Week 10: Jordan Howard Headlines Top Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups
With four teams on bye in Week 10 of the NFL -- the Cincinnati Bengals, the Chicago Bears, the New York Giants, and the Houston Texans -- fantasy owners will be without the services of Joe Mixon, David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert of the Bears, Saquon Barkley and Devontae Booker of the Giants, and let’s be honest, you shouldn’t be starting anyone in Houston’s backfield. Still, there are several running backs to identify as potential waiver wire pickups heading into Week 10.
After Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson went down, Bradon Bolden was the only running back left standing in New England’s backfield, Jordan Howard surpassed Boston Scott in Philadelphia’s pecking order, and Devonta Freeman continued his quiet bounce-back campaign.
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RB Jordan Howard, Philadelphia Eagles
Howard was utilized more than other running back as the Eagles came just a field goal shy against the Chargers in Week 9. Howard was the primary early-down rusher and saw a team-high 17 carries for 71 rushing yards. He also produced a trip to the end zone for the second consecutive week. Although Howard wasn’t used much once the Eagles were losing in the second half, the game script could be favorable for Philly when they take on the Denver Broncos in Week 10. Denver just defeated Dallas, but it’s not like they are an elite team. As long as the Eagles get out to an early lead, Howard will continue to be the primary running back with Miles Sanders still on Injured Reserve. Howard isn’t nearly as valuable in PPR formats, but if you play in a touchdown-only or Standard format, Howard is a must-add ahead of Philly’s Week 10 date with Denver.
RB Devonta Freeman, Baltimore Ravens
Now that Mark Ingram is in New Orleans and Latavius Murray is less than healthy, the journeyman running back has proven to be effective in Baltimore’s backfield next to Lamar Jackson. We still don’t know when Murray will return from his ankle injury, but Freeman has some flex appeal regardless of Murray’s health. The veteran playmaker has scored a touchdown in three consecutive outings and has been Baltimore’s top tunning back during that span. He led the team with 15 touches in Week 9, which led to 83 total yards and a trip to the end zone. In a short week where Baltimore suits up for a Thursday Night Football matchup with Miami’s leaky defense, Freeman could pay dividends for those of you who pick him up off the waiver wire. The Ravens should be ahead all night long, which should lead to Freeman killing the clock with short chunks of yardage in the second half of the game. I wouldn’t be surprised if Freeman eclipsed 100 yards barring Murray’s health.
RB Brandon Bolden, New England Patriots
Damien Harris is clearly New England’s RB1 on early downs and Rhamondre Stevenson has performed well in relief. However, both running backs left Week 9’s victory over the Carolina Panthers early and it was Bolden who finished the game alongside Mac Jones. If Harris and Stevenson are not cleared in time for Week 10’s matchup against a stout Cleveland Browns defense, Bolden would get the start and would be relieved by fourth-stringer J.J. Taylor. This is not an ideal matchup on paper, however, Bolden has proven to be effective in PPR formats. Bolden managed 81 total yards on just 10 touches last week. And we all know that opportunities lead to fantasy production. If Harris is deemed out and Stevenson looks poised to return, the rookie would be the higher priority pickup so keep an eye on the injury news out of New England.
