Entering Week 18, 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 18 Waiver Wire article, which covers a plethora of players from all positions.
Khalil Herbert, RB | CIN
Rostered: 7%
The only reason Khalil Herbert even played a snap is because Chase Brown got hurt. But Brown did get hurt, trapping his ankle under him when trying to slide late in the fourth quarter to avoid scoring a touchdown that would’ve set up a game-winning field goal. Brown was ruled out rather quickly.
If Brown can go in Week 18, he will, with the Bengals still in the playoff hunt. Given how the injury looked, I am skeptical. That sets up Herbert to be the clear RB1.
Michael Carter, RB | ARI
Rostered: 3%
James Conner tried to give it a go against the Rams, but his knee simply wasn’t healthy enough. With nothing to play for but pride, it’s hard to imagine Conner taking the field in Week 18.
That puts Michael Carter back in the RB1 role. The former New York Jets RB has scored 10.1 and 9.8 fantasy points in each of the past two weeks. Likely to see heavy volume, Carter is a strong option in a week where many starters won’t be playing across the league.
Trey Benson, RB | ARI
Rostered: 20%
Trey Benson got in three limited practices last week but was unable to return from his ankle injury. Given that Benson is a rookie, they may choose to activate him for the final week of the season to see what he can do in a featured role. This would obviously throw cold water on the Carter recommendation, but Benson is worth a speculative add to see what the Arizona Cardinals choose to do.
Julius Chestnut, RB | TEN
Rostered: 0%
It’s Week 18. We really have no idea what teams are going to do. Tony Pollard did not play this week with a combination of a lingering ankle injury and the flu. Given that he has incentives in his contract, he may end up playing next week. The Tennessee Titans may also opt to shut him down amidst a lost season.
As for Tyjae Spears, he was diagnosed with a concussion and won’t play next week. That’s already been confirmed. It could be Julius Chestnut as the RB1. I’m not saying it will go well, but the volume could be there.
Ameer Abdullah, RB | LV
Rostered: 35%
Low-key league winner this year: Ameer Abdullah. In the three most important weeks of the fantasy season, Abulldah posted games of 19.6, 19.5, and 17.7. He just handled 20 carries for 115 yards while also adding 3-32 through the air. If Abulldah is going to serve as the lead back, then he is fantasy-viable.
D’Onta Foreman, RB | CLE
Rostered: 0%
Jerome Ford left the game in the first half with a sprained ankle. He’s probably not going to be able to play in Week 18. That leaves D’Onta Foreman and Pierre Strong Jr. as the top two running backs.
Foreman and Strong would serve in a committee, just as they did against the Miami Dolphins. Foreman would be the early-down and goal-line back, while Strong would be the passing-down back. You can do worse than the volume Foreman will likely see.
Ray Davis and Ty Johnson, RBs | BUF
Rostered: 18% and 4%
With their win over the Jets, the Buffalo Bills have clinched the No. 2 seed. That means they will be resting starters in Week 18. Look for Ray Davis to lead this backfield but for Ty Johnson to mix in as well.
Davis had 23 touches for 152 yards in his lone start this season and should get a chance to show out with the backups this week.