Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: Running Backs (Week 16)

We will have you covered throughout the fantasy football season with our bevy of tools, including our Waiver Wire Assistant. Find the top available players and get detailed analysis on how potential fantasy football waiver wire adds will impact your team. Of course, our team of analysts will also have written advice each week. Check out some of our top fantasy football waiver wire running backs to target for the week below. And also be sure to check out all of our fantasy football waiver wire pickups for the week.

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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets: Running Back

Running Backs

Written by Ellis Bryn Johnson

Michael Carter (RB – ARI): 5% Rostered

• Next Opponents: ATL, @CIN, @LAR
• True Value: $12
• Desperate Need: $17
• Budget-Minded: $8

Analysis: Bam Knight was carted off the field with an ankle injury against the Texans in Week 15. With Knight out, Michael Carter was the lead back. Although the Cardinals’ offense met its match against an elite Texans defense, Carter finished with 14 carries for 56 yards on the ground and four receptions for 38 yards. Considering that he did this against the Texans, Carter could very well provide RB2 numbers against the Falcons and Bengals over the next two weeks. Monitor Knight’s status and adjust bids accordingly, but with Trey Benson now on season-ending injured reserve (IR), Carter and Emari Demercado are basically the only backs left in Arizona. Carter out-snapped Demercado 53-7 in a negative game script, suggesting that Carter might be a rare plug-and-play running back this late in the season.

Blake Corum (RB – LAR): 40% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @SEA, @ATL, ARI
• True Value: $9
• Desperate Need: $14
• Budget-Minded: $6

Analysis: The Rams’ offense is rolling, and Blake Corum has seen double-digit carries in each of his last two games. He’s also scored four touchdowns in his last three games. The Rams also lost Davante Adams to a hamstring injury on Sunday. As a result, this team may be forced to lean on its one-two running back punch of Corum and Kyren Williams. Even against a stout Lions defense, Corum had 11 carries for 71 yards and a score. Meanwhile, Williams also came through with 15 carries, 78 yards and two scores on the ground. This week, the Rams have a massive divisional game against the Seahawks. Corum has proven to be a reasonable Flex option late in the regular season.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB – WSH): 48% Rostered

• Next Opponents: PHI, DAL, @PHI
• True Value: $7
• Desperate Need: $12
• Budget-Minded: $4

Analysis: It seems fitting to end the season with Jacory Croskey-Merritt being an attractive pickup after he was such a popular player in August. With Chris Rodriguez Jr. missing Week 15 with a groin injury, Croskey-Merritt was the Commanders’ primary ball-carrier. He finished with 18 carries for 96 yards and a score in the Commanders’ 29-21 win over the Giants, turning in his best game since Week 5. Without Rodriguez, Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols split carries 32-30, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). Despite playing nearly identical snaps, McNichols had only 10 touches for 22 total yards. If Rodriguez misses additional time, Croskey-Merritt will be a solid Flex play against the Eagles in Week 16, with the Cowboys on deck in Week 17. The Eagles have given up an average of 107.8 rushing yards a game to opposing running backs over the last five weeks. Croskey-Merritt offers little as a pass-catcher, but his rushing volume should be ample if Rodriguez remains out.

Samaje Perine (RB – CIN): 4% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @MIA, ARI, CLE
• True Value: $2
• Desperate Need: $4
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: The Bengals seem committed to using both Chase Brown and Samaje Perine. Brown is the clear lead back and outsnapped Perine 47-34 on Sunday against the Ravens. Despite the difference in snaps, Perine had one more carry than Brown, finishing with 14 carries for 42 yards and one reception for one yard. What is often believed to be a powerful offense was stifled by the Ravens in a 24-0 loss. However, the Bengals play the Dolphins and Cardinals over the next two weeks, which are great matchups. It may be tough to play Perine in most leagues, but if you are desperate in a deep league, he could give you some production.

Jawhar Jordan (RB – HOU): 3% Rostered

• Next Opponents: LV, @LAC, IND
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: If Jawhar Jordan isn’t a name you recognize, don’t worry. The 2024 sixth-round pick touched the ball for the first time this season in Week 15. Not only did he get his first carry, but Jordan had 15 carries for 101 yards and caught both of his targets for another 17 yards. The Texans are rolling right now, leaning on their defense, Nico Collins and a surprisingly decent ground game. With Nick Chubb missing Week 15 with a rib injury, Jordan became the No. 2 back behind Woody Marks. It would be a bold move to start Jordan in Week 16 against the Raiders, but if he can string together another solid game, you may have found yourself a Flex option heading into championship week.