Tag: Roschon Johnson

Fantasy Football: 10 running backs to target on the waiver wire

Jeremy McNichols headlines this week’s list of running backs to target on the fantasy football waiver wire.

Happy Thanksgiving Week, football fans.

There are three games on deck this Thursday (Bears-Lions, Giants-Cowboys, Dolphins-Packers), plus a Black Friday game (Raiders-Chiefs).

With four games set to be played before Sunday even arrives, it will be important to set your fantasy football lineups early this week.

Drake Maye (21.7%) is a streaming option at quarterback, Devaughn Vele (1.7%) is emerging as a wide receiver sleeper and Taysom Hill (53%) remains a notable tight end in fantasy.

Today, though, we’re focusing on the running back position. We’ve put together a quick list of 10 running backs to consider on the fantasy football waiver wire going into Week 13.

Fantasy Football Running Back Waiver Wire Targets

1. RB Jeremy McNichols (1.2%): Brian Robinson suffered an ankle injury on Sunday and Austin Ekeler left the game with a concussion. McNichols is left as the next man up for the Commanders.

2. RB Ameer Abdullah (19.3%): Zamir White (quad) and Alexander Mattison (ankle) were held out on Sunday and Abdullah led Raiders running backs with 14 touches for 65 yards and a touchdown.

3. RB Jaleel McLaughlin (15.9%): The Broncos’ backfield will be hard to predict on a week-to-week basis, but McLaughlin led the team with 44 rushing yards on Sunday.

4. RB Tank Bigsby (33.4%): Coming off a bye, Bigsby should be rostered in more leagues in case the Jaguars lean on him down the stretch.

5. RB Roschon Johnson (17.3%): He has six touchdowns with the Bears this season and while chasing TDs is not ideal, Johnson appears to be one of Chicago’s top options at the goal line.

6-10. Handcuff running backs: Tyler Allgeier (41.6%), Braelon Allen (16.1%), Trey Benson (28.3%), Blake Corum (14.2%) and Ray Davis (12%).

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

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Fantasy Football waiver wire: 15 running backs to target in Week 7

Isaac Guerendo headlines this week’s list of running backs to target on the fantasy football waiver wire.

As we wait for tonight’s Monday Night Football showdown between the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets to wrap up Week 6, fantasy football managers are already considering their waiver wire options for next week.

The top option at wide receiver this week is Josh Downs (49%). Zach Ertz (54%) is a quality tight end option, and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (27%) will be eligible to return from injured reserve next week. 

Today, though, we’re focusing on running back. We’ve put together a quick list of 15 running backs to target on the fantasy football waiver wire ahead of Week 7. If you’re looking for reinforcements at RB, consider these options.

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Running Backs

1. RB Isaac Guerendo (1%): Christian McCaffrey’s status remains murky and fellow running back Jordan Mason has an AC joint sprain. That could leave Guerendo as the next man up for the 49ers and he impressed on Thursday Night Football with 99 yards on 10 carries, including a 76-yard sprint to seal the game.

2. RB Tyler Allgeier (43%): He remains an important handcuff behind Bijan Robinson, and Allgeier has standalone value in Atlanta’s two-back offense. He got 18 carries and scored a touchdown on Sunday.

3. RB Tyrone Tracy (45%): Even if Devin Singletary returns from a groin injury this week, Tracy has played well enough to continue getting carries. Tracy turned 23 touches into 107 yards and a touchdown on Sunday.

4. RB Ty Chandler (34%): Coming out of the Vikings’ bye week, Aaron Jones has an uncertain status due to his hip injury. If Jones misses this week’s game, Chandler will be Minnesota’s top running back.

5. RB Tank Bigsby (44%): Travis Etienne is considered “week-to-week” with a hamstring injury, leaving Bigsby as Jacksonville’s RB1. D’Ernest Johnson (1%) is also worth a look in deep leagues after he got eight touches on Sunday.

6. RB Jaylen Wright (9%): De’Von Achane might be able to return from a concussion this week following Miami’s bye, but Wright should have a role going forward after rushing for 86 yards last week.

7. RB Alexander Mattison (36%): Mattison led Raiders running backs in carries (14), rushing yards (33), targets (five) and catches (five) on Sunday. His efficiency hasn’t been great, but Mattison scored on Sunday and he should remain fantasy-relevant thanks to his volume.

8. RB Sean Tucker (1%): The Bucs had a blowout win over the Saints on Sunday, so Tucker might not get 14 carries on a regular basis, but he’s worth a look after rushing for 136 yards and a touchdown.

9. RB Antonio Gibson (43%): Rhamondre Stevenson remains sidelined with a foot injury and Gibson led New England’s backfield in Week 6 with 13 carries and four targets.

10. RB Braelon Allen (37%): Allen is an important handcuff behind Breece Hall and he has standalone value in a shared backfield.

11. RB Audric Estime (1%): Javonte Williams lost a fumble and dropped a pass on Sunday while Estime led the team’s running backs with a 6.5 yards per carry average. Granted, that was on a very small sample size of two carries, but if Williams continues to struggle, Estime will likely get more work in the coming weeks.

12. RB Kimani Vidal (2%): The rookie rushed twice for 14 yards and hauled in two receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. Consider Vidal in deep leagues.

13. RB Trey Benson (20%): Benson doesn’t have much standalone value, but he’s an important handcuff behind James Conner, who has never played a full season.

14. RB Blake Corum (18%): Corum is another running back worth stashing behind Kyren Williams.

15. RB D’Onta Foreman (4%): Jerome Ford is dealing with a hamstring injury, which could lead to a bigger workload for Foreman.

Bonus: Nick Chubb (79%) and Jonathon Brooks (60%) are already rostered in most leagues, but double check just to make sure they’re 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.

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Panthers CB Jaycee Horn talks about fight, ejection from Week 5 loss to Bears

Panthers CB Jaycee Horn spoke about his scuffle (and subsequent ejection) from Sunday’s loss to the Bears.

Sunday wasn’t the proudest moment for Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn.

The tail end of yesterday’s 36-10 loss to the Chicago Bears saw Horn lose his cool, as he engaged in a scuffle with offensive lineman Bill Murray. (No, not that Bill Murray.)

Their shoving match, which came off a 1-yard touchdown rush by Bears running back Roschon Johnson, would then escalate into this . . .

Horn was ejected from the contest.

He spoke about the incident with reporters on Monday.

“I just felt like it was a little extra shove by him at the end of the play,” Horn said. “But they usually get the guy who retaliates. I lost my composure a little bit, and due to the circumstances of the game. Definitely on me.”

Hopefully for Horn, the extracurricular activities will not result in some extracurricular activities from the league office later this week.

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Fantasy Football waiver wire: 12 running backs to target in Week 6

These 12 running backs should be waiver wire targets in your fantasy football league this week.

As we wait for tonight’s Monday Night Football showdown between the Chiefs and Saints to wrap up Week 5, fantasy football managers are already considering their waiver wire options for next week.

The top option at wide receiver this week is Josh Downs (35%). Zach Ertz (49%) is a quality tight end option, and quarterback Kirk Cousins (46%) is coming off a huge game on Thursday Night Football last week. 

Today, though, we’re focusing on running back. We’ve put together a quick list of 12 running backs to target on the fantasy football waiver wire ahead of Week 6. If you’re looking for reinforcements at RB, consider these options.

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Running Backs

1. RB Tank Bigsby (10%): Bigsby got more carries (13) than Travis Etienne (six) and he rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns while Etienne ended the day with just 17 rushing yards. Etienne remains an option in PPR formats after hauling in six catches, but Bigsby played one more snap in Week 5 and he could emerge as the team’s new RB1.

2. RB Tyrone Tracy (19%): Devin Singletary missed Sunday’s game with a groin injury and Tracy stepped up, rushing 18 times for 129 yards. That kind of production should signal more opportunities going forward. 

3. RB Braelon Allen (42%): Allen (and the entire Jets offense) struggled on Sunday, but he’s still taking away touches from Breece Hall. Allen is an important handcuff with standalone flex value when New York has better matchups. 

4. RB Tyler Allgeier (43%): Another important handcuff with standalone value, Allgeier got nine touches this week, eating into the workload of Bijan Robinson (15 touches). 

5. RB Ty Chandler (35%): Aaron Jones left Sunday’s game with a hip injury and Chandler took over RB1 duties after that. The Vikings have a bye this week, but if Jones misses any games, Chandler will be an important pickup. 

6. RB Roschon Johnson (12%): D’Andre Swift (21 carries, two targets) remains Chicago’s top running back, but Johnson got 10 carries this week and he scored twice on the ground. He’s worth flex consideration. 

7. RB Jaylen Wright (8%): De’Von Achane suffered a concussion on Sunday, which led to 13 carries for 86 yards for Wright. Raheem Mostert (63%) seems to be the RB1 when Achane is unavailable (he got 19 carries this week), but Wright could remain fantasy relevant if Achane misses any games. Miami has a bye this week. 

8. RB Trey Sermon (50%): Jonathan Taylor missed this week’s game with an ankle injury and Sermon got the nod in his place. Sermon rushed 10 times for 38 yards and a touchdown while adding six catches for 25 yards. If Taylor misses any more games, Sermon is a serviceable fill-in at RB. 

9. RB Alexander Mattison (41%): Zamir White missed Sunday’s game with a groin injury, but even if he hadn’t, coach Antonio Pierce had previously hinted that the Raiders planned to make changes at running back. Mattison led the team with 15 carries in Week 5 and he also drew three targets.

10. RB Ameer Abdullah (1%): Mattison was the Raiders’ starter on Sunday, but Abdullah arguably looked like the team’s best running back. The veteran turned five carries into 42 yards and a touchdown and he also caught all three of his targets. Abdullah is worth a look in deeper leagues. 

11. RB Audric Estime (1%): Estime is eligible to return from injured reserve this week and the Broncos have left a spot open for him on the 53-man roster. Estime could quickly earn a role in Denver’s backfield. 

12. RB Keaton Mitchell (4%): Mitchell (ACL) was eligible to return last week, but Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he’s yet ready to return to practice. Mitchell might still be worth stashing on your IR spot if it’s open.

Bonus: Nick Chubb (79%), Kareem Hunt (72%), Jonathon Brooks (63%) and Bucky Irving (58%) are already rostered in most leagues, but double check just to make sure they’re 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.

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Fantasy Football waiver wire: 12 running backs to target in Week 5

These 12 running backs should be waiver wire targets in your fantasy football league this week.

As we wait for a pair of Monday Night Football games to wrap up Week 4, fantasy football managers are already considering their waiver wire options for next week.

The top option at wide receiver seems to be Wan’Dale Robinson (28%). Zach Ertz (55%) is a quality tight end available in nearly half of leagues and Tyler Huntley (3%) could be a sleeper option at quarterback. 

Today, though, we’re focusing on running back. We’ve put together a quick list of 12 running backs to target on the fantasy football waiver wire ahead of Week 5. If you’re looking for reinforcements at RB, consider these options.

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Running Backs

1. RB Kareem Hunt (22%): Hunt made his 2024 debut on Sunday and led Chiefs running backs in carries (14), rushing yards (69) and targets (3). He might be the new feature back in KC.

2. RB Bucky Irving (52%): Irving and Rachaad White had nearly identical stats in Week 4 with 10 carries for 49 yards each. Irving also scored a touchdown. It remains to be seen if Irving will become the primary back, but he’s getting enough touches for flex consideration (or a starting role, if you’re thin at RB).

3. RB Braelon Allen (46%): Breece Hall isn’t going anywhere, but he was limited to four yards on 10 carries against the Broncos’ tough defense on Sunday. Allen led the Jets with 34 yards on eight carries. Like Irving, he gets enough touches to warrant consideration even if he’s not the RB1.

4. RB Tyler Allgeier (42%): Allgeier is an extremely important handcuff behind Bijan Robinson, and he led the Falcons in rushing yards (60) in Week 4. That won’t happen every week, but Allgeier remains part of Atlatan’s rotation.

5. RB Trey Sermon (1%): Sermon becomes an important handcuff option this week after Jonathan Taylor suffered an ankle injury on Sunday. If Taylor has to miss any games, Sermon would be the next man up.

6. RB Trey Benson (32%): Benson is another important handcuff behind James Conner, who is yet to play a full season in the NFL. Benson rushed nine times for 50 yards on Sunday.

7. RB Roschon Johnson (14%): D’Andre Swift remains the RB1 in Chicago, but Johnson got seven carries on Sunday and scored a touchdown. He’s worth a look if you’re thin at the position.

8. RB Tank Bigsby (7%): Bigsby led the Jaguars with 90 rushing yards in Week 4 and Jacksonville could opt to ride the hot hand.

9. RB Rico Dowdle (44%): Dowdle led the Cowboys in rushes (11) and yards (46) this week. He seems to be the best option in Dallas’ backfield.

10. RB Justice Hill (10%): Hill is worth consideration in PPR formats after hauling in six receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown on Sunday night. He also rushed four times for 18 yards.

11. RB Alexander Mattison (31%): Zamir White has been the RB1 in Las Vegas, but Mattison led the team with 60 rushing yards on Sunday and he’s a better receiver out of the backfield. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce hinted Monday that more reps are on the way for Mattison.

12. RB Keaton Mitchell (5%): Mitchell (ACL) is eligible to return this week, although it’s unclear if he will. He’s worth stashing on your IR spot.

Bonus: RB Nick Chubb (78%): Chubb is rostered in most leagues, but like Mitchell, this is the first week he would be eligible to return. Double-check if he’s available in your league just in case. 

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

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Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair fined for unnecessary roughness hit

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was officially fined after an altercation with Bears running back Roschon Johnson.

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was fined $11,817 by the NFL for punching Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson, according to KPRC2 Sports Aaron Wilson.

The news was later confirmed by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

According to Wilson, Al-Shaair does not plan to appeal the fine.

https://twitter.com/BeerBellySport/status/1835844164413489504

During the third quarter, Al-Shaair delivered what was ruled to be a clean hit on Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. Before he could head back to the huddle, he was surrounded by a bunch of orange jerseys, including the second-year running back from Port-Neches.

While there was no late hit called against Al-Shaair, he did throw a punch toward Johnson. The veteran linebacker wasn’t penalized or ejected in the Texans’ 19-13 victory, but the league planned on fining him after further review.

https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1837583419020079105

Johnson, a former star at Texas, tweeted after the game, “It took every bit of my soul not to thrash that boy.”

Al-Shaair told reporters postgame that he expected to hear from the league office later in the week.

“I understand that’s not acceptable. That’s obviously not who I’m trying to be or anything like that,” Al-Shaair told reporters. “I’m not trying to be some fake tough guy. I’ve played in this league going on six years and I haven’t had anything like that happen. For that to happen on national television, it’s not my proudest moment. I take full accountability in that aspect.”

The Texans take on the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium this Sunday at noon CT.

Fantasy football preview: Chicago Bears running backs

Will there be a three-way attack from the Chicago backfield?

With the selection of quarterback Caleb Williams, combined with the additions of wide receivers Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze, excitement surrounding the Chicago Bears offense might be at its high point in franchise history. While that level of optimism is understandable, let’s not get too carried away with the idea that the Bears, which featured the No. 2 rushing offense in the NFL last year, are simply going to put everything on Williams’ shoulders from Week 1 on.

Granted, former QB Justin Fields, who was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, was a big part of the team’s success on the ground, but it’s a commonly held belief around the league that defense and a strong running game are a young quarterback’s best friends. Plus, while Williams won’t match Fields in terms of raw athleticism, he did run for 11 touchdowns at USC last year, so he’s not devoid of running ability.

Chicago returns two of its top three backs from 2023 with Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson while bidding adieu to D’Onta Foreman, who signed with the Cleveland Browns. The Bears hope they have found a new lead back in the form of D’Andre Swift, handing him a three-year, $24 million deal at the start of free agency. How does this trio look for fantasy owners? Let’s find out.

Former Longhorns Samuel Cosmi, Roschon Johnson among most under-appreciated in NFL

These two were fan favorites in Austin.

Two former Texas Longhorns will be gearing up for training camp in July as they prepare for the 2024 NFL season. Both Samuel Cosmi and Roschon Johnson have tasted success and they have to be hungry for more.

Cosmi was a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft and was expected to be a book end blocker for the Washington Commanders offensive line. Plans and injuries have changed that course for the better. Last season, Cosmi enjoyed the most success of his short NFL career in 2023. The team will look completely different with a new staff and a Heisman Trophy winner ready to take over at quarterback.

On the flip side we have Johnson, who is coming off his rookie season with the Chicago Bears. Most of his success came in the latter part of the season. Now with virtually a whole new offense, Johnson and company should be a whole lot more dynamic.

Both former Longhorns were named among the most under-appreciated in the NFL.

Samuel Cosmi, Washington Commanders

Greg Fiume/Getty Images

What Tom Blair Says…

In 2021, Washington chose Cosmi with a second-round draft pick. Since then, the team has changed names, owners, head coaches, front-office leadership and quarterbacks, while Cosmi missed parts of both of his first two seasons with injuries. In 2023, though, he moved from right tackle to right guard, and things seemed to really click. PFF credited him with just one sack allowed all season, awarding him the second-highest offensive grade of the entire team. With the Dan Quinn-Jayden Daniels era about to kick off, Washington must be glad to know Cosmi has developed into a pass-protecting, run-blocking rock up front.

Moving to guard was a blessing for both Washington and Cosmi, who has had issues staying on the field due to injury. Going into the 2024 NFL season, Cosmi will be tasked with keeping the reigning Heisman Trophy Winner upright and paving holes for Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. The success in the upcoming season will likely revolve this offensive line, including the play of Samuel Cosmi.

Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears

Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

What Blair Says…

Johnson was probably appreciated at an appropriate level in 2023, when he was a fourth-round pick showing flashes for a stuck-in-the-mud offense, topping 50 scrimmage yards in five games and breaking off the occasional monster gain. That was before GM Ryan Poles supercharged the depth chart with attention-grabbing names like Caleb Williams, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze and — most crucially for Johnson — D’Andre Swift. Don’t forget about Johnson, though. For the first time in his career last season, Swift served as a clear-cut lead back for the Eagles, and while he played well, his production also sputtered toward the end of the year. Giving Johnson a healthy share of the workload seems like a good way to bring the young back further along while perhaps keeping Swift fresher longer.

Johnson was a huge piece of the Texas backfield during his time in Austin and he is no stranger to sharing the load. He and Bijan Robinson were quite the tandem. With the talent coming in, Roschon looks to be a part of a loaded offense poised for big things once again. The Chicago running back should do a lot more than 352 yards and 2 TDs in 2024.

WATCH: Bears rookie RB Roschon Johnson scores off a short TD run vs. Falcons

Rookie Roschon Johnson extended the Bears’ lead against the Falcons.

It’s a scoring extravaganza! Bears quarterback Justin Fields was the first to punch in the ball to the endzone, so naturally the running backs wanted to get in on that fun.

After Fields led yet another methodical drive that featured him patiently finding open receivers to move the chains, with a healthy dose of running back Khalil Herbert to keep the offense balanced. After a short conversion on fourth and inches only a couple yards away from the goal line, the Bears were able to notch their third touchdown of the game.

Rookie running back Roschon Johnson took the short handoff and churned his legs until he pushed through for the 2-yard touchdown run, with several offensive lineman aiding him by pushing the pile.

Johnson was Falcons rookie running back Bijan Robinson’s college teammate, and Johnson was the first to reach pay dirt.

The key will be finishing the contest; the Bears have allowed opponents to jump ahead of them in the latter half of games despite having a marginal lead. Up 21-7 at the half, however, their odds of securing the win are looking good.

Fantasy football sleepers to play in Week 14

Check out these sleepers to play in fantasy football for Week 14.

In most leagues, Week 14 is the final week of the regular season for fantasy football managers. This is their final time to either make that last push for a playoff spot, secure a first-round bye or play spoiler for a team trying to make it.

Fortunately, the majority of teams have now had their bye weeks. The only two teams on a bye in Week 14 include the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders.

Some managers will opt to go for the safer bet this week, but it’s always a good idea to reach for a ceiling in a must-win game. That’s where the sleepers come in.

Don’t forget to check out The Huddle’s weekly PPR projections and rankings to get a better idea of how we feel about the upcoming week as a whole.