Running backs have a tendency to dominate the action on the waiver wire. Early in the season, it is particularly essential to be proactive when it comes to running back waiver claims. Grabbing players that look like they may have increased opportunity is one of the keys to victory.
Sitting back and watching is a losing strategy because it leads to losing out on potential studs. Take last season for example; Devonta Freeman was a waiver wire grab in most leagues. Check out these waiver wire picks and add them to your roster for a boost immediately or down the line.
Obvious Adds
Spencer Ware KC
Jamaal Charles has not been able to get right, however there is a wrecking ball ready to roll. Spencer Ware looks like a beast and he will start in week 1. If he is still available in your league, pick him up now. Word from coach Andy Reid is that this will be a committee even when Charles is back.
Reading this name is a difficult pill to swallow for owners that have been fooled before. Michael looks like a different back this season however, and coaches say that he seems like he "gets it". There is a good chance that he eats into the carries of Rawls. Should there be an injury situation, Michael will be a borderline must-start.
Terrance West BAL
Justin Forsett is back on the Ravens' roster, but it appears that West may start week 1. The roles in this backfield are difficult to fathom, however West is probably the lead dog right now. Kenneth Dixon is a better long term investment and he should be picked up if available as well.
Digging Deeper
Rob Kelley WAS (Standard Leagues)
The Redskins were planning on Matt Jones being their feature back, but that is a bad plan. Jones is injury prone, fumble prone and just ineffective at times. Rob Kelley went undrafted, but he ran like a battering ram in the preseason. If Jones misses time, Kelley looks like a good bet to take on obvious running plays while Chris Thompson handles pass catching duties. It would not be a huge surprise if Kelley passed Jones altogether at some point.
Chris Thompson WAS (PPR Leagues)
The role of feature back may not be made for Matt Jones, as mentioned above. He may retain his starting job, but Thompson is still going to work on passing downs. In PPR leagues, Thompson is a sneaky source of points because the Redskins throw a lot. There is a chance that Thompson could be worth a roster spot in standard leagues, but he is not there yet.
Blip On The Radar
Bishop Sankey NE (Practice Squad)
DO NOT pick up Sankey except in leagues with infinitely deep benches. He may be worth a spot on watchlists, though. After washing out with the Titans, this former second round draft pick has found a spot on the Patriots' practice squad. Sankey had the talent and potential to be a high draft pick. An extended look from the Patriots could mean a roster spot, but it could also mean nothing. This is enough to pique my interest enough to keep tabs on the situation. A spot on the main roster could mean some lucrative opportunities and the Patriots have pulled backs off the trash heap before.
