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Winning a fantasy championship has been your goal since you began preparing for your draft. It has also remained the driving force behind every roster decision that you have made throughout the regular season. Congratulations to all of you who were able to fulfill those championship aspirations in Week 17 despite your obstacles during the year. You have also maintained a new level of flexibility due to COVID- 19-related postponements and the ongoing potential for adjusted schedules.
If you have embraced the unique challenges of participating in a league that incorporates Week 18 matchups into the equation, then you are just one win away from capturing your league’s title. This article is designed to help you make the critical decisions that await you by examining the running backs that are currently located on at least 40% of all waiver wires.
These recommendations will appear in three tiers, beginning with the most enticing runners that are available, then progressing to backs that can be considered if your normal starting options are unavailable for any reason. You will also find a group of backs that can be dropped in order for you to secure your replacements. Good luck to everyone in your matchups this week.
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Week 17 Rushing Leaders
| Week 17 | Team | Attempts | Yards | YPA | TDs |
| Rashaad Penny | Seattle | 25 | 170 | 6.8 | 2 |
| D'Onta Foreman | Tennessee | 26 | 132 | 5.1 | 1 |
| Elijah Mitchell | San Francisco | 21 | 119 | 5.7 | 0 |
| Devin Singletary | Buffalo | 23 | 110 | 4.8 | 2 |
| Jonathan Taylor | Indianapolis | 20 | 108 | 5.4 | 1 |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | New England | 19 | 107 | 5.6 | 2 |
| Saquon Barkley | New York Giants | 21 | 102 | 4.9 | 0 |
| Darrel Williams | Kansas City | 14 | 88 | 6.3 | 2 |
| Devonta Freeman | Baltimore | 14 | 76 | 5.4 | 0 |
| Aaron Jones | Green Bay | 8 | 76 | 9.5 | 0 |
| Sony Michel | Los Angeles Rams | 19 | 74 | 3.9 | 1 |
| David Montgomery | Chicago | 22 | 64 | 2.9 | 2 |
| A.J. Dillon | Green Bay | 14 | 63 | 4.5 | 2 |
| Josh Jacobs | Las Vegas | 16 | 63 | 3.9 | 1 |
| Austin Ekeler | Los Angeles Chargers | 17 | 58 | 3.4 | 1 |
| Jaret Patterson | Washington | 12 | 57 | 4.8 | 1 |
Frontrunners - Running Backs to Pickup in Week 18
These backs should be your top priorities among the options that are available on most waiver wires. Some will be more beneficial in PPR formats than standard. All players have a rostership percentage of 60% or less in typical fantasy leagues.
D'Onta Foreman, Tennessee Titans - 61% Rostered
D’Onta Foreman is loose! @D33_foreman@Titans extend their lead, 17-3.
?: #MIAvsTEN on CBS
?: NFL app pic.twitter.com/fEfrt0bcbl— NFL (@NFL) January 2, 2022
Foreman’s rostership percentage has slowly descended to the periphery of 60%, and his ongoing role as Tennessee’s lead rusher warrants a recommendation to seize him if you are attempting to capture your league’s championship this week. Foreman has easily led the Titans in attempts (112), rushing yardage (497), and rushing touchdowns (3) since he was promoted to Tennessee’s active roster on November 8.
That spans the Titans’ matchups from Weeks 9-17, as Foreman also established new career highs in carries (26), and rushing yards (132), and produced another rushing touchdown when Tennessee hosted Miami in Week 17. Dontrell Hilliard (47 carries/293 yards), and Jeremy McNichols (34 attempts/118 yards) have not been involved in the ground game with the same frequency as Foreman during that sequence.
Foreman is now positioned to accumulate carries during an enticing matchup on Sunday, and he should thrive when the Titans visit Houston. The Texans’ run defense is surrendering 143.4 yards per game.
Jaret Patterson, Washington Football Team - 25% Rostered
The combined absence of Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic in Week 17 propelled Patterson into an expanded role during Washington‘s NFC East matchup with Philadelphia. He led the Football Team with a season-high 12 rushing attempts, and a season-best 57 rushing yards, while also generating a touchdown.
.@JARETPATTERSON FOR SIX
? » FOX | #PHIvsWAS pic.twitter.com/dsPlZ3x2Hw
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) January 2, 2022
Jonathan Williams only manufactured four yards on two carries, and Wendell Smallwood registered 12 yards on four attempts, as Patterson functioned as the unquestioned lead back. His numbers also solidified his status as the preferred waiver wire option within Washington’s restructured backfield, as he has now accumulated 29 attempts and 139 yards on the ground since Week 14. McKissic‘s protracted absence (neck) since Week 12 will likely extend into Sunday. Gibson remains on the reserve COVID-19 list, and he has also been contending with multiple injuries (hip/toe), so his status remains uncertain. Those factors should allow Patterson to sustain a sizable role during the Football Team’s regular-season finale at the Giants. His Week 17 performance has also cemented his place among this week’s most enticing targets on the waiver wire.
Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots - 58% Rostered
Some fantasy managers have been compelled to drop Stevenson due to a combination of factors that had developed in recent weeks. The rookie had delivered an underwhelming performance during New England’s Week 15 visit to Indianapolis when he was limited to just 36 rushing yards on 10 attempts. He had also been unavailable (reserve/COVID-19 list), when the Patriots hosted Buffalo in Week 16, which provided Damien Harris a pathway to explode for 103 yards, and three touchdowns against the Bills. All of which had fueled a decent in Stevenson’s rostership percentage to 58%.
Rhamondre Stevenson makes it a 50 burger ? @dreeday32 #ForeverNE
?: #JAXvsNE on CBS
?: NFL app pic.twitter.com/Qbq5w2vSsJ— NFL (@NFL) January 2, 2022
However, he has resurfaced as a viable starting option after accumulating 19 carries and generating a career-high 107 rushing yards in Week 17. He also produced two touchdowns on the ground for the second time this season. Harris also scored twice during the Patriots’ matchup with Jacksonville, but he trailed Stevenson in attempts (9), and yardage (35).
Both backs should share touches when New England travels to Miami on Sunday, and either Stevenson or Harris could receive the majority of opportunities. That should not prevent you from adding Stevenson, who has re-emerged as an RB2/RB3 option.
In The Running - More Running Backs to Pickup
These are more running backs to pick up for Week 18. They remain available on the waiver wire but are not necessarily must-adds.
Ke'Shawn Vaughn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers- 4% Rostered
The Buccaneers were incentivized to secure Vaughn during Round 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft, but he only carried 18 times during his rookie season while failing to register a reception. However, the placement of Leonard Fournette on injured reserve has provided Vaughn with an opportunity to share touches with Ronald Jones II, depending upon the status of his rib injury.
Vaughn accumulated 70 yards on seven carries when Tampa Bay visited Carolina in Week 16, while he also bolted for a 55-yard touchdown.
Ke'Shawn Vaughn goes 55 YARDS for the Bucs TD! #GoBucs
?: #TBvsCAR on FOX
?: NFL app pic.twitter.com/KxVGmkkPWB— NFL (@NFL) December 26, 2021
He also assembled 31 rushing yards on eight carries during the Buccaneers’ Week 17 matchup with the Jets. He could also be ascending into lead back duties in Week 18 if he is not encumbered by his rib issue. Jones also departed the game in New York with an ankle injury, and updates surrounding both backs should be monitored. Vaughn would garner a sizable workload if he is able to accumulate touches, and Jones is not. Le’Veon Bell could seize an extensive role if Vaughn and Jones are inactive on Sunday, which would vault him into consideration among this week’s waiver wire options
Dare Ogunbowale, Jacksonville Jaguars - 34% Rostered
Ogunbowale has functioned as Jacksonville’s primary back during the Jaguars’ last two matchups, and that is unlikely to change when they host AFC South rival Indianapolis. Carlos Hyde remains on injured reserve (concussion) which should enable Ogunbowale to accumulate another favorable touch total during Sunday’s encounter with the Colts.
The fifth-year back has now accumulated 94 rushing yards on 26 attempts since James Robinson’s torn Achilles abruptly ended his season. That includes Ogunbowale’s usage and output in Week 17 (9 carries/36 yards) against a New England defense that entered the matchup allowing 121.9 yards per game on the ground. He also captured both of his targets, assembled 32 yards, and his first receiving touchdown of the season.
In garbage time, Trevor Lawrence gets his first passing TD since Thanksgiving weekend. This was also Dare Ogunbowale's first career receiving TD pic.twitter.com/9evxQRlS5Y
— Ben Brown (@BenBrownPL) January 2, 2022
It is justifiable to temper expectations for Ogunbowale during Sunday's matchup as he operates in an attack that is permeated with shortcomings. However, the continual blend of injuries, reserve COVID-19 placements, and unexpected coaching decisions that have negatively impacted your options throughout the season will only be intensified in Week 18. That supplies your rationale for adding Ogunbowale this week.
Boston Scott, Philadelphia Eagles - 31% Rostered
BOSTON SCOTT!
— Miles Sanders (@BoobieMilesXXIV) January 2, 2022
The fractured hand that was suffered by Miles Sanders during Philadelphia’s Week 16 matchup was destined to keep him sidelined in Week 17. However, it was unclear whether Scott or Jordan Howard would emerge with the most extensive workload during the Eagles’ NFC East showdown with the Football Team.
Ultimately, it was Scott who commandeered the largest touch total, as he rushed for 47 yards on 14 attempts while leading the Eagles in both categories. Scott also added two touchdowns, collected all four of his targets, and assembled 39 yards as a pass-catcher.
Just like we drew it up!@BostonScott2 | #PHIvsWAS pic.twitter.com/ZsQG6Nl8gz
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 2, 2022
Howard had carried nine times and generated 37 rushing yards in Week 16 before he was also sidelined by a stinger in Week 16, which had created uncertainty regarding his availability for Week 17. His usage was reduced as he operated with a restricted workload against the Football Team, which launched Scott into his expanded role during the NFC East showdown.
The recommendation of Scott now contains a caveat as he has joined Howard on the reserve/COVID-19 list. This places his availability in question for Philadelphia’s matchup with Dallas. It has also elevated Kenny Gainwell among the viable waiver wire additions while the status of Scott and Howard is monitored.
Dark Horses - Deeper Waiver Wire Running Backs
This group consists of waiver wire running backs that can be added if you are contending with injuries and other roster challenges.
Justin Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers - 52% Rostered
Jackson established season highs in rushing attempts (13) and rushing yardage (86) during the Chargers’ Week 15 matchup with the Chiefs. However, interest in seizing Jackson from the waiver wire did not skyrocket until Austin Ekeler was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list before LA's Week 16 matchup in Houston. Jackson rewarded fantasy managers with 162 total yards on 19 touches against the Texans, as he accumulated 64 rushing yards, 98 receiving yards, and two touchdowns while finishing at RB1.
Justin Jackson’s 2nd TD makes it a one-score game in Houston! #BoltUp
?: #LACvsHOU on CBS
?: NFL app pic.twitter.com/E5ues8fRc6— NFL (@NFL) December 26, 2021
Ekeler returned in Week 17 when Los Angeles hosted Denver and produced 112 total yards on 20 touches, but Jackson also remained involved while assembling 61 total yards on 15 touches. He has been dropped by a sufficient number of fantasy managers to leave him available in nearly 50% of all leagues, and he can now function as a resource during your Week 18 matchups. Jackson should accrue enough touches to warrant flex consideration, even if though he will be sharing opportunities with Ekeler during the Chargers' matchup at Las Vegas. That makes him worthy of consideration among your waiver wire additions.
Jordan Howard, Philadelphia Eagles - 25% Rostered
Scott and Howard were both candidates to ascend into expanded workloads during Philadelphia’s Week 17 visit to Washington, as the result of Sanders’ fractured hand. There was also potential for one member of that tandem to commandeer the majority of touches, and Scott became the primary beneficiary of the Eagles’ reconstructed backfield rotation.
Even though Scott emerged with the largest touch total, Howard’s role could increase when Philadelphia hosts Dallas on Sunday. Howard had averaged 13,2 carries and 68.6 yards per game from Weeks 8-15, and his usage and output were impacted by the aforementioned stinger in Weeks 16 and 17.
Sanders’ availability for the Eagles' Week 18 matchup should be monitored as the week progresses, while the aforementioned placement of Howard on the reserve/COVID-19 list has also provided the potential for him to be sidelined during Philadelphia’s matchup with Dallas. All of which supplies the opportunity to also consider Kenny Gainwell among this week's backs to target.
Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals - 11% Rostered
If Joe Mixon is contained on your roster, then he has unquestionably been a major contributor to your team’s ongoing drive toward capturing a league title. He is currently second among all backs in rushing attempts (292), and rushing yardage (1,205), and fourth in rushing touchdowns (13).
However, it is currently unclear whether he will operate with his usual workload this week. The Bengals have secured a playoff spot and have also won the AFC North. That could easily result in Mixon being designated for a restricted workload on Sunday. He could also be inactive during Cincinnati’s Week 18 matchup with Cleveland so that he can rest before the Bengal’s first postseason game since 2015.
Perine has already accumulated 55 rushing attempts, 246 rushing yards, 31 targets, and 27 receptions entering Week 18, and should receive touches even if Mixon garners a significant workload. Perine also becomes an appealing RB2/RB3 option if he ascends into responsibilities as Cincinnati’s primary back. That supplies the motivation for including him among your roster additions.
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 postseason scoring.
Myles Gaskin, Miami Dolphins - 84% Rostered
The unpredictable nature of touch distributions within the Dolphins’ backfield has provided surprising results at various points of the regular season. However, concerns surrounding the potential for fluctuating touch totals are most relevant for anyone who has retained Gaskin on their rosters, since that comprises 84% of all leagues.
Gaskin’s recent reduction in usage had already elevated him among this week’s drop candidates even before Miami traveled to Tennessee. However, his modest touch total against the Titans has ensured that he cannot be used in any lineups this week. It also eviscerates any reason to retain him as you reshape your roster for Week 18.
Gaskin only carried five times, including four during the final two minutes of the game. He also manufactured 23 rushing yards, while failing to capture his only target. Duke Johnson led the Dolphins in rushing attempts (7), and rushing yardage (49), while also pacing Miami’s backfield in targets (3), receptions (2), and receiving yards (16).
Gaskin was averaging 16.4 attempts per game from Weeks 7-14, but that average has plummeted to 4.0 per game during Miami’s last two outings. That should encourage anyone who is retaining Gaskin to make more effective use of that roster spot.
Cordarrelle Patterson, Atlanta Falcons - 94% Rostered
It is understandable if you are reluctant to remove Patterson from your roster, as he was a contributor to your team’s success during the season. However, the degeneration of his usage in recent weeks does not present you with any reason to start him, as you could easily receive an anemic point total if he remains in your lineup.
Patterson had been averaging 11.9 carries, and 53.5 rushing yards per game from Weeks 5-14, and was also averaging 5.2 targets, 3.8 receptions, and 43.3 yards per game from Weeks 1-14. He has averaged eight carries per game since Week 16, and only 20 yards per game since Week 15. He has also been limited to just two targets in each of his last three outings while averaging only 18.7 yards per game during that span.
If your team has progressed to a championship matchup with Patterson in your lineup you should not replicate the same gamble this week. You can replace him with the options that have been recommended in this column.
Leonard Fournette, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 72% Rostered
James Robinson, Jacksonville, Jaguars - 78 % Rostered
Fournette and Robinson are specifically mentioned in this recommendation, although this advice applies to any running back who remains unavailable due to an injury. These backs remain rostered in a sizable percentage of leagues. However, you cannot include Fournette, Robinson, Christian McCaffrey, or any other back in your lineup if they are not going to be active for their teams' season finales in Week 18.
That should eliminate all hesitation toward removing these players from your rosters, as they absolutely cannot help you during your championship matchups. There is no rationale for retaining any backs who will not take the field this week, although their collective absence does provide your incentive for making more effective use of your valuable roster spot. That can be accomplished by extracting Fournette, Robinson, or any other players who will be inactive this week and securing better resources in your quest for a title.
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