Top Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 17: Darrel Williams, Rex Burkhead, Jordan Howard, Boston Scott

Phil Clark's fantasy football running back waiver wire pickups before Week 17 of the 2021 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream and stash off waivers.

Congratulations to those of you who are preparing for matchups in Week 17. You have maintained your highest level of flexibility while navigating through injuries to critical players, COVID-related absences, and the other surprises that emerged during this unique season. Now this diligence has placed you on the threshold of your league's championship.

Winning your league has been your primary goal from the moment that you began planning for your draft. It has also remained the driving force behind every roster decision that you have made throughout the regular season and your playoff matchups. Now, you are just one win away from fulfilling your championship aspirations. This article is dedicated to helping you make the critical decisions that await you by recommending the best running backs to target on your waiver wires.

These recommendations will appear in three tiers - beginning with the most enticing and progressing to runners that are available if you are contending with desperation. You will also find a group of backs that can be considered droppable in order for you to secure your replacements. Good luck with your matchups in Week 17.

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Week 16 Rushing Leaders

Frontrunners - Running Backs to Pickup in Week 17

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 a rostership percentage of 60% or less in typical fantasy leagues.

Darrel Williams, Kansas City Chiefs - 60% Rostered   

Williams' rostership percentage resides at 60% which places him within the threshold of inclusion in this column. He has been performing efficiently throughout the season while averaging 8.2 attempts, 3.3 targets, and 57 total yards per game.  He also accumulated 85 total yards on 14 touches when Kansas City hosted Pittsburgh in Week 16, which included 30 receiving yards on three receptions.

Darrel Williams, a receiving back. #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/NJr8d8rsVM

— Mitchel Summers (@WIBWMitchel) December 26, 2021

Williams’ importance to both the Kansas City offense and fantasy managers could rise immensely this week. Clyde Edwards-Helaire was forced to the sideline with a collarbone injury during KC’s matchup with the Steelers, and Williams would become the primary beneficiary of a reshaped backfield if Edwards-Helaire would be unavailable for the Chiefs’ Week 17 visit to Cincinnati. Williams would also ascend into RB2 territory for fantasy managers if that scenario transpires.

Williams has already demonstrated his ability to thrive with an expanded role while producing 244 rushing yards on 69 attempts from Weeks 6-10 - when Edwards-Helaire was on injured reserve (MCL). Williams was also second among all backs in receiving yards (226) during that sequence. He should replicate those results if Edwards-Helaire is sidelined on Sunday, which propels Williams atop this week’s top priorities on the waiver wire.

Rex Burkhead, Houston Texans - 13% Rostered

Burkhead only reached an 18.8% snap share from Weeks 1-7, while accumulating just four targets and one rushing attempt. However, the Texans’ backfield was restructured through the trade of Mark Ingram II (October 27), and the placement of Phillip Lindsay on waivers (November 23). This has provided Burkhead with an opportunity to garner an expanded workload, and his snap share has risen to 49.7% since Week 8. He has also carried 87 times since Week 11 (14.5 per game) while collecting at least 11 carries in five of his last six matchups. He has also accumulated 327 rushing yards while averaging 54.5 per game during that span.

Rex Burkhead dives in for 6️⃣

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/lBDbtQhhxN

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) December 26, 2021

That includes his numbers when Houston hosted the Chargers in Week 16, as Burkhead established new season-highs in carries (22), and yardage (149), and also generated two touchdowns. His yardage was stockpiled versus a Los Angeles defense that had surrendered 140.3 per game entering the contest. However, neither Burkhead’s performance nor his recent numbers since Week 11 should be dismissed. He remains available in 87% of all leagues and should garner enough touches to be worthy of consideration as an RB3/flex option this week.

Jordan Howard / Boston Scott, Philadelphia Eagles
Howard 16% Rostered / Scott % 15 Rostered

Miles Sanders had already accumulated 45 yards on seven attempts (6.4 yards per attempt) before halftime of Philadelphia’s NFC East showdown with the Giants. Unfortunately, he also suffered a hand injury which prematurely ended his day.

Jordan Howard is hungry!!#Eagles #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/LlWnl3eGXn

— Brodes Media (@BrodesMedia) December 22, 2021

Sanders’ injury has now been diagnosed as a broken hand, and it opened the path for Howard and Scott to accrue touches during the remainder of the contest. Howard assembled 56 total yards on 13 touches, which includes his numbers on the ground (9 attempts/37 yards). However, he encountered his own health issue in the fourth quarter (stinger).

.@BostonScott2 takes one GIANT leap into the end zone!#NYGvsPHI | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/jO3zPARVNK

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 26, 2021

Scott was splitting opportunities with Howard prior to Howard’s departure and finished with 41 rushing yards and a touchdown with his 12 carries. He should operate in a rotation with Howard during Sunday’s visit to Washington as Sanders will be inactive due to his latest health issue.

Howard and Scott have both become legitimate RB3/flex options due to Sanders’ absence. However, Howard remains the preferred option due to his consistent workloads from Weeks 8-15 (13.2 attempts/68.6 yards per game). Scott’s stock would skyrocket if Howard is also unavailable when the Eagles face the Football Team.

In The Running - More Running Backs to Pickup

These are more running backs to pick up for Week 17. They remain available on the waiver wire but are not necessarily must-adds.

Dare Ogunbowale, Jacksonville Jaguars - 0% Rostered

It may be difficult for you to become enthusiastic about the prospects of pursuing Ogunbowale. However, the continual emergence of unexpected developments and depleted roster options might make it difficult to ignore your opportunity to secure him this week.

Dare Ogunbowale scores his first touchdown since 2019. #Badgers pic.twitter.com/VUsuMbXqUy

— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) December 26, 2021

The fifth-year back is suddenly positioned to procure an extensive workload following James Robinson’s season-ending Achilles injury. Robinson had appeared primed to capitalize on his enticing Week 16 matchup against the Jets run defense that had been yielding 141.6 yards per game. However, Robinson was limited to three touches before he departed the contest, which vaulted Ogunbowale into lead back responsibilities in New York.

Ogunbowale was entrusted with a career-high 17 carries and generated 57 yards on the ground. He also captured two of his four targets and assembled 15 receiving yards. Ogunbowale should function as Jacksonville’s RB1 when the Jaguars travel to New England, as Carlos Hyde is currently on injured reserve (concussion). His versatility should sustain his involvement in the backfield’s touch distribution regardless of game script. That bolsters the incentive for targeting him among this week’s priorities.

Derrick Gore, Kanas City Chiefs - 0% Rostered

While Williams is positioned among this week’s top backs to prioritize from the waiver wire, Gore could also materialize as a valuable contributor for fantasy managers if Edwards-Helaire is unable to play against the Bengals on Sunday. Gore was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Chargers in 2019. He eventually joined Kansas City’s practice squad last September and emerged on the active roster in late October.

His name is Derrick Gore and he just scored his first career touchdown! @Gore_D1 #ChiefsKingdom

📺: #NYGvsKC on ESPN
📱: https://t.co/Ws0sbkS0nd pic.twitter.com/UcoEhzaVyh

— NFL (@NFL) November 2, 2021

Gore rushed for 80 yards on a touchdown with his 20 attempts from Weeks 8-10 while Edwards-Helaire was on injured reserve (MCL). He also accumulated 104 total yards on 15 touches in Week 16, including 43 rushing yards on 12 attempts. Williams should operate as Kansas City’s lead back if Edwards-Helaire is absent. However, Gore is fully capable of generating yardage when he is given the opportunity and could be deployed as a flex option if Edwards-Helaire is unavailable.

Duke Johnson, Miami Dolphins - 10% Rostered

Johnson’s seventh season had been completely uneventful prior to Week 15. He had been released from Jacksonville’s practice squad in mid-September and was eventually signed to Miami’s practice squad in late October. He entered Week 15 with only four attempts and 18 rushing yards. However, he exploded for career-highs in yardage (107) attempts (22), and rushing touchdowns (2) against the Jets.

Grew up in Miami. Played college ball at Hard Rock Stadium.

On Sunday, @DukeJohnson_8 played his first game in Miami as a Dolphin.
107 yards (First career game over 100 rushing yards)
2 TDs (First career game with multiple rushing TDs)

What a homecoming. 👏🐬 #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/YUf8QWj0Gk

— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2021

Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed had just been activated from the reserve/COVID list prior to the matchup with New York, which propelled Johnson into his expanded role. Gaskin carried 10 times, and generated 54 rushing yards during the contest, while Ahmed did not register a touch.

It is conceivable that the Dolphins’ backfield will devolve into a congested situation that should be avoided. That could be determined if Miami‘s Monday night matchup with New Orleans contains a rotation that includes Johnson, Gaskin, Ahmed, and Malcolm Brown - who will resurface following his lingering quad issue. However, if Johnson sustains the sizable role that he appears to have earned in Week 15 then he can be prioritized among this week’s flex options from the waiver wire.

Dark Horses - Deeper Waiver Wire Running Backs

This group consists of waiver wire running backs that can be added if you are contending with injuries and other roster challenges.

Jamaal Williams, Detriot Lions - 59% Rostered

Williams’ availability has now reached 41% of all leagues, which qualifies him for consideration among this week’s recommended additions. He had averaged 10.1 attempts, 44.6 rushing yards, and 2.6 targets per game from Weeks 1-7. However, the combination of a lingering thigh issue and placement on the reserve-COVID list conspired to sideline Williams during four games from Week 8-15.

However, he returned for Detroit’s Week 16 matchup in Atlanta, and established new season highs in attempts (19), and rushing yardage (77). He also led the Lions in each category and has now eclipsed 70+ rushing yards in each of his last two contests.

.@jswaggdaddy keeps the drive alive!#DETvsATL | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/LiKxoCnP4a

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 26, 2021

D’Andre Swift’s protracted shoulder injury has forced his absence since Week 12, and his status for Detroit’s Week 17 matchup in Seattle is currently unclear. Williams would share touches if Swift reemerges against the Seahawks, and would supply fantasy managers with an RB3 if that occurs. However, he would rise to RB2/high-end RB3 status if Swift remains sidelined.

D'Ernest Johnson, Cleveland Browns - 16% Rostered

If you have used this column to help you navigate through your roster decisions this season, then you already know that Johnson has been included among the recommendations on a consistent basis.

The rationale has been simple, but proven to be correct: Johnson possesses the ability to generate sizable yardage totals if he is provided with an opportunity to accrue touches. This has been displayed repeatedly during the season, whenever Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt have been impacted by health issues.

A+ effort from D'Ernest Johnson! 😤

Cleveland strikes quickly.

(Via @NFL) | #Browns

pic.twitter.com/166QcGXtC3

— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) October 22, 2021

Johnson has already accumulated 146 rushing yards on 22 carries in Week 7 and stockpiled 157 total yards on 26 touches in Week 10 when Chubb (calf/reserve/COVID) and Hunt (calf) were sidelined.

D’Ernest Johnson got SHIFTY 🤧 pic.twitter.com/VShvTh6pjf

— PFF CLE Browns (@PFF_Browns) December 26, 2021

Johnson also bolted for 58 rushing yards on just four carries during the Browns’ Week 16 matchup in Green Bay, while Hunt was absent once again (ankle).

Hunt’s status should be monitored. However, his injury could lead to another favorable workload for Johnson during this week’s AFC North showdown with Pittsburgh. Johnson could be a valuable resource if that scenario transpires, which elevates him among this week’s roster additions.

Craig Reynolds, Detroit Lions - 21% Rostered

Jamaal Williams returned in Week 16 following a two-game absence (reserve/COVID list). However, his presence did not prevent Reynolds from retaining a role within Detroit’s backfield rotation. D’Andre Swift remained sidelined by his troublesome shoulder, while the Lions were also operating without Jared Goff under center.

Tim Boyle spearheaded the offense, which impacted the proficiency of the injury-depleted attack. Williams accrued 77 rushing total yards on 19 attempts and did not register a target. Reynolds assembled 51 total yards on 14 touches, which included his usage and production as a receiver (4 targets/3 receptions/22 yards).

The undrafted free agent had exploded onto the fantasy landscape while operating as Detroit’s lead back in Weeks 14-15.

In his first career start, Lions RB Craig Reynolds ran for 112 yards on 26 carries. @13_CJR is the @CaesarsSports Star of the Week pic.twitter.com/SNTvJTXpoR

— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2021

Reynolds vaulted beyond Jermar Jefferson and Godwin Igwebuike on Detroit’s depth chart to seize that role and capitalized on his opportunity by assembling 195 yards with his 37 carries in n Weeks 14-15. Those performances should keep him involved if Swift remains unavailable.

The status of Swift should be monitored prior to the Lions Week 17 matchup in Seattle. If he remains affixed to the sideline, Reynolds would share touches with Williams. That would elevate him among this week’s potential WR3/flex options.

Time To Say Goodbye - Running Backs To Drop

These are running backs to drop or cut from fantasy rosters in order to secure an RB with greater potential to bolster your postseason scoring.

Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers - 65% Rostered

If Hubbard was on your roster earlier this season, you may have benefited from his productive sequence as Carolina’s featured back from Weeks 3-8. Christian McCaffrey was contending with his hamstring injury which provided Hubbard with an opportunity to function as the Panthers’ RB1.

The rookie was fourth among all backs in rushing attempts during that sequence (100/16.7 per game) and was also 10th in rushing yardage (381/63.5 per game). He also led Carolina’s backfield in targets (23/3.8 per game), receptions (16/2.7 per game), and receiving yards (115/19.2 per game) during that sequence.

However, Hubbard’s reduced usage and minimal output since Week 9 should compel you to quickly locate another option. He has only averaged 6.3 attempts and 19.7 rushing yards per game during that sequence, including the nine that he manufactured on six attempts when Carolina hosted Tampa Bay in Week 16. He has also been limited to just five targets during that seven-game span, as Ameer Abdullah has commandeered pass-catching responsibilities within the Panthers’ backfield. Hubbard cannot be trusted in your lineup as the playoffs reach a conclusion, and it is highly recommended that you replace him.

J.D. McKissic, Washington Football Team - 45% Rostered  

McKissic's name maintained a frequent presence in this column throughout the regular season, as he functioned in a consistent role as Washington’s pass-catching back. His responsibilities also provided fantasy managers with a reliable point producer in the PPF format. McKissic’s usage this season had not replicated his 2020 target total when he led all backs (110/6.9 per game) and secured a 19.2% share. However, he was still collecting consistent opportunities from Weeks 1-12, while placing sixth at his position in targets (53 targets/4.8 per game), fourth in receiving yards (397/36.1 per game), and fifth in receptions (43/3.9 per game).

McKissic had also supplemented his production as a receiver with 212 rushing yards (19.3 per game) on 48 attempts (4.4 per game). Unfortunately, he has remained absent from the Football Team’s lineup since incurring a conclusion near the conclusion of their Week 12 matchup with Seattle. He has also been placed on injured reserve, which will prevent him from helping anyone who is contending for a league championship. That eliminates any reason to retain him on rosters.

David Johnson, Houston Texans - 45% Rostered

David Johnson’s rostership percentage remains surprisingly high as fantasy managers in 45% of all leagues have kept him on their rosters. He is dealing with a quad issue that sidelined him when Houston hosted the Chargers in Week 16. Even if he resurfaces for Sunday’s matchup at San Francisco, his usage and output will be constricted as Rex Burkhead commandeers a sizable percentage of touches.

This will sustain a restricted workload that should dissuade fantasy managers from giving Johnson any consideration as a starter in their lineups. He has averaged 5.2 attempts and 16.7 rushing yards per game, while also failing to reach 40 yards in any of his 13 matchups during the season. Johnson has also averaged 2.8 targets per game since Week 8 and has failed to reach 30 receiving yards during that sequence.

There is nothing surrounding his level of opportunity or his effectiveness that would suggest that he can be started by anyone. However, he can easily be replaced with another back who could function as a resource this week.

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