Should I Add Dare Ogunbowale For Fantasy Football Week 15? Waiver Wire Outlook

Houston Texans sixth-year running back Dare Ogunbowale projects as the next-man-up in the backfield following an injury to rookie star Dameon Pierce. The former undrafted runner out of Wisconsin is no stranger to producing in the fantasy playoffs. He filled in for James Robinson a season ago in Jacksonville during Weeks 16 through 18. 

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Should Ogunbowale be considered as an add down the stretch in fantasy football? Read on to find out.

What Did Dare Ogunbowale Do In Week 14?

Ogunbowale only played a 27% snap share in the Week 14 loss to Dallas. Dameon Pierce, the leading rusher for Houston, exited the game in the fourth quarter with what was deemed to be an ankle injury. With Pierce in the lineup, Ogunbowale plays on limited passing downs. Without Pierce, Ogunbowale’s snap share is expected to increase.

Ogunbowale recorded a single carry for a three-yard loss and added two catches on two targets for four yards. His production was nonexistent, and he also split time in the backfield with Rex Burkhead and Eno Benjamin. Benjamin was released on Tuesday, making this backfield a two-way split between Burkhead and Ogunbowale as long as Pierce is out. 

Royce Freeman and Gerrid Doaks are on the Houston practice squad and could see game-day elevation to add depth at the position.

Is Dameon Pierce Playing In Week 15?

Dameon Pierce’s injury was ruled a “relatively-mild” high-ankle sprain in his left ankle. He will likely miss Sunday’s game against the Chiefs and could miss Weeks 16 and 17 as well. At this point, Houston does not have much to play for so rushing their star back may not make sense. 

With Pierce out, the Houston backfield is expected to be a committee approach between veterans Rex Burkhead and Dare Ogunbowale.

Should I Pick Up Dare Ogunbowale?

With Dameon Pierce likely out for the near future, Ogunbowale will see increased usage right when fantasy managers need it. Although his playing time is sure to increase, Ogunbowale plays in a Houston offense that ranks 32nd in the league in yards per game and 30th in points per game. 

Despite the horrid nature of the Texans’ offense, their schedule is actually very favorable down the stretch. Over the next three weeks, Houston plays Kansas City, Tennessee, and Jacksonville. All three defenses are prone to giving up a lot of points, and Houston’s defunct offense may be able to find some rhythm and put up respectable fantasy lines.

Houston will likely be trailing against Kansas City this Sunday, meaning Ogunbowale will be on the field as the preferred passing-down back in Houston. His numbers may not pop off of the stat sheet, but they will likely be more than respectable. He can be added and started in Round 1 of the fantasy playoffs.

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