The running back position was a bit of a dud in the first week of the fantasy playoffs, with big names like Saquon Barkley, Joe Mixon, Jonathan Taylor, Derrick Henry, Isiah Pacheco, David Montgomery, Tony Pollard, and Chuba Hubbard all failing to live up to expectations. If you’re feeling the pressure of the playoffs, you’re not alone. Many fantasy managers are left scrambling for options after disappointing performances from their star backs.
While it’s easy to panic, I wouldn’t overreact on most of these players just yet. However, as we head into Week 16, it’s worth considering that there could be better starting options available on the waiver wire. Specifically, I’d be looking for replacements for Pacheco, Pollard, and Hubbard. Additionally, with Montgomery suffering an MCL injury that has sidelined him for the rest of the season, it’s crucial to have a backup plan in place.
Here are three running backs still available on the waiver wire in most leagues who could play a significant role for you down the stretch. All availability data comes from ESPN, and all three players are highlighted in this week’s waiver wire column.
Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns, 67% Available
Ford has been a key figure in this column over the past few weeks. With Nick Chubb struggling to recover from a knee injury and now sidelined for the season due to a broken foot, Ford has stepped into the spotlight as the unquestioned starting back for the Browns.
This is fantastic news for anyone in need of a starting RB. In Week 15, Ford rushed seven times for 84 yards and found the end zone, adding two catches for 20 yards. His standout moment came with a 62-yard touchdown run, showcasing his big-play potential. Not only can he run, but he’s also been effective in the passing game, averaging 2.6 catches and 15.5 yards per game this season.
Looking ahead, the Browns face a struggling Bengals defense that is allowing 27.6 points per game (30th in the NFL) and 126.9 rushing yards per game (20th). With a massive 49.5 point OVER/UNDER at FanDuel, the game is expected to be high-scoring. Given the anticipated volume of touches, Ford is set up as a high-quality RB2 this week.
Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints, 92% Available
Injuries can be a blessing in disguise, and that seems to be the case for Kendre Miller. With Alvin Kamara injuring his groin in Week 15 and the Saints effectively out of the playoff race, it makes sense for the team to shut Kamara down. Before the injury, there was already speculation that Miller would start to eat into Kamara’s touches as the Saints looked to lighten his load.
Against the Commanders, Miller was on the field for 26 snaps, rushing nine times for 46 yards and averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Meanwhile, the Saints’ third back, Jamaal Williams, only saw six snaps without any rushing attempts. Miller has demonstrated his ability to force missed tackles, boasting the second-highest rate in the NFL this season.
As a third-round pick out of TCU in 2023, Miller is poised to take on a more significant role in the Saints’ backfield, especially if Kamara is out. However, the Saints face a tough Packers defense in Week 16 that recently held the Seahawks to just 80 rushing yards. While the matchup may not be ideal, Miller’s volume alone makes him a worthy pickup and potential starter, especially given the Saints’ lack of a solid plan at quarterback and limited talent at wide receiver.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans, 56% Available
Tyjae Spears is another name to keep an eye on. With Tony Pollard nursing an injured ankle and struggling to make an impact in Week 15, Spears took advantage of the opportunity. He scored a rushing touchdown and caught six passes for 87 yards and another touchdown, showcasing his versatility.
While Pollard still holds the edge in rushing attempts (17-4 in his favor during Week 15), Spears was on the field for 39 snaps compared to Pollard’s 31. This indicates a shift in the backfield dynamic, and with Pollard’s injury, Spears could emerge as the primary back moving forward.
The Titans are set to face the Colts in Week 16, who are giving up the ninth-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Following that, they’ll meet the Jaguars, who are allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs. This positions Spears as a solid flex option in your lineup.
Given that the Titans are 4.5-point underdogs against the Colts, they may find themselves in a negative game script, which could lead to more opportunities for Spears in the passing game.
As we navigate the final weeks of the fantasy season, these three running backs—Jerome Ford, Kendre Miller, and Tyjae Spears—could be the key to unlocking your playoff success. Don’t let the struggles of the past week deter you; there are still opportunities to bolster your roster and make a run for the title!
