Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups - Week 9

November 4, 2020

Phil Clark's fantasy football running back waiver wire pickups before Week 9.

Fantasy GMs are to be commended for rising to the unique challenges that have unfolded during this regular season. Injuries to critical players is an unwelcome reality that occurs every year. This is also the case for backs that were expected to operate as RB1s, but have been relegated to committees. However, this season has required a new level of flexibility to also absorb the COVID-related postponements and ongoing potential for adjusted schedules.

Scheduled bye weeks have also been impactful in lineup decisions. That process continues this week, as players from Cincinnati, Cleveland, Philadelphia, and the Los Angeles Rams will be unavailable due to their byes. This ensures that anyone with Joe Mixon, Giovani Bernard, Kareem Hunt, Miles Sanders, Darrell Henderson, and Malcolm Brown on their rosters will have to avoid starting them in their Week 9 lineups. It also will provide managers with an additional factor that could fuel interest in locating alternative options on the waiver wire.

These recommendations will appear in three tiers - beginning with the most enticing and progressing to runners for anyone that is 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.

Running Back Leaderboard

Frontrunners - Week 9 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.

Zack Moss, Buffalo Bills

54% rostered

When Moss resurfaced from a three-game absence in Week 6, he did not perform effectively (5 attempts/10 yards 2.0 yards per attempt). It is feasible that he had not fully recovered from the toe issue that had forced him to the sideline. The rookie has been more proficient during his last two outings while assembling 128 yards on 26 attempts. He rushed for 47 yards on seven carries in Week 7 (6.7 yards per attempt), then produced 81 yards and his first two career rushing touchdowns during Buffalo’s matchup with New England in Week 8.

Zack Moss scores his 2nd TD of the day! @buffalobills

?: #NEvsBUF on CBS
?: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/J6oAb5WnGm pic.twitter.com/BnWN8T1393

— NFL (@NFL) November 1, 2020

The Bills will continue to deploy both Moss and Devin Singletary, who has carried 32 times while amassing 147 yards on the ground since Moss reemerged. However, the combination of Moss's surging workload and his ability to amass yardage with those opportunities should supply fantasy GMs with the incentive to target him this week. He remains attainable in 54% of all leagues and can function as a flex option.

Justin Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers

56% rostered

Jackson and rookie Joshua Kelley will continue to share touches in the Chargers’ backfield until Austin Ekeler resurfaces from his hamstring injury. However, Jackson has reemerged as a legitimate RB2/RB3 option for fantasy GMs after the third-year back easily captured a more extensive workload than Kelley in Week 8. Jackson accrued 20 touches, including 17 rushing attempts. He also eclipsed 100 total yards for the first time this season, by erupting for a career-high 142 during LA’s Week 8 matchup with Denver. Kelley was limited to just 25 yards with his eight touches against the Broncos.

Justin Jackson with a big run right before half ??? #DENvsLAC
pic.twitter.com/bXCkkofIS4

— Christopher Reiss (@ReissReport) November 1, 2020

Interest in Jackson had ignited earlier this season after he accumulated 20 touches, and assembled 94 total yards in Week 5. But he was later dropped in a number of leagues after Kelley commandeered the largest workload and snap share in Week 7. Jackson is now available in over 40% of all leagues, and efforts to seize him from the waiver will intensify. However, it is worth your time investment to target him this week. 

Damien Harris, New England Patriots

46% rostered

Harris has solidified his status as New England’s primary rusher while diminishing any concerns that he will be relegated to a production-inhibiting role within a committee. The second-year back rumbled for 102 yards and his first career rushing touchdown in Week 8 while leading the New England backfield in attempts and yardage for a fourth consecutive game. He has now accumulated 279 yards on the ground since Week 4 and has generated 100+ in two of those four matchups.

Damien Harris with the scoot for the score! ? pic.twitter.com/WHUIeN51vW

— PFF NE Patriots (@PFF_Patriots) November 1, 2020

The exact timetable for Sony Michel to reemerge from the COVID-19 list remains uncertain. But Harris should remain highly involved in the rushing attack whenever Michel returns to the team. This should result in a respectable weekly workload as New England's deficient passing attack should compel the Patriots to maintain their dependence on the NFL’s third-ranked rushing game. He remains available in over 50% of all leagues and is among this week’s most viable roster additions.

In The Running - Week 9 Waiver Wire Running Backs

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

DeeJay Dallas, Seattle Seahawks

15% rostered

Chris Carson’s foot injury presented fantasy GMs with the opportunity to remedy their own lineup issues by seizing a Seattle back as their temporary starter in Week 8. However, it was uncertain which Seahawk runner would be elevated into an expanded role during the team’s matchup with San Francisco. Carlos Hyde was the presumed RB2 but was contending with tightness in his hamstring. Travis Homer also encountered a knee issue, which vaulted Dallas into lead back responsibilities. That enabled the rookie to accumulate 23 touches while assembling 58 total yards and his first two career touchdowns.

Go DeeJay, that's our DeeJay ‼

The rookie runs it right in for six!

?: #SFvsSEA on FOX pic.twitter.com/zmcebkrwAb

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 1, 2020

Dallas accumulated 1,310 rushing yards during his final two seasons as a Miami Hurricane and can function efficiently if the Seahawks deploy him during the upcoming weeks.  Carson could easily return for Seattle’s Week 9 matchup with Buffalo. But Dallas is also an intriguing roster stash option for anyone who participates in deeper leagues. He also remains a future resource that should be retained if he is already on your dynasty rosters.  

JaMycal Hasty, San Francisco 49ers

42% rostered 

The undrafted free agent had registered just eight snaps, two rushing attempts, and nine yards prior to Week 6. But he has now accumulated 30 rushing attempts during his last three contests while generating 123 yards on the ground. That includes his production in Week 9 when Hasty carried 12 times while generating 29 yards and his first touchdown. His 2.4 yards per attempt average was his lowest since his emergence in San Francisco’s lineup.

JaMychal Hasty’s incredible stretch earns his first career TD

pic.twitter.com/T2rhC68FQW

— 107.7 The Bone (@1077TheBone) November 1, 2020

But he could function as the 49ers' lead back during Thursday Night’s matchup with Green Bay. Tevin Coleman is contending with a knee injury and might be unavailable, while Jerick McKinnon has averaged just 5,3 touches per game since Week 5. Coleman lurks as an eventual competitor for touches when he regains his health. But Hasty has been placed in a position to collect a sizable touch total this week and should remain highly involved in the touch distribution within San Francisco’s backfield until Raheem Mostert can return. This presents fantasy GMs with a viable target on this week’s waiver wire.

Brian Hill, Atlanta Falcons

11% rostered

Hill entered Week 8 as the unquestioned backup to Todd Gurley, but it was difficult to construct a legitimate argument that he also delivered standalone value. Hill had averaged a 23% snap share and 7.3 touches per game from Weeks 1-7. But he established a new season-highs in snap percentage (36), touches (13), and rushing attempts (11) while also generating 64 total yards during Atlanta’s NFC South matchup in Carolina. Gurley accumulated more carries (18) although he could only manufacture 46 yards on those attempts (2.6 per attempt).

Brian Hill picked up the first in style ? @AtlantaFalcons @Heezy2Liv5

? #ATLvsCAR on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO pic.twitter.com/Oc9U0CYR3X

— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) October 30, 2020

It was also the second time that Hill had reached a double-digit total in rushing attempts since Week 6, and his ability to average 5.0 yards per attempt on those opportunities could propel Hill toward similar usage in the upcoming weeks. This would elevate Hill significantly closer to standalone status while increasing your rationale for adding him. Anyone with Gurley on their rosters should secure Hill as an insurance policy, while all other managers with roster space should strongly consider stashing him this week.

Dark Horses - Week 9 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

30% rostered

Gus Edwards finds the end zone for the @ravens! @GodsGiftGus13

?: #PITvsBAL on CBS
?: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/J6oAb5WnGm pic.twitter.com/tFBVvElQ41

— NFL (@NFL) November 1, 2020

The collective efforts of Edwards, Dobbins, Mark Ingram, have blended with Lamar Jackson’s prowess as a runner to fuel Baltimore’s rise into the league lead in rushing.  But the distribution of touches between the Ravens' rushing options has also lowered the ceiling for each member of the backfield. However, Ingram’s ankle injury enabled Edwards and Dobbins to operate with expanded workloads in Week 8. while both backs also established new season-highs in attempts and yardage.

Edwards entered Week 8 with averages of 8 attempts and 25.6 yards per game. But he led the Ravens in carries (16), and rushing yardage (87). Dobbins accumulated a season-high 15 carries, while his 113 yards easily surpassed his previous season-best total. Both backs could function with similar workloads this week, as Ingram’s recovery might extend beyond Sunday’s matchup at Indianapolis. Dobbins is already included in 68% of all rosters. But Edwards remains available in 70% of all leagues and can be targeted among the week’s waiver wire options.

Jordan Wilkins, Indianapolis Colts

1% rostered

You don’t want to pursue Wilkins on this week’s waiver wire because you are chasing the production that he delivered during his Week 8 matchup in Detroit. But his performance could compel Frank Reich to deploy him with greater consistency in the upcoming weeks. The fourth-year back had advanced into the landscape earlier this season when he carried nine times in three consecutive contests (Weeks 2-4). But interest in adding Wilkins quickly evaporated when he carried just once during two straight games (Weeks 5-6).

However, Wilkins stockpiled a career-high 20 rushing attempts in Week 8 and accrued a career-best 89 yards against the Lions. He also supplemented that production by producing 24 additional yards on a reception. Even though Reich could modify the weekly touch totals for Wilkins, Taylor, and Nyheim Hines during any given week, anyone with Taylor on their rosters can secure Wilkins. His value would soar if Taylor would become unavailable for any reason. All other managers who are searching for flex options can also target Wilkins this week.

La'Mical Perine, New York Jets

32% rostered

It can be argued that Perine should have received a significant rise in usage earlier this season. But at this point in the Jets’ winless season, there should be no debate whatsoever regarding whether or not the rookie should be garnering more touches than 37-year Frank Gore. Perine had averaged a 15% snap share and 3.8 attempts per game from Weeks 1-5. However, that snap percentage had climbed significantly to 64% in Weeks 6-7, while he garnered 18 attempts in Weeks 1-6.

This was a promising development, and it was logical to believe that Perine would ascend into the role of New York’s RB1. However, Gore somehow was entrusted with 10 attempts during the Jets’ Week 8 matchup in Kansas City, while Perine carried eight times. The rookie did receive more targets (2-0). But the futile commitment to providing Gore with continued usage is beyond baffling. However, this does not alter Perine’s status as a worthy roster stash, as a significant increase in his workload could still occur.

Eno Benjamin, Arizona Cardinals

0% rostered

More words have been devoted to Chase Edmonds in this column than any other running back since Week 1. That was the result of his status as the most enticing insurance policy among the league’s RB2s. His prospects of delivering skyrocketing value if Kenyan Drake would be absent for any reason was discussed repeatedly, and that scenario has now transpired due to Drake’s ankle injury. Edmonds’ 61% snap share in Week 7 tied his career-high while his season-best 145 total yards against Seattle included 58 yards on the ground and 87 yards on seven receptions.

Edmonds will sustain Arizona’s RB1 duties while Drake is sidelined and Benjamin will operate as Edmonds’ backup, while Drake remains unavailable. The Cardinals invested a seventh-round selection on Benjamin after he accumulated 2,725 yards and 26 rushing touchdowns during his final two seasons at Arizona State. He would ascend into lead back responsibilities if Edmonds also encounters a health issue. This provides the incentive for anyone with Edmonds on their rosters to secure the 5’9”, 210-pound rookie. He is also a viable roster stash for anyone in deeper leagues.

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.

Sony Michel, New England Patriots

25% rostered

Managers in nearly 25% of all leagues are still retaining Michel on the rosters. But he has been on the COVID-19 list since Week 4, which has allowed Harris to perform effectively as New England’s primary rusher. It is unclear when Michel will resurface. But Harris has now delivered several highly productive performances. This has supplied the Patriots’ offensive decision-makers with mammoth incentive to retain him in an extensive role.

That makes it extremely unlikely that Michael will recapture the same workload that he received prior to his absence. Michel numbers were consistently underwhelming throughout all of 2019, and two of his three appearances this season. James White and Rex Burkhead will also remain involved in the weekly touch distribution. This further reduces the potential for Michel to become a resource for anyone who has been patiently awaiting his reemergence. There are running backs on this week’s waiver wire that supply greater potential to boost the scoring for their managers.

Frank Gore, New York Jets

23% rostered

From Weeks 2-4, Gore was averaging 16.3 attempts per game and was generating 50 yards per game on the ground. He was also averaging a 48.7% snap share during that sequence. But those numbers diminished in Weeks 5-7, as Gore averaged over six fewer attempts per game (10.3), while his snap share has declined to 32%. This reduction in usage appeared to be an indication that promising rookie La’Mical Perine would be entrusted with expanding workload for the remainder of the season.

Gore was inexplicably entrusted with 10 rushing attempts during New York’s Week 8 matchup with Kansas City, and his production was underwhelming yet again (30 yards/3.0 yards per attempt). It is unfathomable why the Jets continue to deploy the 37-year old Gore, during a season in which any reason for optimism has evaporated. But even if New York somehow continues to deploy him during their upcoming matchups, his inability to accumulate yardage and fantasy points eliminates any reason for managers to retain him on their rosters.

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