With the Thanksgiving weekend behind us, it’s now a dead sprint to the fantasy playoffs, which begin either next week or Week 15, depending on your league settings. At this point, most of your starting lineup should be well-established, especially with the bye weeks over. But it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the waiver wire.
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The most notable running back injury happened to Doug Martin, who’s in concussion protocol. In addition, Damien Williams suffered a separated shoulder, possibly ending this season and opening up a chance for Kenyan Drake to handle the workload in the Miami Dolphins’ backfield. Drake is owned in 56 percent of Yahoo! leagues, so if he’s still out there, go ahead and grab him.
So with all that in mind, let’s take a look at the top running backs owned in 50 percent or less of Yahoo! leagues.
Rex Burkhead, New England Patriots (51 percent)
Still splitting time with Dion Lewis, Burkhead has nevertheless emerged as a dangerous scoring threat whenever he has the ball. He took 15 touches for 53 total yards and two touchdowns in a blowout win over the Miami Dolphins. Lewis also had a huge day with 112 yards on 15 carries, so the Patriots’ backfield committee isn’t ending any time. But Burkhead has seemingly done enough to be an every-week flex starter in PPR leagues.
Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers (34 percent)
A largely unknown name before cutting into Melvin Gordon’s workload in recent weeks, Ekeler has emerged as a somewhat useful play in deeper leagues. He continued his mini-hot streak on Thanksgiving with 70 total yards on nine touches, and has three touchdowns in the past three games. Gordon remains the undisputed starter, but Ekeler has some flex upside against the Cleveland Browns this week.
J.D. McKissic, Seattle Seahawks (31 percent)
The Seahawks gave Eddie Lacy every shot to carry the load against a poor San Francisco 49ers defense. Lacy responded with 17 carries for 46 yards, once again looking out of gas and failing to convert a goal line opportunity. Meanwhile, McKissic had one of his more productive games with 46 total yards on eight touches, including four catches. It’s obvious he’s the more talented, versatile back, but your guess is as good as mine as to how the Seahawks use him. McKissic is just a PPR dart throw with the Philadelphia Eagles next.
Jacquizz Rodgers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (seven percent)
Rodgers did a fine job filling in for Martin during the latter’s three-game suspension. He was called on again in Week 12 when Martin suffered a concussion, and finished with eight carries for 31 yards. Curiously, Rodgers lost goal line carries to Peyton Barber, who cashed in with two touchdowns. But if Martin misses Week 13, Rodgers would be the favorite to start, and carries RB2 appeal against the Green Bay Packers.
