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In Week 10, we didn't see too many surprise performances by running backs. If anything, the studs stood out more than usual from the rest of the pack. As the fantasy playoffs draw closer, it's more important than ever to add running backs who could see increased workloads down the stretch. We might be witnessing a changing of the guard in Washington, Baltimore, and even Seattle. Check here each week to find the best fantasy values at the RB position before the competition catches on.
This article will aim to highlight Week 11 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 even more Week 11 waiver wire recommendations, for all fantasy-relevant positions. Just click on any link: ALL - RB - WR - TE - QB - DEF - FAAB - CUTS
Frontrunners for Week 11 - 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.
Rob Kelley (RB, WAS) 47% owned - Kelley may have cemented his role as the feature back in Washington. He was barely started by fantasy owners this week in a tough matchup against the Vikings, but performed admirably with 97 rushing yards. Meanwhile, Matt Jones was not even activated for the game and pass-catching back Chris Thompson had a costly fumble. The upcoming schedule isn't much easier, but Kelley is among the top RB still available in at least half of fantasy leagues.
C.J. Prosise (RB, SEA) 34% owned - In his first heavy usage, Prosise delivered good value despite a tough matchup in New England. He totaled 153 yards, including seven receptions. He also received goal-line work, nearly scoring a touchdown that wasn't confirmed by review. His involvement in the passing game is the most encouraging sign, as he can continue to collect yards even when Thomas Rawls returns. In PPR leagues, Prosise is a priority add for those who have been clinging to non-factors like Duke Johnson and Jerick McKinnon.
James Starks (RB, GB) 18% owned - Starks only rushed seven times for 33 yards and was targeted four times against Tennessee. Starks does not and will not see high volume in the Green Bay backfield. He does have a good chance of reaching the end zone in any given week, as he did in Week 10. The ascension of Ty Montgomery also cuts into Starks' value, but he is a borderline RB3 in PPR leagues with the way the Packers offense has been rolling.
In The Running - Week 11 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.
Wendell Smallwood (RB, PHI) 2% owned - Smallwood played second fiddle to Ryan Mathews as usual, yet still finished with 70 yards on 13 carries. The Eagles committed to the run and gashed Atlanta all day. The Eagles' run distribution is in constant flux, making Smallwood hard to rely on for fantasy purposes. Should Mathews get injured, Smallwood could emerge as a solid RB2. Until then, he is a tempting add, but a risky play each week.
Kenneth Dixon (RB, BAL) 19% owned - Dixon didn't see many carries on Thursday night, but he made the most of them. He turned six rushes into 38 yards, boosting his poor average to a 2.9 Y/A. Dixon was used in the passing game quite a bit, finishing with seven targets and five receptions. Terrance West continues to struggle, which means Dixon has a chance to make a name for himself in Baltimore. Although the hype flame has died down, he remains a strong speculative add for those with space on their benches.
Damien Williams (RB, MIA) 3% owned - A new vulture has arrived to the fantasy landscape. Williams has been a lightly used backup throughout his career, but he found his way into the end zone twice against the Chargers in Week 10 despite recording just two carries and one target on the day. Not a prototypical goal-line back, this performance was more fluky than indicative of an impending trend.
Honorable Mentions: Alfred Morris (RB, DAL) 13% owned, Thomas Rawls (RB, SEA) 48% owned, Mike Gillislee (RB, BUF) 27% owned, Bilal Powell (RB, NYJ) 43% owned, Paul Perkins (RB, NYG) 24% owned
Dark Horses - Week 11 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.
Benny Cunningham (RB, LA) 2% owned - Does it say more about Todd Gurley or Benny Cunningham that the Rams chose to give Cunningam two looks in a goal-to-go situation from the one yard line while giving Gurley none? Actually it may say more about Jeff Fisher and his insistance on ignoring Gurley in obvious running situations. Either way, Cunningham compiled 47 total yards compared to Gurley's 72, although he doubled Gurley's Y/A. Don't expect him to actually score - he has none this season and only four in his four-year career. He is strictly a desperation play in deep PPR leagues and a handcuff to Gurley.
DuJuan Harris (RB, SF) 33% owned - Harris has shown some burst since stepping onto the scene in Week 7. That wasn't evident by his five carry, 14 yard total in Week 10. Then again, Carlos Hyde also managed 14 yards, but averaged one yard per carry in the process. The problem is that Carlos Hyde is going to play the bellcow role as long as he is healthy. Harris saw 21 snaps, which was exactly half of Hyde's total this week. Harris isn't worth starting as long as Hyde is around unless you are in an extremely deep league. He is worth a bench stash given Hyde's inability to stay healthy for long stretches.
Akeem Hunt (RB, HOU) 1% owned - In his first game since being activated from the practice squad, Hunt racked up 52 yards on eight carries. He provided a nice change of pace to Lamar Miller and could see more carries in the coming weeks as a result. He doesn't figure to get too many goal-line carries, however, with the way Houston has been underperforming this season. The Texans' offense will still focus on Lamar Miller, leaving Hunt as a stash only.
Honorable Mentions: Derrick Henry (RB, TEN) 49% owned, Ronnie Hillman (RB, MIN) 4% owned, Kapri Bibbs (RB, DEN) 31% owned, Dwayne Washington (RB, DET) 2% owned
Also-Rans - Time To Say Goodbye
Jerick McKinnon (RB, MIN) 47% owned - A change at offensive coordinator has done nothing to improve McKinnon's fantasy prospects. He has carried the ball 13 times for 24 yards the last two weeks and is beginning to lose playing time to Denver castoff Ronnie Hilliard. Throw in Matt Asiata to steal any chances of goal-line work and McKinnon's value seems to have completely evaporated.
Peyton Barber (RB, TB) 36% owned - Doug Martin was in fact activated for Week 11 and carried the ball 16 times. Barber was the RB2, registering 12 carries for 38 yards. Martin should have a bigger workload next week and this isn't the type of offense that supports fantasy value for multiple running backs. Barber's time as a desperation RB play is over unless Martin suffers another setback. Even then, he he would be no better than a flex play.
DeAngelo Williams (RB, PIT) 38% owned - Knee surgery will keep D-Will out for about three weeks, so you can safely clear a roster spot if you were hanging onto him. Williams provided two good weeks of fantasy value before laying two eggs. Once Le'Veon Bell returned, Williams has been a complete non-factor anyway. He started the year as the top handcuff in the league and a must-stash for Bell owners, but that doesn't appear to be the case any more.
Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!
