RADIO
Phil Clark's fantasy football running back waiver wire pickups for Week 8 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 8. The numbers that have been assembled by running backs during the first seven 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.
All teams will be in action this week. However, 20 teams will have their byes from Weeks 9-14. That presents a challenge that should incentivize you to plan for the temporary absence of your players in advance. This includes the byes that loom in Week 13 when six teams will be impacted.
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 9: Denver, Detroit, Jacksonville, San Francisco
- Week 10: Philadelphia, Miami, Kansas City, Los Angeles Rams
- Week 11: Atlanta, Indianapolis, New England, New Orleans
- Week 13: New York Giants, Buffalo, Baltimore, Chicago, Minnesota, Las Vegas
- Week 14: Arizona, Washington
Frontrunners - Week 8 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs should be your top priorities among the options that are available on most waiver wires.
D'Onta Foreman, Chicago Bears - 64% Rostered
Roschon Johnson has remained in concussion protocol during each of Chicago’s last two matchups. This has prevented him from elevating into a significant role during Khalil Herbert’s absence. It has also vaulted D'Onta Foreman into temporary RB1 duties during that sequence, and he has capitalized on his expanded workload.
Foreman has now accumulated 72 snaps in Weeks 6-7 while assembling 154 rushing yards with his 31 attempts. That includes his usage and production in Week 7 when Foreman erupted for 120 total yards and three touchdowns. Foreman assembled 89 rushing yards and two touchdowns with his 16 attempts, while also generating 31 yards and a touchdown as a receiving weapon.
Foreman was operating against a Las Vegas run defense that had surrendered 121.7 yards per game entering the matchup. He appeared to sustain an injury in the third quarter. This forced him to the sideline and elevated Darrynton Evans into a larger role.
Johnson could return when Chicago visits the Chargers on Sunday, although the fact that he remains in concussion protocol is a concern. Herbert will be unavailable for at least two more games and Foreman has accomplished enough with his touches to vault among this week’s top priorities from the waiver wire. It will be important to monitor his status as the week progresses.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 42% Rostered
Tyjae Spears remains available in nearly 60% of all leagues, even though he delivers the potential to become a valuable resource for managers during the upcoming weeks.
The explosive rookie has already secured an ongoing role while operating in a rotation with Derrick Henry, who leads the Titans’ backfield with a 56.5% snap share. However, Spears has attained a 50.5% share while eclipsing 52% during five of his six matchups. He has also accumulated 31 rushing attempts and 171 rushing yards, while his average of 5.5 yards per attempt exceeds Henry’s average of 4.3.
Spears also leads the Titans’ backfield in routes run (96), targets per route run (20.8%), targets (20/3.3 per game), and receptions (15/2.5 per game). If Spears continues to run efficiently, his workload should expand even further.
Spears’ touches would also increase significantly if Henry were forced to the sideline or traded. His big-play potential leaves him fully capable of erupting for numbers that could launch him into RB1 territory for fantasy managers. He should be rostered this week in any leagues where he remains available.
Darrell Henderson / Royce Freeman, Los Angeles Rams - (Henderson 24% Rostered), (Freeman 29% Rostered)
The injuries that will sideline Kyren Williams (sprained ankle) and Ronnie Rivers (knee) for multiple weeks have fueled a transformation of the Rams’ backfield. Attempting to determine the eventual distribution of touches between Darrell Henderson, Royce Freeman, Zach Evans, and Myles Gaskin became an arduous task prior to the team’s Week 7 matchup with the Steelers.
However, the deployment of Henderson and Freeman against Pittsburgh delivered clarity to the situation. The veterans combined for 31 touches and 132 total yards versus Pittsburgh, while Gaskin was inactive and Evans did not register a snap.
Henderson played on 39 snaps while generating 61 rushing yards with his 18 attempts. Freeman accumulated 29 snaps, carried 12 times, and assembled 66 yards on the ground. Henderson also led the reshaped backfield in routes run (13) and targets (two).
It is conceivable that Sean McVay could modify his deployment of Henderson and Freeman when Los Angeles visits Dallas on Sunday. However, McVay’s decision to exclude Evans from the rotation should instill confidence that Henderson and Freeman will remain involved in a rotation until Williams returns from injured reserve. Both backs can be added, although Henderson has emerged among this week's top priorities.
In The Running - Week 8 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs remain available on the waiver wire and could become resources for your rosters.
Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns - 64% Rostered
Even though Kareem Hunt’s rostership percentage has eclipsed 60%, this column would be remiss if he was not included in this week's recommendations. Hunt’s numbers in Weeks 3-4 were underwhelming, as he averaged 14.5 snaps, 5.0 rushing attempts, and 12.5 rushing yards per game. He also ran 13 routes, while averaging 1.5 targets, 1.0 receptions, and 11.0 receiving yards per game.
However, Hunt returned from Cleveland’s Week 5 bye to secure season highs in multiple categories during the Browns’ Week 6 matchup with San Francisco. He played on 26 snaps, carried 12 times, and assembled 47 rushing yards. He also ran 13 routes, while capturing all three of his targets and producing 24 yards as a receiving weapon.
Hunt’s surge in usage and output was sustained in Week 7, as he accumulated 20 snaps and 10 carries while accruing 31 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Hunt also ran seven routes and was limited to one target. Jerome Ford has performed effectively as Cleveland’s lead back but he sustained a high ankle sprain during the Browns' Week 7 matchup. Hunt is already a viable flex option but he should become a significant roster resource while Ford remains sidelined. Pierre Strong Jr. is also a viable roster addition in leagues where Hunt is not available.
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons – 59% Rostered
Tyler Allgeier makes an appearance in this column for the first time since Week 2 as his availability has increased to over 40% of all leagues. That percentage will drop rapidly following his performance in Week 7.
Allgeier had been operating as the Falcons’ RB2 behind Bijan Robinson prior to their matchup with Tampa Bay. However, he had accumulated 148 snaps, 75 carries (12.5 per game), and 242 rushing yards (40.3 per game) while providing the rationale for remaining rostered in every league.
Allgeier played on 33 snaps while generating 112 total yards on 24 touches. Cordarrelle Patterson accrued 26 snaps and carried 10 times, as Bijan Robinson was surprisingly relegated to 11 snaps and just one touch. Robinson was contending with a headache, although that news was not shared with fantasy managers before the game. The situation did provide a reminder that Allgeier is also an effective handcuff if Robinson is sidelined for any reason.
Arthur Smith had been unwavering in his commitment to deploy both backs prior to Week 7. This sustains Allgeier’s viability as a flex option even when Robinson is functioning with his usual workload. It also supplies you with a back who can help you navigate any roster dilemmas that emerge due to injuries and looming bye weeks.
Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers - 58% Rostered
Chuba Hubbard will reemerge from Carolina’s bye week having accumulated more snaps (120), rushing attempts (42/14 per game), and rushing yards (164/54.7 per game) than Miles Sanders during the Panthers' last three contests. Sanders has played on 62 snaps, carried 20 times (10 per game), and assembled just 51 rushing yards (25.5 per game) during that span while averaging 2.6 yards per game.
That included Carolina’s Week 6 matchup in Miami when Sanders was sidelined with a shoulder injury. That launched Hubbard into lead-back duties, and he responded by establishing season highs in rushing attempts (19) and rushing yards (88). Sanders has not performed effectively while functioning as the Panthers’ RB1. Since Week 2, Sanders has averaged 10.8 attempts and just 29.5 yards per game, while averaging 2.7 yards per attempt.
Sanders leads the backfield in routes run (88), targets (24), and receiving yards (81). However, his inefficiency may sustain the recent expansion of Hubbard’s workload. Hubbard has accomplished enough with his opportunities to warrant a more extensive role. He remains available in over 40% of all leagues but could become a valuable asset in the weeks ahead.
Dark Horses - Week 8 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs should be considered if you are searching for players who could eventually emerge in your lineups.
Devin Singletary, Houston Texans - 14% Rostered
The recent avalanche of developments that have impacted the running back landscape might have obscured the significant rise in Singletary’s involvement during Houston’s Week 6 matchup with New Orleans. The fifth-year back had been averaging 21.2 snaps, 6.8 attempts, and 23.8 rushing yards per game from Weeks 1-5. Dameon Pierce had been averaging 35 snaps/16.8 carries/49.4 yards during that same sequence.
However, Singletary accumulated a season-high 31 snaps in Week 6, while Pierce was limited to just 21. Singletary also carried 12 times and assembled 58 yards (4.8 per attempt). Pierce accrued 13 attempts, but could only manage 34 yards (2.6 per attempt).
Singletary also ran more routes than Pierce (13/7) while collecting the only two targets that were distributed to members of the backfield. Singletary may have elicited more conversation as a waiver wire addition following that matchup if the Texans had not immediately entered their bye week.
However, this creates an opportunity for you to prioritize him in advance of Houston’s Week 8 visit to Carolina. Singletary remains available in 86% of all leagues and could develop into a weekly starter for managers if he sustains an expanded role.
Emari Demercado, Arizona Cardinals - 15% Rostered
This recommendation is delivered with the reminder that Emari Demercado’s touch totals have fluctuated since James Conner sustained a knee injury in Week 5. Demercado was limited to an 18.8% snap share from Weeks 1-4, while Conner was operating as Arizona’s lead back.
Conner’s knee issue elevated Demercado into an expanded role in Week 5, as he established season highs in snap share (77%), rushing attempts (10), and rushing yards (45) during the Cardinals’ matchup with Cincinnati. Demercado also led Arizona’s backfield with a 45.2% snap share in Week 6 but was limited to 11 rushing yards on two carries.
Keaontay Ingram and Damien Williams combined for 18 attempts and 76 rushing yards, which impacted Demercado’s viability as a roster option. However, Demercado captured a 79% snap share in Week 7, while surpassing his previous season highs in attempts (13), and rushing yards (58).
Demercado also ran 28 routes, and collected four of his five targets, while Williams and Ingram combined for just one touch. Demercado's usage in Week 7 is encouraging and he has reemerged as the member of Arizona’s backfield that should be rostered during Conner’s absence.
Jordan Mason / Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers – (Mason 40% Rostered), (Mitchell 37% Rostered)
Christian McCaffrey’s oblique injury did not impede him from playing during San Francisco’s Week 7 matchup with Minnesota. However, his health issue provides a reminder that it is beneficial to have the 49ers’ RB2 secured on your roster if McCaffrey is your RB1.
The challenge that has emerged in advance of San Francisco’s matchup with the Vikings involves determining which back is currently operating as McCaffrey's primary backup in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
That role had been confiscated by Elijah Mitchell entering the regular season. The third-year back also has a track record of injuries, which includes the knee issue that sidelined him in Weeks 4-5. He resurfaced in Week 6 but was limited to seven snaps and two touches.
Jordan Mason accumulated 15 snaps/five carries/27 rushing yards during that matchup, while also generating a touchdown. It is unclear whether Mason is now the direct backup to McCaffrey, or Shanahan was restricting Mitchell’s touches as he returned from his latest injury.
They combined for just four snaps in Week 7. However, Mason and Mitchell can be added if McCaffrey is contained on your roster, as Shanahan should allocate touches to both backs if McCaffrey is unavailable.
Jeff Wilson Jr., Miami Dolphins - 55% Rostered
Jeff Wilson Jr. was designated for return from injured reserve (rib/finger) on October 11 which presented the potential for him to make his season debut in Week 6. Wilson’s infusion into Miami’s backfield was delayed for an additional week. However, Wilson did accumulate his first snaps of the season during Miami’s Week 7 matchup with Philadelphia.
Wilson was restricted to seven snaps and one touch, while Raheem Mostert led the backfield in snaps (26), rushing attempts (nine), and rushing yards (45). Salvon Ahmed played on 18 snaps, tied Mostert in routes run (13), and collected one of his two targets.
Mostert should continue to function as Miami’s lead back while De'Von Achane remains on injured reserve. The backfield will become more congested when Achane resurfaces. However, that does not preclude you from seizing Wilson. His history with Mike McDaniel should propel him beyond Ahmed on Miami’s depth chart. That could also result in a weekly touch total that elevates Wilson into a potential flex option.
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.
Antonio Gibson, Washington Commanders - 53% Rostered
Antonio Gibson is still contained on rosters in over 50% of all leagues. However, he is not accumulating enough touches or fantasy points to justify using him in your lineups.
Gibson is now averaging 2.6 attempts per game and just 10.9 rushing yards per game. He is also averaging 2.7 targets, 2.1 receptions, and 22.4 yards per game. 64 of his 157 yards as a receiving weapon were accumulated in Week 5, while he has only averaged 15.5 per game during his other six contests.
That includes Gibson’s usage and output during Washington’s Week 7 matchup with NFC East rival New York. Gibson played on 26 snaps while being limited to just two rushing attempts, seven rushing yards, two targets, and 24 yards as a pass catcher.
Gibson will now enter Week 8 with a season-high 19 rushing yards. He has also failed to reach 25 receiving yards in five of the Commanders’ seven matchups. There are other backs available on this week’s waiver wire who deliver a greater potential to function as an asset on your rosters.
Dalvin Cook, New York Jets - 42% Rostered
Dalvin Cook was included in this section last week. However, his name now reemerges among the backs who can comfortably be dropped from your rosters. The seven-year veteran remains rostered in over 40% of all leagues even though cumulative evidence indicates that he cannot help your fantasy team.
Cook’s numbers from Weeks 1-7 contain an unsightly collection of career lows. He has been limited to 6.5 carries per game and just 18.2 rushing yards per game while averaging 2.8 yards per attempt. Since Week 4, Cook has only averaged 4.7 attempts and 17.0 yards per attempt.
He has also established career lows in yards before contact per attempt (1.3) and yards after contact per attempt (1.5), while also averaging only 1.5 receptions/7.7 receiving yards per game.
Breece Hall is performing effectively as the Jets’ workhorse back, and Cook is not a candidate to experience a sudden surge in usage. Cook’s ineffectiveness would also prevent him from being a trustworthy starter even if Hall would be forced to the sideline. That removes all rationale for retaining Cook on your rosters.
Jerick McKinnon, Kansas City Chiefs - 45% Rostered
Kansas City has now completed the first seven matchups of the regular season and Jerick McKinnon has yet to operate with the same workload that he captured during 2022. McKinnon accumulated 497 snaps during 2022 (29.2 per game). However, he has now played 139 snaps (19.9 per game) entering Week 8.
McKinnon also averaged 4.2 carries and 17.2 rushing yards per game last season, along with 4.2 targets, 3.3 receptions, and 30.1 receiving yards per game. He also finished 25th with an average of 11.5 points per game. Those averages have now dropped to a microscopic 1.3 attempts/3.3 rushing yards per game, along with 2.7 targets/2.0 receptions/16.4 receiving yards per game this season. He is also averaging just 5.7 points per game.
Isiah Pacheco leads the backfield in every category that was mentioned, and it has become increasingly unlikely that McKinnon will reward anyone who has retained him on their rosters. That should encourage you to secure a player who provides the potential to bolster your scoring during your remaining matchups.
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