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
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Stats & Leaders
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
24x7 News and Alerts

Running Backs Waiver Wire - Week 16 Pickups and Adds

Hopefully you're secure with your running back and/or flex situation, because the waiver wire cupboard is pretty bare at the position. Unless you were clever enough to play the Jaguars' fourth and fifth string running backs, you probably got very little off the wire in Week 15. Pickings are even slimmer this week, but you never know when one lucky lotto ticket can turn into a winner.

This article will aim to highlight Week 16 waiver wire adds for running backs, players that you should consider targeting on your league's waiver wire if available. Running backs will be split up into three tiers - from most desirable, to most desperate.

I will also include RBs at the bottom of this list that you might consider cutting in order to make room for your new additions. I won't suggest a FAAB% from this point on since you are likely down to the bottom of your proverbial wallet. If you want one of the frontrunners, which is unlikely this week, pay everything you've got.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:

 

Frontrunners for Week 16 - Waiver Wire Running Backs

Kapri Bibbs, Washington Redskins - 1% owned

When Bibbs was signed in the middle of the week, it wasn't just for depth. The Skins had no choice but to throw him out there as one of two healthy running backs on the roster. The other is Samaje Perine, who can't stay in on third downs and has performed progressively worse in each of the past three weeks. Bibbs paid dividends for... absolutely nobody, but the fact he did score a touchdown and finish with 47 receiving yards makes him an intriguing stash for PPR owners. Bibbs won't see many carries, but he does present a decent floor in PPR leagues and could be of value in deep leagues of 14 or more teams.

Mike Davis, Seattle Seahawks - 48% owned

He proved to be a dud in this crucial week, but it wasn't really his fault. The Seahawks got blown out of the water from the time the opening kickoff took place, so Davis never had a chance to get involved. He saw just six rush attempts and turned those into 19 yards, while catching two passes for 20 yards. He doesn't have the greatest upside, but he can definitely do better next week in Dallas, assuming the Seahawks actually show up this time.

Rod Smith, Dallas Cowboys - 24% owned

With last night's trip to the end zone, Smith has now scored a touchdown in four straight games. The yardage wasn't there against Oakland (34 total), but points are points. You can keep Smith in as a low-ceiling flex play in standard leagues due to his red zone role, even for Week 16. Once upon a time, Seattle had a fearsome defense, but they were humiliated on Sunday by the Rams to the tune of 244 rushing yards allowed. Smith is no Todd Gurley for sure, but you don't need to bench him based on matchup.

 

In The Running - Week 16 Waiver Wire Running Backs

Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals - 48% owned

Joe Mixon was expected to play this week, but was ruled out late in the week, leading to another Bernard start. He did reward fantasy owners with a touchdown but was otherwise disappointing with just 43 total yards against a tough Minnesota defense. So why bother with Gio any more? Mixon should be cleared for next week, the Bengals have a lame duck coach on the way to a losing season, and they will probably be playing from behind again as they face a Detroit team in must-win mode. That said, his ownership should drop even more this week, so if you think he can turn a change-of-pace role into another cheap garbage time score, you could do worse in flex spots. The team could go closer to a 50/50 split next week to preserve Mixon for the future, which leaves Bernard with at least a modicum of value.

Kerwynn Williams, Arizona Cardinals - 35% owned

Williams was running well in Week 15 until injuring his quad and giving way to Elijah Penny in the second half. Williams may be sidelined in practice this week if the injury proves serious, which would squash his value if he enters this next contest with a questionable tag. If so, you could consider Elijhaa Penny as a flier, but only in standard leagues. Either way, one of these runners should have value against the New York Giants and their league-worst run defense.

Branden Oliver, Los Angeles Chargers - 0% owned

Austin Ekeler had stolen Oliver's job as the No. 2 back behind Melvin Gordon, but Ekeler's season in now over. Oliver will be the one to come in on third-and-long situations and to give Gordon a breather. Oliver averages 3.6 yards per carry in his career and does not possess the breakaway speed of Ekeler, but he will get you a few points on receptions alone. The main concern would be the Chargers jumping out to a huge lead on the Jets this week and not passing the ball much at all, but if that's the case Oliver could at least get some rush attempts.

Honorable Mentions: Aaron Jones (26% owned), Devontae Booker (17% owned)

 

Dark Horses - Week 16 Running Backs Waiver Wire

Javorius Allen, Baltimore Ravens - 29% owned

Uncle Buck is still running well for the Ravens, even if he is part of a dreaded committee approach. Alex Collins had seized the lead role, but was locked down by the Browns in Week 15. He left temporarily due to injury, but appeared to be fine. Allen capitalized on his opportunity, running for 70 yards on 13 carries. He only saw three targets, which is the most balls thrown his way since Danny Woodhead returned. His value no longer lies in PPR leagues, but very deep standard leagues where you're hoping for a touchdown run or Collins/Woodhead injury.

Matt Forte/Elijah McGuire, New York Jets - 35%/3% owned

Apparently Bilal Powell is back as the best RB for the J-E-T-S, but he's nearly 60% owned already. Forte is suddenly and inexplicably back to a single-digit touch count each week after performing well in Week 13. McGuire scored a touchdown, but that came on a two-yard reception with less than two minutes left in the game and the team driving for a late comeback. In other words, don't count on it again. McGuire hasn't gotten more than eight carries in a game since Week 9. Bottom line: don't play any Jets if you can help it. They face the Chargers this weekend, if you needed more reason to stay away.

Corey Grant, Jacksonville Jaguars - 0% owned

Let's hope Leonard Fournette is a full-go for Week 16 so we don't find ourselves in the position of guessing which of the other four Jacksonville RBs to play. Grant has always looked the most explosive, yet he continues to be buried behind plodder T.J. Yeldon and inconsistent Chris ivory on the depth chart. He could have earned some more carries with his 69-yard performance this week, but then again you would have thought his big 122-yard game in Week 16 last year could have translated into a bigger role to begin this season. Don't trust.

Honorable Mentions: Chris Ivory (11% owned), Tion Green (3% owned), Wayne Gallman (5% owned)

 

Time To Say Goodbye

Ameer Abdullah, Detroit Lions - 70% owned

Let's face it, he never had a chance. Abdullah took just one carry this week, as the team seems intrigued by UDFA Tion Green. Abdullah has teased fantasy owners with his potential by showing off speed and elusiveness. Two big problems have held him back: injuries and playing in Detroit. Unless he gets a fresh start somewhere else, he won't be a fantasy option next year either, much less the rest of this year.

Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers - 26% owned

Ekeler's promising rookie year is over prematurely as he broke his hand on Saturday night. He showed great burst and pass-catching ability, which makes him worth holding in dynasty leagues. His departure opens the door for Branden Oliver to reclaim the No. 2 RB job.

Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts - 20% owned

The Colts continue to be a puzzling and inept franchise, not just because of their horrible record. With nothing but the future to play for, they still refuse to give rookie Marlon Mack a chance to establish himself as a potential feature back. Even with Frank Gore hurt for part of this week's game against Denver, Mack took just six handoffs. He's only seen double-digit carries twice all season and it doesn't look as if that will change in the season's final pair of games.

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Stats & Leaders
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

D'Angelo Russell5 mins ago

To Miss Second Straight Game
Karl-Anthony Towns11 mins ago

Questionable To Face Raptors
Hideki Matsuyama13 mins ago

Looks To Make History at Waialae
Tyrese Haliburton17 mins ago

Listed As Questionable For Wednesday
Khris Middleton26 mins ago

Likely To Return To Action Wednesday
Giannis Antetokounmpo34 mins ago

Probable Wednesday
Sean Monahan1 hour ago

Exits Tuesday's Game Early
Filip Chytil2 hours ago

Exits On Tuesday With Upper Body Injury
Brock Faber2 hours ago

Sustains Injury On Tuesday
Steven Stamkos2 hours ago

Exits Early On Tuesday
Evgeni Malkin2 hours ago

Sidelined With Upper Body Injury
Josh Morrissey2 hours ago

Day-To-Day With Lower Body Injury
Nikola Jokic12 hours ago

Out On Tuesday Night
Kyle Kuzma13 hours ago

Exits Game Early With Calf Contusion
Brice Sensabaugh13 hours ago

Ruled Out For Tuesday
Tanner Scott13 hours ago

Mets Meet With Tanner Scott
Lauri Markkanen13 hours ago

Upgraded To Available On Tuesday
Bogdan Bogdanovic14 hours ago

Will Suit Up On Tuesday
Trae Young14 hours ago

To Play On Tuesday
Derrick White14 hours ago

Unavailable On Tuesday
Dejounte Murray14 hours ago

Upgraded To Available
Anthony Davis14 hours ago

Available For Tuesday's Contest
Justin Verlander14 hours ago

Signs One-Year Contract With San Francisco
LeBron James14 hours ago

To Play On Tuesday
Jalen Green14 hours ago

Available On Tuesday
Bilal Coulibaly14 hours ago

Set To Return Tuesday
Daniel Gafford15 hours ago

Unavailable For Dallas On Tuesday
NFL15 hours ago

Ashton Jeanty Declares For 2025 NFL Draft
Joey Daccord15 hours ago

Activated From Injured Reserve
Cam Reddish15 hours ago

Out Tuesday
Colin Miller15 hours ago

To Miss At Least Two Weeks
Justin Faulk15 hours ago

Rejoins Blues Lineup Against Wild
Tyler Herro15 hours ago

Questionable On Tuesday
Igor Shesterkin16 hours ago

Remains Out On Tuesday
Chris Kreider16 hours ago

Placed On Injured Reserve
Josh Richardson16 hours ago

Doubtful Versus Warriors
Jacob Middleton16 hours ago

Available Tuesday
Troy Terry16 hours ago

Uncertain For Tuesday's Action
Tua Tagovailoa17 hours ago

Dolphins Have "No Concern At All" About Tua Tagovailoa's Long-Term Health
Las Vegas Raiders17 hours ago

Raiders Fire Head Coach Antonio Pierce
David Montgomery18 hours ago

Expected To Return For Divisional Round
Tyreek Hill18 hours ago

Dolphins Say Tyreek Hill Did Not Request A Trade
Brandon Woodruff19 hours ago

Hopes To Be Ready By Opening Day
Zay Flowers19 hours ago

Not At Tuesday's Practice
Luke Clanton20 hours ago

A Player To Watch At Sony Open
Thomas Detry20 hours ago

In Solid Form Ahead Of Sony Open
Russell Henley20 hours ago

A Course Horse At Sony Open
Stephan Jaeger20 hours ago

A Risky Option At Sony Open
Kurt Kitayama20 hours ago

Makes 2025 Debut At Sony Open
Maverick McNealy20 hours ago

Looks To Stay Hot In Hawaii
Sepp Straka20 hours ago

A Safe Option At Sony Open
Michael Thorbjornsen20 hours ago

A Dark Horse At Sony Open
Tennessee Titans21 hours ago

Titans Retaining Brian Callahan As Head Coach
Tennessee Titans21 hours ago

Titans Fire GM Ran Carthon
Gary Woodland1 day ago

Aims For Better 2025 Debut In Hawaii
Brent Rooker1 day ago

Signs Five-Year Extension
Keith Mitchell1 day ago

Attempts To Put Fall Behind Him
Robert MacIntyre1 day ago

Tries To Learn Sony Open Lessons
Si Woo Kim1 day ago

Makes 2025 Debut At Sony Open
Jacob Markstrom1 day ago

Snaps Losing Skid On Monday
Tom Hoge1 day ago

Tries To Keep Momentum Rolling In Hawaii
Devon Toews1 day ago

Busy In Monday's Victory
Nick Suzuki1 day ago

Tallies Three Points In Monday's Victory
Harris English1 day ago

Begins 2025 At The Sony Open
Alex Tuch1 day ago

Scores Twice On Monday
Jared Spurgeon1 day ago

Placed On Injured Reserve
Jiri Kulich1 day ago

Exits Early On Monday
Corey Conners1 day ago

In Good Form For The Sony Open
PGA1 day ago

Byeong Hun An A Strong Bet To Contend Again At Sony Open
Nolan Arenado1 day ago

Red Sox Emerge As Strong Candidate To Land Nolan Arenado
Christian Watson1 day ago

Packers Confirm Torn ACL For Christian Watson
Ezekiel Elliott1 day ago

Signing With Chargers
Michael Lorenzen2 days ago

Signs One-Year Deal With Kansas City
Gavin Lux2 days ago

Traded To Cincinnati
Kyler Murray2 days ago

"100 Percent" Chance That Kyler Murray Will Start For Cardinals In 2025
Brock Purdy2 days ago

Wants Contract Done Sooner Than Later
Christian McCaffrey2 days ago

"Definitely Close" To Being Fully Recovered
Jayden Daniels2 days ago

Commanders "Not Concerned" With Jayden Daniels' Leg Soreness
Amari Cooper2 days ago

Bills Hopeful Amari Cooper Will Be Available In Wild-Card Round
Erik Haula2 days ago

Expected To Miss "A Few Weeks"
Patrik Laine2 days ago

Misses Third Consecutive Game
Chicago Bears2 days ago

Bears Seek Permission To Interview Mike McCarthy For Head-Coaching Job
Jalen Hurts2 days ago

Still In The Concussion Protocol
Anthony Richardson2 days ago

Will Be Colts Starter In 2025
Luis Arraez2 days ago

Yankees Talking With Padres About Luis Arraez
Las Vegas Raiders2 days ago

Antonio Pierce Expects To Return As Raiders Head Coach
Chicago Bears2 days ago

Chicago Requests Interview With Mike Kafka For Head-Coaching Job
Geno Smith2 days ago

Expected To Return To Seattle
Clayton Kershaw4 days ago

Intends To Pitch In 2025, Expected To Return To Los Angeles
Charlie Morton5 days ago

Signs One-Year Deal With Baltimore
Pete Alonso6 days ago

Angels "Looking At" Pete Alonso

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 
Travis Kelce - Fantasy Football Tight Ends You Must Have in 2024

12 Biggest Fantasy Football Busts In 2024

Unfortunately, the 2024 fantasy football season is over. Hopefully, fantasy players came away with the championship trophy. While the fantasy season just wrapped up, it’s never too early to prepare for next year. The first thing fantasy players should do is look back at the 2024 season and see where they went wrong. Therefore, let’s […]


Bucky Irving - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024's All-Waiver Wire Team: Undrafted Players Who Exceeded Fantasy Football Expectations

The casual fantasy football managers draft a team and ride it out, hoping their selections push them into the playoffs. The savvy fantasy managers utilized the waiver wire to make a good team great. Every year, undrafted players go on to be fantasy football darlings. This season was no exception. Below is the All-Waiver Wire […]


Jayden Daniels - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 Fantasy Football Awards - RotoBaller Writers Picks

Greetings and welcome to the official 2024 Fantasy Football Awards Show, presented by RotoBaller. These awards are voted on by RotoBaller's NFL writers, with some goofy ones thrown in alongside the expected. We are here to celebrate the good, the bad, and the downright frustrating. Once again, I'm your host, Nick Mariano. We don't have […]


J.K. Dobbins - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Fantasy Football Injury Reports For NFL RBs: Wild Card Weekend Updates for J.K. Dobbins, Justice Hill, Gus Edwards, Blake Corum

Below is our fantasy football injuries report for running backs on Wild Card Weekend, as of January 8. The injury statuses for various NFL running backs are up in the air for Wild Card Weekend, including J.K. Dobbins, Justice Hill, Gus Edwards, and Blake Corum. As the NFL playoffs get underway and fantasy football continues, […]


Puka Nacua - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Wide Receiver (WR) Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Picks for Wild Card Weekend (2024)

The second season starts today. Whether you're into DFS or postseason tournaments, we have you covered. The NFL playoffs can be tricky to predict, as defenses tend to tighten up, leaving fantasy production few and far between. Heading into Wild Card Weekend, fantasy managers have 12 teams' worth of players to choose from. Depending on […]


Bijan Robinson - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers

Who Are the Top 5 Picks for 2025 Fantasy Football Drafts?

The 2024 NFL regular season is finally over, and it's now time to look back on what happened and try to ascertain how that will affect rankings next year. Of course, there's plenty of time until the 2025 regular season kicks off, as we haven't even made it through the playoffs yet. Still, it's extremely […]


Saquon Barkley - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Running Back (RB) Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Picks for Wild Card Weekend (2024)

If you thought your fantasy football season was over, think again. We are talking playoffs, which means fantasy managers looking for the edge in the playoff contests have come to the right place. The running back position is particularly challenging this week as the teams that punched their tickets to the dance have done a […]


Josh Allen - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Five Fantasy Football Strategies To Help You Win NFL Playoff Leagues

If you won a fantasy football title in the regular season and are looking for more hardware -- or if you want redemption after a bad year -- the fantasy football season isn't over just yet! You can add to the excitement of the NFL playoffs by assembling a brand new fantasy football team(s) of […]


A.J. Brown - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS and Betting Picks

2025 Fantasy Football Rankings (Weekly Rankings)

Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.


Khalil Shakir - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

NFL Playoff League FLEX Rankings for Fantasy Football: Brian Robinson, Khalil Shakir, Austin Ekeler, Keon Coleman, Rashod Bateman, Jayden Reed, more

If you've never played in an NFL playoff fantasy football league, there's never been a better time to jump in! Today, we will review our 2025 fantasy football playoff league FLEX rankings to help you make the best decisions for your playoff league rosters. Below, you will see where key FLEX options such as Brian Robinson Jr., […]


Bucky Irving - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

NFL Playoff League Running Back Rankings for Fantasy Football: Saquon Barkley, Jahmyr Gibbs, J.K. Dobbins, Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Josh Jacobs

The 2024 NFL regular season is all wrapped up, meaning NFL postseason fantasy football contests are set to begin. We've got you covered with our 2025 fantasy football playoff league running back rankings to help you make the best decisions for your playoff league rosters. Below, you'll see where key running backs such as Saquon […]


Xavier Worthy - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

NFL Playoff League Wide Receiver Rankings for Fantasy Football: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Xavier Worthy, Puka Nacua, DeVonta Smith, Jalen McMillan, more

Hopefully, you had a great 2024 fantasy football season. However, whether you did or not, there are more contests to compete in! Our 2025 fantasy football playoff league wide receiver rankings will help you make the best decisions for your playoff league rosters. Here, you will see where our team ranked vital wide receivers, such […]


Sam LaPorta - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

NFL Playoff League Tight End Rankings for Fantasy Football: Travis Kelce, Sam LaPorta, Mark Andrews, Zach Ertz, Cade Otton, Dalton Kincaid, Tucker Kraft

The NFL postseason is here, which means it's time to compete in playoff leagues for fantasy football! To kick things off, we are here to guide you in setting the best possible lineup for your playoff rosters with our 2025 NFL playoff league tight end rankings. Today, you will see where our team ranked vital […]