The fantasy running back position was a bit of an enigma in Week 14. Some big names had ho-hum performances (Alvin Kamara, Saquon Barkley) while a few last-minute waiver wire adds had monster games (Zach Charbonnet, Isaac Guerendo). This unpredictability serves as a reminder that even though no teams are on a bye week for the rest of the season and the fantasy playoffs are here, adding players on the waiver wire is just as important now as it was throughout the season. Maybe even more so.
As we dive into Week 15, it’s crucial to identify running backs who can help you navigate the fantasy playoffs. Here are three running backs you should target on the waiver wire to use as streaming options. All availability data comes from ESPN.
Patrick Taylor, San Francisco 49ers, 96% Available
I mentioned Guerendo in this spot last week, and he had a monster game for the 49ers, turning 17 touches into 128 total yards with two touchdowns and 26.8 fantasy points in a win over the Bears. Unfortunately, Guerendo hurt his foot late in the game and didn’t return, leaving Taylor as the 49ers’ primary running back with Jordan Mason and Christian McCaffrey already on the IR.
Taylor isn’t as explosive or elusive as Guerendo. In three seasons with Green Bay, he averaged 4.0 yards per rush. However, it doesn’t seem to matter who the RB is in Kyle Shanahan’s offense; they’re going to put up fantasy points. The 49ers play the Rams on Thursday night, leaving Guerendo’s status up in the air on a short week. If Taylor starts, he faces a Rams defense that is giving up the 13th-most fantasy points per game to opposing RBs this season and the second-most rushing yards per attempt (6.0) over the last three weeks. That puts Taylor in auto-start territory if he’s the lead back.
Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars, 74% Available
Another name to keep an eye on is Tank Bigsby. I mentioned him in this space last week too, and he delivered with 18 rushes for 55 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Travis Etienne had only four carries for 20 yards. It seems clear right now that the Jaguars are going with Bigsby as their primary rushing back while Etienne gets more work in the passing game.
This is fantastic news for Bigsby as the Jags take on a reeling Jets opponent in Week 15. Both teams are eliminated from the playoffs, but the Jets’ season has completely unraveled, and they may throw in the towel at this point. Bigsby is one of the best backs in the NFL in terms of yards after contact, and with Mac Jones now starting for the Jags for the rest of the season, they’ll want to limit his exposure and focus on the running game. This gives Bigsby a solid floor as a flex starter with RB2 upside.
Isaiah Davis, New York Jets, 96% Available
With the Jets out of playoff contention, it wouldn’t be surprising if they shut Breece Hall down for the rest of the season. While Braelon Allen was the presumed backup, Isaiah Davis looked better in Week 14, turning 11 touches into 67 yards with a touchdown, finishing with 15.7 PPR points. In comparison, Allen had 15 touches for 81 yards and no touchdowns.
The Jets’ backfield is, without Hall, a committee, giving Davis flex potential moving forward. They face the Jaguars in Week 15, followed by the Rams. Those are two of the worst defenses against opposing running backs in fantasy football in the entire NFL. Keep an eye on Hall’s playing status, but it does seem like he’s done for the year. If that’s the case, buy Davis stock and consider him start-worthy these next two weeks.
Why Waiver Wire Adds Matter
As we approach the final stretch of the fantasy football season, the importance of the waiver wire cannot be overstated. The landscape can change quickly, and savvy fantasy managers know that potential game-changers can emerge from the most unexpected places. The performances of players like Taylor, Bigsby, and Davis highlight the need to stay vigilant and proactive.
In this critical playoff period, every point counts. So, why not take a chance on players who are stepping into larger roles? The risk could pay off in a big way, especially if you find yourself in a tight matchup.
In conclusion, the fantasy running back landscape is ever-evolving, and Week 15 presents some exciting opportunities. By targeting players like Patrick Taylor, Tank Bigsby, and Isaiah Davis, you can bolster your lineup and give yourself a fighting chance in the playoffs. Remember, the waiver wire is your friend, and staying active could be the key to your fantasy success!
