Week 4 Running Backs - Waiver Wire Pickups and Adds

After three weeks we have all embraced the relentless efforts that are necessary in order to maximize our chances of winning league championships. Including the ongoing search for the latest information, the constant examination of our various roster options, and the instant adjustments to the continually changing landscape at the running back position.

But unfortunately, even though we would prefer not to contend with bye weeks, this unwanted development has reemerged to provide yet another element that must be considered when we  finalize our lineup decisions. As a result, anyone who owns Christian McCaffrey, Adrian Peterson or Chris Thompson must construct a lineup without having these players available. At least the minimized inconvenience of having players from just two teams impacted by the Week 4 bye can ease the process of becoming re-acclimated to this unwelcome weekly event.

Of course, there are other issues that you may facing with your rosters, and regardless of why you are now considering your waiver wire options, this article will assist you in locating the best players to target. These recommended options will appear in three tiers - beginning with the most enticing, and progressing to runners that are available if you are contending with desperation. You will also find a group of backs that can be dropped in order for you to secure your replacements. Here are this week's most viable waiver wire options at the running back position.

Frontrunners - Week 4 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These backs should be your top priorities among the runners that are available on most waiver wires. Some will be more beneficial in PPR formats than standard. All players have 50% or less ownership in typical fantasy leagues.  

Javorius Allen, Baltimore Ravens - 26% owned

During a week in which there will not be an unconditional must-add target at the running back position, Allen presents owners with an unexciting but logical addition as the result of his continuing role within the Raven offense. Through Baltimore’s first three games, Allen has accumulated 29 touches, which includes a 55%/45% mixture of carries (16), and receptions (13). He has also generated four touchdowns, with one score as a rusher in each of Baltimore's first three games. In addition to coveted red zone carries, Allen is collecting a desirable number of targets (17) and receptions (13). While it has been difficult for many owners to become inspired by the prospect of securing Allen, there is greater certainty that he will maintain a more sustainable role in his team’s attack than most other waiver wire options. He is not a candidate to commandeer a massive workload, but will accomplish enough with his opportunities to function as a reliable point producer.

T.J. Yeldon, Jacksonville Jaguars -  50% owned

At the onset of the season, I recommended that anyone who utilized a first-round pick on Leonard Fournette should also secure Yeldon as a handcuff. While that plan has been partially undermined due to a modified workload distribution for Yeldon and Corey Grant, Yeldon can still safeguard Fournette owners from crisis should Jacksonville’s RB1 continue to miss critical game action, or if ongoing health concerns result in weekly ambiguity regarding his status. Even though Grant possesses the ability to supply big plays when he is schematically placed into open space, Yeldon will continue to operate as Jacksonville's RB2, with an expanded role whenever Fournette is absent. Yeldon overcame his own injury (ankle) to garner 13 touches, and manufacture 90 total yards while Fournette was sidelined in Week 3, and should continue to obtain more touches than Grant whenever Fournette remains affixed to the sidelines. The ongoing utilization of both Yeldon and Grant reduces the ceiling and floor for both runners. But Yeldon is the superior waiver wire addition among this tandem of Jaguar backs.

Chris Ivory, Buffalo Bills - 6% owned

After much conjecture regarding LeSean McCoy's rib issue, and the manner in which Buffalo would allocate backfield touches in his absence, we were reminded once again that surprises of a magnitude beyond what is seemingly possible can occur at any time in the NFL. The Bills had appeared to be the league's worst team by a considerable margin during the first two weeks, and there was absolutely no rationale for believing that they could keep their Week 3 matchup with Minnesota even remotely close. That would have made it virtually impossible for the Bills to utilize their ground attack while trailing by a gargantuan margin. Instead, Buffalo shockingly dominated the game on both sides of the ball, which enabled the team to deploy 30-year old Chris Ivory in an extensive role. The fact that he bolted for 126 total yards on 23 touches was equally surprising, since he manufactured that output against Minnesota's normally stout defense. Even though he only averaged 2.8 YPC, the sheer volume that he was entrusted with has established Ivory as a feasible roster addition for McCoy owners, or anyone who is facing a problematic situation at running back. If McCoy's injury keeps him from participating in Week 4, Ivory would line up against a Packer run defense that was just gashed for 120 yards, 6.3 YPC and two touchdowns by Peterson.

In The Running - Week 4 Waiver Wire Running Backs

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

Wendell Smallwood, Philadelphia Eagles - 1% owned

Prior to Week 3’s matchup with the Colts, the criteria for considering Smallwood was solely based upon his potential opportunity to accumulate touches if Corey Clement’s sudden quad issue was significant enough to limit his touches. If that occurred, Clement's health problem would align with Jay Ajayi’s back injury, and Darren Sproles’ hamstring issue to lift Smallwood into a sizable role while operating within Doug Peterson’s strategic plan for his backfield. When this scenario did transpire, Smallwood accumulated 91 total yards and a touchdown on 13 touches, including 56 yards on the ground. Ajayi would theoretically resume RB1 status if he returns this week, and both Clement and Sproles would re-assume their complimentary roles if they are available. But at this moment, it is difficult to ascertain whether the backs that dwell above Smallwood on the depth chart can sustain their health or effectiveness. This should maintain his feasibility as a roster option, although you should monitor updates throughout the week concerning all four Eagle backs.

Corey Grant, Jacksonville Jaguars - 1% owned

If you are a Fournette owner who experienced having one of your competitors pilfer Yeldon, you don't have to lament your inability to secure the fourth-year back. Instead, you can focus your efforts on targeting Grant for your arsenal of roster options.  While Yeldon’s touches (17/1) and snaps (39/6) were significantly higher in Week 1, the touch total was notably condensed in Week 2 (12/10), and also in Week 3 (13/7). Yeldon should continue to procure more touches, but Grant's ability to burst for huge gains will compel Jacksonville offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to keep him involved within the team’s offensive attack. Even during weeks in which all three Jaguar backs are able to perform, Grant remains a prospective roster addition for anyone contending with injury or bye week hurdles.

Jordan Wilkins, Indianapolis Colts - 28% owned 
Wilkins continues to reside among available options in the majority of leagues, while also maintaining a presence among the weekly suggestions in this column. Even though most potential owners have not been enthusiastic about adding him, continued attrition by expected starters, should combine with the return of bye weeks to make Wilkins a viable option for your rosters. Indianapolis still does not possess a clear-cut RB1, and Marlon Mack's protracted hamstring issue should entrench Wilkins and fellow rookie Nyheim Hines into ongoing roles that should keep both backs highly involved in the Colts' offensive attack. Through three contests, Wilkins has accumulated 120 yards on 30 attempts (4.0 YPC), while supplementing that production with 25 yards as a receiver. Those are not eye-opening numbers, but Wilkins’ workload should be sustainable, with prospects of expanding as the season progresses.

Dark Horses - Week 4 Running Backs Waiver Wire

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 or byes.

Nyheim Hines, Indianapolis Colts - 8% owned

Hines' situation is comparable to fellow first-year runner Wilkins, in that his level of opportunity is not massive on a weekly basis, yet it remains largely consistent. Hines can perform as a matchup based flex option for owners in PPR leagues, as his targets, and receptions should repeatedly exceed the receiving opportunities of Wilkins. Hines possesses big play capabilities, but is not a candidate to commandeer feature back status. However, his skill set should compel Frank Reich to make sure that Hines is schematically positioned in ways that improve his chances of generating sizable gains. Considering the overall landscape of the current waiver wire - which includes runners that are encumbered by feature backs above them on the depth chart, or are victimized by the whimsical decisions of their coaches - the justification for adding Hines to your rosters increases with each passing week.

Ronald Jones, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 21% owned

He was not active for either of Tampa Bay's first two contests, and the list of unfavorable comments from his head coach Dirk Koetter was lengthy entering the year. These facts hardly present a solid foundation toward a recommendation to add him. However, current feature back Peyton Barber has manufactured just 91 yards and 2.6 YPC with his 35 carries. Even if Barber somehow supplies better output when the Buccaneers face the Steelers, he still does not provide Tampa Bay with a legitimate RB1 from a talent perspective. At some point, the Buccaneers will need to modify their backfield usage, and even though Jones' growth process will be an imperfect experience, Koetter should eventually realize that his offense does not contain a superior option. If you have the luxury of holding a spot for Jones, he will become a factor in upcoming weeks.

Jalen Richard, Oakland Raiders - 3% owned

Amid the escalating debacle that has permeated Jon Gruden's return as Oakland's head coach, Richard is one of the offensive skill performers that has performed capably, while securing a role as the Raiders' pass catching back. In the team's first three contests, Richard has collected 15 of his 18 targets, while generating 114 yards. His target total is second only to Jared Cook on the Raiders, and he is easily the most targeted back on the team (Marshawn Lynch 7/Doug Martin 3). Highly questionable play calling and mistake-filled quarterback play should continue blending with the team's defensive inadequacies to leave Oakland in catch-up mode with great frequency. That will enable Richard to accumulate receptions and yardage, while boosting the scoring totals of owners in PPR leagues.

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.

Tarik Cohen, Chicago Bears - 65% owned

Cohen was targeted 71 times during his 2017 rookie season, while also capturing the eighth most red zone targets among running backs (10).  This occurred even though he also played on just 360/36% of the Bears’ offensive snaps, and there was justification for believing that Chicago’s transformation from last year’s prehistoric offense to the more innovative approach of Matt Nagy would ignite a significant surge in opportunities. Instead, Cohen has been targeted a grand total of eight times, received just 21 touches, and has averaged just 44.6 total yards during Chicago’s initial three contests. Meanwhile Jordan Howard has been allotted 63 touches, averaged 885 total yards, and has become a larger factor in Chicago’s passing attack by catching 10 of his 11 targets. If you are a Cohen owner, it is time to remove him from your bench, as his moderate level of opportunity is not going to change.

C.J. Anderson, Carolina Panthers - 31% owned

Anderson's ownership percentage has steadily dropped since the season began, as Christian McCaffrey's mammoth usage has predominantly relegated Anderson to handcuff only status, in case Carolina's multi-purpose RB1 were to suddenly miss game action. Anderson remains among this week's recommendations for two reasons. First, he did produce a 24-yard receiving touchdown in Week 3 against Cincinnati, which could compel some owners to target him despite his minimal opportunities. More importantly, Carolina's Week 4 bye renders him unavailable for anyone who could utilize his roster spot on a back that could generate fantasy points. Despite the Week 3 touchdown, he has received just three touches in each of the Panthers last two games, and should only occupy roster space for McCaffrey owners in the deepest of leagues.

LeGarrette Blount, Detroit Lions - 17% owned

When Blount assembled a career best 1,161 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2016, he was able to score on 15 of his 42 attempts inside the 10. But when he only scored once despite having 15 carries inside the 10 last season, it was an indication that his proficiency as a short yardage weapon was in decline. His regression has continued this season, as an unsightly Week 1 performance (4 carries/-3 yards), has been followed by two games in which he has accumulated 86 yards on 24 attempts. That includes the 48 yards that he manufactured on 16 carries in Week 3, which matched the number of attempts that were designated for Kerryon Johnson. However, Johnson burst for 101 yards with his carries (6.3 YPC), and was clearly a more impressive runner throughout the contest. Johnson’s usage and production have surged each week, while Blount continues to deliver underwhelming performances. It has become clear that Johnson should function as Detroit’s feature back, and the likelihood of that occurring increases on a weekly basis. Which leaves Blount owners with abundant reason to locate another option.

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