Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups - Week 14

December 9, 2020

Phil's fantasy football running back waiver wire pickups for Week 14 of the 2020 NFL season. Free agent fantasy RBs to add, and potential PPR sleepers to stash.

All Fantasy GMs are to be commended for rising to the unique challenges that have unfolded during this regular season. The weeks have advanced at a relentless pace and we have now entered the fantasy postseason. Congratulations to those of you who have navigated the numerous obstacles that have emerged since your original rosters were created during your drafts. Your diligence has placed you in a position to secure your leagues’ championships.

If you have secured a place in the postseason, this critical week provides the opportunity for you to focus on constructing lineups that will advance further into the playoffs. It is also highly recommended that you examine all remaining matchups for any backs that you are considering or are currently contained on your rosters. This maximizes your planning process by establishing which backs will be contending with difficult matchups, and which runners have an opportunity to perform against vulnerable defensive units.

Regardless of your reasons for examining waiver wire options, this article will help you locate the best running backs to target. These recommendations will appear in three tiers - beginning with the most enticing and progressing to runners that are available if you are contending with desperation. You will also find a group of backs that can be considered as droppable in order for you to secure your replacements. Good luck with your matchups.

Running Back Leaderboard

Frontrunners - Week 14 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These backs should be your top priorities among the options that are available on most waiver wires. Some will be more beneficial in PPR formats than standard. All players have 60% or less ownership in typical fantasy leagues.

Benny Snell, Pittsburgh Steelers

38% rostered
Pittsburgh ranked 10th in run play percentage during 2019 (42.2%). However, they were only ranked 23rd in that category (39.1%) as the Steelers entered their Week 13 matchup with Washington. But even though Ben Roethlisberger’s connections with Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and JuJu Smith-Schuster) have become a consistent element of the Steelers’ offensive attack, you do not have to avoid Pittsburgh running backs completely.

Get outta his way ?@benny_snell | ? NBC ?https://t.co/tI5aUTu7te pic.twitter.com/pPf9ktlmE0

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 2, 2020

Snell accumulated 60 rushing yards on 16 rushing attempts during Pittsburgh’s Week 12 matchup with Baltimore and should continue to operate as the Steelers’ primary back while James Conner is absent. Snell could potentially emerge with an expanded role even after Conner resurfaces from the reserve-COVID-19 list. Conner had averaged 17.3 attempts and 81.5 yards per game from Weeks 2-8. But those averages had dropped to 11.7 attempts and 49 yards per game in Conner’s final three matchups before he was sidelined. Even if Snell’s touch total decreases significantly after Conner’s return, Snell still functions as a viable insurance policy for anyone who has Conner on their rosters.

Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams

53% rostered

Akers has been included in this column on a repeated basis, due to the potential that he could evolve into a valuable resource during the fantasy postseason. But those recommendations included the caveat that his prospects of functioning as a productive starter could be circumvented by the congested nature of LA’s backfield. The three-way rotation had been an unwavering factor throughout most of the season, as Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown have split opportunities with Akers.

End zone ? @thereal_cam3 pic.twitter.com/GKKx9xupyX

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 6, 2020

But Akers has now averaged 11.3 attempts during his last four matchups, That includes Week 13, when Akers collected a career-high 21 carries, while Henderson and Brown combined for just six attempts. Akers has also generated 156 yards and two touchdowns on the ground since Week 12 and has now scored in three consecutive contests. His expanding workload blends favorably with his recent ability to capitalize on those opportunities. Akers remains available in 47% of all leagues and is now among the primary targets on this week’s waiver wire.

Ty Johnson, New York Jets

0% rostered

When a running back emerges unexpectedly as a potential roster addition during the fantasy playoffs, some managers might not be as inclined to target that player as they would if this scenario developed prior to the postseason. That brings the conversation to second-year back Ty Johnson, who entered Week 13 with eight carries and  60 yards on the ground. Frank Gore suffered a concussion during the Jets’ Week 13 matchup with Las Vegas, which quickly elevated Johnson into an expanded role. The second-year back accumulated 104 yards against the Raiders, while absorbing 22 attempts, and establishing new career highs in both categories.

Ty Johnson punches it in to give the Jets (+300 ML) a 28-24 lead

pic.twitter.com/RIQmAt2dbS

— Bet The Pigskin (@betthepigskin) December 6, 2020

Gore will likely ascend into lead back duties whenever he has fully recovered due to Adam Gase’s penchant for entrusting the 37-year old back with a sizable workload. But Gore’s status should be monitored as the week progresses, as Johnson would become an intriguing option if Gore is unavailable when the Jets face Seattle on Sunday. However, any deployment of Johnson would be a volume-based decision, as the Seahawks were allowing the third-fewest rushing yards to opposing backs prior to their Week 13 matchup with the Giants.   

In The Running - Week 14 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These backs remain available on the waiver wire but are not necessarily must-adds. 

Adrian Peterson, Detroit Lions  

Peterson 48% rostered 

Just as the fantasy community was collectively embracing the emergence of D'Andre Swift as a potential weekly RB1, the newcomer has now missed two consecutive outings. This was an unwanted outcome for managers that had vaulted him into their starting lineups with great anticipation after he had exploded for 246 total yards in Weeks 9-10. However, it has also restored Peterson’s status as a viable roster option while Swift remains unavailable.

.@AdrianPeterson carries it in for the score❗#DETvsCHI | ? FOX | #OnePride pic.twitter.com/LAOQz0jCaG

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 6, 2020

Peterson has amassed 112 yards and four touchdowns on 31 attempts during Swift’s absence. That includes his production in Week 13 when Peterson generated 57 yards while scoring twice. Peterson also accumulated 16 attempts, which easily surpassed the three carries that were allotted to Kerryon Johnson. Swift would conceivably recapture Detroit’s lead back duties if he regains his health during the postseason. But the majority of carries will be distributed to Peterson while Swift remains sidelined. Peterson can be deployed as a flex if you are devoid of viable alternatives during this critical week – providing that Swift does not return to Detroit’s backfield rotation.

Phillip Lindsay, Denver Broncos

45% rostered

Lindsay is currently available in 55% of all leagues, even though he should be rostered during the postseason. He has averaged 5.0 yards per attempt while performing effectively at various points of the season He was absent from Weeks 2-5 due to a toe injury but commandeered 23 rushing attempts when he resurfaced in Week 6. He also performed on 63% of Denver’s offensive snaps while Melvin Gordon was unavailable (illness). His usage then declined to 6.8 carries per game from Weeks 7-10.

However, Lindsay has been allotted 14+ attempts in two of his last three matchups, as he carried 16 times in Week 11  and accumulated 14 attempts during Denver's Week 13 encounter with Kansas City. Gordon will remain the Broncos’ RB1 during the team's remaining matchups. However, Lindsay should be targeted by anyone who can comfortably create roster space. He is a weekly flex option who could become a productive resource if Gordon would be sidelined for any reason.

Devontae Booker, Las Vegas Raiders

39% rostered

Josh Jacobs had accumulated 206 rushing attempts (18.7 per game) entering Week 13 which was the league’s third-highest total. He was also fifth overall in rushing yardage (782/71.1 per game) even though Jacobs had been limited to 27 yards in Week 12. That was a byproduct of the ankle injury that emerged in Week 12 versus Atlanta. Booker operated as the Raiders lead back after Jacobs was sidelined during that matchup. That had presented fantasy GMs with the opportunity to seize Booker from the waiver wire last week, as his value and workload were destined to rise significantly if Jacobs would be unavailable in Week 13.

This scenario did transpire as Booker was entrusted with 16 of the 23 carries that were distributed within the Las Vegas backfield. Booker did not accumulate astronomical numbers, as he manufactured 50 yards on 16 attempts. However, he did function as the Raiders' primary back while Jalen Richard received five touches. It is unclear whether Jacobs will resurface for this Sunday's matchup with Indianapolis. But Booker will capture a respectable touch total until Jacobs returns. Any continued absence by Jacobs would sustain Booker's current status as an RB3'flex for managers. That elevates him among this week's targets on the waiver wire.

Dark Horses - Week 14 Waiver Wire Running Backs 

This group consists of running backs that can be added if you are willing to wait for the possibility of a larger role during the year, or consider your situation to be desperate due to injuries.

Ito Smith, Atlanta Falcons

5% rostered

Attempting to navigate possible touch distribution within Atlanta’s backfield could become a challenging task during the fantasy postseason. Todd Gurley had not been with proficiency since Week 6, as he has averaged just 2.6 yards per attempt. That includes a season-low 2.0 in Week 13. Brian Hill had been considered to be the logical insurance policy for anyone with Gurley contained on their rosters after he had attained a 30.2 snap share from Weeks 6-11.

.@ItoSmith running hard! #SMTTT ? pic.twitter.com/pWXt5x5LYM

— USMVoice (@USMVoice) December 6, 2020

However, Hill’s Week 12 performance was underwhelming, while Smith garnered more touches (16/13), and generated more total yards (75/55) than Hill. Smith also tied for Gurley for the team lead in rushing attempts during the Falcons’ Week 13 matchup with New Orleans (8) and also paced Atlanta with 36 yards on the ground. Gurley only managed 16 yards with his eight attempts, while Hill was relegated to 18 yards on five carries. Smith has emerged as the most viable Atlanta back to include on your rosters even if Gurley remains active during the Falcons’ upcoming matchups.

Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys

22% rostered

Ezekiel Elliott was RB3 in point per game scoring, fifth in rushing attempts (89/17.8 per game) and seventh in rushing yards (364/72.8 per game) entering Week 6 – which was the Cowboys’ first matchup without Dak Prescott guiding the Dallas offense. But since that time, he has plummeted to RB40, while averaging 15.3 attempts and 57.2 yards per game. If you extract his 103-yard performance in Week 11, he has averaged 14.2 carries and 48 yards per game from Weeks 6-12.

During that six-game sequence, Pollard has averaged 7.2 attempts per game, 36 yards per game, and 5,0 yards per attempt. His snap share has also risen from 16.2% in Weeks 1-5 to 32.0% during those contests This does not lift Pollard into standalone value, but he has performed effectively with his increased workload. He would also soar into must-start territory if Elliott is sidelined or has his touch total reduced even further during the upcoming weeks. Pollard remains a highly recommended insurance policy and could become a valuable roster component during the fantasy postseason.

Alexander Mattison / Mike Boone, Minnesota Vikings 

Mattison 32% rostered / Boone 0 % rostered  

This recommendation is primarily for anyone who has been dependent upon Dalvin Cook in their lineups throughout the season. Only five teams have utilized their ground game with greater frequency than Minnesota, as the Vikings rely on their rushing attack during 48.1% of their offensive plays. This commitment toward running the ball has provided Cook with a massive workload (22.8 attempts per game), and he has capitalized by accumulating 1,250 yards (113.7 per game).

If Cook would suddenly encounter a health issue, his direct backup would instantly ascend into Minnesota’s lead back responsibilities. This potential scenario had sustained Mattison’s status as an elite insurance policy. However, he was sidelined by an appendectomy in Week 13. This has allowed Boone to reenter the fantasy landscape, as he would share touches with Ameer Abdullah during any Cook absence until Mattison has fully recovered. If Cook is on your roster, you would encounter a major challenge if he becomes unavailable during the postseason. But that can be avoided by monitoring Mattison’s status and making sure that you have Mattison or Boone secured on your rosters.

Also-Rans - Time To Say Goodbye

These backs can be dropped in order to secure a running back with greater potential to bolster your scoring during the year.

Mark Ingram, Baltimore Ravens

44% rostered 

Ingram has somehow remained rostered in 44% of all leagues, even though his touch allotment has been alarmingly low, and his limited production will not be beneficial to managers. His decline in usage and production are not recent developments. Since Week 4, Ingram’s snap share has barely reached 20% (20.1), while he has only assembled seven yards on seven attempts since Week 10. That includes Week 11 when his snap share was a season-low 9% and he established season lows in carries (2), and rushing yardage (2).

J.K. Dobbins appears primed to seize the majority of carries for the Ravens’ remaining contests, while Gus Edwards should also receive more opportunities than Ingram during the upcoming weeks. This relegates Ingram to a minimal workload behind both backs, while it is also conceivable that Justice Hill could surpass Ingram within Baltimore’s touch distribution. He cannot help fantasy GMs during the critical matchups that await in the postseason. This should compel anyone who is still retaining Ingram to discard him, as there are more productive options that are available.

Jerick McKinnon, San Francisco 49ers

54% rostered

McKinnon performed on 62% of San Francisco’s offensive snaps from Weeks 8-10. But after the 49ers reemerged from their bye in Week 12, Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson also resurfaced after being sidelined for a combined seven games with ankle injuries.  Mostert attained a 40% snap share, led the backfield with 18 touches, and generated 43 rushing yards and a touchdown. Wilson was involved in 35% of the 49ers’ snaps, was allocated 12 carries, and also produced 43 yards on the ground.

McKinnon became a comparative afterthought as Mostert and Wilson confiscated opportunities, which limited McKinnon to a 25% snap share, and five touches. His outlook diminishes even further with Tevin Coleman also reemerging after his knee issue. While there is always the potential for Kyle Shanahan to reshuffle San Francisco’s backfield rotation due to a game-specific game plan, it is difficult to envision a scenario in which McKinnon can function as a resource for fantasy GMs during the postseason. It is wise to make better use of the critical roster spot on a back that is located higher on his team’s depth chart.

Devonta Freeman, New York Giants

26% rostered  

Freeman signed with the Giants in late September and rushed for 172 yards on 54 attempts (3.2 yards per attempt) from Weeks 3-7. But he was also contending with multiple injuries (hamstring/ankle) which resulted in his placement on injured reserve in mid-November. Some managers have retained Freeman on their rosters in hopes that he could confiscate a respectable workload upon his return. But the seven-year veteran has also been placed on the reserve-COVID 19 list, which will extend his absence even further.

This also creates ineffective usage of a valuable roster spot during the postseason. Gallman has been exceeded expectations by performing proficiently as the Giants’ lead back since ascending into that role. He is sixth among all backs in rushing attempts since Week 8 (84/16.8 per game), sixth in rushing yards (394/78.8 per game), and is tied for fourth in rushing touchdowns (5). Freeman has not displayed the same level of effectiveness and it remains unlikely that he will reach the weekly touch allotment that many have projected. This eliminates the justification for keeping him.

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