Running Back Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 12: Top Free Agent Adds Include Jaylen Warren, Cam Akers, Roschon Johnson, Ray Davis

All fantasy managers are to be commended for their resilience while rising to the challenges that have emerged during the regular season. It is now critical that you maintain your unwavering focus on navigating the obstacles that remain in your path as you plan for your Week 12 matchups.

That includes the first of two six-team bye weeks that many of you must contend with beginning with the teams that will be affected this week - Atlanta, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, New Orleans, and the New York Jets . This is particularly impactful at the running back position, as anyone with Bijan Robinson, Breece Hall, Alvin Kamara, James Cook, Chase Brown, or Travis Etienne contained on their rosters must avoid starting those backs.

The additional six-team bye week is looming in Week 14 and will involve Baltimore, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, New England, and Washington. It will be beneficial to prepare now for all impending absences that will reduce your starting options. This article will help you progress beyond these hurdles by locating the best running backs to target on your Week 12 waiver wires. After finishing this breakdown you can also find fantasy football waiver wire pickups at other positions. Good luck in your Week 12 matchups.

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Upcoming Bye Weeks Schedule

• Week 12:  Atlanta, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, New Orleans, New York Jets
• Week 14: Baltimore, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, New England, Washington

Tier 1: Front-Runners - Week 12 Waiver Wire Running Backs

Prioritize These Running Backs On Waiver Wires

Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers - 53% Rostered

Jaylen Warren has emerged as a viable roster addition during his last five matchups, after delivering uninspiring numbers from Weeks 1-3 (35.5% snap share/4.7 attempts/18.0 rushing yards/1.7 targets per game, and missing Pittsburgh’s matchups in Weeks 4-5.

Another nice run by Jaylen Warren #steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/JDa6sdO35W

— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) November 10, 2024

Warren has now secured a 41.6% snap share since Week 7. He has also carried 44 times (11 per game) while assembling 197 rushing yards (49.3 per game), including eight attempts carries inside the red zone. Warren also leads Pittsburgh’s backfield in routes run (42), targets (10), and receiving yards (84).

Warren continued to operate in a rotation with Harris in Week 11, despite contending with a back issue. Warren attained a 33.8% snap share while accumulating nine attempts, and 41 rushing yards. Warren also ran 13 routes, collected all four of his targets, and assembled 27 receiving yards. Warren has now accrued 11+ touches during each of his last four matchups while averaging 8.4 points per game during that span.

Warren can be deployed as an RB3/flex when the Steelers visit Cleveland on Thursday Night.

Cam Akers, Minnesota Vikings - 17% Rostered 

The October 15 trade that sent Cam Akers from Houston to Minnesota has been beneficial to the fifth-year back, who is operating as the unquestioned RB2 for the Vikings. Akers leapfrogged Ty Chandler to secure that role, which is evident by the allocation of touches to both backs since Week 9.

Akers has secured a 29.6% snap share during Minnesota’s last three contests, while Chandler has been limited to 5.5%. Akers has also accumulated 29 attempts (9.6 per game) while generating 109 rushing yards (36.3 per game). Chandler has only carried four times and has assembled 18 yards during that sequence.

Akers also vaulted into temporary lead-back duties when Jones sustained a rib injury in Week 10 while accruing 38 rushing yards/13 attempts. Chandler did not register a snap until Jones departed the matchup.

Akers with his first receiving TD of the season!

📺: #MINvsTEN on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/P2Gx05VJJC

— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2024

Jones re-emerged in Week 11, while Akers operated as the Vikings’ clear RB2. Akers secured a 37.3% snap share, carried 10 times, and assembled 25 rushing yards. Akers also generated a three-yard touchdown as a receiving weapon. Akers is available in 83% of all leagues and provides an effective insurance policy for anyone with Jones contained on their rosters.

Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills - 23% Rostered  

Ray Davis's availability has increased by 6% during the past week even though he remains embedded among the most viable options on this week’s waiver wires. Davis continues to operate as Buffalo’s RB2, while James Cook sustains his role as the Bills’ lead back.

This presents Davis as a valuable handcuff for managers who have invested in Cook, as Davis has proven that he can erupt for significant yardage if he ascends into an extensive workload. That situation developed in Week 6 when a toe injury forced Cook to the sideline.

WHAT A RUN FOR RAY DAVIS 🔥

63 yards for the Buffalo lead 😮‍💨

(via @nfl)pic.twitter.com/xA274A6Djm

— ESPN (@espn) November 3, 2024

Davis operated with a season-high 58% snap share while exceeding his previous highs in attempts (20), red zone carries (six), rushing yards (97), routes run (14), and targets (three). Davis also led all backs with a season-high 70 receiving yards in Week 9, which was total was fueled by his 63-yard touchdown.

Davis is averaging 7.2 touches/39.9 total yards per game, including the numbers that he attained in Week 11 (five carries/11 rushing yards).

Davis’s ability to perform effectively as a rusher and receiver could lead to an increased workload during Buffalo’s remaining matchups. He is also capable of supplying RB1 production if he suddenly ascends into a lead-back role.

Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears - 7% Rostered

Roschon Johnson was already entrenched as Chicago’s RB2 even before the Bears jettisoned Khalil Herbert to Cincinnati. Johnson’s stock has ascended even further since Herbert was extracted from the Bears’  backfield equation.

Johnson elevated beyond Herbert on Chicago’s depth chart in Week 3 and has secured a 32.4% snap share during the Bears' last seven matchups. That includes four games in which he has attained a share of at least 37%.

Johnson has also generated 137 rushing yards (17.1 per game), with his 46 attempts (5.8 per game). He has also accumulated 10+ carries inside the red zone including seven attempts inside the 5-yard line. He has also risen to second overall with a touchdown rate of 11% according to Fantasy Points Data.

The Bears have snapped a skid of 25 consecutive series without a touchdown. Sometimes, it’s better to keep it simple: Roschon Johnson pushed his way into the end zone. pic.twitter.com/b0Br2bWyvM

— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) November 17, 2024

Johnson also secured a 44.1% snap share when the Bears hosted Green Bay in Week 11. He also carried 10 times, assembled 33 rushing yards, and generated his fifth touchdown. He also ran 13 routes and collected his only target from Caleb Williams.

Johnson’s status as an unquestioned handcuff has elevated him among this week's Tier 1 options as he has ascended into RB3/flex territory for fantasy managers.

Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks - 43% Rostered 

Zach Charbonnet remains entrenched among the top-tier handcuffs, due to his adjacency to a mammoth workload if Kenneth Walker is forced to the sideline. That supplies your incentive for adding Charbonnet if Walker is contained on your roster, as it prevents a potential roster emergency during any absence by Walker.

Charbonnet should not cede touches to another member of the Seahawks’ restructured backfield if that scenario develops. He has also proven that he can capitalize on his opportunity when ascending to an extensive workload. He was the only back to eclipse a 90% snap share (90.5%) in Weeks 2 and 3 when an oblique injury cemented Walker to the sideline.

Charbonnet gets the TD for the @Seahawks!

📺: #BUFvsSEA on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/T5M0Wq8rKY

— NFL (@NFL) October 27, 2024

Charbonnet also averaged 64.5 yards per game, led the league in rushing touchdowns (three), and forced a league-high nine missed tackles in Week 3 according to PFF. He rose to sixth with an average of 21.8 points per game.

Charbonnet has averaged 6.0 touches/27.1 total yards per game since Walker re-emerged in Week 4 and does not deliver standalone value. However, he will become a valuable asset if Walker is inactive once again.

Tier 2: In The Running - Week 12 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters

Tyler Allgeier , Atlanta Falcons - 40% Rostered  

Tyler Allgeier remains securely positioned among the elite tier of handcuffs. That makes him a valuable resource for anyone who invested their first-round selection in Bijan Robinson during draft season.

Allgeier remains unchallenged in his role as Atlanta’s RB2 behind Robinson, and Allgeier would operate with an extensive workload if Robinson is unavailable. Allgeier has also proven that he can thrive while functioning as the Falcons’ primary back, after rising to 12th in rushing yards (1,035/64.7 per game) and ninth in yards after contact (706) during his 2022 rookie season.

Allgeier’s ability to deliver standalone value has fluctuated in lockstep with the erratic touch totals that he has attained throughout the season. He accumulated 52 attempts (10.4 per game), generated 251 rushing yards (50.2 per game) from Weeks 6-10, and accrued 14 carries inside the red zone during that span.

Atlanta's game script in Week 11 fueled the massive decline in Allgeier's usage, as he was limited to a career-low three snaps, and failed to register a carry for the first time in his career.

Tyler Allgeier played 3 snaps and had 0 carries today.

His prior career-low marks were 9 snaps and 3 carries (both in Week 1 earlier this season).

— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) November 18, 2024

However, that does not diminish the rationale for adding Allgeier if you deploy Robinson as a starter as Allgeier can safeguard your roster from a significant crisis if Robinson is forced to the sideline.

Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 15% Rostered 

Prioritizing Blake Corum from your waiver wire will not immediately benefit anyone who infuses him or integrates him onto their rosters this week. However, Corum’s unchallenged role as the direct backup to Kyren Williams positions him to reward you for your decision.

Corum and Williams have combined for 100% of the Rams’ backfield touches since Week 5, with Williams confiscating the vast majority of opportunities. Corum has attained a 10% snap share during the Rams' last six matchups. He has also accumulated 20 attempts/73  rushing yards during that sequence.

Blake Corum is gonna make it difficult for Sean McVay to keep running Kyren Williams as a workhorse in the coming weeks

The rookie looks really good on this drive

— Adam Koffler (@AdamKoffler) November 17, 2024

Williams leads all backs with 546 snaps since Week 1. He has also carried 191 times, generated 750 rushing yards, run 246 routes, and captured 31 targets during those contests.

While Corum‘s current usage and output are minimal, he would instantly launch into the massive workload that is currently designated for Williams in Sean McVay’s offense if Williams is unavailable for any reason.

Corum will approach RB1 production if that occurs during the Rams'  remaining matchups. That should incentivize you to seize Corum this week if you deploy Williams on your roster.

Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens - 18% Rostered 

Justice Hill's role usage as a receiving weapon can be inconsistent due to Baltimore's game scripts. However, the Ravens' reliance on Hill in that capacity has sustained Hill’s place among this week’s top Tier 2 options.

Lamar to Justice Hill! Clutch on 3rd & 9.

📺: #BALvsPIT on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/zXNPIFTCdR

— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2024

Hill is now sixth among backs with 300 receiving yards. He is also ninth in both receptions (31), and targets (37), and has registered a 41.4% route participation according to Fantasy Points Data. That includes Hill’s involvement in Week 11 when he ran 23 routes, registered his second-highest target total of the season (seven), and generated 28 receiving yards.

Keaton Mitchell has failed to touch the ball in two games since his return, but his presence has still impacted Hill’s prospective status as a handcuff to Derrick Henry. However, Mitchell is not a candidate to usurp Hill’s involvement as the Ravens’ primary pass-catcher from the background.

This supplies the incentive for targeting Hill this week, as he can operate as an RB3/flex option if you are building rosters in PPR leagues. Particularly if you are searching for a short-term solution to reduce the impact of bye weeks.

Dylan Laube, Las Vegas Raiders - 0% Rostered

Las Vegas selected Dylan Laube during Round 6 of the 2024 NFL draft (208th overall). Laube’s involvement in the Raiders backfield rotation has been infinitesimal to this point of his rookie season, as Laube fumbled on his only carry of the season in Week 6 and has yet to secure another snap.

However, Laube's role could change significantly in Week 12. Zamir White (quad) and Alexander Mattison (ankle) both sustained injuries during the Raiders Week 11 visit to Miami.

Laube could ascend into a sizable workload while operating in a rotation with Ameer Abdullah if White and Mattison remain sidelined in Week 12, Laube could accumulate opportunities as both a rusher and receiving weapon while Abdullah would secure targets as a pass-catcher.

It is understandable if you are hesitant to invest in any members of the Las Vegas backfield due to the various shortcomings within the Raiders offense. However, if injuries, bye weeks, and other challenges have depleted your options, Laube could be deployed as a flex if White and Mattison are inactive in Week 12.

Jonathon Brooks, Carolina Panthers - 58% Rostered

Optimism surged in advance of Jonathon Brooks’ rookie season after Carolina selected him in Round 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft. It was reasonable to believe that Brooks’ favorable blend of speed, acceleration, and elusiveness would eventually propel him atop the Panthers’ depth chart – even though Brooks would require additional time to recover from the torn ACL that he sustained in November 2023.

Jonathon Brooks’ 64-yard TD run from the backfield view is pretty.

Perfectly blocked up front, neither LB fits correctly and AD Mitchell gets just enough on the safety. Sea opens right up. pic.twitter.com/vezBnhPJ8W

— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) October 2, 2023

Now, those lofty expectations have evaporated as Brooks has yet to register a touch. Chuba Hubbard has also flourished as the Panthers lead back while also signing a four-year, $37.2 million contract extension on November 7. However, there is still a rationale for including Brooks in this week’s waiver wire options.

Brooks could still become an eventual handcuff for fantasy managers with Hubbard on their rosters if Brooks operates as the Panther’s RB2. That would position Brooks to secure an expanded workload if Hubbard became unavailable.

That scenario would develop if Brooks ascends into the workload previously allocated to Miles Sanders, who sustained an ankle/foot injury in Week 10. It will also occur if Brooks leapfrogs Sanders on Carolina's depth chart regardless of Sanders' health.

Tier 3: Dark Horses - Week 12 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These Running Backs Could Emerge In Your Lineups

Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins - 6% Rostered 

Jaylen Wright has been incorporated into this column throughout the season due to the enticing fusion of explosion and speed that fuel his big play potential. That provides the prospects of Wright emerging as an asset for fantasy managers if he ascends into a sizable workload.

Unfortunately, Wright’s placement below De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert on Miami’s depth chart has created ongoing obstacles that have impeded Wright’s runway toward favorable production.

Jaylen Wright deserves more snaps imo pic.twitter.com/KHRldmXiGK

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) October 24, 2024

However, Mike McDaniel allocated more snaps (nine) and rushing attempts (five) to Wright than Mostert (eight/zero) in Week 10, as Mostert was relegated to season lows in both categories.

Wright also accumulated 16 snaps, carried five times, and assembled four rushing yards in Week 11. Mostert trailed Wright in each category once again, as he was limited to nine snaps, three attempts, and registered -2 in yardage. Wright now enters Week 12 with a 21.1% snap share, while averaging 5.8 attempts/23.9 rushing yards per game.

If McDaniel continues to deploy Wright as a rusher more extensively than Mostert, it will position Wright to seize a substantial workload if Achane is sidelined. That provides the rationale for adding Wright this week.

Braelon Allen, New York Jets - 33% Rostered 

Braelon Allen's stock was ascending after he secured a 28.8% snap share from Weeks 1-5, which included two contests in which he eclipsed a share of 35%.
Allen also averaged 6.4 attempts/28.6 rushing yards per game, and 4.5 yards per attempt during that sequence, while also securing attaining at least nine touches during three consecutive outings.

This presented Allen as an enticing handcuff to fantasy managers who had invested a first-round selection on Breece Hall  during draft season. It also launched Allen into consideration as a flex option if his level of usage would have been sustained.

Allen’s potential standalone value has dissipated since Week 6. His snap share has decreased to 21.9%, including three matchups with shares that failed to exceed 19%. Allen has also averaged 5.0 carries/14.3 yards per game and has failed to surpass four carries in four of his six games during that span. That includes his limited usage in Week 11 when he played on nine snaps while accumulating six rushing yards with his two attempts.

Allen still retains the capacity to approach RB1 output if Hall becomes unavailable for any reason. That provides an effective insurance policy for anyone who depends on Hall.

Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars - 47% Rostered 

Tank Bigsby's availability has risen to 53% as a byproduct of his ankle issue. Bigsby was limited to 10 snaps after sustaining the injury during Jacksonville’s Week 10 matchup with Minnesota.

Bigsby was also inactive in Week 11. However, this now provides an opportunity to seize Bigsby if he is available in your leagues, as he will regain a favorable workload in the Jaguars’ backfield rotation when he returns.

TANK BIGSBY STIFF ARMS HIS WAY TO A 65-YARD TD.

📺: #INDvsJAX on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/oVugPI0X5s

— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024

Bigsby has been Jacksonville’s most productive rusher since Week 1, and currently leads the Jaguars in attempts (95/9.5 per game), rushing yards (519/51.9 per game), red zone attempts (24), yards per attempt (5.5), and missed tackles forced (17) according to Fantasy Points Data.

Bigsby also soared to third overall in rushing yards (411/82.2 per game) from Weeks 4-8, led all backs in yards after contact (310), and averaged 5.8 yards per attempt.

Travis Etienne Jr. operated as Jacksonville's lead back in Week 11 but only manufactured 33 total yards with his 15 touches. Bigsby should re-capture a significant role in the Jaguars’ backfield when he re-emerges, and can deliver RB2/RB3 output when that occurs.

Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals - 19% Rostered 

Trey Benson was the second running back to be selected during the 2024 NFL Draft when Arizona secured him in Round 3 (66th overall). This positioned Benson to operate with a favorable workload as Arizona’s RB2 while providing the potential for Benson to capture an extensive workload if James Conner were sidelined for any reason.

That has yet to transpire, as Conner has eluded impactful injuries, while Benson’s 216 rushing yards (24.0 per game) place him sixth among members of his rookie class. However, Benson’s snap share has risen to 25.4% since Week 9 after he operated with a 15.1% share from Weeks 1-8. That has also fueled a surge in Benson’s production as he has accrued 18 attempts (9.0 per game), and 99 rushing yards (49.5 per game) during that two-game sequence.

A Trey Benson Week 10 reel that is also a reminder to play RBs vs. the Jets defense (league-high missed tackle rate vs. RBs) pic.twitter.com/WiZbCQaTYa

— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) November 12, 2024

That includes Benson’s numbers in Week 10, when Benson carried 10 times, accumulated a season-high 62 rushing yards, and soared to third in rush yards over expected per attempt (1.82), according to Next Gen Stats.

Benson would operate as the Cardinals’ primary back during any absence by Conner.  Emari Demercado would function as Arizona’s receiving back if that scenario emerges, but that should not deter you from adding Benson if you have invested in Conner.

Gus Edwards, Los Angeles Chargers - 25% Rostered 

Gus Edwards has now played in two matchups since re-emerging in the Chargers’ backfield rotation. Edwards had been placed on injured reserve on October 12 after sustaining an ankle injury in Week 4. He was activated one day before the Chargers’ Week 10 matchup with Tennessee and promptly recaptured his previous role as the team’s RB2.

Edwards operated with a 24.6% snap share during his return. He also accumulated 10 attempts and assembled 55 rushing yards. His average of 5.5 yards per attempt easily established a new season high while he also rose to sixth in rush percentage over expected (50) according to Next Gen Stats

Edwards also played on 11 snaps when the Chargers hosted the Bengals in Week 11. Edwards also carried six times and generated 27 rushing yards, while averaging 4.5 yards per attempt.

Edwards has been operating in a rotation with J.K. Dobbins since his return, as Kimani Vidal has been relegated to healthy inactive status during the Chargers’ last two contests. This leaves Edwards entrenched in his reclaimed role, and he is positioned to function as the Chargers’ lead back if Dobbins would be sidelined for any reason.

Audric Estime, Denver Broncos - 52% Rostered

Audric Estime was only rostered in 3% of all leagues just one week ago. However, that percentage increased by 49% after he appeared to emerge as the lead back in Denver’s offense.

Estime had soared to a 45% snap share in Week 10. He also led the Broncos’ backfield in attempts (14), and rushing yards (53), finishing 16th overall in rush percentage over expected (35.7), according to Next Gen Stats.

However, Sean Payton modified the distribution of touches within the Broncos backfield in Week 11, as Williams led the trio of backs in snap share (53%), attempts (nine), rushing yards (59), routes run (15), and receiving yards (28).

Estime was second in snap share (22%), and carries (six), but only accumulated 16 rushing yards. McLaughlin attained a 13% snap share, carried four times, and generated 19 rushing yards. He also ran three routes and was not targeted.

There is still justification for stashing Estime if you manage rosters in deeper leagues. He was involved as a receiving weapon for the time this season (three targets/three receptions), and should still retain an ongoing role as a rusher. Estime would also emerge as an asset if Williams is forced to the sideline during any of the Broncos' upcoming matchups.

Other Fantasy Football Running Backs To Consider

Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns - 39% Rostered

Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 48% Rostered

Khalil Herbert  Cincinnati Bengals - 16% Rostered

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