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Phil Clark's fantasy football running back waiver wire pickups for Week 4 of the 2023 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream, and stash off waivers.
We have now progressed into planning for Week 4 as you examine this week’s recommendations for the waiver wire. The matchups of Week 3 delivered a collection of impressive performances. That includes the output of rookie De'Von Achane, who stockpiled 233 total yards and four touchdowns. Unfortunately, the numbers that were delivered by some runners only led to frustration.
Many of you are now contending with disappointing results due to injuries, production-inhibiting workloads, and unproductive outings. These factors have all contributed to unfulfilled expectations despite your initial optimism regarding the scoring potential of the backs that were contained on your rosters. However, this article will help you locate the most enticing options that are available at a position that remains both critical and volatile on a weekly basis.
These backs currently remain available in at least 40% of all leagues and will be listed in three tiers. You will also find several backs that can be dropped in order for you to secure your replacements. After you've finished this breakdown, you can also find news updates and data-fueled analysis that is designed to help you maximize the scoring potential of your rosters.
Editor's Note: Identify fantasy football draft busts, overvalued ADPs, and key players to avoid so you can draft with confidence this season.
Week 3 Rushing Leaders
| Week 3 Rushing Leaders | Yards | Attempts | YPA |
| De'Von Achane | 203 | 18 | 11.3 |
| Zack Moss | 122 | 30 | 4.1 |
| Tony Pollard | 122 | 23 | 5.3 |
| James Cook | 98 | 15 | 6.5 |
| James Conner | 98 | 14 | 7 |
| Kenneth Walker | 97 | 18 | 5.4 |
| Alexander Mattison | 93 | 20 | 4.7 |
| Travis Etienne | 88 | 19 | 4.6 |
| Christian McCaffrey | 85 | 18 | 4.7 |
| Raheem Mostert | 82 | 13 | 6.3 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | 80 | 17 | 4.7 |
| Ezekiel Elliott | 80 | 16 | 5 |
Frontrunners - Week 4 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs should be your top priorities among the options that are available on most waiver wires.
De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins - 38% Rostered
Explosive rookie De’Von Achane appeared destined to join a crowded backfield during the offseason when the congested path to touches included a depth chart that also contained Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. - before Wilson was placed on injured reserve. Achane debuted in Week 2 following his recovery from shoulder surgery and was limited to five snaps and nine total yards. He also operated in a rotation with Mostert and Salvon Ahmed during that matchup with New England.
Ahmed was sidelined by a groin injury when Miami hosted Denver in Week 3 as Achane elevated into an expanded workload. Achane accumulated 30 snaps and 22 touches, and the dynamic first-year back capitalized by erupting for 223 total yards and four touchdowns.
Mostert also accumulated 142 total yards and four touchdowns and will continue to accumulate touches. Ahmed and Wilson will soon regain their health. However, Achane’s playmaking abilities should keep him involved in Mike McDaniel’s allocation of touches despite the presence of Miami's other backs. He is currently available in over 60% of all leagues and has soared atop the list of this week’s waiver wire options.
Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints - 34% Rostered
Kendre Miller emerged for his NFL debut when New Orleans visited Green Bay in Week 3, after concluding his recovery from a troublesome hamstring. Miller had become one of the most intriguing backs from this year’s rookie class during the offseason, even though he would be operating within a backfield that also contained Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams.
Interest in Miller diminished during his absence; however, the timing of Miller’s infusion into the lineup coincided with the absence of Williams, whose hamstring issue has resulted in his placement on injured reserve.
Miller accumulated 21 snaps, nine rushing attempts, and 34 rushing yards while operating in a rotation with Tony Jones Jr. Miller also ran 10 routes and caught his only target.
Kamara will be resurfacing when New Orleans hosts Tampa Bay on Sunday. However, that should not deter you from prioritizing Miller among your waiver wire targets, particularly if running back is a position of need. He remains available in 66% of all leagues and should retain a favorable role within the Saints’ backfield rotation as the season continues.
Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears - 44% Rostered
The Bears operated with a two-man backfield during their Week 3 matchup in Kansas City. That was the second consecutive game in which Roschon Johnson and Khalil Herbert were the only backs who registered snaps.
D'Onta Foreman has now been relegated to healthy scratch status during each of Chicago’s last two contests. This has cleared the path for Johnson to accumulate 45 snaps, 12 rushing attempts, and 70 yards on the ground. That includes his numbers versus the Chiefs, when Johnson carried eight times, assembled 38 yards, and averaged 4.8 yards per attempt.
Johnson has also run 38 routes and collected all four of his targets during that sequence. Those totals include his involvement in Week 3 (eight routes/two targets/two receptions). Johnson also possesses the collection of skills that are required to function as an every-down back.
That should sustain his involvement in the Bears’ backfield rotation while presenting the possibility that he will become Chicago’s lead back at some point during the season. That elevates Johnson among the most enticing options that remain available on your waiver wires.
In The Running - Week 4 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs remain available on the waiver wire and could become resources for your rosters.
Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles - 57% Rostered
Kenneth Gainwell's stock has already fluctuated on multiple occasions, even though we are still progressing through the early weeks of the regular season. After an offseason of speculation surrounding the distribution of touches within a backfield that would be comprised of Gainwell, D’Andre Swift, and Rashaad Penny, it was ultimately Gainwell who commandeered Philadelphia’s early down role.
He easily led the Eagles’ backfield in snap share (62.3%) during Week 1, as Swift was a distant second (27.9%) and Penny became a healthy inactive. Gainwell also led the backfield in rushing attempts (14), rushing yards (54), routes (16), targets (four), and receiving yards (20).
He later sustained a rib injury which kept him sidelined for the Eagles' Week 2 matchup with Minnesota. However, Gainwell reemerged when Philadelphia visited Tampa Bay in Week 3. He accumulated 37 snaps and generated 43 rushing yards while running 16 routes and collecting one of his targets.
Swift led the backfield in snaps (43), and attempts (16), while assembling 130 yards on the ground. He also ran 20 routes registered two targets and manufactured eight receiving yards.
Even though Swift has been effective with his expanded workload, Gainwell should be contained on rosters. He is still operating in a rotation with Swift, and his touch totals will rise if Swift is sidelined during the upcoming weeks.
Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens - 43% Rostered
Justice Hill was leading Baltimore’s restructured backfield in snaps (55), rushing attempts (19), routes run (23), targets (three), receptions (three), and receiving yards (12) during the Ravens’ first two contests. However, he was forced to remain on the sideline in Week 3 as he contended with turf toe.
Hill’s importance to the backfield rotation was demonstrated when the Ravens hosted the Colts, as his absence reinforced the recent evidence that Baltimore’s offense improves when the versatile Hill is in the rotation.
Gus Edwards paced Baltimore’s backs in snaps (32), rushing attempts (11), and rushing yardage (51) in Week 3. Melvin Gordon accrued his first snaps of the season while assembling 32 yards on 10 carries. Kenyan Drake failed to generate any yardage with his only rushing attempt. Drake and Gordon also combined for five targets, while Drake led the tandem in receiving yards. However, Drake also lost a critical fumble.
Hill's timeline for return is unclear. However, that should not discourage you from adding him this week. He will become a viable flex option on your roster whenever he resurfaces.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 20% Rostered
Even though Tyjae Spears is the clear RB2 behind Derrick Henry, he is already being utilized with greater frequency than several other backs who have also emerged as viable handcuff options. Spears has now played on 80 snaps while generating 82 rushing yards on 15 attempts (5.5 yards per attempt). He also leads the backfield in routes run (27), while collecting seven of his 10 targets.
Henry has now accumulated 91 snaps and is easily pacing the Titans in rushing attempts (51) and rushing yardage (163). However, he played on 10 fewer snaps than Spears and averaged 1.8 yards per attempt in Week 3. He is also averaging 3.2 yards per attempt from Weeks 1-3 and has only generated one rushing touchdown -- after stockpiling 68 scores from 2018-2022.
Spears could approach the periphery of standalone value as the season advances. His upside also remains enormous as he would operate with a massive workload if Henry were forced to the sideline.
Spears possesses the speed and explosiveness to minimally operate as a high-end RB2 for fantasy managers if that scenario develops at any point during the season. This sustains the incentive for including him among your waiver wire priorities.
Dark Horses - Week 4 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs should be considered if you are searching for players who could eventually emerge in your lineups.
Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers - 56% Rostered
Several factors that had bolstered the rationale for considering Warren as a roster addition have remained unchanged. He is more explosive than Najee Harris and has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to perform with greater efficiency.
This has provided the incentive to secure Warren as a handcuff for anyone who has Harris contained on their rosters. However, Warren’s involvement has also continued to rise. Warren only played on three fewer snaps than Harris when Pittsburgh traveled to Las Vegas in Week 3 (31/28). Warren also ran more routes (14) and accumulated more targets (four), receptions (three), and receiving yards (23). Harris was limited to nine routes and failed to collect his only target.
Harris has now accumulated 93 snaps, while Warren has played on 75. Harris is averaging 11.7 attempts per game, while Warren is averaging 5.7. Both backs have now run 33 routes, while Warren is also leading the tandem in targets (16), receptions (12), and receiving yards (101).
As Warren progresses toward standalone value, it is recommended that you secure him this week. He would also launch into an extensive workload if Harris were to become unavailable for any reason.
Matt Breida, New York Giants - 31% Rostered
Saquon Barkley was reduced to spectator status during the Giants’ Week 3 matchup with San Francisco. This vaulted Matt Breida into an expanded workload during New York’s matchup with the 49ers.
Breida shared touches with Gary Brightwell during the contest but accumulated 37 snaps while Brightwell was limited to nine. Their numbers were largely unimpressive, which was a byproduct of being confronted by the 49ers' imposing defense.
Breida and Brightwell both carried four times while combining for just 22 yards on the ground. Breida generated 17 yards but also produced a touchdown -- which was beneficial to any fantasy managers who were compelled to start him.
Breida ran 24 routes, which easily surpassed Brightwell (five), and also captured all three of his targets. Barkley’s absence could extend beyond Week 3, and his status for the Giants’ Week 4 matchup with Seattle should be monitored.
Breida is not a candidate to stockpile yardage but would commandeer the majority of touches within New York’s backfield if Barkley remains unavailable. That would elevate Breida into consideration as a flex option for anyone who is dealing with roster challenges.
Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers - 40% Rostered
Kyle Shanahan‘s comfort level with Elijah Mitchell has been consistent whenever the third-year back has evaded health issues. This has positioned him as San Francisco’s RB2 behind Christian McCaffrey. Mitchell has averaged 14.9 rushing attempts and 71.9 yards rushing per game during the 18 games that he has been in the lineup. Unfortunately, injuries have also forced Mitchell to miss 17 games during his first two seasons.
He has accumulated 38 snaps, 16 attempts, and 52 rushing yards from Weeks 1-3. This includes his usage and output when the 49ers hosted New York in Week 3 as Mitchell secured season highs in snaps (28), carries (11), rushing yardage (42), and targets (three).
His role as McCaffrey’s unquestioned backup provides the potential for Mitchell to ascend into standalone value. Particularly if his future touch totals replicate the number of attempts that he was allotted in Week 3.
However, the incentive for adding Mitchell involves the massive workload that he would obtain if McCaffrey became unavailable at any point during the season. That contingent upside sustains Mitchell's presence as a viable handcuff, who remains available in 60% of all leagues.
Also-Rans - It Is Time To Say Goodbye
These running backs can be dropped in order to secure an RB with greater potential to bolster your scoring during the year.
Jamaal Williams, New Orleans Saints - 57% Rostered
Jamaal Williams signed a three-year contract with New Orleans in the aftermath of the career-best numbers that he assembled as a rusher during 2022 (262 attempts/1,066 yards/17 touchdowns/440 yards after contact).
It appeared that he would be operating in a crowded backfield with Alvin Kamara and rookie Kendre Miller during the offseason. However, Kamara’s suspension and Miller’s hamstring injury provided Williams with an opportunity to function as the Saints’ lead back in Weeks 1-2.
Williams led the New Orleans backfield in snaps (67), rushing attempts (27), rushing yards (74), and routes run (23), although he had failed to register a touchdown. Williams’ troublesome hamstring has compelled the Saints to place him on injured reserve. The timing has coincided with Miller’s emergence into the lineup and the imminent return of Kamara.
These are not favorable developments for Williams, who will now be affixed to the sideline for at least three additional games. He will also function with a restricted touch total whenever he does resurface. This has supplied the rationale for dropping him in order to locate a player who is positioned to help your roster now.
Antonio Gibson, Washington Commanders – 60% Rostered
If Antonio Gibson is contained on your rosters, you are already aware that his usage and production have remained well below expectations. He has now played on 86 snaps while being limited to just seven carries and 35 yards on the ground. His per-game averages in attempts (9.9/2.3) and yardage (36.4/11.7) have also declined significantly when contrasted with 2022.
While Brian Robinson was expected to operate as the team’s primary rusher, it was also anticipated that Gibson’s involvement as a pass-catcher would provide his pathway as he launched into his first season in Eric Bieniemy’s offense. Particularly since J.D. McKissic no longer loomed as a candidate to collect opportunities as a receiving weapon.
However, Gibson has run 70 routes, while being relegated to just nine targets, seven receptions, and 61 yards as a pass-catcher.
You may be hesitant to consider dropping Gibson. However, his underwhelming touch totals should incentivize managers to avoid starting him. It is also wise to evaluate the downside of cementing him to your bench if you are confronted by roster challenges.
Rashaad Penny, Philadelphia Eagles - 33% Rostered
Rashaad Penny was rostered in 51% of all leagues exactly one week ago. However, that percentage has plunged to 33% in response to Penny’s infinitesimal numbers with the Eagles. Penny was a healthy scratch during Philadelphia’s season opener as Kenneth Gainwell led the backfield in snaps (38) while accumulating 14 of the 16 carries that were allocated among members of the backfield.
Gainwell’s rib injury sidelined him when Philadelphia hosted Minnesota in Week 2. This infused Penny into the backfield equation. However, D’Andre Swift operated as the Eagles’ workhorse back while pacing the backfield in snaps (57) and exploding for 175 yards on 28 carries. Swift also ran 17 routes, while collecting all three of his targets.
Penny was relegated to just eight snaps, three rushing attempts, and nine rushing yards. He only ran three routes while being limited to one target and a five-yard reception. Penny was also active during the Eagles' Week 3 matchup in Tampa Bay but did not register a snap. He has descended below Gainwell, Swift, and Boston Scott on the Eagles’ depth chart and it appears unlikely that he will resuscitate his degenerating stock. That should compel anyone who still has Penny contained on their rosters to jettison him this week.
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