After months of diligence throughout the offseason that were dedicated toward draft preparation and roster construction, we have reached the planning process for Week 14. This will be the final week of regular season matchups in the majority of leagues. Hopefully, you will be rewarded for your continued efforts in navigating obstacles that have emerged during the season by advancing into the fantasy postseason.
This week’s roster management will include locating alternative options for running backs who will be impacted by the final bye week. This involves six teams and will fuel the absence of backs from Baltimore, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, New England, and Washington. That will require you to avoid starting Derrick Henry, Joe Mixon, Jonathan Taylor, Rhamondre Stevenson, Brian Robinson Jr., Jeremy McNichols, and Javonte Williams.
That will combine with injuries, and other unexpected developments to deplete your roster options. This article will help you progress beyond these hurdles by locating the best running backs to target on your Week 14 waiver wires. After finishing this breakdown you can also find fantasy football waiver wire pickups at other positions. Good luck in your Week 14 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
Upcoming Bye Weeks Schedule
- Week 14: Baltimore, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, New England, Washington
Tier 1: Front-Runners - Week 14 Waiver Wire Running Backs
Prioritize These Running Backs On Waiver Wires
Tier 1 - Frontrunners | Team | Rostered |
Jordan Mason | San Francisco 49ers | 42% |
Tank Bigsby | Jacksonville Jaguars | 45% |
Sincere McCormick | Las Vegas Raiders | 0% |
Ameer Abdullah | Las Vegas Raiders | 20% |
Jeremy McNichols | Washington Commanders | 16% |
Isaac Guerendo, San Francisco 49ers - 5% Rostered
Both Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Jordan Mason (ankle) were injured on Sunday night in Buffalo, and on Monday afternoon it was announced that both of them are going to IR.
Christian McCaffrey AND Jordan Mason are headed to injured reserve, per Kyle Shanahan.
Isaac Guerendo is now in line to start for San Francisco.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 2, 2024
Those injuries that were sustained during the 49ers Week 13 matchup have vaulted Isaac Guerendo atop San Francisco's depth chart, while also cementing him as the top priority from this week's waiver wire.
Guerendo had operated with a 17.8% snap share during McCaffrey’s absence from Weeks 1-8, and he emerged as an enticing roster option following his performances in Weeks 6 and 8.
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 secured a 26% snap share in Week 6. He also erupted for a season-high 99 yards with his 10 attempts after Mason was sidelined with a shoulder injury. Guerendo also led all backs in rush yards over expected (64) according to Next Gen Stats.
Isaac Guerendo takes it in for his first career TD!
📺: #DALvsSF on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/JlKN99zx3T— NFL (@NFL) October 28, 2024
Guerendo also attained a season-high 63% snap share in Week 8 and exploded for 85 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries after Mason was impacted by an ACL sprain. Guerendo also ran 19 routes and collected three of his four targets during that contest.
Guerendo will now secure a massive workload while operating as the 49ers' lead-back. That positions him to deliver RB1 output while providing you with an integral resource for your rosters if you seize him this week.
Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars - 45% Rostered
The combination of Tank Bigsby's injuries and the accelerated need to navigate bye weeks and roster issues ignited a recent decline in Bigsby‘s rostership percentage.
That now provides the opportunity to seize him in 55% percent of all leagues while bolstering your rosters with Jacksonville’s most proficient back during the regular season. Bigsby enters Week 14 averaging 5.4 yards per attempt and is eighth among all backs in rush yards over expected according to Next Gen Stats.
Bigsby encountered an ankle issue in Week 8 and was later limited to 10 snaps in Week 10 before he was sidelined once again.
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
Prior to those developments, Bigsby led Jacksonville’s backfield in snap share (45.5%) from Weeks 4-8. He also soared into the league lead in yards after contact (310), and red zone attempts (24), while rising to third in rushing yards (411/82.2 per game), and fourth in rushing touchdowns (four),
Bigsby resurfaced when the Jaguars hosted Houston in Week 13 and shared touches with Travis Etienne. Bigsby attained a 46% snap share, carried seven times, and generated 28 rushing yards. Bigsby also led the backfield in routes run (22) and collected his only target.
Etienne paced the backfield in snap share (52.2%), attempts (13), and rushing yards (46) during the matchup. He also ran 17 routes, captured all three of his targets, and assembled 12 yards as a receiving weapon.
Even though Etienne will retain a sizable workload, Bigsby nearly matched his snap total during his return (35/31). He has proven that he can perform effectively, which should keep him involved in the distribution of touches. That also provides you with an RB3/flex option during your remaining matchups.
Sincere McCormick, Las Vegas Raiders - 0% Rostered
Las Vegas signed Sincere McCormick as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft but he did not register his first offensive snaps until Week 12. McCormick’s sudden ascension into the Raiders' backfield rotation has been fueled by injuries to Alexander Mattison (ankle), and Zamir White (quadriceps).
Sincere McCormick earned more carries after this game.
Here, on the duo run, He shows patience allowing the blocks to set up before accelerating through the hole. JPJ, being a bully, and Glaze, with a nice block, set it up. pic.twitter.com/Wb5ZbQHPlx
— Marcus Johnson (@TheMarcJohnNFL) November 25, 2024
McCormick has maximized his opportunity by averaging 5.7 yards per attempt. That exceeds the averages that have been attained by Mattison (3.3), White (2.8), and Ameer Abdullah (4.4) since Week 1.
McCormick has also accumulated 34 snaps/17 attempts/97 rushing yards, including the career-high numbers he assembled in Week 13 (26 snaps/12 attempts/64 rushing yards. McCormick's totals in carries and yardage paced the Raiders’ backfield while he also ran seven routes and collected both of his targets.
Sincere McCormick needs to be getting 18+ carries a game from here on out.
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) November 30, 2024
It is uncertain whether Mattison and White will re-emerge when Las Vegas visits Tampa Bay in Week 14. It is equally unclear how touches will be distributed between Mattison, White, McCormick, and Abdullah if Mattison and White resurface.
However, the unsettled situation does not preclude you from adding McCormick. The Raiders have elevated him from the practice squad before their matchups in Weeks 12 and 13 and could easily repeat the process this week.
McCormick has performed with greater efficiency than any other Las Vegas back throughout the season, which could lead to more opportunities during the Raiders’ remaining matchups.
Ameer Abdullah, Las Vegas Raiders - 20% Rostered
Ameer Abdullah has joined teammate Sincere McCormick in emerging as a viable roster addition after performing effectively as the Raiders’ receiving back during the team’s last two matchups.
Abdullah has paced the team's reconstructed backfield in snap share (74.3%) while Alexander Mattison (ankle) and Zamir White (quadriceps) have been sidelined. That includes the 84.4% share that he captured in Week 12, which placed him fifth among all backs.
Ameer Abdullah breaks a tackle for the @Raiders TD!
📺: #LVvsMIA on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/vVUPpDgtz1— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2024
Abdullah has also generated 67 rushing yards on 18 attempts, which is second on the Raiders behind McCormick during that span. Abdullah has also paced the Las Vegas backfield in routes run (68), targets (eight), receptions (seven), and receiving yards (51) while Mattison and White have been inactive.
Even if Mattison and White return in Week 14, neither back has performed proficiently during the season. That could sustain McCormick’s recent role as a rusher while Abdullah would continue to operate as a receiving weapon.
Abdullah could also be utilized as a flex option in PPR leagues if he usurps Mattison’s previous role as the Raiders’ third-down back. That supplies the incentive for adding Abdullah as you monitor the status of White and Mattison.
Jeremy McNichols, Washington Commanders - 16% Rostered
Commanders placed RB Austin Ekeler on injured reserve and he now will be out a minimum of four games.
Commanders also waived former first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes, whom the team attempted to trade before the deadline. pic.twitter.com/ZVH0uq2wAW
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 30, 2024
Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. were elevated into expanded roles when Washington hosted Tennessee in Week 13. Their ascension within the Commanders’ backfield rotation transpired following Austin Ekeler’s placement on injured reserve (concussion).
#Commanders Week 13 RB Usage with no Austin Ekeler
- Brian Robinson Jr: 46% snaps, 16 carries, 12 routes, 1 target (109 yds, TD)
- Chris Rodriguez Jr: 30% snaps, 13 carries, 0 targets (94 yds, TD)
- Jeremy McNichols: 25% snaps, 6 carries, 6 carries, 0 targets (32 yds)— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) December 1, 2024
McNichols functioned as Washington’s RB2 behind Brian Robinson Jr. while securing a 25% snap share. He also carried six times, assembled 32 rushing yards, and averaged 5.3 yards per attempt. McNichols also ran 10 routes but was not targeted by Jayden Daniels during the matchup.
Rodriguez also attained a 30% snap share, accumulated 13 carries, and generated 94 rushing yards. To be clear, his numbers appear more impressive, but they were assembled in the fourth quarter after Washington had built a comfortable lead.
Rodriguez can be added if you are searching for flex options while constructing rosters in deeper leagues. However, McNichols remains the preferred back to prioritize from Washington's backfield. McNichols can operate as an RB3/flex after the Commanders return from their Week 14 bye.
Tier 2: In The Running - Week 14 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters
Tier 2 | Team | Rostered |
Braelon Allen | New York Jets | 33% |
Tyler Allgeier | Atlanta Falcons | 32% |
Zach Charbonnet | Seattle Seahawks | 40% |
Blake Corum | Los Angeles Rams | 14% |
Ray Davis | Buffalo Bills | 17% |
Jonathon Brooks | Carolina Panthers | 49% |
Braelon Allen, New York Jets - 33% Rostered
Braelon Allen has remained entrenched among the recommendations in this column due to his role as the direct backup to Breece Hall. That has positioned Allen as the ultimate insurance policy, as he would become a highly productive resource if he ascends into lead back duties for New York.
TD for rookie @BraelonAllen!! 💨💨💨
📺 #NYJvsTEN on CBS & @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/A7Y4rgCdnL
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 15, 2024
Allen was also the beneficiary of a burgeoning role from Weeks 2-4 which propelled him toward the periphery of standalone value. He secured a 33.2% snap share during that sequence while accumulating 122 rushing yards (40.7 per game), with his 26 attempts (8.7 per game). Allen also averaged 11.7 points per game and rose to RB6 in Week 2 with an average of 19.6.
Allen’s snap share dropped to 23.8% since Weeks 7, while his workload has decreased significantly (5.3 attempts/14.8 rushing yards/3.6 points per game). Allen also attained a 28% snap share in Week 13, while accruing 11 yards on five attempts.
Rookie Isaiah Davis operated with a season-high 18% snap share in Week 13, while accumulating four touches, and generating his first career touchdown. Davis does not present a threat to Allen's current role, although his usage provided a potential indication that Hall's workload will be managed as the Jets' season approaches a conclusion.
Hall is contending with a knee injury that could sideline him when the Jets visit Miami in Week 14. Hall is listed as doubtful for the matchup, while Allen remains positioned for a statistical eruption if Hall is sidelined.
That should compel anyone who deploys Hall in their lineups to seize Allen from their waiver wires. All other managers can invest in Allen’s enticing upside by securing him while he remains available.
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 32% Rostered
Tyler Allgeier's usage remains highly unpredictable but his status as a top-tier handcuff never changes. Allgeier is unchallenged in his role as Atlanta’s RB2 which cements him directly below Bijan Robinson on the Falcons depth chart.
Even though that does not ensure a favorable workload on a week-to-week basis, Allgeier possesses the proven ability to capitalize on his opportunity whenever he operates with a sizable workload.
The most missed tackles forced on runs in Week 6:
Tyler Allgeier - 9 🌬️ pic.twitter.com/6JTWseFM4b
— PFF ATL Falcons (@PFF_Falcons) October 15, 2024
This has been displayed during the regular season, which includes the season highs that Allgeier secured in Week 6. He operated with a season-best 41% snap share, vaulted to fourth among all backs in attempts (18), and accrued a league-high eight carries inside the red zone. Allgeier also rose fifth in rushing yards (105) and finished 11th in rush yards over expected per attempt (0.97) according to Next Gen Stats.
Allgeier also attained a 30% snap share in Week 13. He also accumulated eight carries, generated 16 rushing yards, ran 12 routes, and collected his only target. He will flourish with an expanded workload if Robinson is sidelined during Atlanta’s remaining matchups. He would also become a critical resource for anyone who has him contained on their rosters if that scenario transpires.
Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks - 40% Rostered
Zach Charbonnet's rostership percentage dropped below 60% of all leagues entering Week 7 and he has been included in this column on a frequent basis since that occurred.
Charbonnet’s availability has steadily increased during that span even though he would confiscate a massive workload if Kenneth Walker is sidelined during any of Seattle’s upcoming matchups. Charbonnet has also proven that his ability to perform proficiently as a three-down back will propel him to RB1 production if that situation develops.
Zach Charbonnet in Week 3:
18 rushes (100% team share)
91 yards
2 TD
3-16-0 receiving on 4 targetspic.twitter.com/gINct0YusZ— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) September 22, 2024
That occurred in Weeks 2-3 when an oblique injury forced Walker to the sideline. Charbonnet commandeered 93% of the Seahawk’s backfield touches during those contests, finished RB6 in scoring (21.8 points per game), and accumulated 40 touches/ 176 total yards. Walker has sustained lead back duties for Seattle since he re-emerged in Week 4 while Charbonnet has functioned as the Seahawks RB2.
Charbonnet has averaged 3.9 attempts/13.9 rushing yards/3.0 targets per game during that nine-game sequence. That includes his numbers in Week 13 (four carries/28 yards/three targets).
Those numbers do not equate to standalone value. However, Charbonnet’s pathway to an enormous workload during any absence by Walker entrenches him as an elite handcuff.
Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 14% Rostered
Blake Corum remains entrenched among the select group of premiere handcuffs due to his proximity to an enormous workload in Sean McVay’s offense.
Rams rushing after two drives:
Blake Corum: 32 yards on 5 carries
Matthew Stafford: 4 yards on 1 carry
Kyren Williams: 3 yards on 1 carry— Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) December 1, 2024
Corum also secured a season-high 33% snap share when Los Angeles traveled to New Orleans in Week 13. He also generated a season-best 42 rushing yards and tied his season-high in attempts (eight).
Corum had operated with a 10% snap share from Weeks 5-12. He had also carried 21 times (3.0 per game) while accumulating 78 rushing yards (11.1 per game).
Kyren Williams leads all backs with an 86.7% snap share since Week 1, and has accumulated 222 attempts (18.5 per game), generated 926 rushing yards (77.2 per game), and has stockpiled a league-high 47 red zone carries.
Corum’s touch totals may not incentivize you to elevate him into your lineups. However, he would operate with an extensive workload if Williams is sidelined for any reason.
Corum is still attainable in 86% of all leagues but is primed to deliver RB1 output if he ascends into a lead-back role for Los Angeles. That cements him as a back to prioritize among the Tier 1 handcuff options.
Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills - 17% Rostered
Ray Davis's current role as the direct backup to James Cook does not provide a consistent pathway for Davis to demonstrate his capabilities as a three-down back.
However, Davis is positioned to vault into an extensive workload if Cook is unavailable during any of Buffalo’s final matchups. Davis has averaged 6.7 attempts/28.5 rushing yards per game since Week 1. That includes the season-best results that he delivered in Week 6 when a problematic toe forced Cook to the sideline.
Davis thrived with his opportunity to operate as Buffalo’s primary back while securing a 58% snap share. He also finished third among all backs in attempts (20), eighth in rushing yards (97), and soared to second in red zone carries (six). Davis also finished 11th in rush percentage over expected (45) according to Next Gen Stats, ran 14 routes, and rose to fourth in receiving yards (55) during the matchup.
RAY DAVIS TOUCHDOWN ❄️
pic.twitter.com/MaD7VkytSo— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) December 2, 2024
Davis also operated with a 33% snap share in Week 13. He also carried 11 times, generated 63 rushing yards (5.7 yards per attempt), and produced his third rushing touchdown.
Davis can perform proficiently when he ascends into a significant workload. He is also a valuable handcuff who can provide high-end RB2 output during any absence by Cook.
Jonathon Brooks, Carolina Panthers - 49% Rostered
Jonathon Brooks will be included in this week’s column primarily due to his status as a handcuff. However, his expanded workload when Carolina hosted Tampa Bay in Week 13 was encouraging, as he easily exceeded the numbers that he attained during his Week 12 NFL debut (five snaps/two attempts/seven rushing yards).
JB busting out the moves
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/mlmEf0uS18
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 1, 2024
Brooks played on 15 snaps while accumulating nine touches and 41 total yards. That includes his numbers as a rusher (six carries/18 yards). Brooks also ran six routes, captured all three of his targets, and generated 23 yards as a pass catcher. Chuba Hubbard led Carolina’s backfield with a 79% snap share and paced the backfield in attempts (12), and rushing yards (43). Hubbard also ran 32 routes but failed to register a target.
Brooks is currently available in 51% of all leagues, but that percentage is destined to decline as the week progresses. Brooks is a viable handcuff who would launch into a significant workload if Hubbard is sidelined for any reason. Brooks has yet to attain standalone value, but he would also emerge as a prospective flex option if his workload continues to expand.
Tier 3: Dark Horses - Week 14 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These Running Backs Could Emerge In Your Lineups
Tier 3 | Team | Rostered |
Trey Benson | Arizona Cardinals | 23% |
Gus Edwards | Los Angeles Chargers | 60% |
Kimani Vidal | Los Angeles Chargers | 17% |
Cam Akers | Minnesota Vikings | 19% |
Roschon Johnson | Chicago Bears | 21% |
Jaylen Wright | Miami Dolphins | 6% |
Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals - 23% Rostered
Trey Benson remains available in 77% percent of all leagues, even though his role in Arizona’s offense supplies the potential for him to seize a substantial workload if James Conner is forced to the sideline.
Benson’s role had expanded in Weeks 9-10, which provided more opportunities for him to display his favorable blend of size, speed, and power. However, his numbers have declined since the Cardinals returned from their Week 11 bye.
Benson’s 15.1% snap share from Weeks 1-8 trailed Conner (66.7%), and Emari Demercado (21.9%). Benson also failed to exceed four offensive snaps during three of his first matchups during that span.
Early in the season, Trey Benson was regularly bouncing around in the backfield looking for a big play.
Yesterday, he remembered he's a big dude and just started taking defenders head-on in the gaps. Much more decisive running, and a lot of yards after contact. pic.twitter.com/itWFSakNAL
— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) November 12, 2024
However, his snap share has expanded to 25.4% in Weeks 9-10, which was second to Conner’s 52.6%. Benson had also averaged 5.2 carries/19.5 rushing yards per game from Weeks 1-8, but those averages improved to 9.0 attempts/49.5 yards per game in Weeks 9-10.
The surge in Benson’s numbers abruptly ended in Weeks 12-13, as his snap share has dropped to 15.8%. He has also averaged 3.5 attempts/19.0 rushing yards per game during his last two contests. That includes his numbers in Week 13, when Benson played on 13 snaps, carried three times, and manufactured 20 rushing yards.
Benson has yet to attain standalone value. However, his role will expand considerably if Conner is unavailable. The Cardinals are also advancing toward a favorable schedule from Weeks 15-17 (Patriots/Panthers/Rams).
Gus Edwards, Los Angeles Chargers - 60% Rostered
The #Chargers are placing RB J.K. Dobbins on injured reserve because of the MCL sprain he suffered Monday night, sources say.
The Comeback Player of the Year candidate is still only 25 and they want to be cautious. Four weeks on IR will get Dobbins healed up for the stretch run. pic.twitter.com/25sg4INhkI
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 30, 2024
The MCL sprain that was sustained by J.K. Dobbins in Week 11 fueled a reconstruction of the Chargers’ backfield rotation while launching Gus Edwards into lead-back duties for Los Angeles in Week 13. Dobbins was placed on injured reserve before the Chargers’ matchup in Atlanta, which propelled Edwards into Dobbins’ previous role.
The Chargers' running caks combined for just 11 rushing attempts during the contest, as Edwards led the backfield in snap share (52%), attempts (six), rushing yards (32), and averaged 5.3 yards per attempt. He also ran a season-high 12 routes and captured the only target that was distributed to a member of the backfield.
Edwards will share touches with Kimani Vidal in the reshaped backfield rotation. That will prevent both backs from assembling the numbers that they would attain if either back was operating in a workhorse role.
However, that should not impede you from targeting Edwards for your rosters. He should operate with a sizable role until at least Week 17, which is the earliest that Dobbins can return. Edwards can be deployed as an RB3 and would ascend into RB2 territory if Los Angeles displays an increased commitment to the run.
Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers - 17% Rostered
If you stashed Kimani Vidal on your bench earlier this season and have exercised patience as the weeks unfolded, then you could be rewarded during the fantasy playoffs.
Vidal’s prospects of becoming an asset for fantasy managers have been resuscitated by his ascension into a role in the Chargers’ reconstructed backfield. Vidal had been a healthy inactive in Weeks 10-12., but he vaulted into a rotation with Gus Edwards in Week 13 following J.K. Dobbins’ aforementioned placement on injured reserve.
Kimani Vidal just had a 16-yard run. That's longer than any Gus Edwards or Hassan Haskins run this year.
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) December 1, 2024
Vidal secured a 26% snap share, carried four times, generated 20 rushing yards, and averaged 5.0 yards per attempt. Vidal was not involved as a receiving weapon during the matchup, as he failed to run any routes.
Vidal also trailed Edwards in most rushing and receiving categories. However, Vidal also leapfrogged Hassan Haskins to seize his expanded role and should operate in a rotation with Edwards during the Chargers’ upcoming matchups.
Haskins registered a 13% snap share and fumbled his only touch, which could solidify his prolonged placement below Vidal on the Chargers depth chart moving forward. That bolsters the potential for Vidal to function as an RB3/flex option which provides your incentive to add him this week.
Cam Akers, Minnesota Vikings - 19% Rostered
The resurrection of Cam Akers’ season since his arrival in Minnesota has included his ascension into an ongoing role as the Vikings’ RB2 behind Aaron Jones.
Akers’ level of involvement in Minnesota’s offense does not provide standalone value. However, he remains primed to function as the Vikings’ primary back if Jones is unable to operate in that role.
Akers has attained a 28.3% snap share since Week 10. He has also carried 30 times (7.5 per game), assembled 104 rushing yards (26.0 per game), and accrued four attempts inside the red zone.
That includes Akers’ results in Week 13 when he operated with a 31% snap share. He also accumulated four attempts, and 22 rushing yards, while averaging 5.5 yards per attempt. Jones registered a 51% snap share and was relegated to season lows in carries (five), and rushing yards (22) (4.4 yards per attempt). Ty Chandler also attained a 10% snap share and accrued two touches in Week 13.
Akers remains a viable handcuff, as he would seize a higher percentage of touches than Chandler if Jones is sidelined. That supplies the incentive for targeting him for your rosters this week.
Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears - 21% Rostered
Roschon Johnson's expanding workload as Chicago’s RB2 had bolstered the rationale for utilizing him as a flex in recent weeks before he sustained a concussion during Chicago’s visit to Detroit in Week 13.
However, Johnson's encouraging numbers before his injury still justify adding him to your rosters, as he will re-capture his previous role when he returns from concussion protocol. Johnson will also regain his viability as a handcuff for managers who have D'Andre Swift on their rosters.
Johnson operated with a 26.1% snap share from Weeks 1-8 while Swift’s 65.1% share placed him 13th among all backs. However, Johnson attained a 41.8% snap share in Weeks 11-12, while Swift’s share decreased to 53.9%. Johnson also accumulated six carries inside the red zone in Weeks 11-12 and rose to third overall with four attempts inside the five-yard line.
Touchdown Roschon Johnson!
📺: #MINvsCHI on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/N4A75bhZNU— NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2024
Travis Homer will operate as the Bears’ RB2 if Johnson is sidelined in Week 13. However, Johnson will reclaim that role whenever he re-emerges and will ascend into a significant workload if Swift is sidelined. That provides a valuable insurance policy to managers who have invested in Swift, and a potential asset during the fantasy postseason for anyone else.
Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins - 6% Rostered
Jaylen Wright possesses an enticing fusion of attributes that fuel his home run potential. Wright’s placement below De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert on Miami’s depth chart has placed limitations on his opportunity to display those capabilities throughout the regular season.
However, the potential remains for Wright to vault into an expanded role if Achane or Mostert are forced to the sideline. That provides the rationale for stashing Wright in advance of the fantasy postseason.
Wright had also attained a higher snap share than Mostert from Weeks 10-12 (20.8%/20.2%) and accumulated more rushing attempts (17/5 during those matchups. That encouraging sequence ended in Week 13 when Wright was limited to a season-low in snap share (1%) and failed to register a touch.
The highest-graded RB in Week 5:
Jaylen Wright - 87.9 🐬 pic.twitter.com/YcpIxFIQGX
— PFF MIA Dolphins (@PFF_Dolphins) October 8, 2024
The optimism surrounding Wright's temporary rise into a role as the Dolphins RB2 has dissipated. However, that should not prevent you from stashing Wright on your bench if you are assembling rosters in deeper leagues.
Wright did deliver an impressive performance after securing an expanded workload role in Week 5 (13 attempts/86 rushing yards/6.6 yards per attempt) and he is fully capable of becoming an asset if that scenario occurs again.
Other Fantasy Football Running Backs To Consider
- Antonio Gibson, New England Patriots - 13% Rostered
- Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles - 4% Rostered
- Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns - 38% Rostered
- Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 39% Rostered
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