Best available running backs on the Week 3 waiver wire

There are some running backs widely available that either have good matchups heading into Week 3 or had successful Week 2 performances under a new offense. With that in mind, here are five RBs with under 50% ownership at traditional fantasy football leagues that managers can consider picking up in their leagues.

Jerick McKinnon, San Francisco 49ers (23 percent)

McKinnon’s ownership has risen from 11 percent since Week 2, and his fantasy football potential appears to be on the rise as well. Injuries to Raheem Mostert (MCL sprain) and Tevin Coleman (knee) could make McKinnon the top option for the 49ers moving forward. McKinnon is averaging a ridiculous 16.8 yards per carry on six carries and could return to prominence with a solid string of games. He rushed for 77 yards and a score on three carries against the Jets on Sunday.

Darrell Henderson Jr., Los Angeles Rams (32 percent)

Henderson was behind Cam Akers and Malcolm Brown on the depth chart heading into Week 2, but the injuries both players suffered against the Philadelphia Eagles could help him get more touches very soon. While Brown could return from his finger injury in Week 3, Henderson’s 121 total yards and touchdown in Week 2 could help him earn more touches moving forward.

Dion Lewis, New York Giants (6 percent)

Saquon Barkley is out for the year with a torn ACL, so it’s only natural for fantasy managers to swarm to his backup. Lewis hasn’t had a significant role for a team since 2017, but is a versatile option who can act as a traditional running back and be a factor as a pass catcher. Wayne Gallman could get more exposure now that Barkley is gone, but Lewis should emerge as New York’s top option out of the backfield.

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Myles Gaskin, Miami Dolphins (15 percent)

Gaskin is a Swiss army knife for the Dolphins. While he hasn’t scored a touchdown yet this season, he has 16 carries and 10 receptions this year. He leads Miami in carries and rushing yards (86) and is only second to Mike Gesicki in. It’s only a matter of time before he has a pig game, and he’s up for grabs in a lot of leagues. His PPR upside makes him a desirable flex play.

Mike Davis, Carolina Panthers (5 percent)

Christian McCaffrey is expected to miss a few multiple weeks, so Davis could step into a feature role. The veteran only has one carry on the year, but has caught eight passes for 74 yards while playing behind one of the NFL’s most productive fantasy running backs. Third string back Reggie Bonafon hasn’t recorded a single stat in 2020, so David should get most of the snaps for the Panthers.