Should I Pickup And Stash Melvin Gordon III? Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Outlook

Free agent running back Melvin Gordon has had a wild 2022 season. The veteran running back re-signed with the Denver Broncos in the offseason on a one-year deal. He was supposed to back up emerging star Javonte Williams.

Unfortunately, Williams suffered a torn ACL in Week 4, ending his season. Everyone thought Gordon would take over as the featured back and put up RB2 or better numbers for the rest of the year. However, that didn’t happen.

Instead, the Broncos added multiple running backs over the next several weeks. They signed Latavius Murray off the New Orleans Saints practice squad. Denver then traded for Chase Edmonds at the trade deadline.

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Should I Pickup And Stash Melvin Gordon III?

Gordon had struggled with fumbles all year long. The veteran running back had five fumbles in 10 games with the Broncos. Unfortunately, he fumbled at the goal line in the Week 11 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The following day, Denver waived the veteran running back.

After going unclaimed on waivers, Gordon became a free agent on Tuesday. However, he hasn’t signed with a new team.

Fantasy players shouldn’t roster Gordon until he signs with a new team. Depending on where he signs, the former first-round pick might have some fantasy value for the rest of the year.

What Other Running Backs Should I Pickup?

Instead of adding Gordon, fantasy players should check their waiver wire for Rachaad White. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back is available in roughly 50% of ESPN leagues.

The Buccaneers were on a bye last week. However, the rookie running back had arguably his best performance of the year in Week 10 against the Seattle Seahawks.

White had 22 rushing attempts for 105 yards and 10.5 half-point PPR fantasy points against Seattle. More importantly, Leonard Fournette left the game early because of a hip injury.

Unfortunately, the veteran running back is doubtful to play on Sunday because of the hip injury. If Fournette can’t play, White will start for the Buccaneers.

Assuming Fournette doesn’t play, White is a borderline RB1 this week against the Cleveland Browns. The Browns have surrendered 27.3 fantasy points per game to running backs this season, the second-most in the NFL. Furthermore, they have given up 179.5 rushing yards, 1.5 rushing touchdowns, and 38.1 fantasy points per game to running backs over the past two weeks.

Fantasy players need to check their waiver wire for the rookie. If he is available, White is a must-add immediately.

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