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The numbers that have been assembled by running backs during their first five matchups have fueled a myriad of emotions for all fantasy managers. Unfortunately, some of you are contending with disappointing results due to injuries, inefficient performances, and production-inhibiting committees.
The challenge of navigating these unwelcome roster issues will be intensified by another four-team bye week, as running backs from Kansas City, Miami, Minnesota, and the Los Angeles Rams will be unavailable this week. This ensures that anyone with Kyren Williams, Aaron Jones, Ty Chandler, De'Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, Kareem Hunt, or Samaje Perine on their rosters will have to avoid starting those backs.
This article will help you navigate these obstacles by locating the most enticing options on your Week 6 waiver wires. 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 breakdown on running backs, you can also find fantasy football waiver wire pickups at other positions. Good luck in your Week 6 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
Tier 1: Front-Runners - Week 6 Waiver Wire Running Backs
Prioritize These Running Backs On Waiver Wires
| Tier 1 - Frontrunners | Team | Rostered |
| Tank Bigsby | Jacksonville Jaguars | 22% |
| Jaylen Wright | Miami Dolphins | 8% |
| Bucky Irving | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 59% |
| Braelon Allen | New York Jets | 48% |
| Tyrone Tracy Jr. | New York Giants | 8% |
Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars - 22% Rostered
The convergence of Tank Bigsby's expanded involvement and the level of effectiveness that he has displayed with his increased workloads have supplied the rationale for including him among the roster recommendations in this column throughout the regular season. Now, the numbers that Bigsby assembled in Week 5 have vaulted him among the top tier of backs to prioritize from the waiver wire.
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
Bigsby led Jacksonville’s backfield with a season-high 23 snaps while erupting for a career-high 101 yards and two touchdowns on 13 attempts (7.8 yards per attempt).
Bigsby now leads the Jaguars in rushing yards (273/68.3 per game/8.0 per yards per attempt) despite being sidelined in Week 2 (shoulder). Travis Etienne is pacing the backfield in carries (53/10.6 per game) but trails Bigsby in yardage (231/46.4 per game) and is averaging 4.4 yards per attempt.
Bigby's average of 8.0 yards per attempt leads all running backs entering Week 6, as does his 4.19 rush yards over expected per attempt according to NextGenStats. It is reasonable to question whether Etienne will retain lead back duties during the Jaguars' upcoming matchups, and Bigsby can emerge as a critical resource if you seize him for your rosters this week.
Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins - 8% Rostered
Jaylen Wright's level of involvement in Miami’s backfield rotation has been contingent upon the health of Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane and the percentage of touches that Mike McDaniel distributed to both veterans.
Achane secured a 64.4% snap share from Weeks 1-4 while operating as the Dolphins’ lead back. Mostert was inactive in Weeks 2-4 (chest) which elevated Wright into Miami’s backfield rotation (29.7% snap share/16 carries/53 rushing yards) during that sequence.
Mostert resurfaced to accumulate 44 snaps in Week 5. He also assembled 80 rushing yards on 19 attempts (4.2 yards per attempt) during his return. However, Achane suffered a concussion in Week 5, which launched Wright into an increased workload.
Another Explosive Run from Jaylen Wright #Dolphins https://t.co/pVwLq1TRGi pic.twitter.com/xhHxAGiCJY
— Doηmεgαh Mεdïα (@donmegah) October 6, 2024
Wright played on 25 snaps, carried 13 times, and exploded for 86 rushing yards (6.6 yards per attempt). Wright’s performance provided a reminder that his big play capabilities can fuel a statistical eruption in any given matchup.
Wright can become a significant roster asset if Achane remains sidelined following the Dolphins’ bye week. Wright can also skyrocket into RB1 territory for fantasy managers if McDaniel entrusts him with a sizable workload during any upcoming matchup.
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 59% Rostered
Bucky Irving possesses a favorable blend of vision, decisiveness, and acceleration that fuel his effectiveness as a downhill runner, which has sustained his role in a timeshare with Rachaad White.
Irving has secured at least nine attempts in four of his five matchups and has eclipsed 4.9 yards per attempt four times. He has also accumulated 11 missed tackles forced according to Fantasy Points Data.
That includes his numbers in Week 5 when Irving secured a season-high 43% snap share, which was the second consecutive week in which he surpassed a 40% share (42%/43%). He also generated 44 yards on nine attempts and has assembled 247 yards (49.4 per game) since Week 1.
the whole Rachaad White thing is over
it's BUCKY time for the Bucs
the most obvious decision for anyone who has watched even a minute of both RBs
Liam Coen is a smart guy but I don't understand the obsession with White
6.1 YPC for Irving
2.8 YPC for Whitewhat are we doing
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) October 4, 2024
White operated with a 64% snap share in Week 5 and leads the backfield with a 66.8% share since Week 1. White also delivered a season-best average of 7.2 yards per attempt in Week 5. However, that was largely fueled by White’s 56-yard run during the second quarter, as he averaged 1.7 per attempt during his other nine carries.
Irving will remain highly involved in offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s distribution of touches and is a viable RB3/flex option. He would also become a valuable asset if White is sidelined for any reason during the upcoming weeks.
Braelon Allen, New York Jets - 48% Rostered
Braelon Allen's Round 15 ADP (176/RB56) underscored the tempered expectations that surrounded his entrance into the NFL as he was just the 56th back to be selected during draft season.
This was partially a byproduct of Allen’s infusion into a backfield that also contained Breece Hall, whose draft position was 172 slots higher than Allen’s. However, Allen’s rapidly ascending stock has been fueled by his ability to quickly attain an ongoing role within the Jets’ backfield despite the presence of Hall.
Allen has now accumulated 98 snaps, 32 attempts, and 143 rushing yards while averaging 4.8 yards per attempt. That includes Allen’s numbers in Week 5 when the Jets traveled to London (19 snaps/six touches/27 total yards).
Over the last 6 quarters...
Breece Hall - 13 carries, 6 yards
Braelon Allen - 11 carries, 37 yards pic.twitter.com/B7K0YksCfe— Underdog (@UnderdogFantasy) October 6, 2024
Hall led New York’s backfield with 53 snaps. However, he registered a season-low nine carries and was limited to 23 rushing yards. Hall has now produced just 27 yards on the ground during his last two matchups combined.
Hall will retain his role as the Jet’s lead back, but Allen’s ability to capitalize on his weekly allotment of touches makes him an enticing flex option. Allen would also skyrocket into high-end RB1 territory if Hall is sidelined during any upcoming matchups.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants - 8% Rostered
Tyrone Tracy Jr. had been functioning as the RB2 in the Giants’ offense entering Week 5. This provided Tracy with an uncongested path toward lead-back duties if Devin Singletary were sidelined for any reason.
This scenario developed before New York’s Week 5 visit to Seattle, as a groin injury forced Singletary to the sideline. That launched Tracy into an extensive workload while functioning as the primary back in Brian Daboll’s attack.
Excellent run here by Tyrone Tracy! So much upside with him, excited to see him get more chances #NYG pic.twitter.com/uuwJe3FZrT
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) October 6, 2024
Tracy's snap counts had ranged from 12-22 from Weeks 1-4 but he accumulated 45 snaps in Week 5. He also obliterated his previous season-high in attempts (18), while leading all backs in yardage during Week 5 (129). Eric Gray was involved primarily on passing downs while running 12 routes, collecting three receptions, and accruing 50 yards as a receiver.
Tracy has now played on 111 snaps, carried 30 times, and generated 158 yards on the ground since Week 1. He has also run 56 routes, collected eight targets, and assembled 42 yards as a receiving weapon.
Singletary’s status should be monitored in advance of New York’s Week 6 matchup with Cincinnati. However, Tracy remains capable of providing RB2 output if Singletary’s absence continues. Daboll could also expand Tracy’s workload even if Singletary regains his RB1 role.
Tier 2: In The Running - Week 5 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters
| Tier 2 - In The Running | Team | Rostered |
| Trey Sermon | Indianapolis Colts | 52% |
| Rico Dowdle | Dallas Cowboys | 56% |
| Tyler Allgeier | Atlanta Falcons | 26% |
| Justice Hill | Baltimore Ravens | 14% |
| Ty Chandler | Minnesota Vikings | 28% |
Trey Sermon, Indianapolis Colts - 52% Rostered
Trey Sermon entered Week 4 with season-long totals of 25 snaps, five touches, and 23 total yards while functioning as the Colts’ RB2 behind Jonathan Taylor. However, Sermon ascended into an expanded role after Taylor sustained a high ankle sprain in Week 4.
Sermon continued to operate as the temporary lead back when Indianapolis traveled to Jacksonville in Week 5. He played on 41 snaps, carried 10 times, amassed 38 rushing yards, and generated a touchdown.
Trey Sermon makes it a one-score game!
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/hRuHz2Ca5y
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 6, 2024
Sermon has now accumulated 58 snaps, 15 rushing attempts, and 46 rushing yards during his last two contests. Sermon also ran 19 routes in Week 5 while collecting all six of his targets, and producing 25 yards as a receiving weapon.
Third-year back Tyler Goodson was involved on 29 snaps in Week 5. He also accumulated five attempts, and 26 rushing yards, ran 22 routes, and caught all three of his targets.
Taylor’s health should be monitored in advance of the Colts’ Week 6 visit to Tennessee. However, Sermon remains available in nearly 50% of all leagues and can deliver low-end RB2/RB3 production if he functions as the primary back for Indianapolis.
Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys - 56% Rostered
Rico Dowdle's numbers are no longer constrained by the production-inhibiting timeshare with Ezekiel Elliott that destined Dowdle for uninspiring numbers during the Cowboys' first two contests.
Dowdle has confiscated the majority of touches since Week 3, and the career-best production that he accrued in Week 5 has solidified him as an RB3/flex option. He easily leads the Dallas backfield with 92 snaps since Week 3, as Ezekiel Elliott has been relegated to 46 during that three-game span.
Dowdle is also pacing the Cowboys’ backfield in attempts (39), and rushing yards (165). Elliott has carried 14 times while manufacturing 42 yards in the ground during that span. Dowdle also leads the tandem in routes run (43/24), targets (eight/four), and receiving yards (68/11) during the Cowboys’ last three contests.
That includes his numbers when the Cowboys traveled to Pittsburgh in Week 5. Dowdle established career highs in attempts (20), and rushing yards (87), while averaging 4.4 yards per attempt. Dowdle also ran 16 routes, was targeted twice, assembled 27 receiving yards, and generated a touchdown.
.@DallasCowboys close out a long 90-yard drive with a TD, courtesy of Rico Dowdle!
📺: #DALvsPIT on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/6r3EE7WqDT— NFL (@NFL) October 7, 2024
Dowdle maximized his opportunities in Week 5 and should continue to garner the majority of touches that are distributed within the Dallas backfield. That should incentivize you to secure him this week if you are dealing with significant roster challenges.
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 23% Rostered
Tyler Allgeier has built a track record of proficient performances whenever he has operated with a sizable workload. This had solidified his place among the league’s top handcuffs. Allgeier’s involvement in Atlanta’s offense has also increased since Week 4, which provides the potential for standalone value if his workloads expand further during the Falcons’ upcoming matchups.
Allgeier operated with a 20.7% snap share from Weeks 1-3, while Bijan Robinson secured an 81.7% share during that span. However, Allgeier’s share has risen to 37.1% since Week 4 while Robinson has operated with a 64.4% share during Atlanta’s last two contests.
#Falcons Week 5 RB Usage
- Bijan Robinson: 67% snaps, 12 carries, 30 routes, 3 targets (67 yds)
- Tyler Allgeier: 35% snaps, 6 carries, 15 routes, 3 targets (25 yds)— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) October 4, 2024
Robinson ultimately led the Falcons’ backfield in snaps (54), attempts (12), rushing yards (61), and routes run (30) during their Thursday night matchup in Week 5. Allgeier played on a season-best 31 snaps, carried six times, and was limited to a season-low 12 rushing yards. However, he also ran 15 routes and established season highs in targets (three), and receptions (three).
Allgeier remains a valuable insurance policy for anyone who has Robinson contained on their rosters. He would also become a highly productive resource if Robinson is forced to the sideline during the upcoming weeks.
Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens - 31% Rostered
Justice Hill’s sustained role as Baltimore’s pass-catching back remains unquestioned entering Week 6. Hill has now run 78 routes while garnering a 17.3% target share. Hill has also collected at least six targets and six receptions during two of his matchups, while also eclipsing 50+ receiving yards twice during that span.
He is now sixth among all backs in targets (20), sixth in receptions (17), and third in receiving yards (169) since Week 1. He has also accrued those numbers even though his target and reception totals in Week 5 were the lowest since the Ravens’ season opener.
Hill led Baltimore’s backfield with 41 snaps, ran 15 routes, and was targeted twice by Lamar Jackson when Baltimore visited Cincinnati. Hill also carried five times and assembled 17 rushing yards in Week 5, which expanded his season-long numbers to 19 attempts/93 yards.
Hill’s current workload would expand significantly if Henry became unavailable for any reason during the upcoming weeks. The eventual return of Keaton Mitchell could impact Hill’s usage and output later this season. However, he can still be utilized as an RB3/flex option in PPR leagues for the foreseeable future.
Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings - 28% Rostered
Ty Chandler's usage during Minnesota's first four matchups was restricted as he operated with a 28% snap share and averaged 7.0 attempts/29.3 rushing yards/1.0 target per game. However, Chandler's role as the Vikings’ RB2 behind Aaron Jones gained significance in Week 5, when Jones sustained a hip injury after playing 16 snaps.
Vikings RB Aaron Jones has a hip injury and is questionable to return.
He suffered a hip injury in week two, could be related to this. Was seen limping on the sideline. pic.twitter.com/pjlgzFxk0S
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) October 6, 2024
That quickly propelled Chandler into an expanded role, and the third-year back secured season highs in snaps (46) and carries (14), while assembling 32 rushing yards. Chandler also ran a season-best 16 routes and collected both of his targets.
Chandler has now played on 114 snaps since Week 1. He has also carried 42 times (8.4 per game), assembled 147 rushing yards (29.4 per game), run 42 routes, and captured all six of his targets.
Chandler operates with only Myles Gaskin below him on Minnesota’s depth chart. However, his prospects of functioning with sizable workloads will remain dependent on the availability of Jones, who will be supplied with additional recovery time during the Vikings’ Week 6 bye.
Fantasy managers who are utilizing Jones can elude any future roster dilemmas by adding Chandler this week. Anyone else can secure Chandler as a potential asset who can operate as an RB2/RB3 if Jones is unavailable.
Tier 3: Dark Horses - Week 6 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These Running Backs Could Emerge In Your Lineups
| Tier 3- Dark Horses | Team | Rostered |
| Roschon Johnson | Chicago Bears | 20% |
| Kendre Miller | New Orleans Saints | 6% |
| Issac Guerendo | San Francisco 49ers | 3% |
| Keaton Mitchell | Baltimore Ravens | 10% |
Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears - 20% Rostered
The recent rise in Roschon Johnson's usage and output is encouraging and it justifies adding him to your rosters. Johnson did not garner an offensive snap until Week 3 but has played on 78 snaps during Chicago’s last three contests.
The second-year back has also assembled 81 rushing yards with his 25 attempts. He has also run 39 routes, captured four of his five targets, and amassed 32 receiving yards. Johnson has also carved out a role on third downs and short-yardage situations and leads the Bears’ backfield in red zone carries (four) since Week 3,
Johnson’s expanded workload has not impacted D'Andre Swift's status as Chicago’s lead back RB1, as Swift accumulated 49 snaps, 23 touches, and 120 total yards in Week 5. However, Johnson has clearly bypassed Khalil Herbert on the Bears' depth chart, as Herbert has only registered 24 snaps since Week 1.
Johnson remains available in 80% of all leagues. He is a viable handcuff for managers who have Swift contained on their rosters and would become a resource for all other managers if Swift is sidelined for any reason during Chicago's upcoming matchups.
Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints - 6% Rostered
Kendre Miller was placed on injured reserve in late August due to his problematic hamstring. However, New Orleans has opened the 21-day practice window which has provided the opportunity for Miller to participate in practice.
The Saints will have a deadline of October 24 to place Miller on their active roster although it appears likely that he could quickly re-emerge in the team’s backfield rotation. That will position Miller to siphon a percentage of the massive workload allocated to Alvin Kamara since Week 1.
Multiple injuries (hamstring/ankle) conspired to limit Miller’s availability during his 2023 rookie season, as he played in eight games while attaining a 20% snap share, and accumulating 41 carries, 156 rushing yards, 52 routes run, and 11 targets.
OK ROOK!
Kendre Miller takes it 33 yards 🔥#Saints | 📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/unBLdUTQiB
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 8, 2023
That included his numbers in Week 18, when Miller established season highs in snap share (36%), rushing yards (73), and attempts (13) while averaging 5.6 yards per attempt.
Miller will eventually share opportunities with 29-year-old Jamaal Williams as the tandem functions in backup roles behind Kamara. However, he remains available in 94% of all leagues and could emerge as a roster asset for anyone who stashes him this week.
Isaac Guerendo, San Francisco 49ers - 2% Rostered
The motivation for adding Isaac Guerendo surrounds his role as San Francisco’s RB2. His placement directly below Jordan Mason on the 49ers’ depth chart supplies Guerendo with adjacency to a massive workload if Mason is sidelined for any reason.
That rationale is sufficient for Guerendo to be included among the recommendations in this column, even though his current numbers are unimpressive. Guerendo was limited to five snaps and one touch in Weeks 1-2 and has accumulated 24 snaps, 11 carries, and 41 rushing yards during the 49ers' last three contests -- including a season-high 22 yards in Week 5.
Guerendo’s restricted involvement is a byproduct of Kyle Shanahan’s frequent reliance on Mason. Guerendo will ascend into a similar workload if Mason is absent during any matchups while Christian McCaffrey also remains unavailable (Achilles tendinitis).
Guerendo is still attainable in 98% percent of all leagues but would become a popular target on waiver wires if he became primed to operate as San Francisco’s lead back. That supplies the incentive to bypass that obstacle by securing Guerendo this week.
Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens - 10% Rostered
Keaton Mitchell is included among this week’s recommendations even though teammate Justice Hill is also a viable addition entering Week 6. Mitchell is currently on the physically unable to perform PUP list amid his continued recovery from a torn ACL.
The timeline for his return remains uncertain. However, Mitchell provided an explosive presence before he suffered his significant knee injury, and is a candidate to secure a favorable workload whenever he does resurface.
.@_KeatonMitchell picking up where he left off❗❗❗
Tune in on FOX pic.twitter.com/8QaaVoimv3
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 12, 2023
Mitchell vaulted onto the fantasy landscape last season when he delivered a league-high 138 rushing yards (15.3 yards per attempt) in Week 9. Mitchell also averaged 8.4 yards per attempt from Weeks 9-15, and accumulated 15 forced missed tackles with his 47 attempts according to PFF.
Mitchell’s eventual return will not impact Derrick Henry’s role as the Ravens' lead back. Hill can also operate as a flex option in PPR leagues until Mitchell is infused into Baltimore’s backfield rotation. However, touches should be allocated to Mitchell upon his return and his big play potential could be beneficial to anyone who stashes him on their rosters.
Other Fantasy Football Running Backs To Consider
Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders - 51% Rostered
Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos - 20% Rostered
Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 17% Rostered
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