Running Back Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 3: Top Free Agent Adds Include Carson Steele, Ty Chandler, Braelon Allen, Bucky Irving

We have now entered the process of planning your rosters for Week 3. The initial two weeks of regular season matchups have delivered an assortment of results that have fueled varied emotions for fantasy managers as they adjust to a myriad of developments.

Unfortunately, many of you are contending with unwanted challenges including the expanding collection of injuries that have impacted high-profile players - as anyone with Christian McCaffrey, or Kenneth Walker or Isiah Pacheco contained on their rosters is acutely aware. Several backfields have also devolved into production-inhibiting committees, while a cluster of backs who appeared positioned to become assets have only delivered discouraging results.

If you are incentivized to explore the Week 3 waiver wire, this article will locate the most enticing options that are available at a position that remains both critical and volatile every week. Nearly all of this week’s recommendations remain available in over 40% of all Yahoo leagues and will be listed in three tiers. After you have finished this article you can also find these fantasy football waiver wire pickups. Good luck in your Week 3 matchups.

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Tier 1: Front-Runners - Week 3 Waiver Wire Running Backs

Prioritize These Running Backs On Waiver Wires

Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks - 66% Rostered 

This column will predominantly focus on running backs that remain available in at least 40% of all Yahoo leagues. An exception will be made due to the importance of including Zach Charbonnet in leagues where he remains attainable.

Seattle’s offseason transition to HC Mike Macdonald and OC Ryan Grubb did not alter Charbonnet's status as the Seahawks’ RB2 behind Kenneth Walker III in Week 1. However, Charbonnet’s role as Walker’s direct backup gained significance when Walker’s oblique injury sidelined him in Week 2.

Zach Charbonnet in first game with new coaching regime AND without Kenneth Walker (abdomen):

* 67-of-70 snaps (96%)
* 12 snaps wide, 3 slot
* 19-of-19 RB opportunities (100%)
* 37 routes on 48 Geno Smith dropbacks (77%)
* 14-38-1 rushing, 5-31-0 receiving result

— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) September 16, 2024

Charbonnet had played on 20 snaps (33.3% share) during Seattle's season opener while accumulating eight carries, and manufacturing 12 rushing yards. Charbonnet also collected two of his three targets and paced the backfield in receiving yards (29).

Walker led the backfield in snaps (40/66.7% share), attempts (20), and rushing yards (103) during that matchup, while accumulating five missed tackles forced according to Fantasy Points Data.

Charbonnet finds a way. 💪 pic.twitter.com/Oi9Zm0DPtf

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) September 15, 2024

Walker's absence launched Charbonnet into a feature-back role when the Seahawks visited New England, and he led all backs with a 95.5% snap share. He also accumulated 19 touches, 69 total yards, and a touchdown, ran 34 routes, and finished eighth overall in points per game (17.9).

Walker’s status should be monitored as the week progresses. However, Charbonnet's proximity to a massive workload can propel him toward RB1 output whenever he operates as Seattle’s primary back.

Carson Steele / Samaje Perine / Kareem Hunt,  Kansas City Chiefs - (Steele 2% Rostered), (Perine 4% Rostered), Hunt 2% Rostered 

The fractured fibula that was sustained by Isiah Pacheco during Kansas City’s Week 2 matchup with Cincinnati has vaulted Carson Steele,Samaje Perine, and Kareem Hunt among the top options on this week’s waiver wires.

Sources: #Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco is set to have surgery this week to repair his fractured fibula, with the plan to return this season.

Pacheco is out 6 weeks or more, with the timeframe determined by surgery. pic.twitter.com/gHYm61hqJj

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 16, 2024

Steele and Perine will initially share touches in a restructured backfield as Pacheco's impending surgery now destines him for an extended absence. Hunt has been signed to the practice squad, and should eventually ascend into the equation.

Chiefs to sign RB Kareem Hunt to practice squad. (via @TomPelissero, @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/VxfZKtwd8A

— NFL (@NFL) September 17, 2024

The Chiefs signed Steele as an undrafted free agent after he compiled 3,294 total yards and 26 touchdowns during his collegiate career (Ball State/UCLA).

He rocketed to relevance during the preseason by averaging 7.9 yards per attempt and finishing first among all backs in missed tackles forced per rushing attempt (0.82) according to PFF.

The undrafted rookie Carson Steele really ran right over everybody 😳

📺: #CINvsKC on CBS/Paramount
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/nU5IRfTl5F

— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2024

Steele has secured a 16,5% snap share during the Chiefs’ first two matchups while generating 27 rushing yards on nine attempts. He should accumulate carries during the upcoming weeks including opportunities inside the red zone.

Perine’s numbers have been modest as he becomes acclimated to Andy Reid’s offense (11.9% snap shares/12 routes run/three targets/13 receiving yards). That will not impede him from operating as the presumptive pass-catching back in the Chiefs' reconstructed attack. Kansas City could ultimately infuse additional backs into the equation, but Steele and Perine have emerged as viable roster additions.

The 29-year-old Hunt secured a 31% snap share while operating in Cleveland’s backfield rotation during 2023. Hunt averaged 9.0 attempts, and 27.4 rushing yards per game, while averaging 1.0 receptions/5.6 yards per game as a receiving weapon.

The touches that will eventually be dispersed to Hunt will impact the usage of Steele and Perine, and he should ultimately deliver output that provides you with an additional flex option.

Cam Akers, Houston Texans - 9% Rostered  

Joe Mixon has yet to participate in practice after he sustained an ankle injury during a hip-drop tackle in Houston’s Week 2 matchup with Chicago. Dameon Pierce has also been contending with a troublesome hamstring issue, which forced him to the sideline in Week 2.

The status of Mixon and Pierce should be monitored. However, their collective health issues have launched Cam Akers to the threshold of operating with an extensive workload when the Texans travel to Minnesota in Week 3.

Cam Akers is going to start in Week 3 and immediately gets a revenge game against the Vikings in Minnesota https://t.co/XCamTnTIGI

— Adam Koffler (@AdamKoffler) September 19, 2024

Massive fluctuations in Akers’ stock have been a prevailing occurrence throughout his five years at the NFL level, and his prospective rise into a lead-back role has launched him among your most viable roster additions if you are searching for a starter in your Week 3 lineups.

Dare Ogunbowale will also collect touches as both a rusher and receiving weapon if Mixon and Pierce are unavailable. However, Akers would ascend into a massive role in that scenario.  Mixon’s injury should not result in a long-term absence, but Akers is primed to become an asset in Week 3.

Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings - 29% Rostered

Ty Chandler continues to operate with a weekly allotment of touches in Kevin O’Connell‘s offense, even though Aaron Jones is functioning as Minnesota's lead back. Chandler has now attained a 36,2% snap share during the Vikings' first two contests He has also averaged 5.5 yards per attempt,  while running 14 routes, capturing all three of his targets, and assembling 25 yards as a pass catcher.

Ty Chandler with 82 yards on 10 carries in today’s W for the Vikings 🚀

📺: @NFLonCBS#CarolinaFootball 🏈 #ProHeels pic.twitter.com/HoSXrpNISx

— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) September 15, 2024

That includes Chandler’s involvement when Minnesota hosted San Francisco in Week 2. The third-year back accumulated 19 snaps, led the Vikings in attempts (10), and rushing yards (82), and averaged 8,2 yards per attempt.

Chandler also led all backs in rush percentage over expected (70) according to NextGenStats. Jones trailed Chandler in carries (nine), and rushing yards (32), while leading the backfield in routes run (20), targets (six), and receiving yards (36).

Chandler has carved out a favorable role in Minnesota's backfield rotation. He would also secure an extensive workload if Jones would be affixed to the sideline at any point during the season.

That cements Chandler as a viable handcuff. All other fantasy managers can also target Chandler, as he would provide RB2 output if he ascends into a temporary feature-back role.

Braelon Allen, New York Jets - 9% Rostered 

The convergence of Braelon Allen’s capabilities and his unchallenged role as the Jets’ RB2, have stationed the first-year back among this week's Tier 1 recommendations.

.@BraelonAllen the man that you are!!

📺 #NYJvsTEN on CBS & @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/zO6PvNHEnR

— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 15, 2024

The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Allen operates with favorable size and performs effectively in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Allen is also one health issue away from a substantial workload if Breece Hall is forced from the lineup.

Allen's numbers were constrained in Week 1, as he played on eight snaps, and generated eight rushing yards with his only attempt. Allen also ran seven routes while manufacturing nine receiving yards.

TD for rookie @BraelonAllen!! 💨💨💨

📺 #NYJvsTEN on CBS & @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/A7Y4rgCdnL

— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 15, 2024

However, Allen's usage and output rose considerably when the Jets traveled to Tennessee in Week 2. Allen accumulated 20 snaps and carried seven times while generating 33 yards and a touchdown on the ground. He also ran 12 routes, captured two of his four targets,  assembled 23 receiving yards, and produced a second touchdown as a pass-catcher.

Allen has not attained standalone value but he does provide an insurance policy for managers who invested a first-round selection in Hall during draft season. Allen can also deliver RB2 production if Hall becomes unavailable at any point during New York's upcoming matchups.

Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 28% Rostered

Rachaad White continues to function as Tampa Bay’s lead back. However, the convergence of Bucky Irving’s capabilities as a one-cut runner and his continued efficiency have vaulted him into a weekly allotment of touches in Liam Coen’s offense. These factors have also supplied the rationale for adding Irving to your rosters.

Bucs Backfield in Week 2

Rachaad White: 11 touches, 23 yards
Bucky Irving: 7 touches, 22 yards

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) September 15, 2024

He played on 20 snaps (32.8%, share) during the Buccaneers' season opener. Irving also carried nine times, generated a team-best 62 rushing yards, averaged 6.9 yards per attempt, and finished seventh in explosive run percentage (11.1%) according to Fantasy Points Data. He also accumulated 17 snaps (35% share), seven attempts, and 22 rushing yards when Tampa Bay visited Detroit in Week 2.

White leads the Buccaneers' backfield in snaps (75), carries (25), routes run (38), targets (seven), and receiving yards (80) entering Week 3. However, Irving has accrued more rushing yards (84), and his 5.3 yards per attempt easily leads White’s average of just 2.0.

Coen should be incentivized to entrust the elusive Irving with an ongoing role as the season advances. Irving will also become a critical roster asset if White is unavailable for any reason. That makes Irving an essential handcuff while supplying all managers with justification for adding him this week.

Tier 2: In The Running - Week 3 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters

D'Onta Foreman, Cleveland Browns - 1% Rostered

D'Onta Foreman has reinvented his career on multiple occasions since joining the NFL in 2017. He has now resurfaced in the fantasy landscape once again after unexpectedly ascending into a sizable role for Cleveland in Week 2.

“The Browns start with D’Onta Foreman in the backfield.”

Jerome Ford fantasy managers: pic.twitter.com/HXT43uNa7x

— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) September 15, 2024

Jerome Ford had been expected to operate with a substantial workload as Cleveland’s featured back in Week 2 which would have replicated the role that he secured during the season opener.  Ford finished ninth among all backs with 72.9% snap share in Week 1, while generating 69 total yards with his 18 touches.

However, Foreman was in the backfield during the Browns' first series and was deployed in a rotation with Ford throughout the Week 2 matchup with Jacksonville.

Foreman played on 27 snaps (38% share) while his team-high 14 carries doubled the total that was allotted to Ford (seven). Foreman also generated 42 yards, ran eight routes, and collected his only target. Ford accumulated 32 snaps (41.5% share), assembled 64 rushing yards, ran 15 routes, and captured one of his two targets.

Both backs should share opportunities in Kevin Stefanski's offense, but Foreman has delivered yet another meteoric rise into relevance. He is available in 99% of all leagues and can be secured by anyone who is searching for an RB3/flex option in their backfield.

Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills - 14% Rostered

Ray Davis is the rookie understudy I want on my fantasy squad’s bench. pic.twitter.com/BWs4HB1j54

— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) September 8, 2024

Ray Davis’ workload has been modest during Buffalo’s first two matchups, and James Cook has flourished with his responsibilities as the Bills’ lead back. Davis played on six snaps (10.3% share) in Week 1, which trailed both Cook (35/60.3% share) and Ty Johnson (13/22.4%). Davis finished second behind Cook in carries (three), including one attempt inside the red zone.

Davis improved to second in Buffalo’s backfield with 14 snaps (31.1% share) in Week 2 as Johnson descended to third (seven/15.6% share). Davis also carried nine times and generated 29 rushing yards. That included back-to-back plays in which Davis registered gains of eight and 10 yards. The increased usage for Davis in Week 2 should reduce any lingering concerns surrounding Johnson, whose opportunities should be confined to passing downs.

Managers with Cook on their rosters should target Davis as his handcuff. That provides the opportunity to avoid an uncomfortable roster crisis that would otherwise emerge if Cook is sidelined during the season.

Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins - 26% Rostered

Jaylen Wright made his NFL debut during Miami’s Week 2 matchup with Buffalo as Raheem Mostert’s absence (chest) accelerated Wright’s involvement in Mike McDaniel’s distribution of touches.

Jaylen wright looks electric on his first two runs but a holding call will erase a first down and put Miami behind the sticks again.

They can not live there with how the Bills can get into their sub packages and Miami's current WR depth.

— Travis Wingfield (@WingfieldNFL) September 13, 2024

Wright was eased into the Dolphins’ backfield rotation, as the explosive rookie played on 18 snaps (24% share). He was also limited to four rushing yards with his five attempts, although he also had a nine-yard run called back by a penalty.

De'Von Achane’s troublesome ankle made his status unsettled before the matchup. However, he operated as Miami’s lead back while functioning with a 62.7% snap share.

Achane also established a career-best in attempts (22), while leading the Dolphins’ backfield in routes run (21), and pacing the team in rushing yards (96), receptions (seven), and receiving yards (69). Jeff Wilson Jr. played on 11 snaps before suffering an oblique injury.

Unsurprisingly, Wright’s usage has been restricted initially, but he still possesses the speed, and elusiveness to erupt for big plays. This sustains his presence among this week’s recommendations, as he could still emerge as a valuable resource if his role expands during the year.

Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 25% Rostered

We have now witnessed Atlanta’s revamped offense during the Falcons’ first two matchups following the transition from Arthur Smith to offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and the insertion of Kirk Cousins under center.

Robinson has prioritized the utilization of Bijan Robinson, who is averaging 16.0 attempts, and 82.5 yards per game. That strategic approach initially diminished the involvement of Tyler Allgeier, who operated with a 32% snap share last season while Smith was concocting the Falcons’ attack.

Allgeier played on just nine snaps (18% share), carried three times, and manufactured 21 rushing yards, in Week 1, while averaging 7.0 yards per attempt. However, Allgeier's involvement increased in Week 2, as he accumulated 13 snaps, nine attempts, and 53 rushing yards, and averaged 5.9 yards per attempt. He is also averaging 3.67 yards before contact per attempt according to Fantasy Points Data.

The prospects of Allgeier sustaining standalone value have decreased this season. However, his stock will skyrocket if Robinson is forced from the lineup. Allgeier would operate as Atlanta’s feature back in that scenario, and would also deliver high-end RB2 output. That keeps him embedded among the most enticing handcuffs to secure for your rosters.

Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers - 48% Rostered  

Chuba Hubbard's rostership rate has dropped from 58% entering Week 1 to 48%, due to his disappointing usage and output during the Panthers’ season opener. Hubbard had been expected to temporarily seize Carolina’s lead back duties following the Panthers’ decision to keep Jonathon Brooks on the Physically Unable To Perform (PUP) list entering the regular season.

Hubbard failed to operate with the sizable workload that had been anticipated in Week 1 (30 snaps/six attempts/14 rushing yards). However, Hubbard’s touches increased when Carolina hosted the Chargers in Week 2.

Chuba Hubbard in Week 1:
40% RB rush share; 0% target share

Chuba Hubbard in Week 2:
59% RB rush share; 19% target share

— JJ Zachariason (@LateRoundQB) September 16, 2024

He led the Panthers’ backfield in snaps (27), carries (10), and rushing yards (64) while averaging 6.4 yards per attempt. Hubbard also paced Carolina’s backs in routes run (15), targets (five), and receptions (four).

Miles Sanders was also utilized in a rotation with Hubbard while accumulating 20 snaps, seven attempts, 20 rushing yards, and averaging just 2.9 yards per attempt. Sanders also ran 11 routes, while failing to match Hubbard’s totals in targets (three), and receptions (three).

The prospect of investing in a member of Carolina’s backfield might be concerning. However, Hubbard has performed more effectively than Sanders. He could also emerge as a roster resource if the Panthers' transition from Bryce Young to Andy Dalton fuels greater proficiency in their offense.

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

These Running Backs Could Emerge In Your Lineups

Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers - 2% Rostered 

Packers are placing rookie RB MarShawn Lloyd on injured reserve due to an ankle injury.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 17, 2024

Emanuel Wilson has the size, agility, and acceleration to generate yardage consistently. Now, Wilson’s prospects of accumulating touches have increased significantly following the placement of  MarShawn Lloyd on injured reserve.

That has launched Wilson directly below Josh Jacobs on Green Bay’s depth chart, and the 5-foot-10, 220-pound Wilson will confiscate a sizable workload if Jacobs is forced to the sideline during the Packers’ upcoming matchups.

Wilson accumulated 2,206 yards and 24 TDs during two seasons at the collegiate level. That includes the 1,371 yards he assembled during 2022.

All four of Emanuel Wilson’s rushing attempts from Week 1 (totaled 46 yards). Super efficient night for the former UDFA. pic.twitter.com/thJYGSsTLG

— Brandon Carwile (@PackerScribe) September 7, 2024

He accumulated 36 snaps, 14 carries, and 85 rushing yards while collecting four of his five targets in 2023. Wilson has also played on 29 snaps since Week 1, while generating 55 rushing yards with his nine carries, averaging 6.1 yards per attempt. Wilson has also averaged 3.5 yards after contact per attempt and has attained an explosive run percentage of 11.1% according to Fantasy Points Data.

Wilson’s role as Green Bay’s RB2 supplies the incentive to secure him if Jacobs is contained on your rosters. He has also become an intriguing addition for all other managers.

Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys - 41% Rostered 

The allocation of touches between Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott has created an unquestioned committee approach in the Cowboys’ deployment of their backs.

Dowdle and Elliott have both accumulated 56 snaps (44.4% share). Each back has also generated 56 rushing yards, while  Elliott’s average of 3.5 yards per attempt trails Dowdle’s average of 3,7. Dowdle and Elliott have each run 26 routes, and Dowdle leads the backfield in targets (six/five), and receiving yards (35/25).

Dowdle also paced the Cowboys’ backfield in attempts (seven), rushing yards (30), targets (five), and receiving yards (29), when Dallas hosted New Orleans in Week 2.  Deuce Vaughn also registered 10 snaps in Week 2, while running five routes, accruing 11 rushing yards with his four carries, and collecting his only target.

Dowdle has performed more efficiently than the 29-year-old Elliott which could propel Dowdle into an expanded workload during the upcoming weeks. That scenario would elevate Dowdle into flex territory if you are contending with injuries, disappointing production, and other roster issues.

Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens - 17% Rostered 

Justice Hill continues to join Derrick Henry in comprising Baltimore’s backfield rotation. Hill also operates without any discernible competition for his role, even though his workload could be inconsistent based on upcoming game scripts.

Hill paced the Ravens’ backfield with 38 snaps (51.4% share) in Week 1 while leading all backs with eight targets. He also tied for second in receptions (six) and was third in receiving yards (52), and routes run (28).

Hill also led Baltimore’s backfield with a 54% snap share when the Ravens hosted Las Vegas in Week 2. He also ran 20 routes, functioned as the backfield’s primary pass-catcher, and assembled 32 total yards on just six touches.

Hill’s status as the handcuff to Henry could be altered when Keaton Mitchell reemerges from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. However, Hill will remain Baltimore’s RB2 during the Ravens’ upcoming matchups. His potential to operate with an expanded workload if Henry is sidelined supplies the incentive for adding him to your rosters.

His role as the team’s pass-catching presence from the backfield also sustains the rationale for targeting him if you are searching for an additional flex option in PPR leagues.

Antonio Gibson, New England Patriots 16% Rostered 

The three-year, $11.25 million contract that Antonio Gibson signed with New England in March demonstrated the Patriots’ commitment to utilizing Gibson in their backfield rotation.

Gibson averaged 10.5 attempts and 43.3 rushing yards per game during his four seasons with Washington, along with 3.5 targets, 2.8 receptions, and 21.0  yards per game as a receiving weapon.

ANTONIO GIBSON ARE YOU SERIOUS?? pic.twitter.com/kKz1PoHaWE

— Savage (@SavageSports_) September 15, 2024

He has now averaged 9.0 carries, and 57 rushing yards during his first two contests with the Patriots, even though his involvement as a pass-catcher has been limited to one target, and seven receiving yards.

Gibson’s workload expanded in Week 2, as he accumulated 11 carries – which was his highest single-game total since Week 11 of the 2022 regular season. His 96 rushing yards were also the most since since Week 17 of 2022.

Rhamondre Stevenson is cemented as New England’s lead back, after securing a four-year deal with the Patriots in June. However, even though Gibson does not loom as a threat to Stevenson’s RB1 responsibilities,

Gibson’s workload would expand considerably if Stevenson were forced to the sideline. This makes Gibson a viable handcuff for fantasy managers who have infused Stevenson into their lineups.

Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens - 14% Rostered

Justice Hill’s viability as a roster addition was examined earlier in this section. Keaton Mitchell could eventually surpass Hill within Baltimore’s backfield rotation, which would also fuel his potential to function as a roster resource for fantasy managers.

Mitchell currently remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list as his recovery from a torn ACL continues. Mitchell could catapult beyond Hill on Baltimore’s depth while replicating his meteoric rise during 2023.

.@_KeatonMitchell picking up where he left off❗❗❗

Tune in on FOX pic.twitter.com/8QaaVoimv3

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 12, 2023

Mitchell exploded into the league lead with 138 rushing yards on nine attempts (15.3 yards per attempt) during Baltimore’s Week 9 matchup last season. That also propelled him to RB5 in scoring (20.4 points). Mitchell also finished 13th in rushing yards (396/66) per game from Weeks 9-15 and generated a league-high seven runs of 20+ yards during that span.

Mitchell’s knee injury was sustained in Week 15, and his timeline to resurface remains uncertain. That does not prevent you from securing Mitchell this week and stashing him on your bench. Particularly if you can place him on injured reserve. Mitchell could become a productive starter for you following his recovery.

Other Fantasy Football Running Backs To Consider

• Isaac Guerendo, San Francisco 49ers - 6% Rostered 
• Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos - 38 % Rostered 
• Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals - 49% Rostered 

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