Week 9 RosterWatch Running Back Waiver Report
Byron Lambert, Rosterwatch.com

This time of year the mass of bye weeks has dampened the supply on the running back waiver wire market. The usual waiver tool would have looked small and weird. So, I decided an old fashioned article would better suit our readers this week.

*All players listed below are less than 50% owned across standard fantasy leagues

Mike Tolbert, RB Carolina Panthers
A waiver-wire gem for those who identified the trend early and implemented him in to their lineups. He’s averaging 12.9 points per game over the last three contests, while also producing a supporting 12.40 median. He is touchdown dependent, but his role has been cemented. Carolina’s offense is good this year and more goal line opportunities are presenting themselves. Some will worry about Jonathan Stewart’s return, understandably so- we say “show us” first. At home against Atlanta, is a phenomenal matchup this week.

Donald Brown, RB Indianapolis Colts
Prior to his Week 8 bye- Brown was a solid 6-point player getting 10+ touches per game. Trent Richardson does not look good, we expect Brown to stay involved. His next two matchups versus Houston and St. Louis are more than decent.

Brandon Bolden, RB New England Patriots
It blows us away that somehow Bodlen is only 14% owned. He should be owned in many formats. He’s averaging 7.3 points over his last three games, while producing an 8.9 point median. If you haven’t been watching- the Patriots running game is getting on track, as Ridley is also gaining steam. With a bye in Week 10 and Shane Vereen’s return looming his longterm prospects might not be great but Pittsburgh in Week 9 is a nice matchup.

Montee Ball, RB Denver Broncos
With Ronnie Hillman in the doghouse, Ball got some nice looks including a touchdown in Week 8. Some will say to watch out for CJ Anderson. Obviously, Moreno is still the lead dog. Bottom line, Ball getting more carries is destiny. This week is a bye, so you are just holding him for potential future value.

Daniel Thomas, RB Miami Dolphins
We told you last week he was garbage that should be owned. We still think exactly that. If Lamar Miller is, Thomas should be too. He’s somewhat touchdown dependent, but the Dolphins running attack is on a slight uptick. Owners still suffer from the timeshare, but they should take what they can get and be happy. The matchup this week against the Bengals is a tough one. At least it’s at home.

Additional Notes:

– Peyton Hillis has been a solid own. The Giants have a bye this week and Andre Brown is set to return in Week 10. It’s hard to love either guy, but if you are desperate at running back- either one may be worth a look.

– Shane Vereen looks set to return to the Patriots lineup in Week 11. We’re a little skeptical he immediately re-gains the form he started the season with, but could be a good own down the stretch for a winning team with bench space.

– This weekend in London served as another reminder that if Frank Gore gets hurt, it’s Kendall Hunter you want to own. Gore owners always need to be thinking about this move.

– Rashard Mendenhall is supposed to be back in action after the Week 9 bye according to head coach Bruce Arians. As much as we have always loved Ellington, we still maintain Stepfan Taylor is most suited for the Mendenhall role. Taylor is a guy to watch. We don’t trust Mendenhall further than we can throw him.