Running Back Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 13: Top Free Agent Adds Include Jaylen Warren, Ameer Abdullah, Roschon Johnson, Jeremy McNichols

We are rapidly approaching the fantasy postseason as many of you continue to benefit from the favorable numbers that are being delivered by your running backs. Unfortunately, some of you have been contending with disappointing results from your backs, due to a combination of injuries, production-inhibiting roles, and other issues that have negatively impacted their output.

We are just one week away from extracting bye weeks from the list of weekly challenges that you encounter when building your rosters, but the final six-team bye week is lurking in Week 14.  This will impact players from Baltimore, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, New England, and Washington, and it will be beneficial to prepare now for the impending absences of Derrick Henry, Joe Mixon, Jonathan Taylor, Rhamondre Stevenson, Brian Robinson Jr., and Austin Ekeler.

That will reduce your starting options while combining with health issues, and other developments to deplete your roster options. However, this article will help you progress beyond these hurdles by locating the best running backs to target on your Week 13 waiver wires. After finishing this breakdown you can also find fantasy football waiver wire pickups at other positions. Good luck in your Week 13 matchups.

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Upcoming Bye Weeks Schedule

• Week 14: Baltimore, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, New England, Washington

Tier 1: Front-Runners - Week 13 Waiver Wire Running Backs

Prioritize These Running Backs On Waiver Wires

Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers - 59% Rostered

Jaylen Warren's disappointing numbers from Weeks 1-5 are now a distant memory due to the surging numbers that Warren has delivered since Week 6. That coincides with Warren’s return from a two-game absence to regain his role in Pittsburgh’s backfield rotation.

Warren has secured a 40.2% snap share since he resurfaced while accumulating 61 attempts (10.2 per game) and 249 rushing yards (41.5 per game). He has also run 74 routes, captured 13 of his 17 targets, and assembled 103 yards receiving weapon. Warren has also secured 11+ touches during each of his last five matchups since Week 7 (14/11/16/13/14) while accumulating 345 total yards during that sequence.

.@Nunless2 runs it in for 6️⃣

📲 Stream on NFL+: https://t.co/COxKRnr6Mc pic.twitter.com/93Wk8lklsx

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 22, 2024

That includes Warren’s numbers in Week 12 when he led Pittsburgh’s backfield with a season-high 57% snap share. Warren also carried 11 times, led the Steelers with 45 rushing yards, and generated his first touchdown of the season. Warren also ran 19 routes and collected a season-high five targets from Russell Wilson.

Warren’s ongoing timeshare with Najee Harris should not prevent you from deploying him as an RB3/flex when the Steelers travel to Cincinnati in Week 13, and host Cleveland in Week 14.

Ameer Abdullah, Las Vegas Raiders - 25% Rostered

The combination of injuries, an impending six-team bye week, and other challenges supply your justification for considering all options when attempting to locate backs who could be deployed in your lineups. That also provides the rationale for adding Ameer Abdullah, despite the myriad of deficiencies that exist within the Las Vegas offense.

Abdullah’s versatility delivers the potential for the 10th-year back to accumulate carries and function as the Raiders' primary pass-catching weapon from the backfield. That scenario emerged in Week 12 when the collective absence of Zamir White (quad) and Alexander Mattison (ankle) elevated Abdullah into an expanded role.

Ameer Abdullah! What a catch for the @Raiders TD!

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

— NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2024

Abdullah paced the restructured backfield in multiple categories while also establishing season highs in snap share (88%), rushing attempts (eight), routes run (47), targets (six), receptions (five), and receiving yards (37). He also produced his second receiving touchdown of the season. Sincere McCormick was the only other back to accumulate snaps (11% share) after being elevated from the practice squad.

The health of Mattison and White should be monitored in advance of the Raiders’ Week 13 visit to Kansas City. Abdullah can still be included among your waiver wire targets despite Friday’s unfavorable matchup if you are searching for an RB3/flex option.

Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears - 28% Rostered

Roschon Johnson's role as Chicago’s RB2 is unchallenged and his recent numbers have propelled him into flex territory if you are navigating injuries, the final bye week, or all other unwanted challenges.

Johnson has now attained a 33.9% snap share since Week 3, which has risen to 44.1% since Week 11. He has also accumulated 48 attempts (5.3 per game), 139 rushing yards (15.4 per game), and 14 carries inside the red zone.

Johnson has also secured a 38.9% share of the rushing attempts allocated to Chicago backs inside the 5-yard line according to Fantasy Points Data.

He also attained a season-best 42% snap share in Week 11. while tying his season high in rushing attempts (10), establishing a new high in rushing yards (33), and leading all backs in rush percentage over expected (70) according to Next Gen Stats.

Johnson played on 29 snaps in Week 12. He was also limited to two carries and two rushing yards. However, both of Johnson's carries occurred in the red zone and he generated his sixth rushing touchdown.

.@roschon finishes off the drive 🙌

📺: #MINvsCHI on FOX pic.twitter.com/d9hDhtoJsg

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) November 24, 2024

Johnson can be utilized in your lineups if you are dealing with depleted options at running back. He is also a viable handcuff if you depend on D'Andre Swift in your lineups.

Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills - 16% Rostered  

Ray Davis's ability to function effectively as a three-down back makes him a compelling candidate to deliver favorable numbers if he operates with a sizable workload.

Davis’s role as Buffalo’s RB2 behind James Cook has largely restricted his touch totals.  However, Davis has already proven that he can flourish whenever he ascends into an expanded workload.

Former Cat Ray Davis is balling in his first NFL start.

9 touches
94 yards

It’s not even halftime yet…pic.twitter.com/RhnKwwbZkJ

— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) October 15, 2024

Davis erupted for a collection of season-best numbers in Week 6 when Cook was forced to the sideline (toe). He attained a 58% snap share and secured 88.9% of Buffalo’s backfield touches while exceeding his previous highs in attempts (20), red zone carries (six), rushing yards (97), and targets (three). Davis also finished at RB13 with an average of 18.2 points.

Davis also accumulated 90 total yards on six touches in Week 9 and led all backs in receiving yards (70). He has also accumulated 79 touches/428 total yards since Week 1 while accumulating 20 forced missed tackles and generating eight runs of 10+ yards according to PFF.

Davis does not deliver standalone value but will soar into an extensive workload if Cook is unavailable. That makes Davis a valuable handcuff for anyone who relies on Cook in their lineups.

Jeremy McNichols, Washington Commanders - 1% Rostered 

Jeremy McNichols is currently available in 99% of all leagues. However, that percentage could drop significantly as the week progresses if Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler appear destined to miss Washington’s Week 13 matchup with Tennessee.

RB Brian Robinson Jr. (ankle) is questionable to return

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) November 24, 2024

Robinson was limited to 12 snaps after sustaining an ankle injury when the Commanders hosted Dallas in Week 12. Ekeler led Washington’s backfield with 44 snaps but also suffered a concussion during the contest.

Those injuries launched McNichols into a larger role, as he played on 17 snaps. He also carried three times, while generating 22 yards on the ground. McNichols also ran nine routes but was not targeted by Jayden Daniels.

McNichols had entered Week 12 with a 20.8% snap share. He also averaged 5.0 touches/18.3 total yards per game while remaining below Robinson and Ekeler on the Commanders’ depth chart.

Washington released Chris Rodriquez Jr. on November 23 but he could potentially re-emerge to siphon a percentage of touches from McNichols. That should not deter you from targeting McNichols, as he will secure an expanded role if Robinson or Ekeler remains sidelined, and could earn a sizable workload if both backs are inactive.

Tier 2: In The Running - Week 13 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters

Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks - 41% Rostered 

Zach Charbonnet's capabilities as a rusher, receiver, and blocker fuel his ability to perform effectively as a three-down back, but his touch totals are currently restricted by the presence of Kenneth Walker.

However, Charbonnet is unchallenged in his role as Seattle’s RB2. This prevents him from contending with competition for touches if he ascends into an expanded role.

Zach Charbonnet fantasy owners are having a nice day.

📺: #MIAvsSEA on CBS/Paramount
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/JiHsRk0k1L

— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2024

Walker was sidelined with an oblique injury in Weeks 2 and 3, which launched Charbonnet into a sizable workload. Charbonnet secured 93% of Seattle's backfield touches while averaging 16.0 carries/64.5 rushing yards/4.0 targets per game and rising to sixth in points per game (21.8).
Charbonnet also finished seventh in rush yards over expected in Week 3 (16), according to Next Gen Stats.

Charbonnet has operated with a 37.3% snap share in eight games since Walker re-emerged from his injury. He has also averaged 3.9 attempts/12.1, rushing yards/3.0 targets per game, which should discourage you from utilizing him in your lineups during most situations.

However, Charbonnet’s value would skyrocket during any additional absence by Walker, as he is capable of thriving with a massive workload. That provides the incentive for adding Charbonnet if Walker is a critical resource on your rosters.

Braelon Allen, New York Jets - 24% Rostered 

Braelon Allen has sustained his place among this week’s Tier 2 options due to his prospects of soaring into a workhorse role if Breece Hall is sidelined for any reason.

Braelon Allen is 20 years and 239 days old.

This is his 2nd TD of the game (and his NFL career).

Allen is now the youngest player to EVER score two (2) scrimmage TDs in a single game in NFL history. pic.twitter.com/nJCDoCAf6D

— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) September 15, 2024

Allen was approaching the periphery of standalone value when his snap share rose during each of his first four matchups (18%/35%/32%/36%). Allen also accumulated 32 touches/187 total yards during those contests.

Allen’s snap share has dropped to 21.9% since Week 6, while he has failed to exceed four rushing attempts during four of his last six outings. However, even though Allen’s usage and output have diminished in recent weeks, he remains embedded among the top-tier handcuffs due to his placement directly below Hall on the Jets’ depth chart.

That supplies the potential for Allen to launch into a massive workload during any absence by Hall. Allen is capable of maximizing his opportunity and approaching RB1 production if that scenario transpires.

That provides your incentive for seizing Allen as a handcuff if Hall is contained on your roster. There is also potential for Allen to garner a higher percentage of touches as the Jets’ disappointing season progresses.

Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 31% Rostered  

Tyler Allgeier's fluctuating touch totals have impeded his prospects of providing standalone value. However, his status as a top-tier handcuff has been unwavering.

Allgeier has reached a 35% snap share in four different matchups while also failing to exceed 23% six times. This has fueled a blend of three games with at least 11+ attempts - including a season-high 18 in Week 6 - that have been interspersed with five games in which he did not exceed six carries. These vacillating numbers do not impact Allgeier’s ability to deliver high-quality production when he is functioning with a sizable workload.

Tyler Allgeier carries it across the goal line!

📺: #DALvsATL on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/EzXmFMCKcj

— NFL (@NFL) November 3, 2024

Allgeier finished 12th overall in rushing yards (1,035/64.7 per game), ninth in yards after contact (706), and 11th in red zone attempts (39) while operating as Atlanta’s RB1 in 2022. He has also remained capable of delivering RB1 output since the arrival of Bijan Robinson.

Allgeier’s role as the backup to Robinson supplies the potential for Allgeier to become a critical resource if Robinson becomes unavailable during the Falcons’ upcoming matchups. That should incentivize you to seize Allgeier this week if you rely on Robinson in your lineups.

Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 14% Rostered 

Blake Corum retains his place among the cluster of backs who do not deliver standalone value but remain positioned at the threshold of a workhorse role. Corum is entrenched as the RB2 for Los Angeles while remaining directly below Kyren Williams on the Rams’ depth chart.

Blake Corum making Kyler Dugger wrong and then somehow dragging Christian Barmore for three yards pic.twitter.com/YUkUM48SaS

— Derrik Klassen (@QBKlass) November 20, 2024

Corum has operated with a 10% snap share since Week 5 and has accumulated 21 attempts (3.0 per game), and 78 rushing yards (11.1 per game). 49.5% of his yards have also been generated after contact according to Fantasy Points Data. That includes his numbers when Los Angeles hosted Philadelphia in Week 12 (six snaps/one attempt/five rushing yards).

However, he has joined with Williams in combining for 100% of the touches that have been distributed by Sean McVay to members of the Rams’ backfield during the team’s last seven matchups.

Williams has commandeered the vast majority of those opportunities while securing an 88.1% snap share, and accumulating 232 touches/958 total yards since Week 1. Williams’ workload constricts Corum’s touch totals. However, Corum would ascend into a similar role if Williams is unable to perform in his usual capacity for any reason.

That would supply the pathway for Corum to approach RB1 production if that situation develops. This should compel you to prioritize Corum on this week’s waiver wire if you have been depending on Williams as your starter.

Cam Akers, Minnesota Vikings - 24% Rostered

The trajectory of Cam Akers’ season has changed significantly following the October trade that sent him from Houston to Minnesota. Akers did not register his initial snap with the Vikings until Week 9 but has ascended into an ongoing role as Minnesota’s RB2.

Akers secured a 33% snap share in Weeks 10-11 while accumulating 23 attempts (11.5 per game), and generating 63 rushing yards (31.5 per game). His numbers decreased when Minnesota visited Chicago in Week 12. Akers played on 11 snaps, carried three times, and generated 19 yards on the ground. Akers also ran four routes and captured his only target.

However, Akers joined Aaron Jones in combining for 100% of the touches that were distributed to the Vikings’ running backs. Ty Chandler failed to register a touch for the fourth time in Minnesota’s last five matchups and has now been relegated to a 5.1% snap share, four carries, and 18 rushing yards since Week 9.

That has positioned Akers to seize an extensive workload if Jones is forced to the sideline. Akers and Chandler would share touches if that scenario develops, but Akers has emerged as the clear handcuff if Jones is on your roster.

Tier 3: Dark Horses - Week 13 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These Running Backs Could Emerge In Your Lineups

Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars - 39% Rostered 

Tank Bigsby is available in over 60% of all leagues despite the impressive numbers he was assembling before he was sidelined with an ankle issue. Bigsby sustained the injury during a kickoff return in Week 10, which stalled the statistical momentum he built from Weeks 4-8.

THEY CALL HIM TANK FOR A REASON.

TANK. BIGSBY.

📺: #INDvsJAX on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/e09rZPXBYK

— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024

Bigsby was operating with a 45.5% snap share during that sequence, as he vaulted to third overall in rushing yards (411/82.2 per game) paced
all backs in yards after contact (310), and averaged 5.8 yards per attempt. Bigsby also rose to 20th with an average of 14.3 points per game during that sequence, which included a league-high 25.9 in Week 5 and 23.8 in Week 7.

Bigsby still leads Jacksonville’s backfield in multiple categories since Week 1 including carries (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.

Travis Etienne should also operate with a sizable role in a rotation with Bigsby. However, Bigsby has performed with greater proficiency and should become a resource for any managers who add him this week.

Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins - 6% Rostered

Jaylen Wright has been included among the recommendations in this column throughout the regular season and the rationale for adding him remains firmly intact.

Wright possesses an enticing combination of acceleration and blazing speed which can propel him to explosive runs, although his placement below De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert on Miami’s depth chart has placed limitations on his workload. However, Wright can erupt for sizable numbers if Achane or Mostert are unavailable for any reason.

Jaylen Wright 17 Yard Gain Inside #Dolphins pic.twitter.com/UtXRVsKbBs

— Doηmεgαh Mεdïα (@donmegah) October 6, 2024

Wright demonstrated his ability to capitalize on an expanded role in Week 5 when Achane sustained a concussion. Wright secured season highs in attempts (13), and rushing yards (86), while rising to eighth in rush yards over expected per attempt (1.91) according to Next Gen Stats.

Wright and Mostert have both played on 38 snaps since Week 10. Wright has also accumulated more rushing attempts (17/5) while accruing more carries during each of Miami’s last three contests. That includes Wright's numbers in Week 12 when Wright led the tandem in attempts (seven).

Wright can become a resource during your remaining matchups if Mike McDaniel allocates more opportunities to the explosive rookie than he does to Mostert. Wright can also launch into WR1 territory if Achane is forced to the sideline. That supplies the incentive for stashing him this week.

Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals - 27% Rostered

Trey Benson was the third rookie back to be selected during draft season (ADP 128/RB41) due to optimism surrounding his infusion into Arizona’s backfield. This positioned Benson to seize a role as the Cardinals’ RB2 while supplying the potential for Benson to ascend into an extensive workload if lead-back James Conner failed to elude injuries.

Benson was limited to a 15.1% snap share from Weeks 1-8. He also averaged just 4.2 attempts/19.5 rushing yards per game, while exceeding 26 yards just once during that span.

.@AZCardinals rookie RB Trey Benson takes the carry in for his first career NFL TD!

📺: #CHIvsAZ on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/W9HRN9YnfN

— NFL (@NFL) November 3, 2024

However, Benson eclipsed a 27% snap share from Weeks 9-11, before accumulating nine snaps in Week 12. He has also averaged 7.3 carries, and an additional 19.5 yards per game (39.0) when contrasted with his average before Week 9.

Benson’s rise in usage has been encouraging. However, the primary motivation for adding him surrounds his prospects of operating as the Cardinals’ primary back if Conner is unavailable. Benson can operate as an RB2 if that scenario develops. Benson will also benefit from matchups with the Patriots, Panthers, and Rams in the fantasy postseason if he is functioning with a sizable workload.

Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 2% Rostered

For the sake of clarity, it is understandable if you prefer to avoid the addition of Sean Tucker, due to his placement below Bucky Irving, and Rachaad White on Tampa Bay’s depth chart.

However, the potential remains for Tucker to capture a larger workload if Irving or White is unavailable. That scenario provides the prospects of Tucker delivering RB2/RB3 output, as he possesses the ability to erupt for sizable yardage whenever he is operating with the ball.

Tucker’s ability to maximize his opportunities was unveiled in Week 6 when he exploded for a league-high 136 rushing yards with his 14 attempts. He also averaged 9.7 yards per attempt and paced the league in efficiency (2.34) according to Next Gen Stats.

Sean Tucker’s one-yard TD run gives the Bucs an early lead over the Giants!

pic.twitter.com/aWIKgN1JIF

— 95.3 WDAE & AM620 (@953WDAE) November 24, 2024

Tucker also played on five snaps in Week 12, while accumulating five touches and generating his second touchdown of the season. Tucker could become a temporary resource if White or Irving are inactive. That supplies the rationale for stashing him if you are constructing rosters in deeper leagues.

Jonathon Brooks, Carolina Panthers - 58% Rostered

Jonathon Brooks made his long-awaited NFL debut when Carolina hosted Kansas City in Week 12. This concluded months of speculation surrounding the timeline for his initial involvement in the Panthers’ backfield rotation.

Miles Sanders's ankle injury led to his placement on injured reserve before the contest. That cleared the runway for Brooks’ ascension into his role as the direct backup to Hubbard.

Jonathon Brooks got his first NFL carry today pic.twitter.com/o0ewEkcD93

— Nash (@NashTalksTexas) November 24, 2024

Brooks’ numbers were uninspiring, as he was limited to just five snaps, two attempts, and seven rushing yards. Brooks also ran two routes but was not targeted by Bryce Young during the matchup. Hubbard unsurprisingly operated with a massive workload while leading Carolina’s backfield in snap share (88%), attempts (16), rushing yards (58), routes run (31), and targets (five).

Hubbard will continue to confiscate the majority of opportunities, while Brooks’ workload should replicate the usage that had been attained by Sanders before his injury (31% snap share/3.8 attempts/2.6 targets per game).  That will prevent Brooks from delivering standalone value,

However, he will launch into an expanded role if Hubbard is forced to the sideline during Carolina’s upcoming matchups. That supplies the incentive for adding him this week.

Gus Edwards - Los Angeles Chargers - 25% Rostered

Gus Edwards has emerged as a viable roster addition since he resurfaced in the Chargers backfield rotation. He has operated with a 24.6% snap share since Week 10 while accumulating 16 carries (8.0 per game) and generating 82 rushing yards (41.0 per game). Edwards has also averaged 5.1 yards per attempt while accruing six carries inside the red zone.

Gus Edwards looked mighty spry on Sunday against the Titans. The Chargers run blocking was also the best it's been in a few weeks. Great news as the playoff push begins in earnest this Sunday against a Bengals defense that ranks 31st in rushing success rate. pic.twitter.com/SlhehtYc99

— Steven Haglund (@StevenIHaglund) November 13, 2024

That includes the season-high numbers that Edwards assembled in Week 10 (10 attempts/55 rushing yards/ 5.5 yards per attempt/four red zone carries). Edwards also vaulted to sixth overall in rush percentage over expected (50) according to Next Gen Stats.

Edwards’ involvement as a receiving weapon has remained minimal as he has not been targeted since the Chargers’ season opener. However, his role as a rusher is consistent as he functions in a rotation with J.K. Dobbins. There is also no discernible threat to siphon Edwards’ carries as Kimani Vidal has been a healthy scratch since Edwards returned.

Edwards can be utilized as an RB3/flex option in deeper leagues. His value will also rise if Dobbins is inactive, which would vault Edwards into an expanded workload.

Other Fantasy Football Running Backs To Consider

Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers - 3% Rostered

Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles - 2% Rostered 

Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens - 20% Rostered  

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