First things first. Make sure the most popular waiver-wire running back adds like the Cardinals' Emari Demercado, Panthers' Chuba Hubbard, and Steelers' Jaylen Warren are unavailable before rolling any further into the deep. The current fog of fantasy war is about as thick as pea soup. If you happen to be desperate for RB fantasy points right now, you’ll need your luckiest charm because the situation’s supremely challenging. If you weren’t fortunate enough to grab Bears RB Roschon Johnson weeks ago (when I told you!) on our first recommendation, don’t lose hope. I know things seem bleak but night is darkest before the dawn.

In more standard/shallow leagues your top running back stash has to be Titans RB Tyjae Spears. Tennessee’s third-round rookie from Tulane already has a secure grasp on the pass-catching role. He’s third on the team in total receptions, commanding +13% of the team’s target share, and he’s dominating work in long down-and-distance, hurry-up, and two-minute sets. Don’t look now, but considering the Titans’ team dynamic, he’s also making a bid for a legitimate chunk of the starting job. Tennessee’s defense continues to act as a pass funnel, so if and when they ever fall behind, you can kiss King Henry’s snaps goodbye. Through only five games into the 2023 season, Spears has outsnapped Henry three times and even outscored him twice. The Titans severely lack explosives on offense and Spears could be that provider going forward.

To the deeper leaguers scoffing at the idea of Spears being available, Dallas’ Rico Dowdle is a great target. The Cowboys’ game scripts have been incredibly wonky but I believe he’s locked up the backup role and sits on the doorstep of a premiere role in a good offense (but we’ve mentioned him before).

I know I highlighted him last week and although he didn’t take a real step forward in utilization (5-15-0; 2-3-0), I’m sticking with Cam Akers one more time. The Vikings are 1-4 and in need of a change behind one of the worst running games in the NFL (32nd in rush%, total rushes, and zero +20-yard rushes). Minnesota just lost the engine of their offense in Justin Jefferson and has shown us hints that Akers can and will overtake the pass work (42.4% touch/snap, 30.8% target/route). Alexander Mattison’s -0.10 EPA/Rush is well below average, ripe for replacement.

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