Running Back Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 9: Top Free Agent Adds Include Tyrone Tracy Jr., Ray Davis, Braelon Allen, Tyler Allgeier

Eight weeks of the regular season are now complete, and some of you have been able to embrace the numbers assembled by running backs on your rosters. Unfortunately, many of you have been forced to contend with an escalating number of injuries, which have often been compounded by the negative impact of substandard production, diminishing touch totals, and a collection of unexpected developments.

The unwelcome process of managing bye weeks has also re-emerged which will fuel interest in locating alternative options on the waiver wire. 22 teams will have their byes from Weeks 9-14, which includes Pittsburgh and San Francisco this week. This ensures that anyone with Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Jordan Mason, or Isaac Guerendo contained 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 8 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 9 matchups.

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Upcoming Bye Weeks

• Week 9:  Pittsburgh, San Francisco
• Week 10:  Cleveland, Green Bay, Las Vegas, Seattle
• Week 11:  Arizona, Carolina, New York Giants, Tampa Bay
• Week 12:  Atlanta, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, New Orleans, New York Jets
• Week 14: Baltimore, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, New England, Washington

Tier 1: Front-Runners - Week 9 Waiver Wire Running Backs

Prioritize These Running Backs On Waiver Wires

Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants - 52% Rostered

Tyrone Tracy Jr.'s rostership percentage has declined by 5% during the past week even though he has operated as the Giants’ lead back from Weeks 5-7. Tracy secured a 23.3% snap share from Weeks 1-4, while Devin Singletary functioned as New York’s primary back (71.9% snap share).

Tyrone Tracy Jr. is a natural when it comes to how he sees the field.
He presses downhill on duo, then is able to lose zero ground cutting back when he recognizes where No. 17 is.
The athleticism is obvious on this play, but it's the vision that stands out to me. #Giants pic.twitter.com/vp58uZQ8TH

— Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL) October 7, 2024

Singletary was sidelined in Weeks 5-6 (groin) while Tracy flourished as the Giants’ RB1. Tracy led all backs in snaps (106), while vaulting to third in rushing yards (179/89.5 per game), fourth in carries (35/17.5 per game), and 10th in yards after contact (91). Tracy also ascended to sixth in routes run (46), sixth in targets (eight), and eighth in receiving yards (58), while rising to seventh in points per game (18.4) during that span.

Singletary resurfaced in Week 7 but Tracy retained his role as New York’s lead back. Tracy attained a 67% snap share, ran 26 routes, accumulated nine touches, and generated 32 total yards.

It is conceivable that Singletary’s involvement could increase. However, Tracy has maximized his opportunities and should remain a resource for anyone who secures him for their rosters. Tracy will be the beneficiary of favorable matchups with Washington and Carolina after the Giants visit Pittsburgh on Monday Night Football.

Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills - 27% Rostered 

Ray Davis remains stationed directly below James Cook on the Bills’ depth chart and is not a candidate to confiscate Buffalo’s lead-back role from Cook. However, Davis is fourth among all backs in missed tackles forced per attempt (0.31) according to Fantasy Points Data, and has demonstrated his ability to thrive with an extensive workload.

Ray Davis -- tough running with patience and enough burst to occasionally create explosives. Looks the part as a natural complement to James Cook and capable of handling a full workload when needed.

Week 6:
- 23 touches
- 152 scrimmage yards pic.twitter.com/lUWWuUg7UW

— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) October 16, 2024

Cook was sidelined by a problematic toe in Week 6, which propelled Davis into temporary lead-back duties. Davis soared to third among all backs with a season-high 20 carries and rose to eighth with a season-best 97 rushing yards. Davis also tied for second with six carries inside the red zone, secured season highs in routes run (14), and receiving yards (55), and finished RB13 (13.2 points).

Cook recaptured his role as the Bills’ primary back when he resurfaced in Week 7. Davis has accumulated 30 snaps since Cook's return while assembling 70 rushing yards on 11 attempts. Davis has yet to attain standalone value but remains capable of delivering RB2 production if Cook is sidelined during Buffalo’s upcoming matchups. That has elevated Davis into Tier 1 of this week’s waiver wire options.

Braelon Allen, New York Jets - 41% Rostered  

Recommendations to add Braelon Allen have continued in this column even though Allen’s numbers had decreased considerably in Weeks 6 and 7.  Allen’s touches had declined after the Jets elevated head coach Jeff Ulbrich and offensive coordinator Todd Downing into their current roles.

Allen had secured a 31.1% snap share from Weeks 2-5 while amassing more rushing yards than Breece Hall (122/120) from Weeks 2-4. Allen’s snap shares plunged to 14% in Weeks 6-7, while he averaged an infinitesimal 2.5 attempts/6.0 yards per game.

TD FOR THE ROOK, @BraelonAllen 🙌#NYJvsNE on CBS & @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/nKVv6yqW6r

— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 27, 2024

However, Allen’s involvement expanded in Week 8. His 19 snaps represented his highest total since Week 5, while he also accumulated a season-high 12 attempts. He also generated 32 rushing yards and a touchdown after being limited to just 12 yards in Weeks 6-7 combined.

Allen's fluctuating touch totals have not altered his placement among the most enticing handcuffs, as he will launch into a massive workload if Breece Hall is forced to the sideline.

The surge in Allen’s numbers blends favorably with his potential to soar into RB1 territory during any absence by Hall. That provides the incentive for seizing Allen this week.

Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 38% Rostered  

The addition of Tyler Allgeier provides you with the consummate handcuff who is a proven asset when operating with a favorable workload. Allgeier has attained a 30.1% snap share while functioning as Atlanta’s RB2 behind Bijan Robinson.  However, Allgeier will vault into a significant workload if Robinson is unavailable for any reason.

Allgeier’s ability to perform effectively with sizable touch totals should also instill confidence that he can deliver RB1 output if that situation develops. This was displayed when Allgeier finished 14th among all backs in rushing yards (1,035/64.7 per game) during his 2022 rookie season. He was also ninth in yards after contact (706) and 11th in red zone attempts (39).

Allgeier was fighting to reach the end zone 👏😂

📺: #ATLvsCAR on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/nJMwEuxnGb

— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024

Allgeier has also remained effective with his opportunities since Robinson’s arrival in 2023. He is currently averaging 8.5 attempts, and 44 yards per game since Week 1, which includes his numbers in Week 8 (12 carries/33 yards). Allgeier has also secured 42.9% of Atlanta’s carries inside the five-yard line according to Fantasy Points Data.

Allgeier can be deployed as a flex as you attempt to navigate the assortment of challenges that are impacting your roster. However, he also retains the potential to thrive with a massive workload if Robinson is sidelined. Allgeier will also become a highly productive resource if that scenario transpires.

Isaac Guerendo, San Francisco 49ers - 5% Rostered

Isaac Guerendo has re-emerged as a recommended roster addition following his performance in Week 8. Jordan Mason sustained a shoulder injury which limited him to 11 snaps when San Francisco hosted Dallas. That launched Guerendo into an expanded workload in Kyle Shanahan’s offense and Guerendo capitalized by generating 85 rushing yards and a touchdown.

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 ran 21 routes, captured three of his four targets, and produced 17 yards as a receiving weapon.

Guerendo had also operated as the 49ers’ lead back in Week 6 after Mason was sidelined by an ACL sprain. Guerendo exploded for 99 rushing yards on 10 attempts while averaging a league-best 9.9 yards per attempt, and pacing all backs in rush yards over the expected (64) according to Next Gen Stats.

The 49ers now enter their bye week and will travel to Tampa Bay in Week 10. Guerendo‘s workload will be determined by the availability of Mason and Christian McCaffrey, as both veterans remain above him on San Francisco's depth chart.

However, that should not discourage you from securing Guerendo this week if you have sufficient roster space. He can erupt for significant yardage if McCaffrey and Mason are both inactive during any upcoming matchups.

Tier 2: In The Running - Week 9 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters

Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders - 60% Rostered 

The Las Vegas offense operates with numerous deficiencies, which makes it understandable to have trepidation regarding the addition of Alexander Mattison. However, Mattison has been operating with sizable workloads, and the dearth of competition for his role as the Raiders’ RB1 bolsters the likelihood that Mattison will continue to function as the team’s lead back.

Alexander Mattison goes 31 yards for the @Raiders first TD of 2024!

📺: #LVvsLAC on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/TZJ9X8R9Cm

— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2024

Mattison ascended into RB1 responsibilities in Week 5, after Zamir White sustained a groin injury. Mattison rose to fifth among all backs with 129 snaps from Weeks 5-7 and was second in attempts (52/17.3 per game). He also assembled 163 rushing yards and generated 120 yards after contact.

Mattison easily led the Raiders’ backfield in snaps (38), and attempts (14) in Week 8.  However, he was limited to just 15 rushing yards, which was his lowest total since Week 3.  He also ran 14 routes, collected all five of his targets, and assembled 29 receiving yards. Mattison has now run 74 routes since Week 5, is tied for third among backs in receptions (15), and is fifth in receiving yards 115).

Mattison’s favorable volume elevates him into consideration as a flex option if relentless roster challenges have depleted your options at running back.

Jonathon Brooks, Carolina Panthers - 63% Rostered

The rostership percentage for Jonathon Brooks remains stationed above 60% which is the usual threshold for determining which backs will be contained in this column. However, there is potential for Brooks to become a significant resource for fantasy managers before the season has concluded. That supplies the rationale for including him in Tier 2 this week.

The exact timeline for Brooks’ NFL debut remains uncertain, but he was designated to return from the non-football injury list on October 16. That launched the 21-day window for him to be activated to the Panthers roster.

Here's 3 minutes of Jonathon Brooks being an absolute beast for your timeline today pic.twitter.com/bue2kdMP1p

— Nash (@NashTalksTexas) July 25, 2023

Carolina invested a second-round selection on Brooks during the 2024 NFL Draft after he accumulated 1,479 yards (103.5 per game) and 10 touchdowns during 2023. He also registered 0.34 forced missed tackles per attempt according to PFF.

Brooks’ workload might be managed as the Panthers advance through their highly disappointing season. Chuba Hubbard could also retain a sizable workload after rising to fifth in rushing yards (593/74.1 per game), and 11th in yards after contact (287) since Week 1. However, those factors should not prevent you from pursuing Brooks, who could become a valuable late-season asset.

Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks - 51% Rostered 

Zach Charbonnet remains available in nearly 50% of all leagues, even though the second-year back has the potential to become a vital resource for fantasy managers. Charbonnet continues to operate as the unquestioned RB2 for Seattle while Kenneth Walker thrives as the Seahawks' lead back.

Charbonnet played on 23 snaps in Week 8 while accruing 24 total yards on six touches. Charbonnet remains capable of performing proficiently as a three-down back but is not a threat to Walker‘s current role. However, Charbonnet will ascend into an extensive massive workload if Walker becomes unavailable for any reason.

We have already witnessed this scenario when Walker was sidelined in Weeks 2 and 3 (oblique). Charbonnet led all backs with a 95.5% snap share in Week 2 and rose to fourth with an 85% share in Week 3. Charbonnet also accumulated 32 attempts (16.0 per game), 129 rushing yards (64.5 per game), finished fifth overall in yards after contact (113), and was sixth in points per game (21.8) during that span.

Anyone with Walker contained on their rosters should prioritize the addition of Charbonnet. All other managers should also seize him this week, as he would deliver RB1 production if Walker is inactive during Seattle’s upcoming matchups.

Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers - 44% Rostered 

Jaylen Warren currently remains available in 56% of all leagues even though his surging involvement has been encouraging during Pittsburgh’s last two contests. Warren registered a 35.5% snap share from Weeks 1-3 while averaging just 4.7 attempts/18.0 rushing yards/1.7 targets/4.4 points per game during that disappointing sequence.

Warren also encountered a knee injury that affixed him to the sideline in Weeks 4-5. However, Warren has now secured a 42.2% snap share since he resurfaced in Week 6.

Probably the biggest forgotten play last night. Facing a possible three-and-out after blocking the Jets FG, Russ is able to use his legs to escape pressure and find Jaylen Warren who does the rest.

Turned into an 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to go up 30-15 in the 4th.

Huge. pic.twitter.com/jC01p9oPYy

— Tyler Wise (@TriggeredWise) October 21, 2024

Warren has also carried 18 times (9.0 per game) and generated 51 rushing yards (25.5  per game) since Week 6, while establishing season highs in carries (12) and yardage (44) in Week 7. He also leads Pittsburgh’s backfield in routes run (27), targets (six), and receiving yards (26) during that sequence.

Cordarrelle Patterson accumulated 62 total yards and eight touches on just nine snaps before sustaining an ankle injury in Week 4. He will remain sidelined in Week 8 but will eventually re-emerge in Pittsburgh’s backfield rotation.

The prospective allocation of touches between Warren, Patterson, and Najee Harris is concerning. However, Warren can be deployed as an RB3/flex option when Pittsburgh visits Washington in Week 10.

Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers  - 12% Rostered

Kimani Vidal remains an enticing roster addition due to his involvement in a Charger offense that has embraced an unremitting commitment to the run. Vidal was selected by Los Angeles during Round 6 of last April’s NFL Draft after he assembled 1,661 rushing yards (118.6 per game) in 2023. Vidal also surged to second in yards after contact (1,056) and missed tackles forced (94) last season according to PFF.

Vidal entered Week 1 below former Ravens J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards on the Chargers' depth chart. However, Edwards was placed on injured reserve on October 12, which launched Vidal into a rotation with Dobbins.

He has now played on 46 snaps while accumulating 13 carries and 37 rushing yards during the Chargers’ last three matchups. Vidal has also run 27 routes while capturing all three of his targets and producing a touchdown.

Vidal could maintain his current workload even after Edwards resurfaces. Vidal would also ascend into a significant role if Dobbins is sidelined or is operating with a managed workload.

Vidal remains available in 88% of all leagues. That makes him an exceptional handcuff for anyone with Dobbins on their rosters. All other managers can stash him this week, as he could emerge as a valuable resource.

Tier 3: Dark Horses - Week 8 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These Running Backs Could Emerge In Your Lineups

Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 15% Rostered 

Blake Corum is among a group of backs in this week’s column who do not present standalone value but operate as the clear RB2s on their teams. Corum remains located directly below Kyren Williams on the Rams’ depth chart, which leaves him primed to launch into a sizable workload if Williams is sidelined for any reason.

Corum’s ascension into his current role was not immediate as he was a distant third in snap share (3.4%), behind Williams (84.9%), and Ronnie Rivers (11.7%) from Weeks 1-4.

However, Corum has been utilized as the Rams’ RB2 since Week 5 as Rivers has failed to register a snap. Corum has secured a 12% snap share, carried 12 times, and assembled 45 rushing yards. That includes his numbers when Los Angeles hosted Minnesota in Week 8 (10.6% snap share/four attempts/nine yards). 57.5% of Corum’s yardage has also been accumulated after contact, according to Fantasy Points Data.

Corum is a valuable insurance policy if you depend on Williams in your lineups. He is also a viable roster addition for anyone else, as he would operate with a mammoth workload in Sean McVay’s offense if Williams is sidelined for any reason.

Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears - 14% Rostered

Roschon Johnson has consistently operated as the Bears’ RB2 behind D'Andre Swift since Week 3. That positions him to seize a significant workload if Swift is inactive during any upcoming games. Johnson has now played on 103 snaps during his last five matchups, including the 17 that he accumulated when Chicago traveled to Washington in Week 8.

Johnson has also carried 32 times and assembled 95 rushing yards during that sequence. He has also run 52 routes, captured six of his eight targets, and assembled 57 yards as a pass catcher.

Johnson also played on 17 snaps in Week 8 while operating with a modest workload (two attempts/six rushing yards).

FOR THE LEAD

📺: #CHIvsWAS on CBS pic.twitter.com/Cg6OlNJyG5

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 27, 2024

However, one of those carries resulted in a one-yard touchdown. That expanded Johnson’s season-long totals to eight attempts inside the red zone, and five carries inside the 5-yard-line. Khalil Herbert has been relegated to just six offensive snaps since Week 4 as Johnson sustains his role as the Bears' unquestioned RB2.

Anyone with Swift on their rosters can prioritize Johnson as a handcuff this week. He is also a viable stash for any other managers who construct rosters in deeper leagues.

Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints - 5% Rostered

This recommendation arrives with the caveat that Kendre Miller's health should be monitored as the week progresses, due to the hamstring injury that he sustained in Week 8.

Miller had previously contended with a hamstring issue that forced his extended absence from Weeks 1-6. He emerged for his season debut in Week 7 and has operated as the Saints’ RB2 behind Alvin Kamara, who remains unchallenged as the Saints’ lead-back (68.8% snap share).

Miller has accumulated 28 snaps during his two matchups, along with nine carries and 52 rushing yards. Miller has also run 12 routes and has been targeted three times by Spencer Rattler. Miller also registered 10 snaps before departing the Saints’ Week 8 matchup with the Chargers. He had also assembled 16 rushing yards and ran four routes.

Jamaal Williams had failed to reach a 20% snap share (19.8%) from Weeks 1-7. He has also been limited to 31 snaps/five carries/21 rushing yards since Miller’s return. If Miller can achieve sustained health, he would ascend into a sizable workload if Kamara becomes unavailable for any reason. That makes Miller a viable roster stash.

Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens - 21% Rostered 

If you are solely examining Hill’s numbers as a rusher, you will be underwhelmed (3.6 attempts/14.1 yards per game). However, Hill operates as Baltimore’s primary pass-catching presence from the backfield, which provides your incentive for including him among your waiver wire targets.

Game scripts will fuel inconsistent numbers, although Hill remains a viable flex option in PPR leagues. Hill has also ascended to sixth among all backs in receiving yards (229), 11th in receptions (22). and is 13th in targets (25). He has also accrued 40+ receiving yards three times and has run 109 routes during his involvement as a receiving weapon.

Hill has also attained a 40.9% route share (routes run per team dropback) according to Fantasy Points Data. Hill also accumulated 34 snaps and ran 21 routes in Week 8, while collecting his only target.

Hill would also ascend into a sizable workload if Henry would be forced to the sideline.  His viability as a handcuff could be altered when Keaton Mitchell emerges from his extended recovery. That does not eliminate Hill as a flex option if you are searching for a back to utilize in PPR leagues.

Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens - 8% Rostered

Keaton Mitchell is also included among this week’s recommendations even though teammate Justice Hill is also a viable addition entering Week 9. Mitchell is currently on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list in the aftermath of the torn ACL that he sustained last December. However, the Ravens initiated Mitchell’s three-week practice window on October 23.  

.@_KeatonMitchell back on the practice field 💜 pic.twitter.com/KGpLgHPyh9

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 23, 2024

This also opened a 21-day window for Baltimore to officially activate him from the PUP list. Mitchell should secure touches on a weekly basis whenever he does resurface.

Undrafted rookie RB Keaton Mitchell goes 40 yards for the TD!

📺: #SEAvsBAL on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/d4RDZpcMkc pic.twitter.com/HlueqI7aeJ

— NFL (@NFL) November 5, 2023

Mitchell vaulted onto the fantasy landscape last season when he delivered a league-high 138 rushing yards on nine carries (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 workload while Hill could also sustain his current role. However, Mitchell provided an explosive presence in Baltimore’s backfield before he suffered his significant knee injury and his big play potential could be beneficial to anyone who stashes him on their rosters.

Other Fantasy Football Running Backs To Consider

Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 11% Rostered 

D'Ernest Johnson, Jacksonville Jaguars - 5% Rostered 

Chris Brooks, Green Bay Packers - 0% Rostered

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