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

Top Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 10: Devonta Freeman, Jeff Wilson, Nyheim Hines, Rhamondre Stevenson

devonta freeman fantasy football rankings news NFL DFS lineup picks

Phil Clark's fantasy football running back waiver wire pickups before Week 10 of the 2021 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream and stash off waivers.

After nine weeks of the regular season, some of you have been able to embrace the numbers that have been assembled by the running backs that are contained on your rosters. Unfortunately, an increasing number of you have been negatively impacted by injuries to your backs, while others have contended with disappointing output due to a collection of unexpected developments.

The reemergence of bye weeks continues to provide an additional roster challenge that fuels interest in locating options on the waiver wire. That includes the four teams that will be impacted this week - Chicago, Cincinnati, Houston, and the New York Giants. This ensures that anyone with Joe Mixon, Saquon Barkley, Devontae Booker, David Montgomery, or Khalil Herbert on your rosters will have to avoid starting those backs this week.

Regardless of why you are considering your waiver wire options, this week’s 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.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Remaining Bye Week Schedule

  • Week 10: Chicago, Cincinnati, Houston, New York Giants
  • Week 11: Denver, Los Angeles Rams
  • Week 12: Arizona, Kansas City
  • Week 13: Carolina, Cleveland, Green Bay, Tennessee
  • Week 14: Indianapolis, Miami, New England, Philadelphia

 

Week 9 Rushing Leaders

Week 9 Rushing Leaders Team Attempts Yards YPA TDs
Jonathan Taylor Indianapolis 19 172 9.1 2
Nick Chubb Cleveland 14 137 9.8 2
Javonte Williams Denver 17 111 6.5 0
Dalvin Cook Minnesota 17 110 6.5 0
Devontae Booker New York Giants 21 99 4.7 0
James Conner Arizona 21 96 4.6 2
Melvin Gordan Denver 21 80 3.8 1
Devonta Freeman Baltimore 13 79 6.1 0
Josh Jacobs Las Vegas 13 76 5.9 0
Nyheim Hines Indianapolis 6 74 12.3 1
Jordan Howard Philadelphia 17 71 4.2 1
Darrel Williams Kansas City 19 70 3.7 0
Carlos Hyde Jacksonville 21 67 3.2 0

 

Frontrunners - Running Backs to Pickup in Week 10

These backs should be your top waiver wire pickup priorities among the options that are available on most waiver wires. Some will be more beneficial in PPR formats than standard.

D'Ernest Johnson, Cleveland Browns - 41% Rostered

Johnson’s availability has gradually increased since his statistical eruption in Week 7 (24 touches/168 total yards). That has created an enormous opportunity for fantasy managers who are searching for a starting option on this week’s waiver wire. Johnson operated as Cleveland’s workhorse back when the Browns hosted Denver, as Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt were unavailable with calf injuries. Chubb regained lead back duties in Week 8, which fueled the gradual decline in Johnson’s rostership percentage.

However, Johnson could vault into RB1 responsibilities once again, after Chubb, Demetric Felton, and John Kelly all tested positive for COVID-19. Johnson has demonstrated the ability to run proficiently whenever he receives the opportunity and he remains capable of thriving with a sizable workload if Chubb is absent during Sunday’s matchup with New England.

Johnson attained a 32% snap share and generated 46 total yards in Weeks 8-9 while operating as Chubb’s backup, and his status as the Browns’ primary back would not be impacted by the availability of Felton or Kelly. Chubb’s status must be monitored, but the potential for Johnson to function with an extensive workload has launched him among this week's top priorities on the waiver wire.

J.D. McKissic, Washington Football Team - 54% Rostered 

McKissic’s rostership percentage has remained stationary at just under 60%. This provides the opportunity to secure him as the Football Team resurfaces from their bye week – particularly if you are constructing rosters in the PPR format. McKissic accumulated eight targets during Washington’s Week 8 matchup in Denver. That expanded his season total to 42 (5.3 per game), which tied him for third among all backs. He was also third at his position in both receptions (33/4.1 per game) and receiving yards (332/41.5 per game).

McKissic also led all backs in each of those categories from Weeks 6-8 (24 targets/8.0 per game), (20 receptions/6.7 per game), (182 yards (60.7 per game), and is primed to operate in a sizable role when the Football Team contends with Tampa Bay’s staunch run defense on Sunday. McKissic’s touch totals would increase even further if Antonio Gibson’s workload would be managed due to his shin issue, or if Gibson would be sidelined completely – even though McKissic would cede rushing attempts to Jaret Patterson if either scenario transpires. McKissic remains among this week’s top waiver priorities and is attainable in nearly 50% of all leagues.

Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots 6% - Rostered

Stevenson’s involvement within New England's backfield rotation has fluctuated during his rookie season. This included an inauspicious performance in Week 1, a lengthy banishment to Bill Belichick’s doghouse, and four other games in which the 6’0” 225-pound Stevenson has accumulated 134 rushing yards on 34 attempts. That includes his usage in Week 9 when he carried 10 times while producing a team-high 62 yards. He has now collected 10+ rushing attempts during two of his last four games, while his Week 9 yardage total also established a season-high.

Stevenson still retains the potential to seize a significant role before the season has reached a conclusion, and the prospects of that occurring will rise if he continues to avoid miscues. He could also commandeer a mammoth workload if Damien Harris is sidelined for any reason. However, any decision to seize Stevenson must include the understanding that you could wake up on a Sunday to the news that he is inactive.

Carlos Hyde, Jacksonville Jaguars - 34% Rostered

Even if you are not excited by the possibility of securing Hyde for your roster, you should not dismiss the ongoing role that he has been entrusted with while operating in Jacksonville’s offense. That remains intact even when James Robinson is in the lineup. However, Hyde was elevated into lead back duties for the Jaguars in Week 9, when Robinson was unavailable for Jacksonville’s matchup with Buffalo (ankle).

Hyde was allotted 21 rushing attempts, which is his highest total since Week 15 of 2019. He wasn’t efficient (3.2 yards per attempt), but he did generate 67 yards. Hyde has also accumulated 8+ rushing attempts in four different contests and has collected 11 targets during his last three games. That includes the season-high eight that he collected in Week 8.

Robinson’s status should be monitored as the week progresses. However, Hyde remains a viable roster addition, even if Robinson is active when Jacksonville visits Indianapolis on Sunday. Hyde also supplies an effective insurance policy for anyone with Robinson already contained on their rosters.

 

In The Running - More Running Backs to Pickup

These are more running backs to pick up for Week 10 and remain available on the waiver wire but are not necessarily must-adds.

Mark Ingram II, New Orleans Saints - 38% Rostered

Ingram has now accumulated 22 touches and produced 116 total yards in two games following his reemergence with New Orleans. That includes his usage and output in Week 9, which was also the Saints’ initial matchup following Jameis Winston’s season-ending ACL injury. The 31-year old back carried nine times and generated 43 rushing yards during New Orleans NFC South matchup with Atlanta, while also collecting all five of his targets versus the Falcons.

Ingram is now entrenched as the backup to Alvin Kamara, who also accrued 104 total yards in Week 9. However, Ingram is operating in an environment that provides a better opportunity for him to accumulate yardage than he experienced while laboring within the constraints of Houston’s overcrowded backfield. This has vaulted Ingram into weekly consideration as a flex option. Ingram is also a viable roster stash for anyone who has Kamara contained on their rosters.

Brandon Bolden, New England Patriots - 6% Rostered  

While Stevenson and J.J. Taylor have both been relegated to healthy scratch status during the season, the nine-year veteran has managed to avoid falling out of disfavor. He has also secured a pass-catching role within the Patriots’ backfield rotation, while collecting 24 targets, assembling 22 receptions, and producing 189 receiving yards. That includes his usage and output as a receiving weapon when New England hosted Carolina, as Bolden collected both of his targets, and accrued 27 receiving yards.

He has supplemented those numbers with his workload as a rusher, (22 attempts), which includes the season-high eight carries that he was allotted against the Panthers. Damien Harris will commandeer the majority of rushing attempts, and Stevenson has resurfaced in the backfield rotation during New England's last two matchups. However, Bolden’s ability to avoid miscues should keep him involved as a weekly point producer for fantasy managers. He also remains available in almost 95% of all leagues.

Nyheim Hines, Indianapolis Colts - 53% Rostered 

From Weeks 4-6, Hines was only played on more snaps than Marlon Mack, as Hines’ status as a viable option for fantasy managers was in decline. Hines was also limited to 10 fewer rushing attempts during that sequence (20/10), gained 44 fewer yards (81/37), and averaged 1.7 targets per game.

However, Hines attained his highest snap share since Week 3 when Indianapolis hosted the Jets in Week 9 (45%). while also accruing 10 touches and assembling 108 total yards. He also carried six times, while generating a season-high 74 rushing yards and his first touchdown since September. The explosive fourth-year back also captured four of his six targets, while producing 34 yards as a pass-catcher – all of which occurred while Mack was a healthy scratch.

There will be a level of inconsistency to Hines’ output as games with uninspiring numbers will be blended with highly-productive outings. However, his home-run capabilities will keep him involved in the Colts' attack while supplying the incentive to add him. His rostership percentage has dropped below 60%, which elevates him among the most enticing options for anyone who participates in PPR leagues.

 

Dark Horses - Deeper Waiver Wire Running Backs

This group consists of waiver wire 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 - 32% Rostered 

Wilson vaulted into a critical role within the 49ers’ backfield last season, despite the challenge of operating with significant competition for touches. Now, he is positioned to join San Francisco’s backfield rotation once again. Wilson was active for the first time this season, following his extended recovery from knee surgery. He did not enter the field although it is reasonable to expect that Wilson he soon commandeer an ongoing role while sharing opportunities with Elijah Mitchell.

Wilson led the 49ers in rushing attempts (126/10.5 per game), rushing yardage (600/50 per game), and rushing touchdowns (7) during 2020, while also emerging as a valuable resource for managers during the fantasy postseason. Wilson finished at RB6 in Weeks 15-16, while finishing second among all backs in rushing yardage during that sequence. His 243 yards (121.5 yards per game) also placed him just two yards behind Derrick Henry.

Mitchell has performed proficiently as the primary component in the team’s ground game. However, that should not prevent Wilson from accumulating touches as both a rusher and pass-catcher. He is currently available in 68% of all leagues and is worthy of a roster spot.

Jamaal Williams, Detroit Lions - 47% Rostered

Williams has not been included in this column during the regular season, as he had been rostered in over 60% of all leagues. However, fantasy managers have gradually removed him, which has raised his availability to 53% of all leagues. Williams had averaged 10.1 attempts and 2.6 targets per game from Weeks 1-7. He also performed sufficiently for Football Outsiders to rank him eighth in DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average).

The ascension of D’Andre Swift as a pass-catcher had elevated him to the league lead among all backs in targets (57/7.1 per game), receptions (475.9 per game), and receiving yards (415/51.9 per game) prior to Detroit’s bye. Swift has also averaged 11.3 attempts per game while accumulating 289 yards on the ground. However, Williams should remain involved on a weekly basis when he overcomes his thigh issue. He can be added as a potential flex option and would receive an expanded workload if Swift would be sidelined for any reason. This should incentivize anyone who is contending with roster issues to secure Williams this week.

Devonta Freeman, Baltimore Ravens - 20% Rostered

The eight-year veteran has been presented with the opportunity to lead Baltimore in rushing attempts due to Latavius Murray‘s ankle injury, and the extended lack of confidence that has constrained Ty’son Williams’ usage since Week 5 (24% snap share/six attempts/four targets). Those factors have propelled Freeman to 26 carries and 146 rushing yards since Week 6. That includes his usage and output when the Ravens’ hosted Minnesota in Week 9, as Freeman established new season highs in attempts (13) and rushing yards (79) while averaging 6.1 yards per carry.

Le’Veon Bell carried 11 times and manufactured 48 yards (4.4 per attempt), although he does not perform with enough proficiency to recommend him as a fantasy option.  Williams failed to register a touch and is not a threat to siphon Freeman’s opportunities. The timetable for Murray’s return is unclear, although Freeman should be entrusted with a respectable workload even after Murray has reemerged. Freeman’s ascension into Baltimore’s RB1 duties and the myriad of Week 10 lineup challenges have elevated him among your recommended options from this week’s waiver wire.

 

Time To Say Goodbye - Running Backs To Drop

These are running backs to drop or cut from fantasy rosters in order to secure an RB with greater potential to bolster your scoring during the year.

Trey Sermon, San Francisco 49ers - 25% Rostered

Sermon was relegated to healthy scratch status during San Francisco’s NFC West matchup with Arizona and has now has failed to touch the ball since Week 5. All of which provides the perfect opportunity to remind fantasy managers that he can safely be dropped in all leagues.

In four games since Elijah Mitchell returned from his shoulder injury, Mitchell has carried 53 times, while generating 323 yards. He has also averaged 14.8 attempts per game throughout the season. Not only has Sermon’s usage evaporated due to Kyle Shanahan’s deployment of Mitchell, but Jeff Wilson Jr. was also activated in Week 9, following his return from injured reserve.

Wilson should attain a role in rotation with Mitchell, while JaMycal Hasty also remains ahead of Sermon on San Francisco's depth chart. All of which has obliterated any remaining chance that Sermon will become involved in the 49ers’ backfield rotation, as Shanahan has made Sermon inconsequential among the 49ers' options. This should eliminate any hesitation in removing Sermon from your rosters.

Ronald Jones II, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 21% Rostered

Jones will warrant inclusion among this week’s drop recommendations since his rostership percentage remained largely unchanged during the past week. Jones has exceeded six rushing attempts once during Tampa Bay’s first eight games and has failed to surpass five carries in five of those contests. He has also averaged just 24.3 yards on the ground, which is over 45 yards per game less than his average during 2020.

Leonard Fournette is cemented as the Buccaneers’ primary back while averaging 12.6 attempts and 54.9 yards per game. Fournette was also seventh among all backs in rushing yardage (347/69.4 per game) and eighth in rushing attempts (77/15.4 per game) from Weeks 4-8. Jones is also a perpetual non-factor in Tampa Bay’s passing attack, as he has been limited to six targets. This also eliminates the concept of retaining Jones as a handcuff, as Giovani Bernard would siphon targets if Fournette would be sidelined for any reason. Fantasy managers can locate more productive options from the week’s waiver wire.

David Johnson, Houston Texans - 30% Rostered

Houston’s decision to trade Mark Ingram reduced a level of congestion in the Texans’ backfield while appearing to increase the potential for Johnson to become a resource for fantasy managers. However, even though the departure of Ingram provided Johnson with a theoretical pathway toward expanded touches and yardage, Ingram’s exodus has not been beneficial to Johnson during Houston’s last two matchups.

He was limited to just two rushing attempts when Houston faced the Rams in Week 8, while Rex Burkhead (4), Phillip Lindsay (3), and Scottie Phillips (5), all collected more carries. Burkhead (4), and Phillips (3), also captured a combined seven targets, while Johnson was relegated to one. Burkhead (49%) and Phillips (25%), also procured higher snap shares than Johnson (18%).

Lindsay garnered a team-high eight rushing attempts when Houston visited Miami in Week 9, while Johnson was limited to four. Burkhead also remained involved (two attempts) while Phillips encountered a leg injury during his only carry. Johnson remains overlooked in the touch distribution of Houston’s backfield, and should not be in your lineups. That removes any rationale for retaining him on your rosters.



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

Griffin Conine

To Have Shoulder Surgery On Tuesday
Luke Keaschall

Twins Prospect Luke Keaschall Suffers Broken Forearm
Logan Gilbert

Leaves Friday's Start With Forearm Tightness

Vikings Select Tai Felton To Finish Day 2

Seahawks Select Quarterback Jalen Milroe With The 92nd Pick Overall

Browns Select Dillon Gabriel 94th Overall

Packers Pick Savion Williams At No. 87 overall

Steelers Snag Kaleb Johnson In Round 3

Broncos Select Wide Receiver Pat Bryant With The 74th Overall Pick

Texans Select Jaylin Noel With 79th Pick

Lions Select Wide Receiver Isaac TeSlaa With The 70th Overall Pick
Jack Leiter

To Start On Sunday

Patriots Add Wide Receiver Kyle Williams In Round 3

Browns Draft Harold Fannin Jr. With 67th Pick
Garrett Mitchell

Makes Early Exit
Luke Keaschall

Removed Early On Friday
Blake Snell

Likely Avoids Major Injury
Cole Ragans

Dealing With Mild Groin Strain

Broncos Add RJ Harvey To Backfield With 60th Pick

Raiders Select Jack Bech With 58th Pick

Chargers Add Wide Receiver Tre Harris In Round 2
Detroit Lions

Lions Acquire 57th Pick From Broncos

Seahawks Draft Elijah Arroyo 50th Overall
Carolina Panthers

Panthers Acquire 51st Pick From Broncos
Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals Snag Will Johnson At No. 47

Jets Add A Pass-Catcher With Mason Taylor At No. 42

Rams Select Terrance Ferguson With 46th Pick
Houston Texans

Texans Acquire 48th Pick From Raiders, Draft Aireontae Ersery

Saints Snag Tyler Shough At No. 40
Brenton Doyle

Out For Personal Reasons On Friday
Brandin Podziemski

Not On Injury Report For Game 3
Jimmy Butler III

Warriors Optimistic About Jimmy Butler III Playing Saturday
Jae'Sean Tate

To Remain Out Saturday
Jock Landale

Unavailable For Game 3
Terry Rozier

Out On Saturday
Jrue Holiday

Ruled Out For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Orlando
Kevin Love

To Miss Saturday's Game
Jaylen Brown

Available For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Magic
Gary Payton II

Iffy For Saturday's Action
Jayson Tatum

Officially Available On Friday For Game 3 Against Magic
Will Smith

Back From Injury On Friday
Luke Kennard

Questionable For Game 4 On Saturday
Darius Garland

Listed As Questionable For Game 3
Ja Morant

To Miss Game 4 On Saturday
Rui Hachimura

Available For Game 3 In Minnesota
Aaron Ekblad

Available To Return Saturday
Erik Swanson

Ryan Burr Progressing
Daulton Varsho

To Return On Tuesday At The Latest
Max Scherzer

Takes Positive Step On Friday
Aleksander Barkov

Questionable For Saturday
Gabriel Landeskog

Set For Larger Role In Game 4
Calvin Pickard

To Start Game 3 For Oilers
Randy Arozarena

Resting For First Time This Year
Jonas Siegenthaler

To Play Limited Minutes In Game 3
MLB

Red Sox-Guardians Game Postponed On Friday
Luke Hughes

Remains Out On Friday
MLB

Tigers-Orioles Postponed On Friday
Patrik Laine

A Game-Time Decision Friday
Yainer Diaz

Out On Friday Against Royals
Iván Herrera

Ivan Herrera Hopes To Start Rehab Assignment Next Week
Salvador Perez

Sitting Out For First Time This Season
Jaylen Brown

Questionable For Game 3 On Friday
Brendan Donovan

Back In Action On Friday
Jimmy Butler III

Could Miss Game 3 On Saturday
Coby Mayo

Getting On A Roll At Triple-A
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Cade Cunningham

Collects Double-Double In Loss
Jalen Brunson

Drops 30 Points In Game 3
Karl-Anthony Towns

Leads All Scorers In Game 3 Victory
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City
Nicolas Dalby

An Underdog At UFC Kansas City
Randy Brown

A Favorite At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Set To Open Up UFC Kansas City Main Card
Ikram Aliskerov

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Sergei Bobrovsky

Shuts Out Lightning In Game 2
Cam Fowler

Finishes Thursday's Win With Five Points
Robert Thomas

Posts Four Assists In Game 3 Win
Pavel Buchnevich

Celebrates Hat Trick During Four-Point Performance
Dylan DeMelo

Battling An Illness
Marcus Johansson

Exits Early Thursday
Aleksander Barkov

Hurt In Game 2
Jrue Holiday

Tagged As Questionable For Friday
Jayson Tatum

Likely Out Again On Friday
Anthony Cirelli

Good To Go Thursday
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Looks To Bounce Back In Game 2
Rasmus Ristolainen

To Miss Training Camp
Jonas Siegenthaler

Returns To Practice
Aliaksei Protas

Traveling With Capitals
Gabriel Vilardi

Still Out On Thursday
Max Pacioretty

Set To Join Maple Leafs Lineup For Game 3
Cam Davis

Looking For Better Fortunes At TPC Louisiana
Adam Svensson

Making Third Apperence At Zurich Classic
Max Greyserman

Aiming For Similar Success At TPC Louisiana
Lee Hodges

A High-Upside Player In New Orleans
PGA

Nico Echavarria Looks To Ride Off Of Elite Putting In New Orleans
Gary Woodland

A Player Worth Watching In New Orleans
Max McGreevy

Returns To The Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
Rasmus Hojgaard

In Search Of Consistency Ahead Of Zurich Classic
Sam Stevens

A Boom-Or-Bust Candidate In New Orleans
Nicolai Hojgaard

Looking To Turn Season Around At Zurich Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks To Sway A Hot Putter In Teams Favor At Zurich Classic
Akshay Bhatia

Looking To Bounce Back At TPC Louisiana
Carson Young

Looks To Turn Things Around At TPC Louisiana
Erik Van Rooyen

Looking For Momentum In Louisiana
Andrew Novak

Making Start At TPC Louisiana After Near Miss At Harbour Town
Ben Griffin

Making Third Career Start At Zurich Classic
Taylor Moore

Competing With A New Teammate In New Orleans
Wyndham Clark

Making Return To New Orleans
Kurt Kitayama

Teeing It Up Again In New Orleans
Collin Morikawa

Back At Zurich Classic For Fifth Time
Thomas Detry

Making Third Appearance At New Orleans Team Event
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF