If you think your fantasy football team has enough running backs, go out and pick up two more. Having a strong core of running backs is key to the success of any fantasy football season. Entering Week Two, there are quality running backs like Matt Breida and Adrian Peterson likely to be available in your fantasy league.
Best Wide Receiver/Tight End Claims
Matt Breida, Adrian Peterson Highlight Top Running Back Waiver Claims
Matt Breida
The San Francisco 49ers went with a dual backfield in their season-opening loss to the Minnesota Vikings. In Week Two, they should turn towards the more effective Matt Breida. Breida offers more upside for the 49ers offense and outplayed Morris in Week One.
Breida finished his night with 11 carries for 46 yards against a ferocious Minnesota Vikings defense. Additionally, he also added one reception for five yards in the passing game. While these numbers don’t jump off the page, they’re a clear upgrade on what Alfred Morris produced. Morris finished his night with just 38 yards on 12 carries and didn’t record a single reception.
Breida and the 49ers take on the Detroit Lions and their subpar run defense in Week Two. Unlike Minnesota, Detroit struggles along the interior, so San Francisco should be able to run the ball with success. Look for Breida to get a large portion of the carries.
Adrian Peterson
What a crazy road it’s been for arguably the greatest running back of his generation. Owned in just 49.1% of NFL.com fantasy leagues, Adrian Peterson inherited the Washington Redskins running back position after rookie Derrius Guice suffered a season-ending ACL injury in the preseason.
Peterson showed there’s still some gas left in the tank in the season opener. Handling lead back duties, Peterson ran for 96 yards and one touchdown on 26 carries. Additionally, longtime NFL veteran added two receptions for 70 yards. While he’s not likely to bring in that many receiving yards on a weekly basis, Peterson clearly still has some magic left in his legs. He’s no longer a true RB1, but he’s a fantastic depth piece to have on your team.
T.J. Yeldon
Putting in a claim for T.J. Yeldon is a tricky decision, as his Week Two production is entirely dependent on the status of lead running back Leonard Fournette. Fournette suffered a hamstring injury in Week One, sidelining him for the entire second half. However, head coach Doug Marrone said he’s “pretty optimistic” about the injury, which implies Fournette could play in Week Two.
Hamstring injuries are notoriously fickle, but if Fournette can’t go, T.J. Yeldon should get the call. Any team that has Blake Bortles at quarterback will want to run the ball as much as humanly possible. Additionally, the New England Patriots, Jacksonville’s Week Two opponent, allowed a combined 167 yards and one touchdown on the ground against the Houston Texans.
As of this posting, nobody knows the extent of Fournette’s injury. The first injury report is released on Wednesday, so this claim would be put on blind faith. If Fournette can’t go, Yeldon is a good matchup start. If Fournette plays, Yeldon should be nowhere near your starting lineup.
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