Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups - Week 16

December 22, 2020

Phil's fantasy football running back waiver wire pickups for Week 16 of the 2020 NFL season. Free agent fantasy RBs to add, and potential PPR sleepers to stash.

Congratulations to those of you who are participating in Week 16. You have maintained your highest level of flexibility while navigating through injuries to critical players, COVID19-related absences, and the other surprises that emerged during this unique season. Now this diligence has placed you on the threshold of your league's championship.

Winning your league has been your primary goal from the moment that you began preparing for your draft. It has also remained the driving force behind every roster decision that you have made throughout the regular season and your playoff matchups. Now, you are just one win away from fulfilling your championship aspirations. This article is dedicated to helping you make the critical decisions that await you by recommending the best running backs to target on your waiver wires.

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 to all of you with your matchups in Week 16.

Running Back Leaderboard

Frontrunners - Week 16 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.

Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys

44% rostered

Pollard’s enticing blend of versatility and sheer talent have elevated him among the league’s elite insurance policies throughout the season. He was also gaining standalone value before the fantasy postseason as Ezekiel Elliott had failed to perform at his usual level of efficiency. From Weeks 1-11, Elliott had accumulated 171 attempts (17.1 per game) and 675 yards (67.5 per game). But the diminished version of Elliott averaged 13.3 carries and 52.3 yards from Week 12-14.

There goes Tony Pollard! @Tp__5 #DallasCowboys

?: #SFvsDAL on CBS
?: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/EJLjYXQNy2 pic.twitter.com/2eklIxh6Jk

— NFL (@NFL) December 20, 2020

He had also been contending with a quad issue which ultimately sidelined him for the Cowboys’ Week 15 matchup with San Francisco. This instantly vaulted Pollard into lead back duties for Dallas, and he responded by establishing new season-highs in rushing attempts (12) and rushing yardage (69), and career-highs in targets (9), receptions (6), and receiving yards (63). He also generated two touchdowns and should sustain a respectable workload regardless of Elliott’s Week 16 status.  That positions him firmly as this week's premiere waiver wire option among running backs.

Salvon Ahmed, Miami Dolphins

33% rostered

There were a plethora of possibilities for touch distribution within Miami’s backfield entering Week 15. Myles Gaskin remained on the reserve/COVID19 list, while a cluster of backs was available for touches during his absence. Ahmed had re-emerged from his shoulder issue, while Breida had returned from the reserve/COVID19 list. DeAndre Washington had led the Dolphins in touches (15), and total yards (52) in Week 14, while Lynn Bowden Jr. had led the team in targets (9), receptions (7), and receiving yards (82).

OK @AhmedSalvon!!

? @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/X4cRMz2ZQf

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 20, 2020

The uncertainty evaporated during Miami’s Week 15 matchup, as Ahmed commandeered a team-high 23 carries, and stockpiled 122 yards. Breida accrued 12 carries and manufactured 86 yards.  However, Washington did not register a touch, while Bowden was utilized almost exclusively as a receiver (7 targets/1 rushing attempt).  Gaskin could easily ascend into the Dolphins’ lead back duties if he resurfaces for Miami’s matchup with Las Vegas. However, Ahmed should be added to all rosters, as he would also operate as Miami’s primary back if Gaskin remains sidelined. Managers cannot trust Breida in their lineups, while Washington can be dropped. Bowden remains a viable roster addition in leagues in which he maintains running back status.

Le'Veon Bell, Kansas City Chiefs

53% rostered

?????

?: https://t.co/m7Z375tRik pic.twitter.com/dqHTA7mg0l

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 21, 2020

Bell has accumulated 56 attempts (7 per game) and just 224 yards (28 per game) since he was infused into Kansas City’s backfield in Week 7. He had also performed on 30.5% of the Chiefs offensive snaps from Weeks 7-14, while Clyde Edwards-Helaire had attained a share of 54.8% during those contests. The rookie had also collected 79 yards on 14 attempts during the team’s Week 15 matchup with New Orleans before he encountered a leg injury.

That propelled Bell into Kansas City’s RB1 responsibilities, which enabled him to establish new season-highs in carries (15), and yardage (62). The severity of Edwards-Helaire’s issue is currently unclear. But Bell would function as the Chiefs’ lead back once again if the newcomer is unable to perform when Kansas City hosts Atlanta. That has vaulted Bell among the top four running backs that can be located on the waiver wire. He is available in 53% of all leagues and would be a high-end RB2 for managers during their crucial Week 16 matchups.

Jeff Wilson, San Francisco 49ers

56% rostered

Since Wilson returned from his ankle injury in Week 12, he has accumulated 178 plus yards on 46 attempts. That includes his performance in Week 15 when he carried 16 times and generated 60 yards on the ground. Raheem Mostert had been contending with his own ankle issue until Week 12 and had re-emerged to accrue 53 carries. He also rumbled for 218 yards before the six-year veteran reinjured his troublesome ankle during San Francisco's Week 15 matchup in Dallas. Wilson immediately functioned as the 49ers' primary back after Mostert became cemented to the sideline.

? @jeffwilsonjr powers in for the score!#SFvsDAL on CBS/49ers app pic.twitter.com/ZUHpsmO5DO

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 20, 2020

Wilson will continue to operate as San Francisco's RB1 if Mostert is unable to resurface for Saturday’s encounter at Arizona. Even if Mostert does return for the matchup against the Cardinals, Wilson has been entrusted with a respectable workload by Kyle Shanahan during the 49ers’ last four contests, while Tevin Coleman and Jerick McKinnon have combined for just 13 touches since Wilson's Week 12 return. He becomes one of this week's primary waiver-wire targets and could become a valuable resource for managers if Mostert is unavailable on Saturday.

In The Running - Week 16 Waiver Wire Running Backs

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

Benny Snell, Pittsburgh Steelers

21% rostered

It has been an uneven journey for anyone who has progressed through the season with James Conner on their rosters. He was third overall in rushing yards from Weeks 2-7 (442 yards/88.4 per game) while averaging 17.8 attempts per game. But those averages have dropped to 12 attempts and 42.4 yards per game since Week 8. However, if he is on your roster, then you very likely need him to start him

But it will be important to monitor his status, as he has been contending with a quad issue. If Conner is absent for Pittsburgh’s Week 16 matchup with Indianapolis, then Snell would elevate into lead back responsibilities. This provides the incentive for anyone who is depending upon Conner to protect your investment by securing Snell. He procured a 58.5% snap share in his two recent starts while Conner was sidelined (Weeks 12/13). and would also vault to RB2 status for all other managers if he performs as the primary back once again. This elevates Snell among this week’s waiver wire targets.

Frank Gore, New York Jets

25% rostered

There has been mammoth rationale for the Jets to utilize Ty Johnson and Lamical Perine - who is eligible to return from injured reserve. This would allow the franchise’s decision-makers to assess both backs more extensively. However, nothing has prevented Adam Gase from preserving his steadfast commitment to keeping Gore involved in New York’s offense. Gore has averaged 12.4 attempts per game while accumulating 605 yards in 14 matchups.

Touchdown, @frankgore!@nyjets extend their lead in LA, 20-3. #TakeFlight

?: #NYJvsLAR on FOX
?: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/4dWJuGxOxQ pic.twitter.com/bKTK9XrxQw

— NFL (@NFL) December 20, 2020

The concussion that he suffered in Week 13 temporarily disrupted his status as the Jets’ RB1 and Johnson exploded for 104 yards on 22 attempts during Gore’s absence. That vaulted Johnson atop the waiver wire targets entering Week 14. But Gore was allotted 23 attempts in Week 15- which was his highest total since Week 14 of 2017. He also rushed for 59 yards and has now reached that yardage total in three of his last five matchups. Gases' penchant for utilizing Gore also removes the level of risk that exists with other options on this week's waiver wire.

Sony Michel, New England Patriots

Michel 19% rostered 

Michel had experienced a protracted absence from Weeks 4-12 due to the blend of a quad injury and his presence on the reserve-COVID19 list. However, the landscape of New England’s backfield was transformed when Damien Harris was forced to miss the Patriots’ AFC East encounter with Miami in Week 15. That vaulted Michel into the role as New England’s primary rusher, and he led the Patriots in carries (10), and rushing yards (74).

Sony Michel doesn’t get yards after contact, I’m told ? pic.twitter.com/EPloo2WVi7

— Matt Chatham (@chatham58) December 20, 2020

That matched his season-high in rushing attempts, while it was also his highest yardage total since Week 3. The health of Harris will impact Michel’s workload during New England’s Week 16 matchup with Buffalo, and fantasy GMs should watch updates throughout the week. But the uncertainty surrounding Harris' situation elevates Michel among this week's most viable roster additions at the running back position. He would operate as the Patriots’ lead back once again if Harris is unavailable.

Dark Horses - Week 16 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.

Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens

44% rostered

J.K. Dobbins is the preferred Raven back to have contained on your roster. But anyone who is attempting to locate an alternative flex option in Week 16 can consider Edwards. Mark Ingram has been completely jettisoned from the backfield rotation which has provided Dobbins and Edwards with the opportunity to share the workload. Edwards carried nine times during the Ravens’ Week 15 matchup with Jacksonville and generated 42 yards. Edwards should collect opportunities again this week when Baltimore hosts the Giants.

He has now accumulated 192 yards on the ground during his last three matchups and has assembled 350 yards since Week 8. He has also been averaging 5.4 yards per attempt during that span. Dobbins should receive that majority of rushing attempts. But he has not exceeded 15 carries at any point during the season. Edwards should also retain his recent role, which makes him worthy of flex consideration if you are contending with roster issues this week.

Devontae Booker, Las Vegas Raiders

26% rostered

This recommendation is not the result of his recent numbers, as he has failed to exceed 16 rushing yards in four of his last five contests. He generated 50 yards on 16 attempts in Week 13 but has averaged 4.3 attempts per game during his other four matchups. Josh Jacobs continues to commandeer an extensive workload, as he is third along all backs in rushing attempts (245/18.8 per game) and fourth in rushing yardage (907/69.8 per game) during the season. That includes his Week 15 performance versus the Chargers (26 attempts/76 yards).

However, he has been dealing with ankle and knee issues. He will have nine days of rest before the Raiders' next matchup with Miami. But if Jacobs is on your roster, you can safeguard your team from a Week 16 crisis by securing Booker. He would collect the majority of touches of Jacobs is sidelined on Sunday. Jalen Richard has been contending with a chest issue, which increases the likelihood that Booker would absorb a significant touch total if Jacobs is absent.

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.

Joe Mixon / Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals

Mixon 83% rostered / Bernard 54% rostered  

This is a general recommendation to avoid all Cincinnati running backs during your critical Week 16 matchup, as there are multiple reasons why you should sidestep this entire backfield during your drive toward a league championship. Mixon has not been active since Week 6, and the prospects of witnessing him on the field in Week 16 are extremely low. Even if he hypothetically were to re-emerge, he will be operating within an offense that has been stripped of its potency while Brandon Allen and Ryan Finley have been under center.

The production-inhibiting aspect of Joe Burrow’s absence is also problematic for Bernard, as is the potential that he will be relegated to a modest workload. He was limited to just six touches and 23 total yards in Week 14, as Samaje Perine and Trayveon Williams combined for 27 touches and generated 104 total yards during Cincinnati’s matchup with Dallas. They both exceeded a 37% snap share (Perine-38.9/Williams 37.5) while Bernard’s share was constrained at 23.6%. Even though Bernard's workload expanded to 26 touches in Week 15, there is no guarantee that Williams and Perine will not pilfer a sizable number of touches this week. The prospects of a congested backfield rotation within an uninspiring offense should compel you to avoid this situation completely.

Mark Ingram, Baltimore Ravens

38% rostered

Ingram is somehow contained on nearly 40% of all rosters, even though his relevance within Baltimore’s backfield has evaporated. He averaged 9 attempts and 41 yards per game from Weeks 1-5 while attaining a 33% snap share. But since Week 11, his averages have plunged to 4 attempts and 15 yards per game. Ingram was active but failed to register a touch in Week 14. Then his situation degenerated completely when he became a healthy scratch before Baltimore’s Week 15 matchup with Jacksonville.

J.K. Dobbins has commandeered the majority of carries since Week 8, as he has carried 85 times (12.1 per game) while accumulating 414 yards (50.1 per game). Gus Edwards has carried 83 times (9.23 per game) and generated 386 yards (43 per game) since Week 6. Ingram’s modest touch totals had already been alarming, but now his workload has disintegrated completely. He cannot function as a resource for your team this week. If Ingram is on your roster, then it is highly recommended that you replace him.

Adrian Peterson, Detroit Lions

49% rostered

Peterson remained a vital component within Detroit’s rushing attack earlier this season, even though he operated within the Lions’ three-back rotation. Peterson was averaging 13.3 attempts and 52.3 yards per game from Weeks 1-7 while performing on 37.5% of Detroit’s offensive snaps. However, his snap share dropped to 19.7% from Weeks 8-10, while his averages decreased to 6.3 attempts and 22.7 yards per game. That coincided with the statistical rise of rookie D'Andre Swift, who exploded for 246 total yards on 37 touches in Weeks 9-10.

Since Swift re-emerged in Week 14, Peterson has been restricted to 10 carries, while managing 30 yards. That includes Detroit’s Week 15 encounter with Tennessee when Peterson was allotted six touches. Swift accumulated 19 touches, assembled 82 total yards. and generated two touchdowns against the Titans. There is no longer any reason to waste a roster spot on Peterson, who would be relegated to a timeshare with Kerryon Johnson if Swift encounters another health issue.

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