RADIO
Phil Clark's fantasy football running back waiver wire pickups for Week 14 of the 2023 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream, and stash off waivers.
We have now progressed into reconstructing rosters and planning lineups for Week 14. The numbers that have been assembled by running backs during the first 13 weeks of the season have fueled a variety of emotions for all fantasy managers. Unfortunately, some of you have been contending with underwhelming results due to injuries, inefficient performances, and production-inhibiting committees.
The unwelcome process of managing bye weeks is nearly complete, although some fantasy managers will encounter one last impactful challenge with the absence of players from Washington and Arizona. This ensures that anyone with James Conner, Brian Robinson Jr., or Antonio Gibson contained on their rosters will have to avoid starting those backs this week.
The recommendations in this week's article will appear in three tiers, beginning with the most enticing and progressing to options for managers who are struggling with desperation. You will also find a group of backs that can be dropped in order for you to secure your replacements. You can also explore all of this week's fantasy football waiver wire pickups that are designed to help you maximize the scoring potential of your rosters.
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Upcoming NFL Bye Weeks
- Week 14: Arizona, Washington
Frontrunners - Week 14 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs should be your top priorities among the options that are available on most waiver wires.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 34% Rostered
Tyjae Spears' enticing potential to erupt for big plays has sustained his presence in this column throughout the season. It has also provided the rationale for adding him to rosters in all leagues, as the explosive rookie has remained fully capable of accumulating sizable yardage if his role were to expand at any time during the year.
This scenario transpired in Week 13 when Derrick Henry was sidelined with a head injury during the fourth quarter of Tennessee’s matchup with Indianapolis. That launched Spears into lead back responsibilities and he capitalized by accumulating 88 total yards with his 20 touches.
That includes Spears’ involvement as a rusher, as he established season-highs in carries (16) and rushing yards (75). Spears also ran 26 routes, while capturing four of his six targets and generating 13 yards as a receiving weapon.
Spears has now played on 369 snaps since Week 1 while accumulating 66 rushing attempts and assembling 329 rushing yards. However, it is his potential to operate as the RB1 for the Titans (if Henry remains unavailable) that has launched Spears atop the list of this week’s priorities from the waiver wire.
Ezekiel Elliott, New England Patriots- 40% Rostered
Ezekiel Elliott had already secured an ongoing role as the RB2 for New England before Week 13. He could now ascend into lead back duties for the Patriots depending upon the health of Rhamondre Stevenson.
Elliott will enter Week 14 having accumulated 287 snaps, along with 112 rushing attempts and 429 rushing yards. That includes his numbers from Week 10-12 when Elliott averaged 11 attempts/50 rushing yards per game.
Elliott’s involvement expanded when New England hosted the Chargers in Week 13 after Stevenson sustained an ankle injury. Elliott operated with a season-high 17 rushing attempts and generated 52 yards. The eight-year veteran also ran 18 routes, collected four of his five targets, and accrued a season-high 40 receiving yards.
Stevenson’s status should be monitored as the week progresses. However, Elliott appears destined to operate with a sizable workload when the Patriots travel to Pittsburgh on Thursday. He remains available in 60% of all leagues and has now vaulted among this week’s top options from the waiver wire.
Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens - 57% Rostered
Keaton Mitchell was allotted just 14 snaps and nine rushing attempts in Week 9. However, he capitalized on his opportunity and was propelled onto the fantasy landscape by his big-play capabilities.
Mitchell erupted for 138 rushing yards during that memorable matchup, including a 60-yard burst and a 40-yard touchdown. He also averaged 15.3 yards per attempt.
Mitchell has now accumulated 78 snaps during his four games in Baltimore’s backfield rotation while rising to the team lead in rushing yards (269/67.3 per game) and averaging 9.3 yards per attempt. He has also assembled a league-high five rushes of 20+ yards during that sequence.
That includes Mitchell’s numbers in Week 12, when he led Baltimore‘s backfield in snaps (32/46.4% share), rushing attempts (nine), rushing yards (64), and averaged 7.1 yards per attempt.
Mitchell’s performances have positioned the electric rookie to operate with a sizable percentage of the touches that are distributed within the Ravens’ backfield. That blends with his home-run potential to elevate him among the backs to prioritize from this week's waiver wire.
In The Running - Week 14 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs remain available on the waiver wire and could become resources for your rosters.
Antonio Gibson, Washington Commanders - 55% Rostered
Antonio Gibson has shared touches with Brian Robinson Jr. throughout the regular season, which has placed unavoidable constraints on his ability to accumulate yardage and fantasy points during each matchup.
His involvement as both a rusher and a receiving weapon still sustained his presence among the potential flex options for anyone who was constructing rosters in PPR leagues. Particularly for managers who were contending with depleted options at running back. That also remains intact as the Commanders enter their bye week. However, Gibson’s workload could also expand, depending on the health of Robinson.
Gibson accumulated 31 snaps and a season-high 10 carries when Washington hosted Miami in Week 13, as Robinson sustained a hamstring issue during the matchup. Gibson also accrued 35 rushing yards, ran 17 routes, and produced 37 yards as a pass-catcher. Since Week 5, Gibson has now played on 242 snaps and leads Washington’s backfield with 162 routes, 39 targets, and 291 receiving yards.
Robinson’s status should be monitored as the Commanders progress through their bye week. He could share touches with Chris Rodriguez Jr. if Robinson is sidelined. However, that should not deter anyone from including Gibson among their waiver wire targets, as he could emerge as a valuable roster resource upon his return.
Chase Brown, Cincinnati Brown - 1% Rostered
Chase Brown was the 10th back to be selected during the 2023 NFL Draft when Cincinnati secured him in Round 5 (163rd overall). Brown’s involvement within the Bengals’ offense had been minuscule from Weeks 1-12, as he only played on eight snaps (2.3% share), was limited to just two carries, and manufactured six rushing yards.
A hamstring injury resulted in his placement on injured reserve while contributing to his infinitesimal involvement. However, Brown was infused into the Bengals’ backfield equation in Week 13. He accumulated 11 snaps (15.3% share), accrued nine rushing attempts, and generated 61 yards on the ground. He also averaged 6.8 yards per attempt.
Chase Brown finally getting a shot to show the league what he can do 🙌
pic.twitter.com/oNkdSvJEJe— Barstool Illini (@BarstoolILL) December 5, 2023
Brown was also involved from the onset of Cincinnati’s matchup in Jacksonville, as he registered multiple rushing attempts on the Bengals’ initial drive. Joe Mixon will remain the lead back while commandeering the largest workload during the Bengals' remaining matchups.
However, Brown‘s effectiveness against the Jaguars should sustain his involvement in the touches that are distributed within Cincinnati’s backfield. That should encourage you to include him among your waiver wire targets.
D'Ernest Johnson, Jacksonville Jaguars - 11% Rostered
D’Ernest Johnson’s surging usage and output since Week 10 have not propelled him to standalone value. However, he has cemented his status as a viable handcuff, while continuing to operate as Jacksonville’s RB2.
Travis Etienne had accumulated a league-high 428 snaps (80.6%) from Weeks 1-9, while Tank Bigsby played on 84 snaps (15.8%) and Johnson was relegated to just 28 (5.3%). Johnson had also been limited to just nine rushing attempts and 35 rushing yards during that sequence while Etienne rose to second among all backs with 151 attempts and was sixth with 583 rushing yards. Bigsby also functioned as the direct backup to Etienne, while accruing 23 carries/54 yards.
However, Johnson has accumulated 82 snaps since Week 10, while Etienne has played on 219. Bigsby has been limited to 23 snaps as the rookie has descended into irrelevance. Johnson has also carried 22 times, while assembling 55 rushing yards, running 51 routes, and leading the backfield with 104 receiving yards from Weeks 10-12. Johnson would minimally deliver RB2 output if Etienne were sidelined for any reason. That provides the incentive for stashing him this week.
Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears - 21% Rostered
A collection of injuries to Chicago’s’ top three backs have fueled repeated modifications in their roles throughout the regular season. This has resulted in continual uncertainty surrounding the workloads that would be allocated to Roschon Johnson, D'Onta Foreman, and Khalil Herbert, with each change to the involvement of each back.
Johnson’s rookie season launched with encouraging results as he attained a 35.5% snap share while averaging 5.5 attempts/25.8 rushing yards per game from Weeks 1-4. He also ran 47 routes, while generating 58 receiving yards. He sustained a concussion in Week 5 but resurfaced to lead the backfield in routes (51), targets (11), and receptions (eight) from Weeks 8-11.
Johnson also paced the Bears' backfield in snaps (51), rushing attempts (10), and rushing yards (35) in Week 12, and led Chicago’s backs in routes (22), targets (five), and receiving yards (40).
Foreman was inactive in Week 12 (ankle/shin) but could return when Chicago hosts Detroit in Week 14. However, the Bears could use their remaining matchups to evaluate Johnson by utilizing him with an expanded workload. That should incentivize you to add him this week.
Dark Horses - Week 14 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs should be considered if you are searching for players who could eventually emerge in your lineups.
Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys - 13% Rostered
Rico Dowdle is not currently a back that should be considered as a starting option. However, he has elevated among this week’s most viable roster additions due to his role as the Cowboys' RB2.
Dowdle continues to operate as the direct backup to Tony Pollard, which positions him to launch into an extensive workload if Pollard is forced to the sideline for any reason.
Dowdle’s involvement in the Dallas offense has expanded since Week 10 as he has accumulated 64 snaps while generating 128 rushing yards on 28 attempts during his last four matchups. He has also averaged 4.6 yards per attempt during that sequence while collecting all three of his targets and assembling 19 yards as a receiving weapon.
That includes Dowdle’s numbers when Dallas hosted Seattle in Week 13 (16 snaps/five carries/15 rushing yards). Dowdle remains available in nearly 90% of all leagues even though he would become the primary back in a potent Dallas offense if Pollard becomes unavailable for any reason. That makes Dowdle an enticing handcuff who should be secured this week.
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons – 54% Rostered
During a week in which there is a cluster of enticing backs that remain available on the majority of waiver wires, Tyler Allgeier is also a viable candidate for anyone who is positioned to stash an additional handcuff option.
Fantasy managers who invested in Bijan Robinson are not necessarily enamored with Allgeier’s level of involvement during the regular season. However, both backs benefit from their opportunities in an Atlanta offense that is currently third in run play percentage (48.9%) and attempts per game (32.2).
Allgeier has now accumulated 266 snaps. He has also been entrusted with at least 10 carries in seven different matchups while eclipsing 15+ four times. He has also generated 341 rushing yards since Week 5.
Allgeier would also ascend into a massive workload in Arthur Smith’s run-oriented offense if Robinson would be forced to the sideline during any of the Falcons’ upcoming matchups. That would launch Allgeier into consideration as an RB2 if that situation develops.
The second-year back is still available in nearly 50% of all leagues, and his proximity to a significant workload elevates him among this week’s recommendations from the waiver wire.
Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers - 16% Rostered
The process of adding handcuffs in advance of the fantasy postseason is highly recommended, and many of you are already aware that stashing direct backups to the league’s most prolific backs can deliver massive dividends.
This applies to Elijah Mitchell, who is positioned to operate with a significant workload if Christian McCaffrey is forced to the sideline during San Francisco’s upcoming matchups. Mitchell would accumulate rushing attempts within a 49er offense that is second in run play percentage (50.4%) if McCaffrey is unable to operate in his usual role as the team's primary back.
Mitchell has carried 22 times, generated 99 rushing yards, and averaged 4.5 yards per attempt since Week 10. He has also secured responsibilities as the RB2 in Kyle Shanahan’s offense, as Jordan Mason has only registered two touches since Week 7.
Mitchell also possesses the proven ability to accumulate yards with an extensive workload, as he finished fifth overall with an average of 87.5 per game during his 2021 rookie season. Securing him this week could help you elude a roster nightmare if McCaffrey is unavailable during the 49ers’ remaining contests.
Also - It Is Time To Say Goodbye
These running backs can be dropped to secure an RB with greater potential to bolster your scoring during the year.
Miles Sanders, Carolina Panthers - 48% Rostered
Even if you believe that Miles Sanders might commandeer a larger workload during Carolina’s remaining matchups, there should be other options available on your waiver wire that are more likely to operate as resources for your rosters.
Chuba Hubbard has accumulated 108 rushing attempts and 403 rushing yards since Week 6, while Sanders has carried 44 times and assembled 135 yards on the ground. Sanders has also failed to exceed 3.1 yards per attempt during seven of his matchups this season.
That includes the tandem’s numbers in Week 13, when Hubbard easily paced the Panthers with 25 attempts and 104 yards while generating two touchdowns. Hubbard has also run more routes (137/66) and attained more targets (18/11) than Sanders since Week 6.
There is also a degree of risk in depending upon Hubbard or Sanders due to numerous shortcomings in a Carolina offense that ranks 30th (267.3 yards per game) and is 26th in rushing (96 yards per game). Sanders has repeatedly delivered disappointing numbers and he should be jettisoned in favor of a back who is positioned to provide you with fantasy points.
Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens - 21% Rostered
Keaton Mitchell ascended into fantasy relevance by erupting for 138 rushing yards on nine attempts in Week 9, and the explosive rookie’s role within Baltimore’s backfield rotation has continued to rise.
Mitchell’s expanding workload has also fueled a sizable decline in the touch totals that have been distributed to Justice Hill. The fourth-year back had averaged 7.3 rushing attempts and 31.4 rushing yards per game from Weeks 1-9 while operating with a 44.3% snap share.
Hill’s share rose to 49.2% from Weeks 6-9, as he maintained the average of 7.3 attempts/34 yards per game. Hill also led the backfield in routes run (116), targets (16), and receptions (15) from Weeks 1-9. However, Hill’s snap share has plunged to 25.7% since Week 10, while his averages have decreased to 2.7 attempts/13.0 rushing yards/0.7 targets per game.
The constraints that are inherent in Hill’s diminished role behind Mitchell and Gus Edwards have eliminated Hill’s prospects of generating fantasy points. That also removes all rationale for retaining him.
Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings - 24% Rostered
For the sake of clarity, this is not a suggestion that Ty Chandler is an unquestioned drop candidate, and a case can be made toward including him among the backs that can be stashed this week.
However, it had appeared that Chandler was accelerating toward standalone value, due to the combination of an expanding workload and his effectiveness with the opportunities that he garnered in Weeks 10-11. That also seemed to provide Chandler with a path toward presenting a significant challenge to Alexander Mattison’s role as the Vikings’ lead back.
Chandler had secured a 36% snap share during Minnesota’s matchups in Weeks 10-11. He also averaged 12.5 carries/59 rushing yards per game and 4.7 yards per attempt, while Mattison averaged 13 attempts/54 yards/4.2 yards per attempt during that two-game span.
Unfortunately, Chandler’s workload decreased significantly in Week 12, as he was limited to four rushing attempts and eight rushing yards. Mattison carried 10 times while accumulating 52 yards and averaging 5.2 per attempt when Minnesota hosted Chicago in Week 12.
This has defused Chandler’s surging usage and production that had been building within the Vikings’ backfield rotation.
Chandler can still be retained if you are managing teams in deeper leagues. However, he can be extracted from your rosters if you are contending with sizable lineup challenges.
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