It’s not often we get the chance to add a star from the waiver wire with the fantasy football playoffs right around the corner. However, Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins finds himself as a priority waiver wire candidate entering Week 15. The Ravens travel to Cleveland to face the Browns this week — let’s dive into whether you should add Dobbins off the waiver wire.
Should You Add J.K. Dobbins From the Waiver Wire?
This is the easiest “yes” we’ve covered all season long. It doesn’t matter if you don’t necessarily need a running back for your matchup this week or for the playoffs. If Dobbins is on the waiver wire, you’re obligated to put a claim in for him.
It’s taken all season long for Dobbins to remind fantasy managers of his talent after he missed the entire 2022 offseason rehabbing from a torn ACL. He started slowly after returning in Week 3 from injury. After four games, the Ravens shut Dobbins down due to further issues with the knee that suffered the ACL tear.
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Despite the continued problems, Dobbins’ return in Week 14 was right when Baltimore needed him the most. As quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley suffered injuries, Dobbins responded with 120 rushing yards and one touchdown on only 15 carries against Pittsburgh. Baltimore will lean on him again as undrafted free agent rookie quarterback Anthony Brown will likely start in Week 15.
Brown and Dobbins appear to be walking into an incredibly favorable situation for them to succeed.
The Browns have the third-worst defense in the league against running backs. They allow an average of 27.1 touches for 148.5 yards and 1.23 touchdowns per game. Dobbins is only averaging 10 carries for 37.5 yards and 1.5 touchdowns per game against the Browns in two games, but he missed 2021.
MORE: Monday RB Injury Report Week 15
Cleveland has an abysmal defense in 2022.
They rank 27th in points allowed and only 28th in turnover rate. Though they’ve been average in yards allowed, their inability to get off the field and create impact plays has been the single-biggest reason their season hasn’t gone as hoped. It’s a miracle they’re still somewhat in the AFC playoff picture considering their defensive performance.
Cleveland has allowed 136 or more rushing yards in three of their last five outings and four of their last six. The two games they performed well were against Tampa Bay and Houston, two of the worst five offensive lines in the league. It’s more likely Baltimore recreates the rushing success they find in Week 7 when they had 160 yards in their 23-20 win.
The stage is set for Dobbins to perform well. He won’t suddenly get 25 carries, but he can be more efficient with his 15 touches than his peers and offer red-zone upside. Gus Edwards will surely get his share of snaps — he had 13 carries in Week 14 but was far less productive.
As the clear RB1 in Baltimore when healthy, Dobbins is a tremendous asset for fantasy managers. Even with Brown posing less of a passing threat, Brown is more of a rusher than Huntley and will therefore create gravity that Cleveland must account for.
Pick up Dobbins and consider playing him as an RB2 or Flex starter in Week 15.