Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups - Week 4

Phil Clark's fantasy football running back waiver wire pickups before Week 4 of the 2020 NFL season. These are free agent fantasy RBs to add, and potential PPR sleepers to stash.

The collection of injuries that emerged at the running back position has forced teams throughout the NFL to restructure their backfields. Some offensive units are not operating with the same lead backs that were spearheading their rushing attacks in Week 1, while other franchises created fresh committees to compensate for the loss of their original starters.

Fantasy GMs have also responded to the numerous injuries by transforming their own rosters. Many managers have also been compelled to reassemble their lineups due to concerns with the usage and output of their previous starters. Regardless of why you might be considering your waiver wire options, this article is designed to help you pinpoint the best backs that remain available as we enter planning for Week 4.

These recommendations will appear in three tiers - beginning with the most enticing and progressing to runners for fantasy GMs that are struggling with desperation. You will also find a group of backs that can be dropped in order for you to secure your replacements. After you've finished this breakdown, you can also find news updates and data-fueled analysis that is designed to help you maximize the scoring potential of your rosters.

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Frontrunners - Week 4 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These backs should be your top priorities among the options that are available on most waiver wires. Some will be more beneficial in PPR formats than standard. All players have 60% or less ownership in typical fantasy leagues.

Jeff Wilson Jr., San Francisco 49ers

22% rostered

The collective absence of Raheem Mostert (MCI sprain) and Tevin Coleman (knee sprain) presented Jerick McKinnon with an opportunity to continue his career rebirth. But it also cleared a path for Wilson’s return to relevance. Both backs combined for 32 touches during San Francisco’s Week 3 matchup with the Giants, as McKinnon accumulated 17 touches and produced 77 total yards and a touchdown. Wilson generated 69 total yards and two touchdowns with his 15 touches, including 54 yards as a receiving weapon.

Where there's a Wilson, there's a way.@jeffwilsonjr
? @NFLonFOX#SFvsNYG pic.twitter.com/y12rAScEII

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 27, 2020

Wilson was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and demonstrated his ability to thrive with a sizable workload from Weeks 12-15 that season (67 touches/314 total yards). Coleman will remain on injured reserve for the immediate future, while the status of Mostert and McKinnon (rib) should be monitored as the week progresses. Wilson remains available in nearly 80% of all leagues and will remain highly involved in the rebuilt 49er backfield if Mostert or McKinnon is absent this week.

Myles Gaskin, Miami Dolphins

45% rostered

The Dolphins reshaped the composition of their backfield during the off-season by signing Jordan Howard and making a trade with San Francisco for Matt Breida. It appeared that Howard would have the opportunity to collect early-down carries, while also functioning as the primary back in the red zone. Breida appeared to present flex appeal, due to his potential to generate significant yardage on any given play. However, those off-season expectations have quickly evaporated as Gaskin has seized control of Miami’s RB1 responsibilities.

“Myles Gaskin is going to the Pro Bowl based on tonight” - Announcer Joe Buck

Gaskin has 11 touches for 52 yards after 2 Miami drives. Dolphins lead the Jaguars 14-0 in the 1st quarter.

pic.twitter.com/7vNo2xfY18

— WestCoastCFB.com (@WestCoastCFB) September 25, 2020

The former seventh-round pick (2019) has now accumulated 152 yards on 38 attempts, while also remaining involved as a pass-catcher (16 targets/15 receptions/91 receiving yards). That includes his 95 total yards on 27 touches during the Dolphins’ Week 3 matchup in Jacksonville. Gaskin also performed on 46 snaps against the Jaguars, while Breida (11) and Howard (4) were repositioned into irrelevance. Gaskin has easily surpassed them on Miami’s depth chart and is now a viable roster addition in all leagues.

Carlos Hyde, Seattle Seahawks

18% rostered

Chris Carson has been operating as the Seahawks’ unquestioned RB1. However, that was hardly surprising. He finished fifth overall in both attempts (278) and rushing yardage (1,230), and eclipsed 100 yards in six different contests during 2019. He was leading Seattle running backs in snap share (54.4%), rushing attempts (23), and rushing yardage (93) entering Week 3, and had also accumulated 64 yards on 14 attempts against the Cowboys in Week 3 before a leg issue abruptly ended his day.

His health should be monitored as the week progresses. But Hyde becomes a viable waiver target, due to his status as Carson’s backup. Hyde joined Carson as one of the 15 backs to surpass 1,000 yards (1,070) during 2019 after finishing 11th with 245 attempts - which established new career highs in each category. He has accumulated 83 total yards on 19 touches with Seattle this season and would procure an extensive workload if Carson is unavailable. He should be added by anyone who is searching for an additional running back. Securing him also becomes a top priority if Carson is on your roster.

In The Running - Week 4 Waiver Wire Running Backs

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

Adrian Peterson, Detroit Lions 

53% rostered

Adrian Peterson's still got it. #OnePride

?: #DETvsAZ on FOX
?: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/xcinwkkjUL pic.twitter.com/8sw1w0kER9

— NFL (@NFL) September 27, 2020

You might be hesitant to depend on a 35-year old back for fantasy points. But if you can expand your thinking to include Peterson’s unique ability and durability, then your comfort level should rise. It can also be beneficial to consider his extensive usage in Week 3, as he commandeered 22 carries. It was the second time in three weeks that Peterson has paced Detroit in rushing attempts, and he now leads the Lions in carries (43), and rushing yards (209) entering Week 4.

Kerryon Johnson was limited to three carries against Arizona and has now accumulated just 62 yards on 18 attempts after three games. D’Andre Swift was relegated to five snaps versus the Cardinals and has now accumulated just eight attempts and 17 touches. Swift’s involvement will eventually rise, while Johnson’s status should be concerning to his managers. But Peterson has performed with enough efficiency to remain the Lions’ primary rusher. This elevates him into flex status for anyone who secures him this week.

Chase Edmonds, Arizona Cardinals

39% rostered

There has been an ongoing discussion within the fantasy industry concerning the viability of using roster spots to retain the backups of your top players. There is a justifiable rationale on both sides of the discussion. But managers that have encountered the sudden loss of their starting backs are not subjected to a significant roster crisis if they have already secured the runner that is being elevated into lead back duties.

The elusive Edmonds has demonstrated his ability to deliver huge gains on a repeated basis. He possesses the talent to deliver favorable numbers in Kliff Kingsbury’s attack if his role expands for any reason. Edmonds could also become a potential league winner if Kenyan Drake is sidelined for an extended period. Edmonds is now available in over 60% of all leagues. This supplies you with an opportunity to capitalize on his availability. That decision could deliver enormous dividends during the upcoming weeks.

Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings

45% rostered

The primary incentive for having Mattison on your roster involves his potential to function as an RB1 if Dalvin Cook becomes sidelined for any reason. Mattison would absorb one of the league’s most extensive workloads, due to Mike Zimmer’s penchant for controlling the time of possession through his reliance on the running game. But deficiencies within the Viking offense had diminished the effectiveness of Minnesota's ground game while placing restraints on Cook’s ceiling in Weeks 1 and 2.

Minnesota had plummeted from sixth in rushing during 2019 (133.3 yards per game), to 21st (107 yards per game) entering Week 3. Cook’s yards per game average had also dropped from 81.1 in 2019 to just 56.5. per game after two contests.

But Cook exploded for 181 yards and a touchdown with his 22 carries in Week 3 (8.2 per attempt). Minnesota’s improved rushing proficiency bodes well for Mattison’s chances of accumulating sizable yardage if his role suddenly expands. That keeps Mattison entrenched as an enticing insurance policy for anyone who is depending on Cook.

Dark Horses - Week 4 Waiver Wire Running Backs 

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.

Soon. pic.twitter.com/YqPY4ge6Ju

— Damien Harris (@DHx34) September 26, 2020

Damien Harris, New England Patriots

26% rostered

You might be tempted to add Rex Burkhead after he assembled 98 total yards and three touchdowns. But chasing that performance places you at risk of experiencing massive disappointment. The 30-year-old Burkhead is now in his eighth season, and should not be expected to deliver highly productive outings on a routine basis. His workload will diminish whenever James White returns to the Patriots, while Harris is also eligible to return from injured reserve this week.

Harris should seize a consistent role within a rushing attack that was unimpressive before facing Las Vegas. Sony Michel had been woefully inefficient in Weeks 1 and 2 (56 yards/3.3 yards per attempt/28 yards per game) before delivering 117 yards on nine attempts against the Raiders. Burkhead had also accrued 81 total yards in Weeks 1 and 2 combined.

The Patriots can maximize their resources by infusing Harris into the backfield mix. This would help New England retain an effective rushing attack while bolstering Cam Newton’s efforts under center and supplementing his yardage on the ground. Savvy fantasy GMs can seize Harris before he begins operating with a favorable workload.

Brian Hill, Atlanta Falcons 

2% rostered

Todd Gurley's problematic knee and the issues that surround it have been well established. But this did not discourage fantasy GMs from selecting him in Round 3 of during their drafts. However, Gurley does not resemble the back who delivered league winning dominance while leading all backs in scoring during 2017- 2018. Gurley is currently outside the top 30 backs in scoring, although he did assemble 80 yards and a touchdown on 14 attempts in Week 3.

However, Hill was entrusted with nine attempts and responded by producing 58 yards. That included a 35-yard scamper for a touchdown during the first half.

Brian Hill takes it 35 yards to the end zone! #RiseUpATL

?: #CHIvsATL on FOX
?: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/9RobDGGsOD pic.twitter.com/LTGFXKZhEb

— NFL (@NFL) September 27, 2020

Hill’s involvement in Atlanta’s offense has been modest since he was selected by the Falcons in Round 5 of the 2017 Draft. But he has bypassed Ito Smith to secure Atlanta’s RB2 responsibilities and should be allotted a percentage of carries during Atlanta's upcoming matchups. If Gurley is suddenly sidelined, Hill would also confiscate the majority of attempts during his absence.

La'Mical Perine, New York Jets 

6% rostered    

Perine assembled 2,485 yards on the ground in four seasons as a Florida Gator, while also collecting 72 receptions for 674 yards. He was selected by the Jets in Round 4 of the NFL Draft and has only accrued 10 carries. But his relevance could be rising due to the placement of Le’Veon Bell on injured reserve (hamstring), and limitations in Frank Gore’s ability to function as a workhorse back. 

The increasingly beleaguered Adam Gase has allotted 36 rushing attempts to Gore during the Jets' last two matchups, and the 37-year-old Gore has averaged just 3.4 yards per attempt. Gase’s favorable history with Gore was forged during their time together in Miami and San Francisco. But Gase could face increasing pressure to alter his strategy as the Jets’ season continues to unravel. This should result in an increased workload for Perine, who appears to be the most talented rusher in New York’s backfield. That supplies an incentive for fantasy GMs to stash Perine while he remains available in nearly 95% of all leagues.

Also-Rans - Time To Say Goodbye

These backs can be dropped in order to secure a running back with greater potential to bolster your scoring during the year.

Tevin Coleman, San Francisco 49ers

38% rostered

Raheem Mostert had accumulated 258 total yards on 29 touches, which had propelled him to RB7 in point per game scoring. But he was sidelined with an MCL sprain in Week 3, which could have elevated Coleman into a significant role - if he had been injury-free. However, Coleman has been placed on injured reserve, as the result of his knee injury, which presented an opportunity for McKinnon and Wilson to share touches against the Giants. Even after Coleman recovers, he will be returning to a congested backfield, as undrafted free agent JaMycal Hasty also lurks as a threat to enter the equation.

Coleman has also failed to provide fantasy GMs with a reason to trust him after his first two matchups. The sixth-year back has manufactured just 30 yards in 18 attempts (1.7 yards per attempt) while his involvement as a receiver has also been minimal (4 targets/3 receptions/34 yards). Coleman's underwhelming performances, and the presence of sizable competition for touches, should diminish your motivation for keeping hin on your roster.

Jordan Howard, Miami Dolphins

58% rostered

Howard has now been limited to a grand total of 16 touches during Miami's first three contests, while his yardage total has been infinitesimal (12/0.8 per attempt). Eight of Howard’s carries occurred in the red zone, and he has produced three touchdowns. However, the results of his three matchups as a Dolphin have been dismal for fantasy GMs who selected him during their draft process. Even minimal expectations for Howard included his ability to receive a respectable workload, and it appeared logical that he would operate as Miami’s primary back.

Jordan Howard had a 1-yard TD on his 1st carry tonight.

If he finishes w/ under 10 rush yards, he will tie the post-merger NFL record of 3 consec games with 1+ rush TD and under 10 rush yards, becoming the 1st non-QB to do so since Daryl Johnston of the 1993 SB Champion Cowboys

— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) September 25, 2020

But Gaskin has commandeered those responsibilities while Howard’s snap share has plunged to 10.61%. His microscopic touch totals negate the possibility of using him in your lineups. However, managers in nearly 60% of all leagues are still retaining Howard on their rosters. His insignificance within Miami's offensive strategy should compel everyone to locate another option.

Matt Breida, Miami Dolphins

37% rostered 

Breida's stock has undergone a mammoth plunge that exceeds the descending value of Howard. The former 49er has only rushed 15 times while registering just one 2-yard reception. He also established a new season-low with only three touches during Miami’s Week 3 matchup, while also manufacturing a paltry four yards against Jacksonville. His limited involvement continued a pattern in which his snap share has declined during each contest (22.6%/21.3%/18.0%)

After Miami acquired Breida from San Francisco in exchange for a fifth-round pick, it appeared that the fourth-year back could supply the Dolphins with big-play capabilities. This could have resulted in an ongoing role that would fortify a rushing attack that ranked dead last during 2019 (72.3 yards per game). However, Gaskin has become the player to infuse energy into the backfield, while Breida has become insignificant. This eliminates all incentive for fantasy GMs to retain him on their rosters.

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