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

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).

(🎥: @NFLCanada) pic.twitter.com/s5N90daJ8V

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) September 24, 2021

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.

Moss mode activated. 🔋

📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/NZi6vDdISY

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) September 26, 2021

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.

while everyone targets Elijah Mitchell, pivot and target kenny gainwell

11 touches & a touchdown in his first game in the NFL 🧐pic.twitter.com/5Peo5Qkwj7

— corey spala (@coreyspala) September 14, 2021

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.

Michael Carter breaking all the tackles. #TakeFlight

📺: #NEvsNYJ on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/gbemrhnZUe

— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2021

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.

Peyton Barber breaks free for 27 yards! #RaiderNation

📺: #MIAvsLV on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/EGtMf3iPij

— NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2021

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.

Touchdown machine Jeff Wilson Jr. is sticking around for another season 😤

pic.twitter.com/zfhoMRZ9BA

— KNBR (@KNBR) January 27, 2021

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.

Royce Freeman with a launch to the endzone…from the 3yd line pic.twitter.com/lFxLMrwykd

— The NBA Expert (@RealNBAExpert) September 24, 2021

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.

Tony Jones Jr. around the edge… TOUCHDOWN! #NOvsBAL pic.twitter.com/q2iTrucGEy

— NFL (@NFL) August 14, 2021

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.

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Advice