Hello and welcome to the Week 16 waiver wire watch for running backs!
The first week of the fantasy playoffs is in the books and some of you are a step closer to winning your league and claiming bragging rights over your friends. Meanwhile, some of you are fighting for your life in the loser’s bracket and trying to avoid finishing last. Either way, it’s time to start lookiing for ways to fortify your rosters for the next round of the postseason.
We’ll go over some RB performers that you should consider scooping off the waiver wire ahead of Week 16 and as always, we’ll classify a waiver add as someone who is rostered in 60% of leagues at the max. As a reminder, bye weeks a no longer a thing at this juncture of the year, so every team will be in action for the rest of the way.
Blake Corum, RB, Los Angeles Chargers (42.7%)
The Rams became the first team in the NFL to clinch a playoff spot with Sunday’s 41-34 victory over the Lions and look like a legitimate Super Bowl contender. One of the things that makes them a danger right now is the emergence of Corum in recent weeks and he broke off 11 carries for 71 rushing yards and a touchdown in their home victory over Detroit on Sunday.
That is now three straight games with a touchdown for the second-year back out of Michigan and the second straight week where he’s recorded 10+ carries while backing up Kyren Williams. He’s going to remain an important part of the Rams offense for their playoff push, so why not make him part of yours?
Week 16 matchup: @ Seattle Seahawks, 8:15 p.m. ET (Thursday night)
Bill Croskey-Merritt, RB, Washington Commanders (46.0%)
We haven’t heard Croskey-Merritt’s name as of late as the Commanders’ season has fizzled out, but he did play a big role in their 29-21 victory over the Giants on Sunday. The rookie ended up posting 18 carries for 96 rushing yards, and a touchdown in the win, marking his first trip to the end zone since two-score outing against the Chargers way back in Week 5.
BCM’s production dropped off significantly in the second half of the season as prior to Sunday, he hadn’t gone above 60 yards on the ground since their Week 6 loss to the Bears on Monday Night Football. Perhaps his performance against the New York is an indicator that he’ll get to tote the rock more as Washington closes out the season. He’ll be someone to keep in mind when scoring the wire this week.
Week 16 matchup: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 5 p.m. ET (Saturday night)
Keaton Mitchell, RB, Baltimore Ravens (5.7%)
The Ravens ended a two-game losing skid by shutting out the Bengals 24-0 on Sunday and Mitchell played his part in the win. Eight carries for 66 rushing yards is what the third-year back was able to produce and he was notably on the field for more snaps than Derrick Henry in the contest. Granted, Henry was able to cram in 100 rushing yards into his light work load, but having a backup that could handle business like Mitchell certainly helped.
Mitchell now has over 140 rushing yards in his last two games combined and he’s carving out a sustained role in the offense as Baltimore fights for the AFC North crown. He’s someone worth keeping an eye on over the next few weeks.
Week 16 matchup: vs. New England Patriots, 8:20 p.m. ET
Michael Carter, RB, Arizona Cardinals (7.8%)
The Cardinals are just counting down the minutes until the season ends and took another ugly loss in a 40-20 setback against the Texans on Sunday. BUT, a bunch of their offensive weapons are at least getting a chance to rack up some numbers in the final weeks and that was the case with Carter on Sunday. The fifth-year vet was on the field for 80% of the offensive snaps and got plenty of touches, taking 14 carries for 56 rushing yards on the ground while also grabbing all four of his passing targets for 38 receiving yards in the loss.
This spike in production came as a result of Bam Knight being carted off the field with ankle injury, leaving Carter as effectively the only running back that Arizona was willing to deploy throughout the afternoon. Knight is unlikely to play against the Falcons this Sunday, meaning the green light is on for Carter to get more touches.
Week 16 matchup: vs. Atlanta Falcons, 4:05 p.m. ET
