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Phil Clark's fantasy football running back waiver wire pickups for Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream and stash off waivers.
We have reached the threshold of Week 1 and anyone who has anxiously awaited regular season NFL matchups should be ecstatic. You will soon experience fluctuating emotions on a weekly basis while witnessing the performances of players that were secured for your rosters. This includes the selections that you made at running back. You are undoubtedly familiar with the phrase “running backs don’t matter” as players at the position continue to operate with descending draft capital and diminished leverage in contract negotiations.
However, there are also tangible reasons for maintaining great respect for these backs. They remain capable of providing us with eye-opening highlights, along with significant moments that sustain our love for the game. They can also operate as critical resources for your rosters, even though some of the backs that you insert into your lineups are destined to disappoint you at some point during the season. This article is designed to help you locate the best backs that are available entering this week's matchups.
These recommendations will appear in three tiers, which will be expanded in order to provide an extensive collection of options as you manage your rosters for Week 1. After you've finished this week’s recommendations, you can also find the latest news and data-driven analysis from the team at RotoBaller which is designed to help you bolster the scoring potential of your rosters.
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Frontrunners - Week 1 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs should be your top priorities among the options that are available on most waiver wires.
Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers - 45% Rostered
Jaylen Warren arrived in Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and promptly leapfrogged Benny Snell Jr. and Anthony McFarland Jr. to seize RB2 responsibilities for the Steelers. He remained arguably the premier handcuff option throughout his rookie year. He is still unchallenged in his role as the primary backup to Najee Harris entering his second season.
The question of whether Warren would be entrusted with an expanded workload this year has been a source of debate throughout the offseason. However, he has consistently demonstrated the ability to perform effectively with the opportunities that he was given in 2022 and bolted for 89 yards and two touchdowns during the preseason.
Warren operated with a 31% snap share last season, but he received a grade of 73.8 from PFF, which surpassed the grade of 73.5 that was designated to Harris. Warren’s involvement as a rusher also increased from Weeks 15-18 last season, while his efficiency and versatility were on display throughout the year.
| Weeks 1-14 | Attempts | Att/Gm | Yards | Yards/Att | Yards/Gm |
| Najee Harris | 187 | 14.4 | 704 | 3.8 | 54.2 |
| Jaylen Warren | 42 | 3.8 | 206 | 4.9 | 18.7 |
| Weeks 1-14 | Target% | Rec/Gm | Yards/Gm | TPRR | Routes |
| Najee Harris | 9.5 | 2.7 | 13.8 | 19.9 | 201 |
| Jaylen Warren | 5.8 | 1.8 | 15.2 | 20.9 | 110 |
| Weeks 15-18 | Attempts | Att/Gm | Yards | Yards/Att | Yards/Gm |
| Najee Harris | 85 | 21.3 | 330 | 3.9 | 82.5 |
| Jaylen Warren | 35 | 8.8 | 173 | 4.9 | 43.3 |
| Weeks 15-18 | Target% | Rec/Gm | Yards/Gm | TPRR | Routes |
| Najee Harris | 12.4 | 3.0 | 21.3 | 26 | 50 |
| Jaylen Warren | 9.5 | 2.0 | 11.8 | 27.8 | 36 |
It is unlikely that Harris’ workload will decrease significantly from last season’s average of 18.4 touches per game, which precludes Warren from delivering standalone value. However, Warren can deliver RB1 output if Harris becomes unavailable during the season. That vaults Warren among this week's primary targets on the waiver wire. If Harris is contained on your roster, you can also avoid the potential of contending with a roster crisis by securing Warren this week.
Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars - 48% Rostered
Tank Bigsby entered Auburn as a five-star recruit and accumulated 540 carries/2,093 yards/25 touchdowns during his three years with the Tigers. The 6’0”, 210-pound Bigsby is also a tough inside runner who operates with quickness and explosiveness, which compelled the Jaguars to secure him during Round 3 of the NFL Draft.
He did not engender the same level of interest with fantasy managers as other members of his rookie class, which was underscored by his Round 15 ADP in early April (177/RB55). However, his performance throughout training camp and the preseason fueled a rise in his ADP (120/RB41) by the conclusion of the draft season.
This was a byproduct of growing confidence in Bigsby’s ability to attain a role in Doug Pederson’s offense that would expand beyond the restrictions of simply functioning as Travis Etienne’s backup. He now appears primed to garner a respectable workload during his first season, which will include critical opportunities near the goal line.
Even if Bigsby does not commandeer a weekly workload that matches the most optimistic projections, he would also ascend into lead-back duties if Etienne is sidelined during the season. That vaults the promising rookie among this week's top three options on the waiver wire.
Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins - 64% Rostered
The outlook for Raheem Mostert became more favorable after the prospect of Jonathan Taylor’s arrival in Miami had dissipated. Now, Mostert’s stock is ascending significantly following the Dolphins’ surprising placement of Jeff Wilson on injured reserve.
Mostert's availability had remained above 40% before Wilson's status was altered, which is the usual threshold for inclusion in this column. That percentage has decreased by nearly 10% during the last five days. However, Mostert should still be integrated into this week’s options as the result of his newly created runway toward lead-back duties in Miami.
Mostert has already eluded any offseason roster additions that would have fueled an automatic drop within Miami’s depth chart. He now enters his ninth season as the Dolphins’ lead back, even though De'Von Achane looms as a threat to siphon opportunities once the lightning-fast rookie recovers from his shoulder issue.
He also played in 16 games during 2022 while establishing new career highs in snap share (56%), rushing attempts (181/11.1 per game), rushing yardage (891/55.7 per game), and red zone carries (21). Mostert also secured career-highs in targets (42/2.6 per game), receptions (31/1.9 per game), and receiving yards (202/12.6 per game), even though Wilson's mid-season arrival impacted his workload.
Wilson will remain absent for at least four games. Mostert can now be prioritized among this week’s top roster additions if he is still contained on your waiver wire.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 14% Rostered
Tennessee selected Tyjae Spears in Round 3 of this past April’s NFL Draft (81st overall) and the enticing rookie is now embedded directly below Derrick Henry on the Titans’ depth chart. Spears accumulated 2,910 yards and 31 touchdowns as a rusher during his four years at Tulane, while finishing fifth among all backs in rushing yardage (1,581/113 per game) and third in touchdowns (19) during his final season.
| 2022 | Att | Att/Gm | Yards | YPG | YPA | TD |
| Brad Roberts | 345 | 26.5 | 1728 | 132.9 | 5 | 17 |
| DeWayne McBride | 233 | 19.4 | 1713 | 142.8 | 7.4 | 19 |
| Mohamed Ibrahim | 320 | 26.7 | 1665 | 138.8 | 5.2 | 20 |
| Chase Brown | 328 | 27.3 | 1643 | 136.9 | 5 | 10 |
| Tyjae Spears | 229 | 16.4 | 1581 | 112.9 | 6.9 | 19 |
| Bijan Robinson | 258 | 21.5 | 1580 | 131.7 | 6.1 | 18 |
| Quinshon Judkins | 274 | 21.1 | 1567 | 120.5 | 5.7 | 16 |
| Deuce Vaughn | 293 | 20.9 | 1558 | 111.3 | 5.3 | 9 |
Spears also displayed his explosiveness while delivering impressive performances when he attended the Senior Bowl and was named practice player of the week.
His selection by Tennessee has placed him in an offense that has ranked among the top five in run play percentage during each of the last five seasons and the Titans will rely on Henry as the foundation of their attack.
Spears could attain a degree of standalone value as the season progresses. However, the primary incentive for adding him surrounds his proximity to a significant workload if Henry is unable to perform at his normal capacity. The addition of Spears is also an exceptional contingency plan if you have invested in Henry as your RB1.
In The Running - Week 1 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs remain available on the waiver wire and could become resources for your rosters.
Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles- 55% Rostered
The Eagles restructured their backfield during the offseason by signing former Seahawk Rashaad Penny and trading for former Lion D'Andre Swift. This launched an ongoing debate regarding which newcomer might commandeer the most touches in their new environment.
However, Kenneth Gainwell's involvement in first-team snaps during training camp provided an indication that Philadelphia’s coaching staff will entrust the third-year back with an early-down role in the Eagles’ backfield rotation. This increases the potential for frustration during various weeks of the season if you have invested in Swift or Penny. However, it also presents you with an opportunity to secure Gainwell if you are searching for a prospective flex option.
Gainwell appears positioned to sustain early down duties into the regular season, while Swift operates as the Eagles' primary pass-catching presence from the backfield. Gainwell's role would also increase significantly if Penny or Swift contend with health issues during the season. That bolsters your incentive for securing him this week.
De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins - 48% Rostered
De'Von Achane is still available in over 50% of all leagues even though his home-run capabilities should propel him to a collection of big plays during his first season. The explosive rookie possesses blazing speed that ushered him to a 4.32 in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine.
He also operates with the vision and patience to function as a capable inside runner, while also delivering the versatility to perform effectively as a receiver from the backfield or the slot. These attributes merge favorably to provide the potential that he will erupt for massive yardage on any given play.
Achane is currently recovering from the shoulder injury that he sustained during Week 2 of the preseason, but his pathway to touches has become more accessible following Jeff Wilson's placement on injured reserve. Achane’s playmaking capabilities should also sustain his involvement as the season progresses. He is currently positioned to operate in a rotation with Raheem Mostert whenever he does resurface.
Achane's role would increase even further if the 31-year Mostert encounters a health issue, which would add to a resume that is already laden with protracted injuries. This should incentivize you to include Achane among your targets from this week’s waiver wire, as his availability is destined to decline.
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 56% Rostered
Tyler Allgeier was limited to a 35.5% snaps share from Weeks 1-3 last season before his share rose to 53.3% from Weeks 4-18. He also finished eighth overall in rushing yards (980/70 yards per game), and vaulted to third among all backs from Weeks 9-18 (711/79 per game). He also soared to the league lead in rushing yards and yards after contact from Weeks 15-18 while completing the year as one of just three rookie backs to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards (1,035/64.7 per game).
| Weeks 9-18 | Yards | Yards/Gm | Attempts | Att/Gm | YAC |
| Josh Jacobs | 977 | 97.7 | 219 | 21.9 | 681 |
| Derrick Henry | 783 | 87 | 183 | 20.3 | 547 |
| Tyler Allgeier | 711 | 79 | 126 | 14 | 485 |
| Miles Sanders | 706 | 70.6 | 145 | 14.5 | 373 |
| Nick Chubb | 684 | 76 | 153 | 17 | 471 |
| Najee Harris | 673 | 74.8 | 164 | 18.2 | 427 |
| D'Onta Foreman | 641 | 71.2 | 150 | 16.7 | 401 |
| Isiah Pacheco | 638 | 63.8 | 131 | 13.1 | 344 |
| Weeks 15-18 | Yards | Yards/Gm | Attempts | Att/Gm | YAC |
| Tyler Allgeier | 431 | 107.8 | 79 | 19.8 | 314 |
| Cam Akers | 410 | 102.5 | 75 | 18.8 | 205 |
| Kenneth Walker | 401 | 100.3 | 90 | 22.5 | 240 |
| Nick Chubb | 372 | 93 | 71 | 17.8 | 250 |
| Alvin Kamara | 347 | 86.8 | 80 | 20 | 241 |
| Derrick Henry | 339 | 113 | 74 | 24.7 | 236 |
| Zack Moss | 334 | 83.5 | 69 | 17.3 | 221 |
| Najee Harris | 330 | 82.5 | 85 | 21.3 | 221 |
Allgeier remains available in 44% of all leagues despite his performance, due to Atlanta’s decision to secure Bijan Robinson with the eighth overall pick in this past April’s NFL Draft. The most enticing prospect from this year’s rookie class is destined to commandeer the majority of touches that are distributed within the Falcons’ backfield. However, Arthur Smith’s relentless commitment to Atlanta’s ground game should keep Allgeier involved with a weekly allocation of touches.
Allgeier would also ascend into a massive workload if Robinson became unavailable for any reason. That also elevates Allgeier into consideration as an insurance policy for anyone who has invested a first-round selection on Robinson.
Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints - 20% Rostered
Kendre Miller is contending with a hamstring injury but that should not preclude you from giving him consideration as a roster addition. He has emerged among the most intriguing backs from this year’s rookie class after accumulating 2,410 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns during his three seasons at TCU. That includes his numbers during 2022, when he generated 1,399 yards while forcing a missed tackle on 70 carries, and assembling 816 yards after contact, according to PFF.
New Orleans selected Miller in Round 3 of this year’s NFL Draft (71st overall). That has infused Miller into a backfield that also contains Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams.
Kamara will operate as the Saints’ primary back following his return from a three-game suspension (Week 4), while Williams will accumulate carries with his role in the backfield rotation.
However, Kamara is entering his age-28 season and Williams' workload will not replicate the 15.4 attempts per game that he averaged in 2022 -- if Miller is in the lineup. Miller will also share touches with Williams during Kamara’s absence if the rookie has recovered from his hamstring issue, and will also garner a weekly allotment of touches after Kamara returns.
Miller is also capable of erupting for sizable numbers if either Kamara or Williams is unavailable for any reason. He could approach low-end RB2 territory if that scenario develops, which supplies your motivation to secure him this week.
Dark Horses - Week 1 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs should be considered if you are searching for players who could eventually emerge in your lineups.
Zack Moss/Deon Jackson/Evan Hull, Indianapolis Colts - Moss 9%/Jackson 25%/Hull 5%
Even though Jonathan Taylor was not dealt to Miami, the Indianapolis backfield will still undergo a sizable transition due to Taylor’s placement on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
This presents a trio of backs with the chance to vault atop the reshaped depth chart. However, the nebulous nature of this reshaped backfield makes it justifiable to avoid this entire unit. Particularly since an ongoing percentage of rushing opportunities will be confiscated by Anthony Richardson. However, this article would be remiss without addressing the three backs that could gain relevance during Taylor’s absence.
Zack Moss operated with a 33.5% snap share from Weeks 10-18 last season, after Indianapolis secured him in a trade with Buffalo. His share rose to 62.8% during the Colts’ last four matchups, after Taylor's problematic ankle rendered him unavailable. Moss also soared to seventh overall in rushing yards (334/83.5 per game) and sixth in yards after contact (221) as his involvement easily exceeded Jackson's during that sequence.
| Weeks 15-18 | Snap% | Attempts | Att/Gm | Rd Zn Att |
| Zack Moss | 63 | 69 | 17.3 | 16 |
| Deon Jackson | 29.4 | 24 | 8 | 5 |
| Weeks 15-18 | Yards | Yards/Gm | YAC |
| Zack Moss | 334 | 83.5 | 221 |
| Deon Jackson | 100 | 33.3 | 63 |
Moss sustained a broken arm during training camp but should operate as the Colts’ primary back when he has recovered from surgery. Jackson ascended into lead-back duties in 2022 after Taylor sustained a high ankle sprain in Week 4. He accumulated 39 touches and 212 total yards in Weeks 5-6, although that sequence occurred while Moss was a member of the Bills. He also started the Colts’ final two preseason matchups and should function as the team's primary back while Moss is unavailable.
Hull accumulated 2,417 yards on 488 attempts during his four years at Northwestern before being selected in Round 5 by the Colts (176th overall). He also collected 88 receptions and assembled 810 receiving yards during the final two years of his collegiate career. He could procure a role as a pass-catcher as the season advances. However, Moss is the player to target if you are inclined to invest in any member of this backfield.
Gus Edwards/Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens – Edwards 15% Rostered/Hill 0% Rostered
The concept of adding Gus Edwards or Justice Hill may not elicit the same level of enthusiasm that may be experienced when considering other backs that are contained on this week’s waiver wire. However, there are fewer questions surrounding Edwards’ impending role within the Ravens backfield, even though Baltimore will be transitioning to a reconstructed offense under Todd Monken. The arrival of Monken could also become beneficial to Hill, who should emerge with the largest workload of his career.
Edwards had eclipsed 700+ rushing yards and 130+ attempts during each of his first three seasons in Baltimore (2018-2020) before he sustained a torn ACL in September of 2021. He averaged 11.4 carries/59.3 yards per game during his first seven games after returning from the injury last season and averaged 12.3 attempts/48.8 yards per game when J.K. Dobbins was sidelined in Weeks 7-13.
Dobbins has been unavailable for 27 of Baltimore’s 50 games during his first three seasons. This presents contingent value for anyone who invests in Edwards, whose workload would expand if Dobbins encounters another issue that jettisons him to the sideline.
Hill cemented his status as the Ravens' RB3 during the preseason while accumulating 86 yards on just six touches. This includes his limited involvement during Week 3 when he only registered snaps on Baltimore's first drive.
The Ravens ranked 30th in pass play percentage last season (49.8%), but Monken should concoct a strategic approach that increases the team's reliance on the pass. That could infuse Hill into a role that enables him to eviscerate his previous career highs in snap share (27%), targets (15), receptions (12), and receiving yards (70). He is available on nearly all waiver wires and is an intriguing player to stash if you are managing rosters in deeper leagues.
Michael Carter, New York Jets - 6% Rostered
Attempting to project the composition of New York’s depth chart beyond Breece Hall had presented a challenge throughout much of the offseason. It also intensified into an arduous task after the Jets signed Dalvin Cook. However, the decision to release Zonovan Knight has eliminated a layer of uncertainty surrounding New York’s backfield, as Carter can now be expected to function as the Jets’ RB3. His role could become impactful early in the season if the Jets exercise caution with the touch totals that are allotted to Hall and Cook.
Cook did not practice until August 29 due to his recovery from shoulder surgery. Hall began practicing on August 15, but it is conceivable that both backs will be operating at less than 100% as the season launches. That could temporarily elevate Carter into an expanded workload. He has also averaged 3.6 targets per game during his first two seasons and could remain involved as a pass-catcher even after Hall and Cook progress beyond managed workloads.
Carter remains available in over 90% of all leagues and is worthy of consideration as a roster addition if you manage rosters that contain multiple flex positions.
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