Fantasy Football Week 13 waiver wire pick ups: Top 5 RBs

Nov 24, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Benny Cunningham (36) leaps to score a touchdown against the Chicago Bears at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports /

Running backs are always hard to come by and there aren’t many sure things available at this point. There are some options with upside, though, who could come up huge if they get in the right situation. All these five options are available in over half of ESPN leagues (ownership percentages included). These are the names to know if you need a running back for week 13:

1. Benny Cunningham-St. Louis Rams (0.7%)

Cunningham has made the most of his opportunities the last few weeks including running for 109 yards and a touchdown against Chicago last week in relief of starter Zac Stacy who got a concussion. If you own Stacy, get your claims in right away since one of them will be a good play against the 49ers this week in the Rams suddenly effective running game.

2. Dennis Johnson-Houston Texans (0.4%)

Johnson outplayed Brandon Tate last week for Houston, but Coach Gary Kubiaksaid Tate will still get the start this week against New England. The Patriots gave up a huge game to Knowshon Moreno last week, so Johnson could find space if he gets the carries.

3. Chris Ogbonnaya-Cleveland Browns (15.6)

Nov 24, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Chris Ogbonnaya (25) against Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports /

The Browns fell behind early and fell apart quickly against Pittsburgh in week 12. Ogbonnaya lost a key fumble and his benching resulted in just six touches for 41 yards. I expect that number will go up and the production will increase with it. He doesn’t have the upside of the other names on this list, but he is the one with the most assured carries barring another costly fumble.

4. Toby Gerhart-Minnesota Vikings (0.8%)

Don’t worry Adrian Peterson owners, “all-day” will get plenty of work against the Bears rushing defense that was decimated last week by the Rams running backs. Even with Peterson healthy, though, Gerhart is earning more of a role with some solid running of his own like in last week’s game against the Packers where he racked up 91 yards on eight carries. He should get a chance to make a splash and is in a good matchup to do so. The risk involved is the fact that he’s not even the top back on his team and isn’t guaranteed carries.

5. Brandon Bolden-New England Patriots (2.5%)

Nov 24, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (38) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrate after a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during third quarter at Gillette Stadium Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Bolden was the beneficiary of all the other Patriots running backs putting the ball on the ground and getting benched. After very limited production and opportunities, he stepped in and ran for 58 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries while adding an 11-yard reception. He has been involved as a pass-catching back, and will get a piece of the Patriots backfield timeshare. How big that share of work is will determine his value for this week as the Patriots head to Houston to face the Texans.

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