RADIO
We have arrived at the threshold of another long-awaited NFL regular season, as the first kickoff of Week 1 is rapidly approaching. The collective euphoria that engulfs the fantasy football community in anticipation of season openers for all 32 teams is also fueled by the first opportunity to evaluate the players you assembled on your rosters.
This represents the next step in a process that began when you planned your initial draft strategies and adjusted your priorities after developments in free agency, the NFL Draft, and training camps made repeated modifications to the fantasy landscape. That includes the decision-making process that transpired when you infused running backs into your rosters.
Unfortunately, many of you are destined to contend with injuries, uninspiring performances, and other unwanted issues that impact the production of your backs. However, this column will help you navigate those challenges by locating the best backs that are available on each week's waiver wire. These fantasy football waiver wire pickups and recommendations will appear in three tiers as you manage your rosters for Week 1 and will be updated as news develops before the opening kickoffs. Good luck in your Week 1 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 1 Waiver Wire Running Backs
Prioritize These Running Backs On Waiver Wires
| Tier 1 Pickups | Team | Rostered |
| Blake Corum | Los Angeles Rams | 64% |
| Jaleel McLaughlin | Denver Broncos | 29% |
| Chuba Hubbard | Carolina Panthers | 58% |
| Jordan Mason | San Francisco 49ers | 17% |
| Jaylen Wright | Miami Dolphins | 21% |
Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 64% Rostered
Kyren Williams is Kyren Williams, but Blake Corum could be anything. He could even be Kyren Williams! pic.twitter.com/DkWsBjvygV
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) August 15, 2024
This column will predominantly focus on running backs that remain available in at least 40% of all Yahoo leagues. However, an exception will be made due to the surging discussion surrounding Blake Corum.
He was the third running back to be selected during April’s NFL Draft when the Rams secured him in Round 3 (83rd overall). That has placed him in a favorable situation as he is capable of securing a role in Sean McVay’s offense despite the presence of Kyren Williams.
Corum attained the highest career grade among members of his rookie class from PFF following his 2022 season (96.2). His grade declined to 84.0 during 2023, although the 27 touchdowns that he stockpiled last season led all running backs. He also secured a first down or touchdown on over 35% of his carries during 2022-2023, according to PFF.
Corum’s prospects of ascending beyond a complementary role have been a source of debate during the offseason. Now, his arrival appears destined to prevent Williams from operating with the massive workload that seemed inevitable before the NFL Draft. That scenario appears imminent after McVay stated that Williams would return punts for Los Angeles.
Rams RB Blake Corum is SHIFTY 😳
pic.twitter.com/WnykSgkwfQ— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) June 30, 2024
Corum also retains a clear path to a workhorse role if Williams is sidelined for any reason during the year. That cements Corum as a top priority for anyone who has invested in Williams and elevates him among this week's premier options for all other managers.
Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos - 29% Rostered
Jaleel McLaughlin secured his place within the fantasy landscape after entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023. McLaughlin’s explosiveness and big-play capabilities also provide the potential for him to function effectively as a dual-threat weapon, which should propel him to an ongoing role in Sean Payton’s offense.
Smooth escape route by Jaleel McLaughlin
📺: #NYJvsDEN on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/LxW25sxPWA pic.twitter.com/x9IXxx8hFn— NFL (@NFL) October 8, 2023
McLaughlin tied for 12th among all backs with 75+ carries in explosive run percentage (5.3%) last season and finished 15th in explosive yards percentage (27.6%) according to Fantasy Points Data.
McLaughlin was also 19th overall in rushing yards (248/49.6 per game/7.8 per attempt) and soared to second in yards per attempt (7.8) from Weeks 4-8. He also tied for the league lead in runs of 20+ (four), even though he was also 40th in carries (32/6.4 per game) and operated with a 26.3% snap share.
McLaughlin will not ascend into feature-back responsibilities as Javonte Williams will operate as the Broncos RB1. However, that does not preclude targeting him among this week’s options. McLaughlin can be a valuable resource while functioning in a backfield that no longer contains Samaje Perine, as he can erupt for sizable yardage whenever he touches the ball.
Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers - 58% Rostered
Chuba Hubbard remains available in 42% of all leagues, even though he can provide you with a short-term starting option on your rosters. Hubbard operated as Carolina’s lead back last season after confiscating that role from the woefully inefficient Miles Sanders in Week 5. He also vaulted to third overall in attempts from Weeks 6-18 (203/16.9 per game) while rising to 10th in yardage (748/62.3 per game).
| Weeks 6-18 | Attempts | Att/Gm | Yards | Yards/Gm | YAC |
| Saquon Barkley | 218 | 18.2 | 848 | 70.7 | 584 |
| Rachaad White | 209 | 16.1 | 784 | 60.3 | 507 |
| Chuba Hubbard | 203 | 16.9 | 748 | 62.3 | 477 |
| Derrick Henry | 194 | 16.2 | 839 | 69.9 | 590 |
| Najee Harris | 192 | 16 | 788 | 65.7 | 531 |
| Devin Singletary | 189 | 15.8 | 803 | 66.9 | 455 |
| Javonte Williams | 179 | 14.9 | 636 | 53 | 487 |
| James Cook | 176 | 14.7 | 830 | 69.2 | 450 |
| Christian McCaffrey | 173 | 15.7 | 949 | 86.3 | 521 |
| Joe Mixon | 173 | 14.4 | 706 | 58.8 | 415 |
Hubbard also established career highs in attempts (238/14.0 per game), rushing yards (902/53.1 per game), and red-zone carries (36) from Weeks 1-18 while surpassing his previous bests in routes run (294), targets (44/2.6 per game), and receiving yards (233/13.7 per game).
Chuba Hubbard's 2nd TD of the game
📺: #CARvsTB on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/xvCjbLUIcN pic.twitter.com/17zvSko5bD— NFL (@NFL) December 3, 2023
Hubbard was positioned to sustain his role as the primary back in head coach Dave Canales’ reconstructed offense after Carolina abstained from signing another back during free agency. However, the landscape was altered when the Panthers seized elusive newcomer Jonathon Brooks in Round 2 of April’s NFL Draft.
Carolina is leaving rookie RB Jonathon Brooks on the PUP/NFI list, which means he is ineligible to be active during the first four games of the season, per league sources. pic.twitter.com/rU3AD4la3u
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 27, 2024
Brooks is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which ensures that he will miss Carolina's first four matchups. He should eventually surpass Hubbard on the Panthers' depth chart once he has recovered from the torn ACL that he suffered in November.
Hubbard will function as Carolina's lead back until Brooks resurfaces and will continue in that capacity if Brooks is performing with a restricted workload. That supplies your opportunity to secure Hubbard as a temporary RB3/flex option if you add him this week.
Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers - 17% Rostered
The concept of seizing Christian McCaffrey's handcuff is easy to embrace, as San Francisco’s RB2 is firmly positioned to confiscate an extensive workload if McCaffrey is suddenly forced to the sideline. Jordan Mason has emerged as the back that will operate in that capacity, following the placement of Elijah Mitchell on season-ending injured reserve.
49ers placed RB Elijah Mitchell on the season-ending injured reserve list.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 27, 2024
Mitchell’s hamstring issue has perpetuated his history of recurrent health problems while launching Mason into Mitchell’s previous role as direct backup to the 28-year-old McCaffrey. Mitchell has been unavailable in 24 different matchups during his three years with the 49ers. That includes Week 5 last season when Mitchell was sidelined by a knee issue.
Mason generated 69 yards and averaged 6.9 yards per attempt during that contest, which established career highs in both categories. Mason has also averaged 5.6 yards per attempt during his first two seasons. His grade of 93.0 from PFF during 2022 and 2023 was also the highest among all backs with 180+ snaps during that two-year sequence.
Jordan Mason in for six!
📺: #SFvsLV on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/bnW9s1HufC— NFL (@NFL) August 24, 2024
Mason does not deliver standalone value, but that does not diminish the importance of securing him if McCaffrey is contained on your rosters. Mason will deliver RB1 output for all other managers if he elevates into a featured role. That entrenches Mason among the most critical handcuffs to seize from the Week 1 waiver wire.
Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins - 21% Rostered
Jaylen Wright in his NFL debut:
🐬 10 carries
🐬 55 yards
🐬 5.5 YPC
🐬 20 yards after contact
🐬 1 TD pic.twitter.com/irBKezVlv3— PFF MIA Dolphins (@PFF_Dolphins) August 11, 2024
Jaylen Wright has been infused into a potent Miami offense that led the NFL in total offense (401.3 yards per game), finished second in scoring (29.2 points per game), and rose to sixth in rushing (135.8 yards per game) during 2023.
Wright accumulated 283 carries (11.3 per game) and 1,888 rushing yards (75.5 per game) during his final two seasons at the collegiate level. He now enters the NFL with an enticing blend of speed, agility, and explosiveness while possessing the potential to erupt for sizable gains.
Wright also generated 1,013 yards (84.4 per game) on 137 attempts (11.4 per attempt) in 2023 while averaging 4.35 yards after contact per attempt and generating 15+ yards on 19 of his carries, according to PFF.
Jaylen Wright finished the preseason VERY STRONG ‼️💪
➖ 7 CAR
➖ 36 YDS
➖ 4 REC
➖ 41 YDS #GoFins pic.twitter.com/aJuLqaD9YA— Bobby Shouse (@B_Shousejr) August 24, 2024
He can function proficiently in Mike McDaniel’s wide zone rushing scheme whenever he receives an opportunity. His involvement in the Dolphins’ backfield rotation will be restricted initially, as he will be operating within a depth chart that also contains De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert.
However, he will instantly emerge as a valuable asset for fantasy managers if Achane or Mostert are sidelined at any point during the season. He would also skyrocket into WR1 territory if he launches into a massive workload. That should incentivize you to secure Wright for your rosters this week.
Tier 2: In The Running - Week 1 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters
| Tier 2 Pickups | Team | Rostered |
| Ray Davis | Buffalo Bills | 15% |
| Bucky Irving | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 14% |
| Tyler Allgeier | Atlanta Falcons | 35% |
| Zach Charbonnet | Seattle Seahawks | 51% |
| MarShawn Lloyd | Green Bay Packers | 15% |
Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills - 15% Rostered
Ray Davis became the eighth running back to be selected during April’s NFL Draft when Buffalo secured him in Round 4 (128th overall). That has positioned him to seize a role as the Bills RB2 behind James Cook.
Davis is a physical and decisive runner who possesses good vision. He accumulated 3,626 yards during his collegiate career, including the 1,129/86.8 per game that he assembled at Kentucky in 2023. He also generated 751 yards after contact and registered 51 missed tackles forced, according to PFF.
Davis also collected 33 of his 40 targets and assembled 323 yards (24.8 per game) as a receiving weapon. He also accrued 60 rushing yards on 13 carries during the preseason (4.6 per attempt), even though he did not register a snap during the Bills' final matchup.
very easy to fall in like with Ray Davis pic.twitter.com/j5BefQ40Y0
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) August 19, 2024
Davis's capabilities as a three-down back will not launch him above Cook on Buffalo’s depth chart. However, he is a candidate to earn opportunities in short-yardage and goal-line situations and is capable of operating effectively as a receiving weapon.
Davis can also become a viable starting option if Cook is forced to the sideline during the season. Davis is also available in 85% of all leagues, which launches the promising rookie among this week's most enticing options on the waiver wire.
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 14% Rostered
Bucky Irving operates with physicality, purpose, and sufficient elusiveness to carve out a role at the NFL level. He has also surfaced in an environment where his capabilities as a downhill runner will facilitate a navigable path toward collecting touches in offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s reshaped offense.
Irving rushed for nearly 3,000 yards (2,937) throughout his collegiate career while eclipsing 1,000+ in 2022 (1,058/81.4 per game) and 2023 (1,180/84.3 per game) during his two seasons with Oregon.
Irving also carried 475 times (12.2 per game, including 186/13.3 per game) last season. He also captured 87 of his 105 targets and assembled 712 receiving yards in 2022-2023. Irving also attained PFF's highest rushing grade in 2022-2023 among FBS backs (96.1) and was second in missed tackles forced per attempt (0.40) during that span.
21 preseason Bucky Irving opportunities (rush+targets) and then 5 preseason Bucky pass blocking snaps: pic.twitter.com/4KZ15AIl5m
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) August 26, 2024
Irving also accrued 80 yards with his 18 carries during the preseason while generating a five-yard touchdown.
Bucky Irving gets the @Buccaneers on the board!
📱: Stream #TBvsCIN on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/QmESgHNX5U
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2024
Irving's ability to locate gaps and burst for yardage should compel Coen to include him in the Buccaneers' allocation of touches. Irving’s value would also rise if Rachaad White is sidelined for any reason.
That elevates Irving into consideration as an insurance policy for anyone who has invested in White. It also presents him as a legitimate option for all other managers to secure for their rosters, as he could bolster your scoring this season.
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 35% Rostered
If Bijan Robinson is contained on your rosters, you may not be enamored with the concept of Tyler Allgeier retaining a weekly workload following the departure of Arthur Smith.
However, Cordarrelle Patterson has been extracted from the equation after reuniting with Smith in Pittsburgh, and Allgeier should remain involved in the Falcons’ renovated attack under offensive coordinator Zac Robinson.
GO OFF, TYLER ALLGEIER!
His 75-yard catch and run ends in a touchdown, with help from some key blocks.
Longest play of the season for the #Falcons, and it's a 14-7 ballgame. pic.twitter.com/dckS93AU4P
— Kelly Price (@thekellyprice) December 31, 2023
Allgeier finished 25th overall in rushing attempts during 2023 (186) while averaging 10.9 per game. He also carried at least 10 times during eight of his matchups while forcing 39 missed tackles. 71% of his yards were generated after contact, which was the fourth-highest percentage among backs with 150+ carries, according to Fantasy Points Data.
Allgeier was also 21st in red-zone attempts and secured 40% of the Falcons' carries inside the 5-yard line, according to Fantasy Points Data. He was also targeted on 21.3% of his 108 routes while averaging 1.79 yards per route run.
Tyler Allgeier takes it 31-yards to the house and the @AtlantaFalcons lead 20-7! 💨
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/Zz79WJiFQD
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 24, 2023
Allgeier would become a valuable resource if (Bijan) Robinson were suddenly affixed to the sideline, as he would deliver RB1 output while flourishing in an expanded role. That retains Allgeier's place among the most effective handcuffs that remain available on your waiver wires.
Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks - 51% Rostered
The Seahawks’ investment in Kenneth Walker III during the 2022 NFL Draft (41st overall) did not preclude the team from securing Zach Charbonnet in Round 2 of the 2023 draft (52nd overall).
However, Charbonnet’s capabilities as a three-down back also failed to alter Walker’s status as Seattle’s lead back. Walker finished 20th in points per game (13.3) and sixth in runs of 20+ yards, although he also experienced declines in attempts per game (15.2/14.6), yards per attempt (4.6/4.1), yards after contact per attempt (1.9/1.6), and red-zone attempts (51/38) when contrasted with his numbers during 2022.
What if I told you Zach Charbonnet had nearly identical draft capital to KWIII, played 48% of snaps as a rookie with a better success rate as a rusher and receiver, has a new HC/OC who plan to be more up tempo, yet is still being drafted over 6 rounds later than his teammate? pic.twitter.com/1oqQuc8xbW
— Kyle Lindemann (@LuckIsMadeFF) July 10, 2024
Charbonnet did attain a 58% snap share from Weeks 10-18 while averaging 8.4 carries/32.4 rushing yards per game. He also paced Seattle’s backfield in routes run (182), targets (28/3.1 per game), receptions (24/2.7 per game), and receiving yards (157/17.4 per game).
However, it is Charbonnet’s contingent upside that supplies the incentive for adding him to your rosters. He secured a 77.4% snap share and averaged 19.7 touches/75.3 total yards/13.2 points from Weeks 11-13 while Walker was sidelined with an oblique injury.
Charbonnet also rose to sixth in rushing attempts (48/16 per game) and 10th in both targets (12/4.0 per game) and receiving yards (72/24 per game) during those matchups. He will garner another extensive workload if Walker is absent during the season and could deliver RB2 production to managers if that situation occurs.
MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers - 15% Rostered
MarShawn Lloyd possesses the potential to operate effectively as a three-down back at the NFL level. Lloyd’s favorable blend of speed, agility, and vision also propelled him to 1,626 rushing yards (50.8 per game) and 19 touchdowns on 291 attempts (9.1 per game) during his collegiate career.
TOUCHDOWN MarShawn Lloyd❕✌🏼#USC leads 14-7 in the 1st Qtr
🎥 @On3USC #FightOn pic.twitter.com/MTnoxLIumc
— Scott Schrader (@SSchraderOn3) September 2, 2023
He also supplemented those rushing numbers by collecting 34 of his 56 targets and generating 452 yards (14.1 per game) as a receiver. Lloyd also paced all draft-eligible backs in missed tackles per attempt (0.41) and averaged 4.0 yards after contact, according to PFF. He later completed the 40-yard dash in 4.46 at the NFL Combine, which placed him sixth among all backs.
Lloyd was absent during Green Bay’s first six practices at training camp as he contended with a hip injury. He later suffered a hamstring issue during the Packers’ preseason opener, which further delayed his opportunity to earn a role in their backfield behind Josh Jacobs.
However, Lloyd has eluded the additional setback of beginning the season on injured reserve, while A.J. Dillon was placed on season-ending injured reserve due to his neck issue. That has expedited Lloyd’s process for operating with a favorable workload in the Packers’ backfield rotation. Lloyd can already be pursued on your waiver wire as a handcuff to Jacobs, and he could steadily progress toward standalone value as the season advances.
Tier 3: Dark Horses - Week 1 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These Running Backs Could Emerge In Your Lineups
| Tier 3 Pickups | Team | Rostered |
| Ty Chandler | Minnesota Vikings | 35% |
| Rico Dowdle | Dallas Cowboys | 47% |
| Tyrone Tracy Jr. | New York Giants | 7% |
| Braelon Allen | New York Jets | 11% |
| Kimani Vidal | Los Angeles Chargers | 11% |
Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings - 35% Rostered
Ty Chandler is located directly below Aaron Jones on Minnesota’s depth chart as he enters his third season. This continues his career ascension that began in 2023.
Chandler was relegated to just 12 offensive snaps as a rookie in 2022 and was limited to 34 snaps from Weeks 1-9 last season. However, his workload expanded considerably in Week 10 due to Alexander Mattison's ineffectiveness while he was deployed as the Vikings lead back.
Mattison was sixth in snaps (377/65.6% share) and 11th in carries (122/13.6 per game) from Weeks 1-9. However, he also averaged 3.6 yards per attempt and finished just 20th in rushing yards (434/48.2 per game) during that span.
| Weeks 10-18 | Snap % | Att/Gm | Yards/Gm | YAC | TDs | PPG |
| Ty Chandler | 51.6 | 11.8 | 52.4 | 248 | 3 | 10.9 |
| Alexander Mattison | 40.1 | 8.3 | 38 | 192 | 0 | 5 |
That provided a path for Chandler to seize an expanded workload from Weeks 10-18 as he led Minnesota’s backfield in snaps (260/51.6% share), rushing attempts (94/11.8 per game), and rushing yards (419/52.4 per game). 25.8% of Chandler's yards were assembled on explosive runs, which placed him 18th among all backs, according to Fantasy Points Data.
Chandler would also attain lead-back duties if the 29-year-old Jones is affixed to the sideline at any point during the season. This makes Chandler an exceptional safeguard if you have invested in Jones and a viable roster addition for all other managers.
Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys - 47% Rostered
Hello Rico Dowdlepic.twitter.com/sWVko8e2tt
— Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB) August 4, 2024
Rico Dowdle was signed as an undrafted free agent by Dallas in 2020. Multiple injuries contributed to his lack of involvement from 2020 to 2022, as he only accumulated 19 offensive snaps, seven touches, and 24 total yards during that sequence.
Dowdle achieved sustained health during 2023 while securing an ongoing role as the Cowboys RB2 behind Tony Pollard. Dowdle easily surpassed his previous season highs in attempts (89 5.6 per game) and rushing yards (361/22.6 per game), while 69.5% of his yards were generated after contact, according to Fantasy Points Data.
Dowdle was also targeted on 21.6% of his 102 routes and averaged 1.41 yards per route run. His most productive sequence was constructed from Weeks 10-14 when he generated 174 yards and 34.8 per game with his 40 attempts (8.0 per game).
Who’s holding a Rico Dowdle first touchdown ticket?
pic.twitter.com/MQRxGAoiEn— Barstool Gambling (@stoolgambling) November 23, 2023
Dowdle is now primed to operate in a backfield that will also contain Ezekiel Elliott and the newly signed Dalvin Cook. However, Dowdle could ultimately emerge with a larger workload than the 29-year-old Elliott as the season progresses.
Cook also registered career lows in yards per attempt (3.2) and yards after contact per attempt (1.3) with the Jets and Ravens in 2023 while failing to provide any discernible sign that he can still function as an effective back. Dowdle is available in over 50% of all leagues and remains the preferred option to target among members of the Dallas backfield.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants - 7% Rostered
Tyrone Tracy Jr. has surfaced among the most intriguing options from this year’s rookie class. He was selected 166th overall by the Giants during April’s NFL Draft but is now positioned to outperform the expectations of that fifth-round draft selection.
Tracy operated as a wide receiver at Iowa, where he assembled 589 yards on 36 receptions in 2019. He later transferred to Purdue, where he became a full-time running back before his senior year.
Tracy accumulated a career-high 716 yards and averaged 6.3 yards per attempt during 2023. He also led all members of his 2024 class in missed tackles forced per attempt since 2022 (0.41) and yards after contact per attempt (4.4), according to PFF.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. nice run pic.twitter.com/jEqLF3e3CK
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) August 8, 2024
Tracy should begin the season as the direct backup to Devin Singletary. However, Tracy should garner opportunities as both a rusher and receiving weapon as HC Brian Daboll adjusts his strategic approach to maximize the skills of his most critical weapons.
Tracy will also have a sizable workload if Singletary is inactive during the season. He remains available in over 90% of all leagues and has elevated among this week's top options on the waiver wire.
Braelon Allen, New York Jets - 11% Rostered
Braelon Allen Every Play from #Jets vs #Commanders pic.twitter.com/NMcA2UwXj7
— JetsTalk24/7 (@JetsTalk247) August 10, 2024
Braelon Allen was the 10th back to be selected during April’s NFL Draft when the Jets secured him in Round 4 (134th overall). He has now emerged as the Jets RB2 behind Breece Hall while ascending above Isaiah Davis, Israel Abanikanda, and Xazavian Valladay on New York’s depth chart.
Allen does not lurk as a threat to Hall’s integral role with the Jets. However, he has vaulted among this week’s most viable handcuff options for managers who have invested in Hall.
Allen accumulated 3,494 rushing yards in three seasons at the collegiate level. He also eclipsed 1,240+ twice during his tenure and generated 35 touchdowns on the ground. Allen also secured a PFF grade of 85.9 from 2021-2023, which ranks 18th among 30 Power Five running backs with 1,000+ offensive snaps during that span.
Allen would ascend into a sizable workload if Hall misses any matchups and Allen’s value would skyrocket if that scenario occurs. The addition of Allen will help you evade a crisis if Hall is contained on your roster. Allen is also a viable stash for anyone who is operating with deeper benches.
Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers - 11% Rostered
Kimani Vidal has been placed in a favorable environment as the arrival of Jim Harbaugh in Los Angeles has fueled a transition toward a steadfast commitment to the run.
Vidal will compete for touches with former Ravens Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins. However, the Chargers’ restructured offensive approach under Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman presents Vidal with an opportunity to secure an ongoing role as the team maintains a consistent reliance on its rushing attack.
| Running Back | School | Attempts | Att/Gm | YardsAtt |
| Kimani Vidal | Troy | 297 | 21.2 | 5.6 |
| Tahj Brooks | Texas Tech | 290 | 22.3 | 5.3 |
| Ollie Gordon II | Oklahoma State | 285 | 20.4 | 6.1 |
| Cody Schrader | Missouri | 276 | 21.2 | 5.9 |
| Marcus Carroll | Georgia State | 274 | 22.8 | 4.9 |
| Quinshon Judkins | Ole Miss | 271 | 20.8 | 4.3 |
| Makhi Hughes | Tulane | 258 | 18.4 | 5.3 |
| Blake Corum | Michigan | 258 | 17.2 | 4.8 |
| Running Back | School | Yards | Yards/Gm | 100+ |
| Ollie Gordon II | Oklahoma State | 1732 | 123.7 | 9 |
| Kimani Vidal | Troy | 1661 | 118.6 | 7 |
| Cody Schrader | Missouri | 1627 | 125.2 | 9 |
| Tahj Brooks | Texas Tech | 1538 | 118.3 | 8 |
| Omarion Hampton | North Carolina | 1504 | 115.7 | 7 |
| RJ Harvey | UCF | 1416 | 108.9 | 7 |
| Quinton Cooley | Liberty | 1401 | 100.1 | 7 |
| Peny Boone | Toledo | 1400 | 107.7 | 8 |
| Makhi Hughes | Tulane | 1378 | 98.4 | 7 |
Vidal accumulated 781 carries during four seasons at Troy University and paced all backs with 297 attempts (21.2 per game) during 2023. He also soared to second in rushing yards (1,661/118.6 per game) while rising to second in yards after contact (1,056) and missed tackles forced (94), according to PFF.
Los Angeles Chargers sixth-round rookie RB Kimani Vidal:
- 28 of 49 rushing yards gained after contact
- Three avoided tackles, per @TruMediaSportsSome tough running on display in his preseason debut. pic.twitter.com/EvmyUMD3VB
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) August 18, 2024
Edwards could approach last year’s career-high 198 attempts (11.6 per game). However, he is 29, and registered career-lows in yards per attempt (4.1) and yards after contact per attempt (1.8). Edwards has also accumulated 37 targets and 30 receptions since 2018, and his involvement as a receiver will remain minimal.
Dobbins is positioned to reclaim relevance within the fantasy landscape after protracted injuries have limited him to just nine games since 2020.
The Chargers’ run-oriented attack and the absence of elite talent within their backfield provide Vidal with a navigable path to accumulate carries and deliver fantasy points this season.
Other Fantasy Football Running Backs To Consider
Antonio Gibson, New England Patriots - 26% Rostered
Antonio Gibson is not looming as a threat to Rhamondre Stevenson’s role as New England’s primary back. However, Gibson is also just one injury removed from soaring into a significant workload.
Sione Vaki, Detroit Lions - 0% Rostered
Sione Vaki could emerge in the Lions’ backfield rotation if Jahmyr Gibbs or David Montgomery fail to elude injuries during the season.
Carson Steele, Kansas City Chiefs - 3% Rostered
Carson Steele rocketed to relevance following his preseason performances and appeared to be approaching an RB2 role before the Chiefs signed Samaje Perine. However, Steele remains an intriguing option for managers in deeper leagues.
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