RADIO
Phil Clark's fantasy football running back waiver wire pickups for Week 7 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 7. The numbers that have been assembled by running backs through Week 6 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 has also re-emerged, which will fuel interest in locating alternative options on the waiver wire. That will impact players from six different teams this week -- Carolina, Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston, Tennessee, and the New York Jets. This ensures that anyone with Tony Pollard, Derrick Henry, Tyjae Spears, Breece Hall, Joe Mixon, Miles Sanders, Chuba Hubbard, Dameon Pierce, or Devin Singletary 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. After you have finished this breakdown, you can 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 Bye Weeks
- Week 7: Carolina, Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston, New York Jets, Tennessee
- Week 9: Denver, Detroit, Jacksonville, San Francisco
- Week 10: Philadelphia, Miami, Kansas City, Los Angeles Rams
- Week 11: Atlanta, Indianapolis, New England, New Orleans
Frontrunners - Week 7 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs should be your top priorities among the options that are available on most waiver wires.
Jordan Mason / Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers - (Mason 5% Rostered), (Mitchell 28% Rostered)
The oblique/rib injury that was sustained by Christian McCaffrey in Week 6 forced him to the sideline for the remainder of San Francisco’s matchup in Cleveland. His status for Week 7 is uncertain, which creates the possibility that McCaffrey could remain unavailable when the 49ers travel to Minnesota.
This has vaulted Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell among the top priorities from the waiver wire, as either back could emerge with the largest touch total if McCaffrey is sidelined.
Mason led the tandem with 15 snaps in Week 6. He also carried five times, while generating 27 yards (5.4 per attempt) and a touchdown. Mason also ran nine routes but did not receive a target.
Mitchell played on seven snaps but was limited to two rushing attempts. Mitchell’s ability to accrue yardage is unquestioned as he accumulated 963 yards (87.5 per game) in 11 games during 2021.
However, his resume also contains a history of injuries, including the knee issue that sidelined him in Weeks 4-5. Both backs remain available in the majority of leagues and can be included among your primary targets on this week’s waiver wire.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans, 48% Rostered
The favorable touch totals that are being distributed to Tyjae Spears on a weekly basis continue to provide fantasy managers with the incentive to seize him for their rosters.
Derrick Henry remains Tennessee’s lead back; however, Spears has now accumulated 175 snaps, including 30+ in three consecutive matchups. The electric rookie also led the Titans’ backfield with 31 snaps in Week 6, while Henry accrued 29. Spears has also performed efficiently as a rusher while generating 171 rushing yards with his 31 attempts (5.5 yards per attempt).
Spears also continues to lead the Titans backfield in routes run (96), which includes the 16 that he accumulated in Week 6. Henry has accrued 66 routes, after running nine in Week 6. Spears is also pacing the backfield in targets (20/13), while also collecting 15 receptions and assembling 111 yards as a receiver. That includes Spears’ 48-yard catch in Week 6.
Spears would also launch into a massive workload if Henry were sidelined during Tennessee's upcoming matchups. His playmaking ability could also propel him to RB1 output if that transpires.
Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers - 59% Rostered
Chuba Hubbard was available in 65% of all leagues prior to the news that Miles Sanders would be sidelined with a shoulder issue in Week 6. That percentage decreased prior to Carolina’s matchup in Miami and will diminish significantly following his performance versus the Dolphins.
Sanders’ absence launched Hubbard into lead back duties and he capitalized by accumulating 90 total yards. That includes Hubbard’s involvement as a rusher, as he generated 88 yards with his 19 attempts. He also delivered his first touchdown of the season.
Hubbard also led the Panthers’ backfield with a 77% snap share. However, he had already been the recipient of a burgeoning role in Weeks 4-5. Hubbard secured a higher snap total than Sanders (68/62), while he also garnered more rushing attempts (23/20) and produced more rushing yards (76/51).
Sanders’ status should be monitored as the Panthers enter their bye week. Hubbard can operate as an RB2 if Sanders remains absent, and can be started as an RB3/flex if both backs are sharing touches.
In The Running - Week 7 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs remain available on the waiver wire and could become resources for your rosters.
Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns - 38% Rostered
Kareem Hunt’s numbers during the first two games following his return to Cleveland had been underwhelming. However, Hunt has re-emerged as a viable roster option following his usage and production in Week 6.
Hunt re-signed with the Browns in late September, and his return to the team was a byproduct of the season-ending knee injury that was sustained by Nick Chubb. Hunt played on a total of 29 snaps in Weeks 3-4 while Jerome Ford accumulated 77. He also carried 10 times and assembled 25 rushing yards during that two-game sequence, while running 13 routes and capturing two of his three targets.
However, Hunt played on 28 snaps during Cleveland’s matchup with San Francisco, even though Ford led the backfield with 38. Hunt also established season highs in rushing attempts (12), rushing yards (47), routes run (13), receptions (three), and receiving yards (24).
Even if Ford continues to operate with the largest workload, Hunt’s increased involvement should not be dismissed. He is available in over 60% of all leagues and has been elevated among the backs to consider for your rosters.
Devin Singletary, Houston Texans - 13 % Rostered
Several backs that are contained in this week’s list of recommendations have surfaced as the result of injuries. However, that does not apply to Devin Singletary’s ascending numbers in Week 6. The fifth-year back was entrusted with a larger role than Dameon Pierce, which propelled Singletary to season highs in multiple categories.
Singletary led Houston’s backfield with a season-best 34 snaps during the Texans’ matchup with New Orleans. Pierce played on just 21 snaps, after accumulating at least 34 during each of his first five matchups.
Singletary also exceeded his previous season highs in rushing attempts (12) and rushing yards (58), while averaging 4.8 yards per attempt. Pierce carried 13 times, but only manufactured 34 yards (2.6 per attempt). That was the third time that he has averaged under 3.0 per attempt since Week 2.
Singletary also paced the backfield in routes run (18), which tied his season high. He has now accumulated 77 routes since Week 1, which has nearly matched the 79 that have been attained by Pierce. Singletary is currently available in 87% of all leagues. However, his increased involvement in Week 6 supplies the rationale for adding him this week.
Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears - 53% Rostered
Khalil Herbert has been placed on injured reserve after he sustained a high ankle sprain during Chicago’s Week 5 visit to Washington. This presented an opportunity for Roschon Johnson and D'Onta Foreman to operate with expanded roles during Herbert’s absence.
Johnson was the most logical recipient of temporary lead-back duties as he had already ascended beyond Foreman on the Bears’ depth chart. Johnson secured a 35.5% snap share from Weeks 1-4, averaging 5.5 attempts and 25.8 yards per game. Johnson had also run 47 routes, was targeted on 25.5% of his routes, and generated 58 receiving yards.
However, the promising rookie suffered a concussion after playing on six snaps in Week 5 and remained sidelined when the Bears hosted NFC North rival Minnesota. That precluded him from elevating into an extensive workload, as Foreman confiscated Chicago’s RB1 responsibilities.
However, Johnson should be entrusted with a larger touch total than Foreman when the Bears face Las Vegas on Sunday, provided that he has completed concussion protocol. That vaults Johnson among this week’s top waiver wire options, as he could deliver RB2 output while Herbert is affixed to the sideline.
Zach Evans, Los Angeles Rams - 1% Rostered
This recommendation to add Zach Evans arrives with the caveat that the Rams could add a veteran to their backfield this week. That should compel you to monitor the situation as the week progresses.
However, as of this writing, Evans appears primed to operate as the Rams’ RB1 in a backfield that has been dramatically impacted by injuries. Kyren Williams had generated 158 yards and a touchdown with his 20 attempts in Week 6 before he sustained a sprained ankle. Ronnie Rivers also suffered a knee injury during the same matchup against Arizona, and both backs will be sidelined when the Rams host Pittsburgh on Sunday, That has launched Evans atop the team’s depth chart.
Los Angeles selected Evans in Round 6 of last April’s NFL Draft. He registered his first six snaps of the season in Week 6 and assembled 10 yards on four carries. He is a former five-star recruit who could perform effectively as a short-term option for fantasy managers, Six-year veteran Royce Freeman could also receive a small allotment of touches. However, Evans should confiscate the majority of opportunities, unless another back is infused into the equation this week.
Craig Reynolds, Detroit Lions - 98% Rostered
David Montgomery sustained a rib injury during the Lions’ Week 6 matchup with Tampa Bay. This forced him from the contest in the first half, and he appears destined for a multi-game absence.
That could vault Craig Reynolds into an expanded role when Detroit travels to Baltimore on Sunday. However, this recommendation will be delivered with a reminder to monitor the status of Jahmyr Gibbs as the week develops. The explosive rookie would confiscate a sizable role against the Ravens if he has fully recovered from his hamstring issue.
Reynolds secured a 61% snap share in Week 6 while generating 15 yards with his 10 rushing attempts (1.50 yards per attempt). The fifth-year back has also produced 89 yards with his 24 attempts this season (3.7 per attempt) while averaging 4.08 carries/14.8 yards per game.
Those numbers are underwhelming. However, Reynolds is available in 98% of all leagues and would be presented with a massive opportunity if Gibbs joins Montgomery on the sideline this week. That provides the rationale for securing him for your rosters.
Dark Horses - Week 7 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 - 59% Rostered
Jaylen Warren displayed his ability to perform effectively from the moment that he seized Pittsburgh’s RB2 responsibilities as a rookie. He also provides a level of explosiveness that is otherwise lacking in the Pittsburgh backfield. Warren has also secured an expanding workload while progressing toward standalone value.
Since Week 3, Warren has played on 85 snaps (47% share), which is only 11 fewer than Najee Harris's 96 (53.0% share). Harris does continue to lead the backfield in carries (63/34) and rushing yards (247/124), while both backs have failed to average 4.0 yards (Warren 3.6/Harris 3.9).
However, Warren leads the Steelers’ backfield in routes (62/58) and has been more effective as a receiving weapon. Warren paces the tandem in targets (25/eight) targets per route run (40.3%/13.8%), yards per route run (2.68/0.64), receptions (21/five), and receiving yards (166/37).
Both backs will likely maintain their recent snap shares during Pittsburgh’s upcoming matchups. However, Warren should be rostered in all leagues, as he would capture a significant workload if Harris were forced to the sideline. Warren would also deliver high-end RB2 output if that scenario occurs.
D'Onta Foreman, Chicago Bears - 56% Rostered
D’Onta Foreman had been relegated to healthy scratch status from Weeks 2-5. However, the combination of Khalil Herbert’s ankle issue and the concussion that Roschon Johnson sustained in Week 5 fueled Foreman’s temporary rise atop the Bears’ depth chart during Chicago’s Week 6 matchup with Minnesota.
The sixth-year back led Chicago’s backfield with 40 snaps, while Darrynton Evans accumulated 24. Foreman also carried 15 times, while assembling 65 yards on the ground.
Herbert will be sidelined for at least three additional games, while Johnson remains in concussion protocol as we enter planning for Week 7. It will be critical to follow updates surrounding the status of both backs.
However, anyone with Foreman contained on their rosters should have an opportunity to infuse him into their lineups when the Bears host Las Vegas on Sunday. Even if Johnson resurfaces for that matchup, Foreman could still be utilized as an RB3/flex. Particularly if you have been confronted by the challenges of a six-team bye week.
Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens - 41% Rostered
Even though the current timeshare between Justice Hill and Gus Edwards places an inherent restriction on Hill’s potential for production, it does not eliminate his viability as a flex option.
Hill has now accumulated 125 snaps, including 65 since Week 5. The fourth-year back has also carried 37 times while generating 150 yards and a touchdown on the ground. That includes his usage and output when the Ravens visited Tennessee in Week 6.
Hill played on 27 snaps while assembling 35 rushing yards on eight attempts. Edwards led the Ravens’ backfield in snaps (44), rushing attempts (16), and rushing yards (41). Hill has also accumulated 30 routes during his last three contests, including the 11 that he registered in Week 6. He also collected all three of his targets during Baltimore’s matchup with the Titans.
The concept of adding Hill will not elicit the same level of excitement that exists with other backs who are included in this week’s recommendations. However, Hill remains available in nearly 60% of all leagues and can be beneficial to anyone who has been confronted by a collection of roster issues.
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.
Dalvin Cook, New York Jets 50% Rostered
Dalvin Cook was included among the drop candidates in last week’s waiver wire article, and nothing has transpired in the last seven days that should lead to hesitation in removing him now.
Career-lows are prevalent in Cook’s numbers from Weeks 1-6, as the seven-year veteran can no longer operate as a viable fantasy option. This includes Cook’s averages in attempts per game (6.5), yards per game (18.2), and yards per attempt (2.8.). He is also operating with career lows in yards before contact per attempt (1.5), yards after contact per attempt (1.3), receptions per game (1.5 per game), and receiving yards per game (7.7).
Cook has accumulated 82 snaps. However, he has failed to exceed 16 since Week 3 and is averaging just 11.7 per game since Week 4. Cook has also been limited to less than 3.0 points per game in each of his last five matchups.
Breece Hall has regained his health and has confiscated an extensive workload for the Jets. This has relegated Cook to minimal usage, and he has been unable to attain numbers that are remotely beneficial to fantasy managers with the diminished number of touches that he does receive. There is no rationale for retaining Cook, as there is a collection of backs on this week’s waiver wire who could be more useful to your roster.
A.J. Dillon, Green Bay Packers - 64% Rostered
You may be hesitant to drop A.J. Dillon after he delivered season-highs in rushing attempts (20) and rushing yards (76) during his Week 5 matchup in Las Vegas. Dillon’s average of 3.8 yards per attempt was also his highest of the season.
However, Dillon had also been averaging just 29.5 yards per game and 2.7 per attempt from Weeks 1-4 before he faced the Raiders’ 26th-ranked run defense that had surrendered 134.3 yards per game entering the contest. Dillon had only averaged 2.95 yards per game during his previous contests prior to Week 5. He had also averaged an infinitesimal 4.3 points per game from Weeks 1-4.
Dillon has consistently failed to generate favorable yardage totals or accumulate fantasy points. He was also incapable of capitalizing on an expanded workload as Aaron Jones’ lingering hamstring issue limited him to 48 snaps from Weeks 1-5.
Dillon’s disappointing numbers also reduce expectations surrounding his ability to bolster your scoring if Jones is sidelined again during the season. That provides your motivation for locating a more effective option on your waiver wire.
Jerick McKinnon, Kansas City Chiefs - 45% Rostered
Jerick McKinnon is currently contained on rosters in 45% of all leagues. However, with each passing week, his diminished involvement in Kansas City’s offense has made it more challenging to justify that decision.
McKinnon led the backfield with a 45.5% snap share in 2022, followed by Clyde Edwards-Helaire (32.2%), and Isiah Pacheco (31.5%). However, McKinnon’s role has been reduced this season, as his snap share has decreased to 28.4% through Week 6. Pacheco’s share has ascended to 54%, while Edwards-Helaire has been relegated to 17%.
McKinnon has also accumulated just 19 touches during the Chiefs’ first six matchups while being restricted to only seven carries, 12 receptions, and 112 total yards. McKinnon was also averaging 4.2 attempts, 4.2 targets, and 47.2 total yards per game last season and those averages have dropped to 1.2 attempts/2.8 targets/18.7 total yards per game.
McKinnon also was limited to 19 snaps, three touches, and 20 total yards when Kansas City hosted Denver in Week 6. Anyone who has been confronted by a roster crisis should not waste a roster spot in hopes that his workload will increase.
More Waiver Wire Pickups and Advice
