Top Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 12: Ty Johnson, Alex Collins, Jaret Patterson, Rhamondre Stevenson

Phil Clark's fantasy football running back waiver wire pickups before Week 12 of the 2021 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream and stash off waivers.

After 11 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.

There are only three bye weeks remaining, although the absence of players from the 10 teams involved will ignite interest from fantasy managers in locating alternative options on the waiver wire. That includes the two teams that will be affected this week – Arizona, and Kansas City. This ensures that anyone with James Conner, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, or Darrel Williams 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.

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.

Remaining Bye Week Schedule

• Week 12: Arizona, Kansas City
• Week 13: Carolina, Cleveland, Green Bay, Tennessee
• Week 14: Indianapolis, Miami, New England, Philadelphia

Week 11 Rushing Leaders

Frontrunners - Running Backs to Pickup in Week 12

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.

Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots - 58% Rostered  

Stevenson soared to the top of last week’s waiver wire recommendations, and his rostership percentage has increased by 30% during the last seven days. That has edged his overall percentage near the periphery of 60%. However, his impressive performance in Week 11 provided additional evidence that he should be secured in any leagues where he remains available.

Such a shame that this play was called back. What a run by Rhamondre Stevenson pic.twitter.com/XQN4Fcj5gN

— Ben Brown (@BenBrownPL) November 19, 2021

Stevenson has now accumulated 32 rushing attempts and 169 rushing yards during New England’s last two contests, including his team-high numbers during the Patriots’ Week 11 visit to Atlanta (12 attempts/69 yards). Stevenson split touches with Damien Harris, who resurfaced after being sidelined in Week 10 (concussion). Harris carried 10 times and generated 56 yards on the ground, while both backs were targeted once during the contest.

Stevenson's level of involvement while a healthy Harris was also in the lineup should not be underestimated, and Stevenson’s continued ability to run effectively should sustain his recent rise into an ongoing role. Any lingering hesitation surrounding the addition of a New England back should be offset by Stevenson’s potential to become a significant resource during the fantasy postseason.

Ty Johnson, New York Jets - 20% Rostered   

This recommendation is contingent on the health of Michael Carter, who encountered an ankle injury when the Jets hosted AFC East rival Miami. Carter had accrued 63 yards on the ground before his issue emerged, and all updates surrounding his health should be monitored. However, it currently appears that Johnson and Tevin Coleman will attain extensive workloads while Carter is recovering from his high ankle sprain.

It is difficult to build enthusiasm for the concept of adding Coleman, who has yet to reach 30 rushing yards or 20 receiving yards during any of his six games this season. Coleman has also failed to exceed 3.7 yards per attempt in four of those contests.

Johnson has accumulated 144 rushing yards on 42 attempts, while also collecting 25 of his 38 targets. Johnson has also assembled 271 receiving yards which places him 14th among all backs. The third-year back should commandeer pass-catching responsibilities if Carter’s is sidelined, while Johnson also possesses a burst that delivers the potential for sizable gains on the ground. He is currently available in 80% of all leagues and should be included among this week’s top priorities.

Jordan Howard/Boston Scott Philadelphia Eagles - Howard 30% Rostered / Scott 21% Rostered 

Miles Sanders returned to Philadelphia’s lineup in Week 11 after his troublesome ankle forced his absence during three matchups. He ultimately carried 16 times while accumulating a team-high 94 yards when the Eagles hosted New Orleans. However, Howard remained heavily involved in the touch distribution before he encountered a shoulder issue in the third quarter. Howard had led the team in carries (10) and rushing yardage (63) before a knee injury forced him from the contest.

He's heating up 🔥#NOvsPHI | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/C248HVZTY9

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 21, 2021

That elevated Scott’s involvement, as the fourth-year back manufactured 16 yards with his six attempts. Scott is a viable roster addition this week, while Howard is expected to be unavailable. However, Howard had been entrusted with a significant workload prior to his departure and should vault above Scott on Philadelphia’s depth chart when he returns from his knee sprain. Howard has also accrued 51 carries and produced 274 yards on the ground since Week 8. Howard is still available in 70% of all leagues and should be included among your top priorities on this week’s waiver wire. Scott is attainable in nearly 80% of all leagues and can function as a short-term flex option.

In The Running - More Running Backs to Pickup

These are more running backs to pick up for Week 12 and remain available on the waiver wire but are not necessarily must-adds.

J.D. McKissic, Washington Football Team - 55% Rostered 

McKissic has retained his place among the leagues' most targeted running backs throughout the season. He has also ascended into expanded workloads as a rusher during multiple matchups, and that scenario transpired when Washington visited Carolina in Week 11. McKissic carried seven times against the Panthers, which is the third game in which has been allotted 7+attempts. He also assembled 46 yards on the ground, which established a new season-high.

McKissic’s aforementioned usage as a receiver did not reach his season-long level, as he collected one of his two targets and generated four receiving yards. However, he has now accumulated 48 targets since Weeks 1 (4.8 per game), while accruing 38 receptions, and generating 371 receiving yards. That includes a three-game sequence (Weeks 6-8) in which McKissic averaged 8.0 targets, 6.7 receptions and 60.7 yards per game. McKissic is a proven point producer who is still available in 45% of all leagues. He can also function as a dependable RB3/flex option if you are participating in the PPR format.

Alex Collins, Seattle Seahawks - 61% Rostered

After weeks of uncertainty, optimistic statements from Pete Carroll, and a five-game absence by Carson, we now know that neck surgery has brought a conclusion to Carson’s abbreviated season. Carson’s absence has ensured that Collins will retain an extensive role within Seattle’s backfield. This has elevated him among this week’s recommendations, even though his availability has edged slightly below the usual threshold of 40%.

Collins has eclipsed 10+ rushing attempts in seven consecutive outings while accumulating 91 carries and generating 348 yards on the ground. That includes his usage and output in Week 11 when Collins carried 10 times and manufactured 36 yards. Rashaad Penny gained 19 yards on two attempts before he exited with a hamstring injury. This adds to the burgeoning list of health issues that have sidelined Penny for 27 games since his 2018 rookie season.

Travis Homer and DeeJay Dallas will siphon touches, but Penny’s latest issue should cement Collins as the Seahawks’ primary back. He is available in 39% of all leagues and can be deployed as an RB3/flex in your lineup.

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.

D'Ernest Johnson, Cleveland Browns - 58% Rostered

If Johnson is available in your league, then you can consider this a recommendation to stash him on your bench. If he is already contained on your roster, it would be wise to avoid any temptation toward dropping him – even if Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are confiscating the majority of opportunities within Cleveland’s backfield.

D'Ernest Johnson should get more playing time, it shouldn't only come when everyone else is out.pic.twitter.com/2EDnm99Eug

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 14, 2021

Johnson initially established his presence in the fantasy landscape during Cleveland’s Week 7 matchup with Denver when he exploded for 168 total yards with his 24 touches. Calf injuries to Chubb and Kareem Hunt had elevated Johnson into RB1 responsibilities and he exploded for 168 total yards on 24 touches. Johnson also operated as the Browns’ RB1 in Week 10, when Chubb, Demetric Felton, and John Kelly all tested positive for COVID-19 and he capitalized by generating 157 total yards on 26 touches.

Chubb reclaimed lead-back responsibilities in Week 11, and Hunt is progressing toward his eventual return. However, Johnson will perform effectively if he suddenly emerges with another expanded workload and should be rostered in all leagues.

Jaret Patterson, Washington Football Team -1% Rostered 

This recommendation is for anyone who has Antonio Gibson contained on their roster or is in a position to stash an additional back in a deeper league. Even though Gibson continues to commandeer lead back duties for Washington, that has not prevented Patterson from siphoning opportunities during various matchups of the season. That includes his workload when the Football Team traveled to Carolina, as Patterson was entrusted with seven carries.

Jaret Patterson just refuses to go down pic.twitter.com/5WapfrZiYD

— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) November 21, 2021

Patterson had also led the Football Team in rushing attempts during their Week 8 matchup in Denver when he registered a season-high 11. Patterson’s opportunities will be dependent upon Gibson’s ability to operate effectively as Washington’s lead back. However, the rookie would accumulate carries if Gibson would be sidelined, or if his touch totals would be managed during the upcoming weeks. Anyone who has invested in Gibson can secure Patterson as a handcuff. All other fantasy managers can stash Patterson as a potential flex option if he suddenly ascends into an expanded role.

Sony Michel, Los Angeles Rams - 27% Rostered

When Los Angeles acquired Michel from the Patriots in late August, there were conflicting opinions regarding the eventual touch distribution between Michel and Darrell Henderson. All uncertainty surrounding the Rams’ depth chart was eliminated since Week 1, as Henderson has functioned as the team’s unquestioned RB1. He was 10th among all backs in rushing attempts entering the team’s bye week (126/14 per game) and was also ninth overall in rushing yardage (593/65.9 per game).

Michel will not provide you were standalone value, but he could become a critical resource if Henderson would be absent from the Rams’ lineup. That scenario developed in Week 3 when Henderson was sidelined by a rib issue. Michel generated 79 total yards on 23 touches during that contest while demonstrating his ability to perform proficiently with a sizable workload.

Michel is currently available in over 70% of all leagues and functions as a viable insurance policy if you rely on Henderson as your starter. Michel can also be secured as a bench stash for anyone who is involved in deeper leagues.

Bonus Mid-Week Addition - Running Back To Stream

Added to the article mid-week based on circumstances that have developed regarding injuries and team circumstances.

Tony Jones Jr., New Orleans Saints - 22% Rostered

The New Orleans Saints are getting thin at the running back position, and it's all happening quickly. Alvin Kamara will miss another game this week, and it's unclear how serious his injury is at this point or how long he will remain out. In addition, the newly acquired Mark Ingram II has also been ruled out officially for the Week 12 Thanksgiving matchup against the Bills, and he has been filling in for Kamara as the workhorse RB recently.

This all could lead to an increased role and a large volume of touches for Tony Jones Jr., aka the next man up. For those who do not remember, this preseason he Jones actually surpassed Latavius Murray on the depth chart -- that led to the Saints releasing Murray, and having Jones act as the backup to Kamara going into the season. Jones hasn't seen a lot of work yet this year, but he was injured for a few weeks and was just activated last week off of IR. This could be his week to shine.

Realistically we can expect the Saints to continue to run the ball a lot, which has been the trend for most of the season, and that could mean that Ty Montgomery and Taysom Hill are involved in the running game as well. We should assume that the coaching staff has trust in Jones, and has faith in his abilities as a runner, due to the fact that they elevated him in the preseason on the depth chart just a few short weeks ago. While it takes a leap of faith to start Jones based on the production and output we've seen so far, it also is a perfect storm of opportunity for him and fantasy football managers. With Jones only rostered in 22% of fantasy leagues, he makes for an intriguing waiver wire pickup and Week 12 fantasy football streamer.

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.

Kenny Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles - 21% Rostered

Gainwell degenerating status within Philadelphia’s backfield rotation descended to a new level when he became a healthy scratch in Week 11. Gainwell’s usage had already been restricted to just four rushing attempts during his previous two matchups and only one target since Week 8. However, the combination of Miles Sanders’ reemergence in the lineup, and the continued deployment of Jordan Howard eviscerated Gainwell’s involvement completely.

Gainwell had averaged 4.4 targets, 2.7 receptions, and 23.4 yards per game as a pass-catching presence from Weeks 1-7, while also averaging 5,6 carries during the Eagles’ first eight games. His workload diminished considerably when Philadelphia transitioned to a run-heavy approach, as Nick Sirianni has distributed touches to other options within the Eagles’ backfield.

Gainwell appears to possess the elusiveness and versatility to secure an ongoing role for the Eagles. However, he is now embedded below Sanders, Howard, and Scott on Philadelphia's depth chart, which has relegated him to a perpetual afterthought. That eliminates any incentive for continuing to retain him on your rosters.

Mike Davis, Atlanta Falcons- 64% Rostered

Concern surrounding Davis's workload escalated in Week 10 when he was limited to a 37% snap share and carried four times. Wayne Gallman attained a 43% share during that same matchup with Dallas while leading the Falcons in carries (15), and yardage (55). Cordarrelle Patterson only received five touches while contending with an ankle issue during the contest. Patterson was also inactive when Atlanta hosted New England in Week 12, which would have theoretically provided Davis with an opportunity to resuscitate his dissipating value.

However, Davis managed only one yard with his three attempts against the Patriots. Qadree Ollison ultimately led the team in rushing attempts (9) and rushing yardage (34) on the same day that he had been elevated from the practice squad. Davis has only exceeded 18 rushing yards once since Week 5 while averaging 5.8 carries per game during that sequence. The fact that he leapfrogged Davis to operate as the leader in carries should provide the latest (and final) indication that all rationale for keeping Davis on your roster has evaporated.

Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers - 43% Rostered

It is not surprising that Hubbard’s workload has dissipated due to the reemergence of Christian McCaffrey‘s in Carolina’s lineup. This has eliminated any prospects of Hubbard supplying standalone value while McCaffrey is operating as Carolina’s lead back.  However, Hubbard also fails to supply fantasy managers with a tangible handcuff option, as he would share opportunities with Ameer Abdullah if McCaffrey would be impacted by injury once again.

Abdullah averaged a 34.5% snap share in Weeks 8-9 while collecting nine carries, and capturing 10 targets during that two-game span. Abdullah and Hubbard both carried nine times in Week 10, while Abdullah captured all four targets that were distributed to the tandem during that matchup

Hubbard also did not receive a touch in Week 11, and he appears destined to share touches with Abdullah if McCaffrey is sidelined, or has his workload managed during upcoming matchups. There are other backs available on this week’s waiver wire who are better candidates to boost your scoring.

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Advice