Running backs took a heavy beating in week 2. Several key players were lost and in some cases it was for an extended period of time. Oddly, these losses did not lead to a lot of great waiver wire opportunities. Still, there are some players getting added carries and new opportunities that can be useful to fantasy owners.
Week 2 Recommendations Results (Standard League Scoring):
- Tevin Coleman ATL - 12 carries 46 yards 1 touchdown 2 receptions 25 yards 12 Fantasy Points
- James White NE - 4 carries 19 yards 2 receptions 10 yards 2 Fantasy Points
- Shane Vereen NYG - 14 carries 42 yards 3 receptions 24 yards 6 Fantasy Points
Coleman continued his assault on Devonta Freeman's workload, complete with a touchdown run. The Patriots did not factor a heavy dose of James White into their gameplan, but he is still worth a roster spot in PPR leagues. The Giants and Saints did not have the anticipated shootout, but Vereen touched the ball quite a bit.
Week 3 Waiver Wire Picks
Jerick McKinnon MIN
Adrian Peteron is out with a torn meniscus and no firm timetable to return. This means that the Vikings are going to turn to their notorious two headed backup back attack. McKinnon will handle 60-70 percent of the carries, but Matt Asiata will probably handle short yardage and goal line situations. McKinnon has much higher upside and he would be a major force in fantasy if he were given feature back duties. While this is not going to happen, he has significant value as a flex play and maybe a RB2 in some matchups.
Jay Ajayi MIA
Another starting running back that left with an injury was the Dolphins' Arian Foster. A couple of carries in the week 2 matchup went to Kenyan Drake, but Ajayi should see most of the action if Foster misses time (which he always does).The Dolphins are going to throw much more than they run, but Ajayi could get about 15 carries per game that Foster misses. Starting him would be a desperation move, but for teams that just lost stars it may be worth considering.
Fozzy Whitaker CAR
The oft-dinged up Jonathan Stewart missed time on Sunday and may not be back for a couple of weeks. This led to lots of extra opportunities for Fozzy Whitaker rather than second year back Cameron Artis-Payne. Whitaker turned 16 carries into 100 yards, but he also lost a fumble. Week three brings a matchup against the stout Vikings defense, but a starting back is still worth a shot as a flex.
Keep Hanging On
Kenneth Dixon BAL
The Ravens have been far from impressive when it comes to the run game. Justin Forsett is looking like an older back and Terrance West is not much better. Dixon looked like he had the tools to start in the NFL during the preseason. Unless his roster spot is absolutely needed to fill another void, he is well worth a speculative stash. The best chance of Baltimore coming up with any sort of ground attack is Dixon returning and taking over for the current crop of veterans.
Just In Case
Isiah Crowell CLE
In most competitive leagues Crowell was gone after the draft, but he is supposedly out there in 30 percent of leagues. The Browns announced that he will be used as a featured back and then sent him out to demolish the Ravens defense in week 2. Crowell ran for 133 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. Every down backs are not easy to find, so even if he is on the Browns Crowell is worth snatching up.
