Entering Week 17, let’s take a look at the top running backs to target on the waiver wire in your fantasy football league. All players listed below are rostered in less than 50% of Yahoo, ESPN, and/or Sleeper leagues.
Note that I have eliminated FAAB recommendations this year, as there are too many variables to account for. Instead, I replaced them with my opinion on how aggressive fantasy managers should be in pursuing the player on a scale of 1-10.
Looking for other players? Check out our Week 17 Waiver Wire article, which covers a plethora of players from all positions.
Tyjae Spears | TEN
Rostered: 56%
Although he’s slightly above the roster percentage threshold, I can’t not talk about Tyjae Spears. With Tony Pollard nursing an ankle injury, we’ve seen a bit more of Spears over the past two weeks … and he’s delivered.
This is the second consecutive week that Spears put up 20+ fantasy points. He carried the ball 10 times for 27 yards and two touchdowns while also catching three passes for 39 yards.
Make that 4 touchdowns in two games for @tyjae22
📺: Watch #TENvsIND on @NFLonCBS stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/m64UnYPwP5
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 22, 2024
Obviously, the touchdowns played a big role in his huge day, but they could be there again next week against a bottom-three Jacksonville Jaguars run defense. If Spears is out there, even if you don’t need him, do everything you can to get him.
Gus Edwards | LAC
Rostered: 48%
Just like that, Gus Edwards is back on the menu. After failing to reach double-digit fantasy points for the entire season, he popped off for 20.1 against the Denver Broncos. Edwards ran the ball 14 times for 68 yards and two touchdowns.
There’s definitely a world where you can start Edwards next week against the New England Patriots in a game the Chargers should control.
Audric Estimé | DEN
Rostered: 7%
With Jaleel McLaughlin out, the Broncos still implemented a three-man backfield. However, after the game, head coach Sean Payton said Audric Estimé earned more carries going forward.
The rookie already had an impressive 48 yards on nine attempts against the Chargers on Thursday night.
The Broncos get the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17. There is no better matchup for offenses, in general, than the Bengals. Jerome Ford just torched them for 92 yards on 11 carries. You can use Estimé as a desperation RB3.
Michael Carter | ARI
Rostered: 0%
I will preface this by saying that I hope you have a better option than Michael Carter in Week 17. But if you have James Conner, there’s a good chance you won your Week 16 matchup. With the Cardinals’ season over, there’s an equally good chance Conner doesn’t play again.
After Conner left, Carter was the lead back. He handled five carries and five targets, catching all of them for a combined total of 48 yards.
If Trey Benson returns from his ankle injury next week, he will likely be the lead back. If not, Carter is the guy you want.