in five of his seven matchups and has only exceeded six carries once His role should also remain limited due to the ascension of Leonard Fournette into Tampa Bay’s RB1 responsibilities.
Fournette was second among all backs in rushing attempts (69/17.3 per game), fourth in rushing yardage (321/80.3 per game), and fourth in snaps (189) from Weeks 4-7. He also paced Tampa Bay in touches (11) during the Buccaneers’ NFC South showdown with New Orleans, while Jones was limited to a season-low three carries.
Anyone who continues to roster Jones with the belief that he functions as a handcuff to Fournette is at risk of disappointment. as Giovani Bernard would elevate into expanded duties as a pass catcher if Fournette would be sidelined for any reason. If Jones is on your roster, it will be advantageous for you to locate a back who will accrue more opportunities.
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