Running Back Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 17: Kendre Miller, Tyjae Spears, Trey Benson, Michael Carter, Audric Estime

Congratulations to those of you who are constructing rosters in Week 17. You have maintained your highest level of flexibility while navigating through injuries, bye weeks, production-inhibiting coaching decisions, and other unwanted developments that emerged during the season. Now your diligence has placed you at the threshold of capturing your league's championship.

Winning your league has been your primary goal from the moment you began preparing for your drafts. 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 regarding which running backs to target on your waiver wires. 17 different backs will be examined with recommendations that will appear in three tiers. After finishing this breakdown you can also find fantasy football waiver wire pickups at other positions. Good luck to all of you in your Week 17 matchups!

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Tier 1: Front-Runners - Week 17 Waiver Wire Running Backs

Prioritize These Running Backs On Waiver Wires

Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints - 46% Rostered  

The transition from former head coach Dennis Allen to interim head coach Darren Rizzi has fueled a transformative effect on the relevance of Miller. His definitive return to the fantasy landscape has also transpired at an opportune time for fantasy managers who are constructing lineups in their leagues’ championship matchups.

Kendre for 17 yards 🔥#Saints | 📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/k4yiS3B9yP

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 15, 2024

Miller had only accumulated 30 snaps/11 touches/53 total yards from Weeks 1-13. However, he promptly bypassed Jamaal Williams to secure RB2 duties for the Saints upon his return from injured reserve in Week 14. He has now secured a 34.5% snap share while generating 78 rushing yards (39.0 per game) and a touchdown with his 19 attempts (9.5 per game).

Kendre Miller ain't going down. TD for 25

📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/4ILIHREgYE

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 8, 2024

Miller has also launched atop New Orleans’ re-shaped depth chart in advance of the Saints’ Monday Night visit to Green Bay as Alvin Kamara’s groin injury has relegated him to spectator status. Williams has yet to become an obstacle in Miller’s path toward an ascending role which will be sustained against the Packers.

Miller has vaulted among this week’s top two options at running back, as he should seize another significant workload during New Orleans’ Week 17 matchup with Las Vegas.

Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 56% Rostered 

Spears’ production has been suppressed throughout the regular season due to his placement below Tony Pollard on Tennessee’s depth chart, and the multiple injuries that have sidelined him during four matchups.

Spears entered Week 15 with a 36.4% snap share, while Pollard had secured a share of 72.4%. However, Spears has now paced Tennessee’s backfield in snaps for two consecutive weeks, while securing a 57.4% share during that span.

3rd TD in the last two games for @tyjae22

📺: Watch #TENvsIND on @NFLonCBS stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/hcut2a9w8J

— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 22, 2024

That includes the 55.4% share that Spears secured in Week 15 when he also exceeded his previous season highs in routes run (27), targets (seven), receptions (six), and receiving yards (87).

Pollard operated with a season-low 44.6% share while aggravating his ankle injury during the contest. Pollard’s ankle injury did not prevent him from resurfacing for Tennessee’s Week 16 game against Indianapolis, but Spears continued to lead the Titans' backfield in snap share (59.7%), carries (10), routes run (21), receptions (three), and receiving yards (39).

Make that 4 touchdowns in two games for @tyjae22

📺: Watch #TENvsIND on @NFLonCBS stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/m64UnYPwP5

— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 22, 2024

Spears also generated two rushing touchdowns and has now produced four scores during his last two contests - including one touchdown as a receiving weapon. Pollard trails Spears in snaps (70/52) since Week 15 while accruing 170 total yards on 27 touches.

Spears has emerged as a Tier 1 option from this week’s waiver wire option despite Pollard’s re-emergence in Week 16. Spears’ ability to maximize his surging touch totals should encourage you to utilize him as an RB2 when Tennessee visits Jacksonville in Week 17.

Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals - 18% Rostered 

Arizona’s selection of Benson during Round 3 of last April’s NFL Draft positioned him to operate as the Cardinals’ RB2 behind James Conner. It also supplied Benson with a pathway toward functioning as Arizona’s primary back if Conner would be sidelined for any reason.

James Conner has surpassed his career best 1,040 yards rushing he had last year. Up to 82 on the game, 1,054 on season and counting.

He also has 129 scrimmage yards already today.#ProBowlVote

— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) December 22, 2024

Conner was able to elude impactful injuries from Weeks 1-15 which provided the eight-year veteran with the opportunity to secure an extensive workload. He also capitalized by stockpiling 277 touches and 1,284 total yards. However, Conner sustained a knee injury during Arizona’s Week 16 matchup at Carolina which forced him to the sideline.

RB Trey Benson (ankle) has been ruled out pic.twitter.com/QQuPHTlZSl

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 16, 2024

Benson did not secure lead-back duties after Conner departed, as he was inactive due to an ankle injury. Michael Carter promptly became the RB1 for Arizona just one day after the Cardinals had promoted him from their practice squad. Carter could also function as Arizona’s primary back when the Cardinals visit the Rams on Saturday.

However, Benson will leapfrog Carter to operate as the Cardinals' lead back if he recovers from his ankle issue, and Conner remains sidelined in Week 17. Benson will also provide RB2 output if that scenario transpires, which should incentivize you to secure him for your rosters.

Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals - 0% Rostered 

RB James Conner (knee) is questionable to return. pic.twitter.com/OEYOJu6WSW

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 22, 2024

Conner had accumulated 166 total yards with his 19 touches during Arizona’s Week 16 matchup with Carolina before a knee injury abruptly concluded his involvement after 31 snaps. Benson was also unavailable due to his aforementioned ankle issue while Emari Demercado had been placed on injured reserve on December 14.

#AZCardinals running back Michael Carter set to make his season debut against the Panthers. Carolina has allowed 200+ rushing yards in three straight games. Carter also went to school at UNC. pic.twitter.com/dekGzN2hiD

— Zach Gershman (@ZachAZCards) December 22, 2024

That convergence of factors vaulted Carter into sudden responsibilities as the Cardinals’ temporary lead-back. Arizona had claimed Carter on waivers in mid-November, and he registered his first snaps of 2024 during the Cardinals' matchup with the Panthers.

MICHAEL CARTER. FIRST DOWN.

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 22, 2024

Carter operated with a 38% snap share while accumulating 10 touches, and 48 total yards. He also ran 17 routes, captured all five of his targets, and assembled 30 receiving yards.

It will be essential to follow updates surrounding the status of both Conner and Benson throughout the week. Benson is available in 82% of all leagues and would be positioned to operate as Arizona's RB1 - providing that Benson regains his health and Conner remains unavailable. The Cardinals could also make additions to their backfield before their Week 17 matchup with the Rams.

However, that should not deter you from prioritizing Carter among your waiver wire targets. He will operate with a sizable role within Arizona’s reconstructed backfield if Conner and Benson remain sidelined.

Audric Estime, Denver Broncos - 7% Rostered

It is understandable if you are hesitant to infuse any member of Denver’s backfield into your roster. The touch totals that Sean Payton has distributed to his cluster of backs during the regular season have been unpredictable, which could prompt you to refrain from adding Estime before your critical Week 17 matchup.

However, Estime’s performance in Week 16 should not be dismissed as you consider your options from the waiver wire.

First career TD for the rook!

📺: #TNFonPrime | @AudricEstime pic.twitter.com/Km3uBKS0TN

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 20, 2024

Jaleel McLaughlin was sidelined with a quad injury when Denver traveled to Los Angeles. That elevated Estime into an expanded workload.

He secured a 20.6% snap share, which was the fourth time that he has eclipsed 20% since Week 10. Estime also paced the Broncos’ backfield in attempts (nine), and rushing yards (48), while also generating his first career touchdown.

Javonte Williams led Denver backs with a 50.8% snap share, but was only limited to four carries, and manufactured 24 rushing yards. Blake Watson attained a 15.9% snap share, carried four times, and assembled 10 yards on the ground.

McLaughlin’s status should be monitored as Denver’s Saturday matchup at Cincinnati approaches. However, Estime is a prospective flex option in deeper leagues if McLaughlin remains unavailable.

Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs - 58% Rostered

Kareem Hunt’s availability has eclipsed 40% which elevates him among this week's recommendations from the waiver wire. It was reasonable to expect Hunt’s viability as a starting option to dissipate after Isiah Pacheco resurfaced from the fractured fibula that he sustained in Week 2.

However, Hunt leads Kansas City’s backfield with a 38.6% snap share since Pacheco resurfaced in Week 13. He has also accumulated 36 carries and 131 rushing yards. Hunt is also pacing the backfield in routes run (60), targets (13), receptions (eight), and receiving yards (65), during that span.

GONE HUNTIN' 😤#ProBowlVote + @Kareemhunt7 pic.twitter.com/3hdPk4MtMG

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 21, 2024

That includes Hunt’s usage and output when Kansas City hosted Houston in Week 16. Hunt led the backfield in snap share (45.7%), attempts (11), rushing yards (55), routes run (18), targets (three), and receiving yards (24).

Pacheco has attained a 37.6% snap share since his return (Week 13). He has also carried 43 times and assembled 157 rushing yards. run 33 routes, collected five of his eight targets, and registered 25 receiving yards,

Hunt will function in a rotation with Pacheco when the Chiefs visit Pittsburgh on Wednesday. However, he should garner a sufficient number of touches for you to deploy him as an RB3/ flex.

Tier 2: In The Running - Week 17 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters

Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 32% Rostered 

Allgeier’s placement directly below Bijan Robinson on Atlanta’s depth chart has cemented him among the top-tier handcuffs as we have progressed through the regular season.

The Falcons’ Week 16 matchup with the Giants also provided an opportunity to witness the first installment of Atlanta’s reshaped offense with Michael Penix Jr. under center. That also supplied the initial chance to determine how the transition from Kirk Cousins to Penix would impact Allgeier’s role in the revamped attack.

Allgeier operated with a 27.7% snap share, which was the seventh time that he has eclipsed 27% during the season. He also generated 22 rushing yards with his 11 attempts, which was the fifth game in which he secured a double-digit total in carries. Robinson accumulated 50 snaps and eclipsed 20+ attempts for the fourth consecutive week. He also assembled 94 rushing yards, and two touchdowns.

Atlanta accumulated 38 rushing attempts after entering Week 16 with an average of 28.3 per game. The Falcons could maintain a heavy reliance on their rushing attack with Penix under center during their Week 17 matchup at Washington.

That bolsters the rationale for adding Allgeier, who could function as a flex in your lineups, even though Robinson will confiscate the majority of touches against the Commanders.

Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 15% Rostered

Corum's status has remained largely unchanged since he ascended into his current role as the Rams RB2 back in Week 5. Corum’s usage and output on a weekly basis do not remotely approach standalone value. However, his numbers would increase substantially if Williams were forced to the sideline for any reason when the Rams host Arizona on Sunday.

Corum has attained a 13.5% snap share since he catapulted Ronnie Rivers to become the direct backup to Kyren Williams.  Corum has also accumulated 45 carries/173 rushing yards during that 11-game sequence. He has also run 29 routes, collected six of his seven targets, and has assembled 46 yards as a receiving weapon.

A run of 32 yards from Blake Corum gets called back due to an illegal motion from Hunter Long at the snap.

That would have been the longest run for the Rams this season. It's the type of explosiveness that the running game has lacked.

— Blaine Grisak 💭 (@bgrisakTST) December 22, 2024

Corum also attained a 16% snap share in Week 16. He also generated 14 rushing yards, on nine attempts, and had a 32-yard burst that was erased by an illegal motion penalty. He also ran two routes, although he was not targeted by Matthew Stafford.

Williams continues to lead all backs with 793 snaps since Week 1 and is second overall in attempts (303/20.2 per game). Corum would ascend into a massive workload if Williams were suddenly unavailable against the Cardinals. Corum will also approach RB1 production if that scenario transpires. That supplies your incentive to secure him before your championship matchup.

Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders - 46% Rostered  

Mattison's role within the Las Vegas backfield has fluctuated throughout the regular season. Mattison confiscated the lead back role from Zamir White in Week 5 and operated with a 54.6% snap share from Weeks 5-11. He also accumulated 233 rushing yards (38.8 per game) with his 75 attempts (13.3 per game).

Mattison was inefficient while averaging 2.9 yards per attempt from Weeks 5-11. He also sustained an ankle injury which limited him to 20 snaps in Week 11, and he remained sidelined from Weeks 12-14.

Mattison and Ameer Abdullah have operated in a rotation following the season-ending ankle injury that was sustained by Sincere McCormick in Week 15.
Mattison also led the reshaped Las Vegas backfield with a 56.7% snap share when the Raiders hosted Jacksonville in Week 16.

No. 22 ties it up#JAXvsLV | 📺 @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/9ZrbIcItCu

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 22, 2024

Mattison also paced the backfield in carries (12), assembled 27 rushing yards, and generated his first touchdown since Week 6. He also ran 20 routes, captured four of his seven targets, and amassed 29 receiving yards.

Mattison and Abdullah should continue to share touches when Las Vegas travels to New Orleans on Sunday. Mattison can be utilized as a flex by anyone who is constructing rosters in deeper leagues.

Ameer Abdullah, Las Vegas Raiders - 23% Rostered

The ankle injury that was sustained by McCormick in Week 15 halted the surging momentum that he had obtained after ascending into the lead-back role for Las Vegas.

McCormick’s ankle issue also fueled a rise in Abdullah’s workload for the Raiders, while also solidifying his viability as a flex option for fantasy managers during their Week 17 matchups.

Abdullah has now secured a 44.7% snap share during McCormick‘s absence. He has also paced the Las Vegas backfield in routes run (43), targets (13), and receptions (12) while retaining a role as the Raiders’ primary pass-catching presence from the backfield. Abdullah has also accumulated 10 attempts, and 46 rushing yards during that sequence.

🎱 marches it in!#JAXvsLV | 📺 @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/Z3zpO82bTs

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 23, 2024

That includes Abdullah’s numbers when Las Vegas hosted the Jaguars in Week 16. Abdullah operated with a 43,3% snap share, carried seven times, led the Raiders’ backfield with 38 rushing yards, and generated a touchdown.

He also ran 19 routes and paced the backfield in receptions (five), and receiving yards (47). Abdullah and Mattison will continue to share touches. However, Abdullah can be utilized as an RB3/ flex if you are building lineups in PPR leagues.

Antonio Gibson, New England Patriots - 11% Rostered

Gibson continues to function as New England’s RB2 as he remains unchallenged in his role as the direct backup to Rhamondre Stevenson. Gibson has attained a 27.3% snap share since Week 1 which includes the 32.8% share that the has garnered since Week 12.

Antonio Gibson with the 29-yard run!

📺: #NEvsAZ on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/8oun8D8YNJ

— NFL (@NFL) December 15, 2024

Gibson has also assembled 154 rushing yards, with his 30 carries. Gibson has also run 51 routes, captured three of his four targets, while generating 45 yards as a receiving weapon during that span. That includes Gibson’s numbers when New England traveled to Buffalo in Week 16.

Gibson led the Patriots’ backfield in snaps (43) and carried 10 times. He also paced New England backs in routes run (23), targets (two) and receptions (two). Stevenson played on 32 snaps and led the Patriots in attempts (12), and rushing yards (60). Stevenson also ran 14 routes and secured his only target from Drake Maye.

Gibson's placement on the Patriots’ depth chart also positions him to vault into a lead-back role if Stevenson’s workload is managed or he is rested when New England hosts the Chargers in Week 17. That would launch Gibson into RB2/RB3 territory if that scenario transpires.

Tier 3: Dark Horses - Week 17 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These Running Backs Could Emerge In Your Lineups

Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills- 19% Rostered 

Davis's workloads have been inconsistent as he operates behind James Cook on Buffalo‘s depth chart. However, Davis has also demonstrated his ability to maximize his opportunities and has flourished when functioning in an expanded role.

That scenario developed in Week 6, when Cook was sidelined by a problematic toe. Davis secured a collection of season highs during the contest including snap share (60%), carries (20) rushing yards (97), red zone attempts (six), and fantasy points (18.2). Davis has also averaged 4.5 yards per attempt during the Bills’ last 10 matchups while eclipsing 55+ receiving yards twice during that span.

Ty Johnson has been deployed as a pass-catcher with frequency throughout the season and would sustain his involvement as a receiver during any absence by Cook.

However, Davis’s ability to operate effectively as a three-down back would propel him into RB1 duties for the Bills during any absence by Cook. That scenario could develop in Week 17 if news emerges that Cook will be unavailable for any reason. That would vault Davis into an extensive workload while increasing his prospects of providing RB2/RB3 output to anyone who has secured him for their rosters.

Gus Edwards, Los Angeles Chargers - 48% Rostered 

Edwards has re-emerged as a potential waiver wire option after he delivered his most impressive performance of the season in Week 16. Edwards had operated with a 41.1% snap share from Weeks 13-15. He also averaged 8.0 carries/30.3 yards per game/3.8 yards per attempt during that three-game span, which followed J.K. Dobbins’ placement on injured reserve (MCL).

gus bus comin' thru

📺 | @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/PFpzvXrnYW

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 20, 2024

However, Edwards secured a 45.9% snap share, carried 14 times, accumulated a season-high 68 rushing yards, and averaged 4.9 yards per attempt in Week 16. He also produced his longest run of the season (43 yards), generated two touchdowns, ran 10 routes, and collected two targets.

big body gus

📺 | @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/In2Koj8yRN

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 20, 2024

Kimani Vidal’s involvement in the Chargers’ backfield rotation dropped considerably in Week 16 after his snap shares had steadily increased (26%/53%/67%) from Weeks 13-15. Vidal registered a 32.8% snap share, carried five times, and ran 12 routes, but was not targeted by Justin Herbert.

Dobbins is eligible to return from injured reserve in Week 17, but it is unclear whether that will transpire. Edwards is primed to operate as the Chargers’ lead back when Los Angeles travels to New England and can function as an RB3/flex in your lineups. However, there is no reason to consider starting Vidal.

Patrick Taylor Jr., San Francisco 49ers - 46% Rostered 

Isaac Guerendo appeared primed to function as San Francisco’s lead-back during the 49ers' Week 16 matchup with Miami. However, he was contending with multiple injuries (foot/hamstring) that ultimately forced his absence.

RB1 🙌@PatrickTaylorJr makes his first NFL start for the @49ers‼️#MadeInMemphis | #SFvsMIA on CBS pic.twitter.com/iGDZOA52yX

— Memphis Football (@MemphisFB) December 22, 2024

That propelled Taylor Jr. into an expanded role during the contest, as his 78.7% snap share was the seventh highest among all backs.  Taylor also led the 49ers’ reshaped backfield in attempts (eight), rushing yards (24), route run (30), and targets (five).

Second year back Israel Abanikanda did not register a snap, as Kyle Shanahan opted to utilize Deebo Samuel Sr. as a rusher (five carries/25 rushing yards).  Fullback Kyle Juszczyk also carried one time and generated six rushing yards.

Guerendo’s status should be monitored as San Francisco’s Week 17 matchup with Detroit approaches. However, any uncertainty surrounding Guerendo’s health should not deter you from targeting Taylor from your waiver wire.

Taylor’s Week 16 workload as San Francisco’s RB1 would be sustained if Guerendo remains unavailable. He can also operate as an RB3/flex in your lineups if he retains that role.

Keaton Mitchell / Rasheen Ali Baltimore Ravens - (Mitchell 1% Rostered), (Ali 0% Rostered)

Justice Hill was in the process of providing further justification for adding him in PPR leagues before he sustained a concussion at the end of a 25-yard run in Week 16.

RB Justice Hill (concussion) has been ruled out.

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 21, 2024

Hill’s progression through concussion protocol should be monitored. However, the Ravens’ accelerated timeline toward a Christmas Day matchup at Houston will likely preclude Hill from resurfacing in Week 17.

That has elevated Mitchell and Ali among this week’s roster additions as at least one member of the tandem will share touches with Derrick Henry. Baltimore selected Ali in Round 5 of the 2024 NFL Draft (165th overall). He had been limited to 10 snaps from Weeks 1-15 but accumulated nine snaps, carried once, and ran two routes in Week 16.

Keaton Mitchell today:

9 carries
138 yards
1 TD

60 yard run. The NFL ain’t sleeping on him anymore pic.twitter.com/4L94RQTwUH

— Barstool ECU (@barstoolecu) November 5, 2023

Mitchell has now played in three matchups since the Ravens activated him from the reserve/PUP list on November 7. His integration into Baltimore’s backfield rotation has been minimal, as the explosive second-year back has been limited to four snaps and has yet to register a touch.

Justice Hill has officially been ruled out with a concussion. Keaton Mitchell is inactive. So that leaves Derrick Henry and Rasheen Ali.

— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) December 21, 2024

The Ravens could infuse Mitchell’s home run capabilities into their rotation. He finished 13th overall in rushing yards (396 yards/66 per game) in Weeks 9-15 of 2023. He also accumulated a league-high seven runs of 20+ yards during that sequence. However, Mitchell has been a healthy inactive during Baltimore's last three matchups, which elevates Ali as the most likely candidate to target if you are searching for a flex option in deeper leagues.

Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears - 10% Rostered 

Johnson resurfaced from concussion protocol to regain his role as Chicago’s RB2 when the Bears hosted the Lions in Week 16. Johnson had sustained the concussion on Thanksgiving Day and had remained unavailable in Weeks 14-15. 

Johnson secured a 27,2% snap share and carried one time in his first matchup since the injury while D'Andre Swift was the only other back to accumulate snaps. Johnson also ran 12 routes, while being integrated into Chicago’s backfield rotation, although he was not targeted by Caleb Williams.

Johnson’s snap share had been rising prior to his absence, while Swift’s snaps had declined. Johnson had secured a 26.1% snap share from Weeks 1-8 while Swift’s 65.1% share launched him to 13th overall.

Touchdown Roschon Johnson!

📺: #MINvsCHI on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/N4A75bhZNU

— NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2024

Johnson’s share had increased to 41.8% in Weeks 11-12, which included a season-high 42% in Week 11. Swift’s percentage dropped to 53.9% during that two-game sequence. Johnson had also risen to ninth among all backs with six carries inside the red zone and soared into a tie for third with four attempts inside the 5-yard line. 

Johnson’s prospects of securing a larger workload in Week 17 bolster the rationale for adding Johnson as a prospective flex in deeper leagues. He could also be utilized as an RB3 if news emerges that Swift’s touches will be reduced during the Bears matchup with Seattle on Thursday.

Other Fantasy Football Running Backs To Consider

Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars - 52% Rostered  

Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles - 6% Rostered  

Cam Akers, Minnesota Vikings - 14% Rostered 

Dameon Pierce - Houston Texans - 2% Rostered 

Best of luck in Week 17!

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