Week 10 was a rough one for injuries. A number of big time players left the game due to injuries. The most impactful in terms of the waiver wire is undoubtedly Leonard Fournette. How much of a priority is Rachaad White for fantasy football managers to add off the waiver wire ahead of Week 11?
Rachaad White Is the Bucs’ RB1
The White takeover had been a bit of a slow burn all season. His snap share was steadily creeping up just about every week. It was for this reason that I was so confident in Fournette’s rushing + receiving yards lower on Underdog Fantasy.
In Week 10, White actually got the start ahead of Leonard Fournette. While Fournette did start the second series, it was a clear message that the winds of change are upon us. It was only a matter of time before the timeshare flipped in White’s favor.
Well, that whole plan is about to get accelerated. Fournette left the game in the second half with a hip injury. It was later described as a hip flexor strain. Hip injuries are notoriously tricky. In some cases, players can play through them. In others, they end seasons.
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White was already running well before Fournette exited. But Fournette’s injury is what propelled White to 22 carries. He turned those into a very impressive 105 yards. Obviously, we will need more than just running. Fortunately, I think we get it.
If Fournette has to miss time, White is a very capable pass catcher. He can absolutely play the same role Fournette has, where he’s catching 4-5 balls a game. White will also operate as the primary goal-line back, giving him immense weekly upside.
How Aggressively Should Fantasy Managers Pursue White Off the Waiver Wire?
The only wrinkle in targeting White is the Bucs are on bye in Week 11. This presents the obvious problem of not being able to use White should you successfully add him off the waiver wire. But perhaps more importantly, it could mean we don’t get much in the way of injury updates on Fournette.
White is the top waiver wire add of the week, regardless of Fournette’s health. However, if Fournette is expected to miss multiple weeks, the demand for White across your league will be far greater.
With each successive week, FAAB becomes less and less valuable because anyone you pick up is spending fewer and fewer weeks on your roster. There are just four weeks remaining in the fantasy regular season. Even with White only available for three of them, he’s a must-add.
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Last week, I recommended doing whatever it took to get Jeff Wilson Jr., and that has worked out quite well so far. If you missed out on Wilson, well, here’s a second chance. Do whatever it takes to get White. However much FAAB you have left, that’s how much White is worth. If you have the most FAAB remaining in your league, go check what the second-most is and bid $1 more than that.
If you play in a league that still uses the continual rolling list waiver priority system, it’s time to burn it. However high it is, I don’t care — use it on White.