Fantasy managers were confronted by a new wave of challenges while assembling their rosters for Week 6. The latest surge of injuries impacted the availability of Jonathan Taylor, Rhamondre Stevenson, Rachaad White, Brian Robinson Jr., and Devin Singletary, while also fueling uncertainty surrounding the status of James Cook and Chase Brown before their matchups.
The escalating health issues that have affected multiple backs will remain a factor as you enter the planning process for Week 7. Some of you will also be impacted by a two-team bye week, as running backs from Chicago and Dallas will be unavailable. That ensures that anyone with D'Andre Swift, or Rico Dowdle on their rosters should avoid starting those backs this week.
This article will help you navigate these obstacles by locating the most enticing options on your Week 7 waiver wires. This week’s recommendations remain available in over 40% of all Yahoo leagues and will be listed in three tiers. After you have finished this breakdown on running backs, you can also find fantasy football waiver wire pickups at other positions. Good luck in your Week 7 matchups.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Tier 1: Front-Runners - Week 7 Waiver Wire Running Backs
Prioritize These Running Backs On Waiver Wires
Tier 1 - Frontrunners | Team | Rostered |
Tyrone Tracy Jr. | New York Giants | 45% |
Isaac Guerendo | San Francisco 49ers | 4% |
Braelon Allen | New York Jets | 47% |
Zach Charbonnet | Seattle Seahawks | 58% |
Tyler Allgeier | Atlanta Falcons | 30% |
Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants - 45% Rostered
Tyrone Tracy Jr. has capitalized on both of his opportunities to function as the Giants’ lead back while Devin Singletary's groin injury has affixed him to the sideline. Tracy had entered New York’s Week 5 matchup at Seattle with a 23.3% snap share, but that percentage soared to 62% in Week 5. He also established season-highs in attempts (18) and generated a league-best 129 rushing yards (7.2 yards per attempt).
First NFL TD for Tyrone Tracy Jr. 🙌
📺: NBC pic.twitter.com/UV2W1hV4oH
— New York Giants (@Giants) October 14, 2024
Singletary remained inactive when the Giants hosted Cincinnati in Week 6, and Tracy flourished once again while operating as New York’s primary back. Tracy accumulated 66 snaps and carried 17 times while producing 50 rushing yards and a touchdown. He also ran 31 routes, captured all six targets, and assembled 57 yards as a pass-catcher.
Tracy is now third overall with 179 rushing yards since Week 5 while averaging 5.1 per attempt. He has also proven that he can deliver RB2 output when he is functioning as the Giants’ feature back. Tracy’s performance during Singletary’s absence could propel him to a sizable weekly workload even after Singletary returns. That elevates him among this week’s top priorities on the waiver wire.
Isaac Guerendo, San Francisco 49ers - 4% Rostered
Isaac Guerendo was included among the recommendations in this column entering Weeks 5 and 6, due to his placement directly below Jordan Mason on San Francisco’s depth chart.
Guerendo had only been limited to 28 snaps, 12 attempts, and 41 rushing yards entering Week 6, as Kyle Shanahan maintained a steadfast commitment to the deployment of Mason as the 49ers’ workhorse back (75.7% snap share/21 attempts per game).
Mason sustained an ACL sprain during San Francisco’s Week 6 visit to NFC West rival Seattle, which immediately vaulted Guerendo into an increased role. It also underscored the importance of having Guerendo secured as a handcuff if you have been utilizing Mason in your lineups.
ISAAC GUERENDO. 76-YARD RUN TO START THE DRIVE.#SFvsSEA on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Pt3BWP6JEF— NFL (@NFL) October 11, 2024
Guerendo rushed for 99 yards on 10 attempts, which included a 76-yard run. Deebo Samuel Sr. (four), and Patrick Taylor (three) also accumulated carries after Mason departed the Week 6 matchup.
Mason’s status should be monitored in advance of San Francisco’s Week 7 encounter with Kansas City. The 49ers’ depth chart will also be modified whenever Christian McCaffrey re-emerges from his extended absence (Achilles). However, Guerendo is primed to deliver RB2 output if Mason and McCaffrey are inactive.
Braelon Allen, New York Jets - 47%
The Jets’ Monday Night matchup with AFC East rival Buffalo will provide the first opportunity to witness whether the transition from Robert Saleh to Jeff Ulbrich as the team’s head coach will lead to adjustments in the distribution of touches to Braelon Allen and Breece Hall.
FIRST NFL TD FOR @BraelonAllen 🥹
📺: #NYJvsTEN on CBS/Paramount+pic.twitter.com/qBZKraJ2eP
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) September 15, 2024
Allen has operated with a 30% snap share from Weeks 1-5. He averages 6.4 attempts/28.6 yards per game, 4.5 yards per attempt, and is sixth with an average of 2.6 yards after contact per attempt. 72.7% percent of his yards have also been generated after contact according to Fantasy Points Data.
Hall’s 74.1% snap share since Week 1 is the fifth highest among all backs. He registered a season-worst nine carries in Week 5 while being limited to 23 yards rushing yards. Hall also averaged 14 attempts/43.5 yards per game from Weeks 1-4 but averaged just 3.1 yards per attempt. Hall is also 29th in rush percentage over expected (38.5%) and 47th in efficiency (4.93) according to Next Gen Stats.
Even though Allen has remained New York’s clear RB2 behind Hall, Allen can deliver RB1 production if he operates with an extensive workload. That elevates him among the league’s most essential handcuffs and should incentivize all managers to secure him this week.
Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks - 58% Rostered
Some fantasy managers have extracted Zach Charbonnet from their rosters during the past three weeks, which has increased his availability to 42% of Yahoo leagues. The decline in Charbonnet's rostership percentage coincides with Kenneth Walker III’s return from his oblique injury. Walker was sidelined in Weeks 2-3, which vaulted Charbonnet into lead-back duties for Seattle’s matchups with New England and Miami.
WE REPEAT! Zach Charbonnet fantasy owners are having a nice day!!
📺: #MIAvsSEA on CBS/Paramount
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/9bCL1KUzrr— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2024
Charbonnet led all backs with a 90.5% snap share during those contests, while generating 129 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He also led all backs in routes run (62), collected eight of his nine targets, and accrued 47 yards as a receiving weapon.
That includes Charbonnet’s numbers in Week 3 when he accumulated 18 attempts, 91 rushing yards, two touchdowns, averaged 5.1 yards per attempt, and finished second in yards after contact (80).
Charbonnet’s workload has diminished considerably since Walker resurfaced. However, Charbonnet has proven that he can flourish as Seattle’s primary back. He will reward anyone who integrates him onto their rosters if Walker is absent during any remaining matchups.
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 30% Rostered
Tyler Allgeier has been cemented among the most valuable handcuff options throughout the regular season. However, he has also seized standalone value, as his usage has improved significantly since Week 4.
Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson utilized Bijan Robinson extensively from Weeks 1-3, as (Bijan) Robinson’s 81.7% snap share placed him third among all backs from Weeks 1-3. Allgeier averaged 12 snaps per game (20.7% share) during that sequence) while averaging 6.3 carries/35.3 rushing yards/0.3 targets per game.
However, Allgeier has averaged 27 snaps per game (38% share) since Week 4, while his per-game averages have climbed to 10.7 carries/59 rushing yards/2.0 targets per game. Allgeier has also accumulated seven carries inside the red zone and is 10th in rush percentage over expected (44.7%) according to Next Gen Stats.
Tyler Allgeier will not be stopped 😡
📺: #ATLvsCAR on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/SRdaYjqY4e— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024
That includes Allgeier’s involvement in Week 6 when he played on 29 snaps. He also established season highs in carries (18), and rushing yards (105) while generating his first touchdown of the season. Allgeier also ran six routes and caught his only target from Kirk Cousins.
The moment he was looking for! TD Tyler Allgeier and the @atlantafalcons extend their lead 🙌
📺: #ATLvsCAR on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/9KtfWb4xG6— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024
Allgeier would also ascend into a massive workload if Robinson would be sidelined for any reason during Atlanta’s remaining matchups. He remains positioned to operate as a high-end RB2 for fantasy managers if that situation occurs.
Tier 2: In The Running - Week 5 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters
Tier 2 - In The Running | Team | Rostered |
Jaylen Wright | Miami Dolphins | 9% |
Kimani Vidal | Los Angeles Chargers | 11% |
Ty Chandler | Minnesota Vikings | 29 |
Antonio Gibson | New England Patriots | 39% |
Sean Tucker | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 1% |
Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins - 9% Rostered
Jaylen Wright's unquestioned speed and explosiveness present the potential for him to erupt for significant yardage on any given play. It has also positioned the electric rookie to become a valuable asset for fantasy managers if he operates with a sizable workload.
Miami’s selection of Wright during last April’s NFL Draft infused him into a running back room that already contained De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert. That also placed Wright below both veterans on the Dolphins’ depth chart, while providing Wright with a navigable path to an expanded role if either back would be sidelined during the season.
The highest-graded RB in Week 5:
Jaylen Wright - 87.9 🐬 pic.twitter.com/YcpIxFIQGX
— PFF MIA Dolphins (@PFF_Dolphins) October 8, 2024
That scenario developed in Week 5 when Achane sustained a concussion. Wright secured 32.5% snap share and established season highs in attempts (13), and rushing yards (86/6.6 yards per attempt).
Jaylen Wright 17 Yard Gain Inside #Dolphins pic.twitter.com/UtXRVsKbBs
— Doηmεgαh Mεdïα (@donmegah) October 6, 2024
Mostert and Achane have missed 11 games combined since Week 1 of the 2023 regular season. If either back is unavailable during Miami’s upcoming matchups, Wright is capable of generating big plays, while providing RB1 output to fantasy managers.
Wright is still available in over 90% of all leagues. Stashing him this week could supply you with a highly productive resource before your season concludes.
Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers - 11% Rostered
Kimani Vidal became the 16th running back from this year’s rookie class to be selected during last April’s NFL Draft, and his infusion into the Chargers' offense coincided with the transformational arrival of Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman.
J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards shared touches in the restructured attack from Weeks 1-5 while Vidal failed to register a touch. Dobbins flourished with the opportunity to resurrect his relevance, but Edwards failed to exceed 3.3 yards per attempt during any of his matchups. Edwards is also just 37th in efficiency (4.37) according to NextGenStats.
kimani vidal's first nfl touch is a td
📺 | @nfloncbs pic.twitter.com/D8GD2ZOroo
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 13, 2024
Edwards has also been placed on injured reserve (ankle) which accelerated Vidal’s ascension into his first allotment of touches in Week 6. Vidal secured a 24% snap share, carried four times, and accrued 11 rushing yards in Week 6. He also ran 10 routes, captured both of his targets and generated his first touchdown on a 38-yard reception.
The combination of Edwards’ underwhelming results and his current injury have provided Vidal with a runway to secure a weekly role in the Chargers’ backfield. Vidal could also become an RB3/flex option if that occurs. He would also operate with a sizable workload if Dobbins is absent during any upcoming matchups.
Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings - 28% Rostered
Ty Chandler is included among this week’s Tier 2 recommendations due to his role as Minnesota’s RB2 behind Aaron Jones. This sustains Chandler’s adjacency to an expanded workload if Jones cannot operate in his usual capacity as the Vikings’ primary back.
That situation transpired when Jones sustained a hip injury in Week 5. Chandler quickly launched into temporary duties as the Vikings’ primary back, while securing a season-best 63% snap share. Chandler also established a season-high in attempts (14), accrued 30 rushing yards, and secured his fourth red zone carry of the season. He also ran a season-best 16 routes and collected both of his targets.
Ty Chandler with 82 yards on 10 carries in today’s W for the Vikings 🚀
📺: @NFLonCBS#CarolinaFootball 🏈 #ProHeels pic.twitter.com/HoSXrpNISx
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) September 15, 2024
Chandler has operated with a 36.2% snap share since Week 1 and is averaging 8.4 attempts/29.4 rushing yards per game. That includes Chandler’s season-best numbers from Week 2 (10 carries/82 yards/8.2 yards per attempt.
It is uncertain whether Jones will be sidelined when Minnesota hosts Detroit on Sunday. However, Chandler is capable of delivering RB2 production if that scenario occurs. That supplies the incentive for adding him if you normally deploy Jones in your lineups, while all other managers can consider stashing Chandler this week.
Antonio Gibson, New England Patriots - 39% Rostered
Antonio Gibson performed proficiently as a rusher from Weeks 1-5, although his numbers did not elicit the same level of interest as other backs who were available on the waiver wire.
Gibson operated with a 32% snap share from Weeks 1-5, while averaging 7.0 attempts/41.4 rushing yards per game. He had also risen to fourth in rush yards over expected per attempt (2.21) according to Next Gen Stats.
The apathy toward Gibson was a byproduct of Rhamondre Stevenson's ongoing presence while confiscating lead-back duties for New England. However, Stevenson was inactive during the Patriots' Week 6 matchup with Houston after sustaining a foot injury. That propelled Gibson into an extensive workload while functioning as the team's primary back.
Drake Maye finds Antonio Gibson in the flat.
First down #Patriots. pic.twitter.com/PMqjOHoKA4
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) October 13, 2024
Gibson secured a season-high 50.8% snap share in Week 6 while leading New England’s backfield in attempts (13). He only manufactured 19 rushing yards but ran blank routes, was targeted four times by Drake Maye, and produced 24 yards as a pass catcher.
Stevenson‘s foot injury should be monitored as the week advances. However, Gibson can be the beneficiary of another favorable if Stevenson remains unavailable. That has elevated Gibson into Tier 2 of this week’s waiver wire options.
Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 1% Rostered
Sean Tucker had been limited to nine offensive snaps, three touches, and eight total yards entering from Weeks 1-5. However, the foot injury that was sustained by Rachaad White created a path for Tucker to seize an expanded role in Week 6.
Tucker accumulated 28 snaps, registered 17 touches, and exploded for 192 total yards and two touchdowns while operating with the most extensive workload of his career. That included a league-high 136 rushing yards on 14 attempts, and 56 receiving yards on three targets, as he established new career highs in every category mentioned.
The first TD for @seantucker2020 🙌
📺: #TBvsNO on FOX pic.twitter.com/yK7Dl8ADPI
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 13, 2024
Bucky Irving led the Buccaneers backfield with a season-high 49 snaps during his first opportunity to function as Tampa Bay’s lead back. He also carried 14 times, generated 81 rushing yards, and produced his second career touchdown. Irving has now attained a 49.8% snap share since Week 4 while accruing 174 yards on the ground during that span.
Tucker’s performance could propel him into a weekly allotment of touches despite the presence of Irving and White. He has also vaulted into relevance as a potential RB2 behind Irving if White remains sidelined. Tucker’s value will also skyrocket if Irving and White are unavailable during any future matchups.
Tier 3: Dark Horses - Week 7 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These Running Backs Could Emerge In Your Lineups
Tier 3- Dark Horses | Team | Rostered |
Ray Davis | Buffalo Bills | 9% |
Justice Hill | Baltimore Ravens | 25% |
Dameon Pierce | Houston Texans | 6% |
Jaylen Warren | Pittsburgh Steelers | 51% |
Blake Corum | Los Angeles Rams | 17% |
Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills - 9% Rostered
The foot injury that has been sustained by James Cook has created the potential for Ray Davis and Ty Johnson to launch into expanded roles when Buffalo visits the Jets on Monday night.
It appears that Cook will be active during the matchup, although Davis and Johnson will split touches if Cook is sidelined or operates with a restricted workload. Davis has emerged as the preferred handcuff if Cook is contained on your rosters, as his capabilities as a rusher and receiving weapon will help you elude a potential roster crisis if Cook is unavailable.
Davis is second among Buffalo backs in carries (26/5.2 per game), and rushing yards (75/15.0). He has been limited to 12 routes and five targets. However, Davis accumulated 62 receptions and 492 receiving yards during 2022-2023 at the collegiate level and can function effectively as a pass catcher.
Johnson has been operating in that capacity while rising to second behind Cook in routes run (44), targets (six), and receiving yards (61). Davis should secure the majority of carries, including opportunities near the goal line if Cook is sidelined during any upcoming contest.
That blends favorably with his potential to perform proficiently as a receiving weapon while making him the preferred handcuff for you to target from your waiver wires.
Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens - 26% Rostered
Justice Hill's role as Baltimore’s primary pass-catching back presents the potential for him to function as an RB3/flex option if you are constructing rosters in PPR leagues. Game scripts have fueled fluctuations in Hill’s numbers as his touches will rise during matchups in which the Ravens are trailing.
Hill finished at RB15 in Week 4 (15.6 points) but has also failed to exceed 3.2 points in two different outings. However, his usage has been sufficient to vault him among the leaders at his position in multiple categories.
Hill’s 171 receiving yards place him fifth among all backs. Hill is also 12th in targets (21), 11th in receptions (18), and fifth in yards after catch (176). That includes Hill’s numbers when Baltimore hosted Washington in Week 6. Hill secured a 36.9% snap share and led the Ravens backfield in routes run (12).
However, he registered his lowest numbers as a receiving weapon since Week 1 (one target/one reception/two receiving yards) as the Ravens operated with a positive game script.
Hill remains available in 74% of all leagues and will operate with a sizable workload if Derrick Henry is forced to the sideline during Baltimore‘s upcoming contests. That makes him a viable roster option in PPR leagues.
Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans - 6% Rostered
Houston’s backfield was transformed in Week 6, as Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce both re-emerged following extended absences. Mixon’s troublesome ankle cemented him to the sideline from Weeks 3-5 while Pierce has been inactive since Week 2.
Mixon regained his feature-back role for the Texans while securing a 45.2% snap share, accumulating 13 attempts, and accruing 102 rushing yards. He also ran 14 routes, collected two of his three targets, and produced 30 yards as a pass catcher. Mixon also generated two touchdowns during his return.
Pierce played effectively as Houston’s RB2 during the team’s Week 6 matchup while operating with a 29% snap share. He also carried eight times, assembled 76 rushing yards, and produced his first touchdown of the season.
Dameon Pierce goes 54 yards for the score!
📺: #HOUvsNE on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/aphSKEA2gI— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024
Pierce’s performance should cement him above Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale on the Texans’ depth chart while solidifying his status as the direct backup to Mixon. Pierce is now a recommended handcuff for anyone who has Mixon contained on their rosters. He would become a valuable resource if Mixon is forced to the sideline during the Texans’ upcoming matchups.
Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers - 51% Rostered
Jaylen Warren was selected as a high-end RB3 during the draft season (ADP 90/RB28) but anyone who made that investment had been forced to endure uninspiring results in Weeks 1-2 (38.0% snap share/19 touches/82 total yards).
Warren also sustained a knee injury in Week 3 and remained sidelined in Weeks 4-5. However, even though Warren’s season had been a disappointment, he now provides needy fantasy managers with a potential RB3/flex option after resurfacing in the Steelers’ backfield rotation.
Warren returned for Pittsburgh’s Week 6 visit to Las Vegas and secured a 34% snap share. He also carried six times although he was limited to seven rushing yards. Warren also ran 11 routes and collected all three of his targets.
Najee Harris also paced the Steelers' backfield with a 48.4% snap share, carried 14 times, and assembled a season-high 106 rushing yards. Harris is now averaging 16.0 attempts/62.7 yards/per game, and 3.9 yards per attempt entering Week 7.
Harris’s ongoing role should not deter you from integrating Warren into your waiver wire targets if you have been confronted with a plethora of roster challenges.
Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 17% Rostered
Blake Corum was seemingly positioned to operate as the Rams’ RB2 behind Kyren Williams as he entered his rookie season. Corum had accumulated 2,708 rushing yards and 45 touchdowns during his final two seasons at the collegiate level (2022-2023) while gaining a first down or touchdown on over 35% of his carries according to PFF.
ANOTHER ONE FOR BLAKE CORUM 😤
He ties @UMichFootball's record for the most Rush TDs in a single game with 5️⃣ pic.twitter.com/sG9RLFYOYz
— ESPN (@espn) September 17, 2022
The Rams utilized Day 2 Draft capital to secure during the NFL Draft, and Corum appeared to present fantasy managers with a valuable handcuff during draft season. That belief dissipated when Corum was limited to just eight touches from Weeks 1-4. Ronnie Rivers also secured an 11.8% snap share and accrued 11 touches/52 total yards during that sequence
All-22 of Blake Corum's 5 carries against the Green Bay Packers in week 5.
In this game, he had 5 carries for 25 yards and 1 catch for 8 yards. He forced 2 missed tackles in this game per PFF. 48% of his yards came after contact while average 2.4 yards after contact per… pic.twitter.com/EBgyZhQSTk
— Bruce Matson (@MetricScout) October 10, 2024
However, Corum operated with a 14.5% snap share in Week 5, while accumulating five carries and 25 rushing yards (5.0 yards per attempt). Rivers failed to register an offensive snap during the contest, as Corum’s viability as a roster addition has now been resurrected.
Corum should be rostered by managers who rely on Williams. All other managers can stash Corum, as his value would skyrocket if Williams is sidelined at any point of the season.
Other Fantasy Football Running Backs To Consider
Trey Sermon, Indianapolis Colts - 50% Rostered
Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears - 26% Rostered
Audric Estime, Denver Broncos - 2% Rostered
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