Fantasy Football: 12 running backs to target on the waiver wire

Audric Estime is the top running back to target on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

It looks like there’s been a changing of the guard in the Denver Broncos‘ backfield.

Broncos coach Sean Payton hinted last week that rookie Audric Estime could be more involved in the second half of the season, and that’s beginning to play out. Estime led the team’s backfield in snaps (26), carries (14) and rushing yards (53) on Sunday. Javonte Williams (one carry and two targets) seems to have been relegated to passing-down duties.

Estime could be Denver’s new RB1 going forward, and he should be considered a top priority on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

Elsewhere on the waiver wire front, wide receiver Cedric Tillman (50%) should be rostered, Dawson Knox (1%) is a streaming tight end option and quarterback Bo Nix (50%) has quickly become fantasy-relevant.

Today, though, we’re focusing on the running back position. We’ve put together a quick list of 12 running backs to consider on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

Fantasy Football Running Back Waiver Wire Targets

1. RB Audric Estime (1%): Estime’s efficiency (3.8 yards per carry) wasn’t great on Sunday, but Payton seems to be a big fan of the rookie, so his workload (14 carries) will likely trend up in the coming weeks.

2. RB Gus Edwards (21%): Edwards (10 carries for 55 yards) split time with J.K. Dobbins (15 carries for 50 yards) on Sunday. Playing in a run-heavy offense, both RBs could be fantasy-relevant going forward.

3. RB Tyler Allgeier (50%): Bijan Robinson remains the star, but Allgeier (11 carries for 59 yards) isn’t going away. Allgeier has standalone flex value and he’s an extremely important handcuff in case Robinson is ever unavailable.

4. RB Trey Benson (16%): James Conner (17 touches for 113 yards) and Benson (12 touches for 87 yards) were both productive on Sunday as the Cardinals cruised to a comfortable win over the Jets. That won’t happen every week, but Benson should be rostered. Note that Arizona has a bye in Week 11.

5. RB Tyjae Spears (42%): Spears (10 touches for 51 yards) wasn’t far behind Tony Pollard (13 touches for 63 yards) in Week 10. He’s worth a look in deeper leagues.

6. RB Braelon Allen (22%): Breece Hall is obviously the RB1, but Allen (seven carries and one target) remains involved. Allen could be a flex option if you’re desperate.

7. RB Cam Akers (16%): Aaron Jones had an injury scare on Sunday before later returning to the game. Akers is worth adding in case Jones does end up missing any time. With Jones missing part of Sunday’s game, Akers got 14 touches for the Vikings in Week 10.

8. RB Ray Davis (19%): He’s just a handcuff behind James Cook at this point, but Davis proved earlier this season that he’s a capable fill-in option if called upon in Buffalo.

9. RB Blake Corum (16%): The Rams have been giving Kyren Williams a heavy workload, and Corum could be an extremely valuable handcuff down the stretch if Williams gets banged up.

10. RB Kenneth Gainwell (2%): Saquon Barkley steps aside when the Eagles have big leads, giving value to Gainwell and Will Shipley (1%) when Philly is a big favorite.

11. RB Keaton Mitchell (5%): The speedy running back returned to action in Week 10 and the Ravens now have a “three-headed monster” at running back. Mitchell is worth stashing, especially in deep leagues.

12. RB Jaylen Wright (5%): De’Von Achane remains the RB1 in Miami, but Wright might be taking the RB2 role away from Raheem Mostert. Wright got the second-most carries (five) on Monday. Mostert was targeted three times as a receiver out of the backfield but got no carries.

Bonus: RB Jaylen Warren (62%) is already rostered in most leagues, but double-check just to make sure he’s not still available in your league. 

Roster percentages for players listed in this article were sourced from ESPN. For more fantasy coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Sights and sounds from first half of Eagles Week 1 matchup vs. Packers in Brazil

The Eagles started the first half miserable in Sao Paulo, Brazil, but thanks to a stout defense, Philadelphia only ended up down 6-0 and entered the second half down 19-17 after regrouping. Both offenses made explosive plays, and the Packers secured …

The Eagles started the first half miserable in Sao Paulo, Brazil, but thanks to a stout defense, Philadelphia only ended up down 6-0 and entered the second half down 19-17 after regrouping.

Both offenses made explosive plays, and the Packers secured two early turnovers to exit the first half up two points. Packers quarterback Jordan Love was 7-14 passing for 130 yards and one first-half touchdown.

Free agent running back Josh Jacobs had six carries for four yards, Emmanuel Wilson led Green Bay with three carries for 37 yards, and Jayden Reed led all pass catchers with two catches for 79 yards and a score. With the second half set to begin, here are takeaways from the first half.

Early pregame sights and sounds from Eagles matchup vs. Packers in Brazil

The Eagles are in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the first NFL game in the region will start in a little under an hour. Brazil, the largest country in Latin America, will host the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Green Bay Packers game on Friday at Arena Corinthians …

The Eagles are in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the first NFL game in the region will start in a little under an hour. Brazil, the largest country in Latin America, will host the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Green Bay Packers game on Friday at Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo. This will be the first NFL game held on a Friday evening since 1970.

With kickoff just moments away, here are sights and sounds from the pregame activities.

Every move the Eagles made during 53-man roster cuts

We’re tracking every move the Philadelphia Eagles made to trim down from 90 players to an official 53-man roster

Philadelphia has a loaded and dynamic roster ripe with dual-threat players on both sides of the football and two of the top coordinators in the game. After five weeks of intense Training Camp and three preseason games, the Birds officially trimmed their roster to 53 players on Tuesday, unveiling the 2024 Eagles to the world and fans alike.

On Monday, the Eagles announced their first wave of roster cuts, releasing four veteran players who are not subject to the waiver wire and can immediately sign with other teams.

With the roster taking shape, here are the moves Philadelphia made to get down to 53 players.

Monday

Ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, the franchise announced four moves, releasing Will Grier, Parry Nickerson, Julian Okwara, and Max Scharping.

Tuesday

RELEASED
(*These players are veterans who are not subject to waivers and can sign immediately with another team.)

LB Oren Burks
WR Parris Campbell
OL Nick Gates
G/C Matt Hennessy
WR John Ross
T/G Brett Toth

WAIVED

T/G Gottlieb Ayedze
T Anim Dankwah
RB Tyrion Davis-Price
TE Kevin Foelsch
DT Gabe Hall
WR Jacob Harris (Injured)
WR Griffin Hebert
DE Tarron Jackson
TE E.J. Jenkins
CB Josh Jobe
OLB Terrell Lewis
C Dylan McMahon
CB Zech McPhearson
RB Kendall Milton
DT P.J. Mustipher
WR Joseph Ngata (Injured)
RB Lew Nichols
G/C Jason Poe
TE Armani Rogers
S Andre Sam
LB Brandon Smith
CB Shon Stephens
S Caden Sterns (Non-Football Injury)
T Laekin Vakalahi
WR Austin Watkins

PLACED ON INJURED RESERVE and DESIGNATED FOR RETURN

TE Albert Okwuegbunam
WR Ainias Smith

PLACED ON THE RESERVE/PHYSICALLY UNABLE TO PERFORM LIST

S Sydney Brown

Eagles vs. Vikings: Top photos from preseason finale at Lincoln Financial Field

We’re looking at the top photos from the Philadelphia Eagles preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field

The Eagles finished the preseason 2-1. They now aim to trim the roster to 53 players and prepare for a gigantic season-opening matchup against the Green Bay Packers in Brazil. Vikings quarterback Jaren Hall was 17-25 passing for 189 yards and two touchdowns on the afternoon, while Tanner McKee was 13-21 passing for 115 yards and one interception. Lucky Jackson led Minnesota with four catches for 53 yards, while Griffin Hebert led Philadelphia with three for 48 yards in the afternoon. On defense, Tristin McCollum made a late push for a roster spot, recording nine tackles and one pass defended on the afternoon. Oren Burks made his own statement, logging seven tackles, one sack, one pass defended, one tackle for loss, and one QB hit. With the team off until Monday, here’s an instant analysis of the preseason finale. ***

Updated Eagles’ 53-man roster projection ahead of preseason matchup vs. Patriots

Philadelphia is back at the NovaCare Complex for Week 3 of training camp and is starting to prepare for a joint practice and the second preseason matchup of the summer against New England. The Patriots hosted the Eagles for a joint practice session …

Philadelphia is back at the NovaCare Complex for Week 3 of training camp and is starting to prepare for a joint practice and the second preseason matchup of the summer against New England.

The Patriots hosted the Eagles for a joint practice session on Tuesday, August 13, before their preseason game on Thursday, August 15. Practice will begin at 10:30 AM, and gates will open to fans at 9:30 AM.

Philadelphia has increased the intensity of practice season after the 2023 collapse, and Thursday night’s matchup offers another chance to clarify several high-profile roster battles. Players on the bubble will look to create separation, and we will be watching to see which starters, if any, will play in the first quarter after an intense Tuesday session.

With the Eagles having defeated the Ravens and made three roster moves since last week, we’re unveiling the fourth 53-man roster prediction ahead of cutdown day and the regular season opener.

Hurts will look to reduce the turnovers under first-year OC Kellen Moore.

After being traded to the Eagles, the former Steelers first-round pick has been solid in training camp, but he’ll have to defeat Tanner McKee to maintain the backup job.

McKee would have to fall off the cliff to lose a roster spot to Will Grier, and he could rise up to the backup quarterback spot.

The former Penn State star has yet to play in the preseason.

Gainwell will enter Year 4 looking to lock down the backup running back spot.

The rookie is a jack of all trades and made his mark during his debut against the Ravens.

Smith is firmly entrenched as a ‘Batman’ after signing his 3-year, $75 million contract extension.

A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Johnny Wilson should be locked to make the final roster. Covey makes the roster over John Ross, and he’s still the best punt returner on the roster.

You can’t teach size, and Wilson makes the cut as the Eagles work to utilize his unique skill set.

Goedert will look to record his first 1,000-yard season.

Calcaterra is a capable pass catcher, and provides special teams depth.

Okwuegbunam Jr. had no role under former offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, and he’s done nothing to separate himself, opening things up for E.J. Jenkins as the third tight end. Armani Rogers is another player to watch.

Mailata signed a 3-year, $66 million contract extension and is one of the best left tackles in the NFL.

Dickerson signed a new 4-year, $98 million deal and is the best left guard and highest paid in the NFL.

Entering his third season, Jurgens will face enormous pressure after Jason Kelce announces his retirement.

Steen is under pressure, and it looks like Mekhi Becton will unseat him.

The All-Pro will play his first season without Jason Kelce and be called upon to anchor a retooled offensive line.

The big ticket offers potential, and he could earn the starting right guard spot.

Johnson is Mailata’s primary backup and can play both offensive tackle positions.

Matt Hennessy has done nothing to stand out over the first three weeks.

The rookie offensive guard will compete with Tyler Steen for the right guard spot and bring toughness to the roster.

The rookie from North Carolina State has outplayed Matt Hennessy.

Huff was essentially swapped for Haason Reddick, and he’ll be counted on to produce more than a situational ten sacks.

Sweat will play in the final year of his deal, and he’ll look to secure double-digit sacks.

Smith will see an uptick in snaps and should carve out a rotational pass-rusher role.

Graham will play his final season in Philadelphia before retiring.

The rookie linebacker will make the roster and will land a role as a situational pass rusher.

The pass rusher has always been stout on special teams, and his strip-sack in the preseason opener did not sway opinion.

The runner-up for the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, Carter will see his snaps and accountability increase as Fletcher Cox retires.

Like Jalen Carter, the expectations will rise for the 3rd year defensive tackle.

Williams is entering the final year of his deal and could have a breakout season at defensive tackle.

The 2023 seventh-round pick will look to carve out a role alongside a stout defensive line.

Dean enters a critical third year and competes with multiple players, including rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

The former Buccaneers linebacker could transform the Eagles’ defense if he can regain his 2020-2021 form.

Baun is already a favorite of DC Vic Fangio and could carve out a role in multiple positions.

Trotter Jr. will enter his rookie system with the perfect support system, and he flashed during the preseason opener.

The second-year linebacker has been consistent this summer. He’s a special teams standout who makes the roster ahead of Oren Burks.

Slay returns as the Eagles top cornerback, but at 33, he could be set for his final chance at winning a Super Bowl.

The rookie has been as good as advertised and should start at cornerback opposite Darius Slay.

The rookie from Iowa is listed as a cornerback and is dealing with a hamstring injury, but he’ll see snaps at every position. He could allow Philadelphia to carry one less safety and move on from Avonte Maddox.

Rodgers has returned to the gridiron after serving a one-year suspension and will compete for a role as cornerback and as the primary kick return specialist.

Ringo appears to be the more impactful player than Eli Ricks and will land a roster spot after impressive rookie development. He’ll battle Quinyon Mitchell for the starting cornerback spot opposite Darius Slay.

Special teams play is essential, and Jobe is one of the best gunners in the NFL.

Blankenship signed a two-year extension, and he’s developed into one of the top young safeties In the NFL.

Gardner-Johnson returns to Philadelphia after spending one season in Detroit, and he’ll bring swagger and big-play potential to Vic Fangio’s secondary.

Brown will start the season on the PUP list while rehabbing his torn ACL.

After not having Bradberry on our initial 53-man roster predictions, the Eagles’ newest safety could make the roster if he’s not traded in late summer. Sydney Brown starting camp on the PUP list could bode well for Bradberry’s future in Philadelphia.

The veteran cornerback can play in the slot and he can play safety, ensuring his role on the roster.

The All-Pro signed a four-year contract extension.

Top photos from the Eagles 16-13 win over Ravens in preseason opener

We’re looking at the top 100 photos from the Philadelphia Eagles 16-13 win over the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on Friday night

The Eagles returned to live game action for the first time since their embarrassing 32-9 defeat to the Buccaneers in the NFC wild-card game.

Philadelphia traveled to Baltimore to face the Ravens in a preview of their Week 13 matchup, which looms later in the regular season. Both teams held out the majority of the starters, allowing key rookies and veterans on the bubble to shine and create separation in roster battles.

Eagles All-Pro kicker Jake Elliott made a 49-yard field goal with no time remaining to give Philadelphia a 16-13 victory on Friday night. Elliott missed an extra point off the left upright in the first quarter, and his 50-yard kick hit the right upright with 16 seconds remaining in the game.

With Philadelphia set to start preparation for the Patriots on Thursday night, here are the top 100 photos from the big win.

***

Takeaways and observations from first half of Eagles’ preseason opener vs. the Ravens

The NFL is back, and Philadelphia officially started its march toward another postseason berth with a much anticipated preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Kenny Pickett was 13-21 for 90 yards and one touchdown, and the Eagles are tied 6-6 …

The NFL is back, and Philadelphia officially started its march toward another postseason berth with a much anticipated preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Kenny Pickett was 13-21 for 90 yards and one touchdown, and the Eagles are tied 6-6 with the Ravens to end the first half at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

Both teams held out key starters, but Philadelphia defensive coordinator Vic Fangio ensured key players saw snaps in the first half. Most of the offensive and defensive starters sat out for the Ravens, allowing second-year linebacker Trenton Simpson to shine.

On offense, Josh Johnson was 4-12 passing for 60 yards, while Owen Wright led the Baltimore rushing attack with seven carries for 33 yards.

With the second half set to begin, here are takeaways and observations from the first half in Baltimore.

Trotter is instinctual and has the benefit of sharing dinner and breakfast with one of the greatest linebackers in Eagles franchise history.

Nakobe Dean’s first defensive snaps came with 5:34 remaining in the second quarter. Philadelphia’s starters at linebacker were Zack Baun and Devin White. Dean had one tackle in the first half and one pass defended.

Philadelphia gave us a preview of the future with Quinyon Mitchell and Kelee Ringo getting snaps together. Isaiah Rodgers got snaps on the outside with RIngo, while Mitchell got the initial snaps in the slot. The Eagles surrendered 62 yards passing in the first half.

Wilson got the start for Philadelphia and had one catch for seven yards on two targets and a crucial block on the Will Shipley touchdown.

Mekhi Becton gets the start at right guard, while the rest of the Eagles starting offensive line didn’t dress.

Pickett was 13-21 for 90 yards and one touchdown in the first half, and solidified his status as the backup.

The Eagles’ top offensive starters, including Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailata, were not uniform.

Eagles training camp: Highlights from Day 1 of practice

After months of waiting, and stories about Jalen Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni, the Eagles returned to the NovaCare Complex, for their first training camp practice of 2024. New additions like Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff and Quinyon Mitchell took …

After months of waiting, and stories about Jalen Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni, the Eagles returned to the NovaCare Complex, for their first training camp practice of 2024.

New additions like Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff and Quinyon Mitchell took the field on Wednesday, while rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean will miss three weeks with a hamstring injury.

Here are highlights from Day 1 of action.

Eagles updated 90-man roster arranged by uniform number ahead of training camp

We’re looking at the Philadelphia Eagles updated 90-man roster by uniform number ahead of Tuesday’s report date for training camp

The Eagles are just 12 away from being back on the field for the start of one of the most critical training camps in franchise history.

After signing seven undrafted free agents following the draft, Philadelphia has a full roster, including Laekin Vakalahi, who’ll be exempt from a roster spot as the team’s representative in the International Pathway Program.

After the team placed offensive tackle Le’Raven Clark on injured reserve, it released tight end Noah Togiai and signed cornerback Shon Stephens. Philadelphia now has a roster space for one player ahead of the July 23 report date for rookies and veterans.

With things about to ramp up, here’s an updated 90-player roster for the Eagles.