With the Week 15 Waiver Wire Running Backs now up, the big news of this week is the status of Vikings RB Adrian Peterson. I had Peterson in one playoff league Sunday. Luckily I won "despite" him, but it's not going to be easy if he is out or less than 100% going into Week 15 against the Eagles. So far it sounds like a foot sprain with a bit more severity than usual. The first guy on this list must be picked up in ALL league formats.
Also make sure to read:
Week 15 Waiver Wire Quarterbacks
Week 15 Waiver Wire Wide Receivers
Week 15 Waiver Wire Tight Ends
Toby Gerhart - Vikings
I had been sitting on Gerhart all year and pretty much for the last few years as one of my dynasty players. With AD looking less likely to play in Week 15, Gerhart is a must pick up in a strong matchup against the Eagles Defense. Once Peterson went down against the Ravens, Gerhart rumbled his way to 89 yards off 15 carries with a score. Now keep in mind it was revealed Gerhart "tweaked" his hamstring near the end of the game, so there is an outside shot Gerhart won't even be ready. But if it is truly a tweak, Gerhart should be fine with rest. The only healthy running back left in the Vikings backfield is Matt Asiata, who could be a deep sleeper option if Gerhart winds up doubtful. I pray that doesn't happen.
Marcel Reece - Raiders
I would have listed Reece as the top prospect to add this week as a running back pickup, but there is an good chance he doesn't even play against the Chiefs. Consider Reece a handcuff to Rashad Jennings, who missed last week's game due to a concussion. It appears that Jennings passed his concussion tests and should be good to go, but it never hurts to have Reece just in case there are any setbacks for Jennings this week in practice. One of the better fullbacks who can act as a true running back, he ran 19 times for 123 yards and a score against the Jets.
Jordan Todman - Jaguars
A first on the waiver wire, Todman has a chance to start this weekend against the Bills due to MJD suffering a hamstring pull Sunday against the Texans. Todman might not be a big name, but he's no slouch after averaging 7.68 yards a carry in this past preseason. Jones-Drew is considered "very questionable" right now. And with nothing to play for, it would make sense to see what the team has in Todman. The Bills Defense just got sliced up by Buccaneers RB Bobby Rainey, so Todman could come out of nowhere and have a solid game. But again, don't overvalue him and plug him in over someone with more credentials.
Shonn Greene - Titans
I wasn't going to list Greene because he's as inconsistent as ever, but it appears that the Titans want to get him more involved with the belief that Johnson is out as a Titan next offseason. Greene scored a pair of touchdowns Sunday against the Broncos and will continue to get between 10-15 touches going forward. Greene is probably as desperate as you can get.
James Starks - Packers
Eddie Lacy came through for owners with a touchdown against the Falcons, but he was clearly less than 100% due to the news that he was playing through an ankle injury. This is likely why he averaged a mere 3.3 yards per carry. Lacy's status for the Packers' game against the Cowboys is very up in the air right now, so it would behoove owners to pick up Starks as a backup should Lacy not go. Starks has a bit more upside than Greene, but not much.