X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups - Week 4

Phil Clark's fantasy football running back waiver wire pickups before Week 4 of the 2021 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream and stash off waivers.

After three weeks of the regular season, many of you have already contended with the absence of a player that you had projected to be your team's primary back. Any managers who embraced the opportunity to seize Christian McCaffrey and Dalvin Cook at the onset of their drafts have now been added to that unwanted list. Other backs who are not producing the results that were expected have remained healthy, but managers have yet to receive a sufficient return on their hefty investments.

Regardless of why you might be considering your waiver wire options, this article will uncover the best running backs that are rostered in 60% or less in all leagues. That threshold has already been surpassed by Alexander Mattison, Sony Michel, and Cordarrelle Patterson, which will shift focus to other backs in this week's article. But if you are in a league in which any member of that trio is available, then it is recommended that you elevate them among your primary targets.

This week's recommendations will appear in three tiers, beginning with the most enticing and progressing to options for managers that 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'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: Discover RotoBaller’s top Fantasy Football Sleepers to gain an edge in your drafts. Our free who to draft tool and expert picks spotlight undervalued players, breakout candidates, and late-round gems for all league formats.

 

Week 3 Rushing Leaders

Week 3 Rushing Leaders Team Attempts Yards YPA TDs
Derrick Henry Tennessee 28 113 4.04 0
Alexander Mattison Minnesota 26 112 4.3 0
Peyton Barber Las Vegas 23 111 4.8 1
Clyde Edwards-Helaire Kansas City 17 100 5.9 0
Joe Mixon Cincinnati 18 90 5 0
Alvin Kamara New Orleans 24 89 3.7 0
James Robinson Jacksonville 15 88 5.9 1
Nick Chubb Cleveland 22 84 3.8 0
Kareem Hunt Cleveland 10 81 8.1 1
Chris Carson Seattle 12 80 6.7 1
Sony Michel LA Rams 20 67 3.4 0

 

Frontrunners - Week 4 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.

Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers - 25% Rostered 

Hubbard accumulated 3,459 rushing yards on 585 attempts during three seasons at Oklahoma State. That includes the 2,094 yards that he stockpiled with a whopping 328 attempts during 2019. Carolina ultimately selected him in Round 4 of last April’s NFL Draft, and he had been limited to 10 touches and 14 total yards in Weeks 1-2. But his workload increased dramatically in Week 3 after Christian McCaffrey exited the Panthers’ matchup in Houston (hamstring).

Hubbard accrued 79 total yards on 14 touches while functioning as the team’s primary back. Royce Freeman manufactured 25 total yards on six touches and will share touches with Hubbard during McCaffrey’s absence. Hubbard does not possess the same abilities as McCaffrey, and will not deliver the same level of output with any consistency. However, his value has now skyrocketed as he will provide managers with a low-end RB2 option while McCaffrey remains sidelined. Hubbard is available in 75% of all leagues and now resides atop the list of backs to target on this week’s waiver wire.

Zack Moss, Buffalo Bills - 54% Rostered 


Moss has established his presence within Buffalo’s backfield rotation since resurfacing in Week 2, by accruing 125 total yards on 26 touches, including 86 yards on the ground. Moss has also assembled 39 receiving yards on five receptions while tying his career-high with three catches in Week 3. Moss also scored the second receiving touchdown of his career against Washington and has now accumulated three touchdowns during his last two matchups.

Devin Singletary has carried 24 times and amassed 117 total yards since Moss returned from his hamstring injury. Singletary has also collected 10 targets, while Moss has been targeted five times by Josh Allen since his reappearance. Both backs will continue to share opportunities. However, Moss has performed with enough proficiency to retain a sizable percentage of the workload during the upcoming weeks. He remains available in nearly 50% of all leagues and should be targeted by anyone who is searching for an additional flex option.

Kenny Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles - 35% Rostered 

Gainwell has quickly earned a role in Philadelphia's offense that capitalizes on his ability to accrue sizable yardage as both a runner and receiver. This has enabled the promising rookie to cement his status as the Eagles' RB2, and his value should ascend as the year progresses. All of which provides managers with substantial incentive to capture him from the waiver wire while he remains available.

Gainwell immediately catapulted Boston Scott on the depth chart in Week 1 and has now averaged 7.5 attempts, 3.0 targets, and 38 total yards per game since Philadelphia’s season opener. Not only does Gainwell’s versatility equip him to generate fantasy points as a flex option, but his value will ignite if Miles Sanders is absent from Philadelphia’s lineup at any point during the season. Gainwell remains available in 65% of all leagues, and your decision to add him now could deliver enormous dividends during the upcoming weeks. Securing him this week also becomes a top priority if Sanders is on your roster.

 

In The Running - Week 4 Waiver Wire Running Backs

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

Michael Carter, New York Jets - 54% Rostered   

Carter was included in last week’s recommendations due to the expectation that he would eventually ascend into an expanded role. Managers were still largely uninspired to target him for their rosters, as his availability only changed by 4%. Carter’s escalating usage had propelled his 25% snap share in Week 1 to 45% in Week 2, while his touch total increased from five to 13 his first two outings.

That favorable trend continued in Week 3 when the Jets visited Denver, as Carter easily paced the Jet backfield in touches (11), while also attaining a team-high nine carries. Ty Johnson had appeared to be Carter’s primary competitor for touches, but Johnson was limited to just three carries against the Broncos. Johnson was also targeted five times by Zach Wilson, but only captured one of those passes. Tevin Coleman's workload was already in decline prior to his Week 3 absence (illness) and is included in this week’s also-rans section.

Carter is approaching lead-back status with the Jets, and the rookie could officially commandeer that role sooner than had recently been anticipated.

Peyton Barber, Las Vegas Raiders - 7% Rostered 

You may not have the same fervor for pursuing Barber from this week’s waiver wire that you will for the most popular options that remain available. However, he will accumulate rushing attempts and accrue rushing yardage while Josh Jacobs contends with his lingering ankle issue. Barber was entrusted with 23 carries during the Raiders Week 3 matchup with Miami, which tied his career-high. He also assembled a career-best 111 yards, which was the first time that he has eclipsed 100 yards since 2018.

Barber also performed efficiently, while averaging 4.8 yards per attempt. It is wise to monitor Jacobs’ status as the week progresses, and Barber's lack of involvement as a pass-catcher reduces his appeal in PPR leagues. However, Jon Gruden has already demonstrated his comfort level with using Barber as the team’s primary rusher, which allows Barber to operate with volume. That supplies the rationale for securing Barber this week.

J.D. McKissic, Washington Football Team - 39% Rostered

McKissic was only targeted once during Washington’s season opener, failed to register a reception, and carried just one time. However, his target share rose from 4.8% to 13.7% in Week 2, as McKissic collected five of his six targets and generated 83 yards (which included a 56-yard reception). McKissic also four accrued rushing attempts, as his expanded involvement emerged as a popular topic following that matchup.  His usage decreased in Week 3, as McKissic carried three times, caught both his targets, and produced 38 total yards.

Antonio Gibson was allotted 13 touches and amassed 104 total yards, which included a 73-yard touchdown on his only reception.  Anyone who drafted Gibson should remain vigilant regarding of McKissic’s usage, as McKissic can be expected to siphon opportunities, This elevates him into flex consideration for anyone who is participating in PPR leagues, and his value would soar if Gibson would be absent during the year.

 

Dark Horses - Week 4 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.

Jeff Wilson Jr., San Francisco 49ers - 19% Rostered
Wilson was mentioned in this column on a repeated basis during the final weeks of the 2020 regular season as he presented managers with a critical resource that could help propel their teams to league championships. Now, he can be stashed on rosters in advance of his eventual return (meniscus surgery). Wilson will be infused into a 49er backfield that contains a collection of options (Elijah Mitchell/Trey Sermon/JaMychal Hasty/Kerryon Johnson/Jacques Patrick), but he has proven capable of performing effectively when he is presented with the opportunity.

Wilson assembled the league’s third-highest yardage total in Week 7 last season (112) while averaging 6.6 yards per attempt. A high ankle sprain sidelined him from Weeks 8-10. But he returned in Week 12 and averaged finished eighth overall in rushing yardage during San Francisco’s final six matchups (437/72.8 yards per game). Wilson will remain absent for another 4-6 weeks, but he has established his ability to accrue sizable yardage and could become a vital roster component during the critical weeks of your fantasy season.

Royce Freeman, Carolina Panthers - 1% Rostered

Freeman was the eighth back to be selected during the 2018 NFL Draft (3.07), but his career trajectory was hardly favorable during his tenure with Denver. He finished second to fellow newcomer Phillip Lindsay in attempts (130/9.3 per game), and yardage (521/37.2) during 2018, and those numbers remain his career highs. He also assembled 69 yards on 19 carries during the preseason before his release by the Broncos on September 1.

He was claimed from waivers by Carolina to serve as a backup McCaffrey and did not register a touch until the foundation of Carolina’s offense was sidelined. However, the 6’0”, 235-pound Freeman has been elevated into an ongoing role, as he is blended into a timeshare with Hubbard.

The rookie Hubbard will be entrusted with a larger workload, which is likely to prevent Freeman from accruing numbers that will compel managers to include him in their lineups. Freeman's value would rise if he siphons a larger percentage of touches during the upcoming weeks. He would also ascend into a significant workload if Hubbard would be sidelined during McCaffrey's absence. That should incentivize managers in deeper leagues to add him this week

Tony Jones Jr., New Orleans Saints - 18% Rostered

Jones generated 1,481 rushing yards during his final three seasons at Notre Dame (2017-2019). He was later signed as an undrafted free agent by New Orleans. He only was involved in five offensive snaps last season. However, his effectiveness during the preseason 106 rushing yards 8.8 per attempt provided a pathway to securing RB to responsibilities for the Saints. It also resulted in the release of Latavius Murray, which solidified Jones's status as Alvin Kamara’s direct backup.

Jones has operated in that capacity during New Orleans’ first three contests. He accumulated a season-high 12 touches during the Saints’ Week 1 matchup with Green Bay, although he was limited to seven touches and 29 total yards in Weeks 2-3. However, Jones remains directly below Kamara on the depth chart, and his workload would expand significantly if Kamara would be sidelined for any reason. He is available in over 80% of all leagues and can be stashed by anyone who manages a deeper roster.

 

Also-Rans - Time To Say Goodbye

These backs can be dropped in order to secure an RB with greater potential to bolster your scoring during the year.

Mark Ingram II / David Johnson / Phillip Lindsay, Houston Texans - 56%/44%/35% Rostered 

This recommendation applies to all three players in Houston‘s overly congested backfield. The usage for each member of this trio effectively negates the potential for any back to accrue favorable numbers with any form of consistency. Ingram attained a 46% snap share in Week 1 while commandeering 26 of the Texans’ 37 carries that were distributed within the backfield. That compelled managers to add him to their rosters after that season opener. Ingram has averaged a 33% share in Weeks 2-3. He has also received a combined 20 carries, including just six in Week 3.

Johnson has been involved on 36% of Houston’s snaps but he has carried just 11 times and garnered only six targets from Weeks 1-3. Lindsay's snap share is only 22.2%, while he has accrued 20 attempts and just two targets.  The continued usage of all three backs virtually guarantees that any potential to accumulate favorable yardage totals will be quashed. That should incentivize you to eliminate Ingram, Johnson, and Lindsay from your rosters.

Ronald Jones II, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 73% Rostered

Jones was averaging 12.3 attempts per game during 2019-2020, while his involvement as a receiver was confined to 2.7 targets per game. He also attained a 39% snap share during that two-year sequence, including a career-high 42% last season. However, his share has dropped to 25% in Weeks 1-3. He has also been limited to just 5.0 attempts per game, which has restricted his yardage total (52).  Jones’ already modest role as a pass-catcher has dissipated completely (3 targets) as Leonard Fournette and Giovani Bernard have combined for 27.

Fournette has commandeered the majority of rushing opportunities (8.0 per game), while Bernard has confiscated pass-catching responsibilities. All of which has repositioned Jones as a back who will only be deployed as a runner, within an offense that is ranked just 31st in run play percentage. Jones is also an untrustworthy resource in the Buccaneers’ passing attack, which has eliminated all rationale for retaining him on your roster. It will not be difficult to locate a running back on your waiver wire that provides greater potential to boost your scoring.

Tevin Coleman, New York Jets - 15% Rostered

Coleman led the Jets in carries (9) and rushing yardage (24) during their season opener (24), but he averaged an unimpressive 2.7 yards per attempt and was only involved in 26% of the Jets’ offensive snaps. His snap share plunged to 10% in Week 2, while he was also restricted to five carries and 24 yards. Carter and Johnson combined for 23 attempts as each back ran for 50+ yards (Carter 59/Johnson 50),

Coleman was inactive in Week 3 due to an illness, but his diminished involvement had already provided an indication that his role was dissolving. Carter’s elusiveness and versatility are in the process of propelling him into a sizable weekly touch total. Johnson possesses a burst and has displayed the ability to run with power, which will also keep him involved in the touch allocation. Coleman has only managed minimal yardage totals, and his opportunities as a receiver have been non-existent (0 targets). This provides your motivation to remove him from your roster.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Pete Crow-Armstrong

Homers Twice, Drives in Three
Brice Matthews

Joining Astros
MLB

White Sox-Guardians Postponed on Thursday
Brandon Aiyuk

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List, but Not Ruled Out for Week 1
Jameson Williams

Not in the Team's Long-Term Plans?
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Micah Parsons

Plans to be Present for Start of Training Camp
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Ikem Ekwonu

Next Up for Extension in Carolina?
Jalen Thompson

Heading into Last Year With Cardinals?
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Najee Harris

Suffers Eye Injury in Fireworks Mishap
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Alex Bregman

Will Return to Red Sox This Weekend
Chris Sale

Braves Won't Consider Trading Chris Sale
Clarke Schmidt

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery on Friday
Nick Nash

Unlikely to Make Falcons Active Roster
Lane Johnson

in No Rush To Retire
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Blake Corum

has "Gotten His Speed Back"
Jarquez Hunter

Picking Up Rams Offense Quickly
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Kirk Cousins

Feels Misled by Falcons
Bijan Robinson

Says Falcons Have "Outlandish Goals" for the Running Game
Luther Burden III

Bears Expect Luther Burden III to be Ready for Training Camp
Cole Kmet

an Unlikely Trade Piece
Tony Pollard

Titans Hope to Balance Rushing Attack With Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears
Byron Buxton

Sitting Thursday
Quentin Johnston

Not Assured of Starting Role
Cordarrelle Patterson

on the Roster Bubble in Pittsburgh?
Shedeur Sanders

Not Assured of Roster Spot in Cleveland?
Wan'Dale Robinson

Hoping For More Downfield Opportunities
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Homers Twice on Wednesday
Mike Trout

Homers Twice in Win Over Rangers
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Leads Yankees to Victory
Salvador Perez

Crushes Two Homers in Win
Cleveland Browns

Greg Newsome on the Trade Block?
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Zach Tom

An Extension Candidate in Green Bay
Devin Booker

Agrees to Extension with Phoenix
Trevor Williams

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Byron Buxton

Exits After Hit-by-Pitch, X-Rays Negative
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Playing on Wednesday
Alex Bregman

has "Really Good Chance" to Return Before All-Star Break
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Expected to Return on Friday
Walter Clayton Jr.

Leads Jazz to Summer League Win
Carter Bryant

Struggles in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Drops a Double-Double in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Oklahoma City Thunder

Malevy Leons Logs Impressive Summer League Outing on Tuesday
Dalton Knecht

Collects 25 Points in Lakers Summer League Win
Los Angeles Lakers

Darius Bazley Drops 27 Points in Summer League on Tuesday
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Chet Holmgren

Agrees to Rookie Max Extension
Alex Bregman

Not Returning Wednesday
Jhoan Duran

Unavailable Due to Illness
Shane McClanahan

Tosses Clean Frame in First Rehab Appearance
Jacob Wilson

Day-to-Day After HBP
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. to be Reassessed Wednesday
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Malaki Branham

Traded to Washington
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Blake Wesley

Moves to Washington
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Kelly Olynyk

on the Move Again
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Anthony Davis

Recovering From Eye Surgery
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF