Welcome to the fifth week of our exemption wire watch!
We’ve made it through the first month of the 2025 NFL season, and with another weekend’s action wrapped up, you might be looking to improve your roster, no matter if you’ve secured a Fantasy League win or faced a tough loss. That’s where we step in.
Here are some standout running backs from Week 3, and they should definitely catch your eye as you prepare for Week 4. They’re considered key players, projected to be impactful for around 60% of the league, plus they may lead to maximum exemptions. Just a heads up, byes are officially kicking in this week, so it’s time to be a bit more strategic with your lineup moving forward.
Byes this week: Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers
Woody Marks, RB, Houston Texans (30.6%)
The Texans celebrated a victory on Sunday, defeating the Tennessee Titans 26-0, and Marks stood out as the offensive MVP. The rookie tailback saw substantial action during this AFC South matchup, racking up 17 carries for 69 rushing yards and catching four passes for an additional 50 yards, scoring two touchdowns. This performance earned him a top-five spot in fantasy for Week 4, accumulating 23.9 points in standard leagues and 27.9 in PPR formats.
What’s really intriguing about Marks’ sudden rise is the volume of touches he received, even with Nick Chubb healthy on the field. The two backs shared carries, potentially igniting a much-needed boost for a Texans offense that has struggled so far this season. Marks is definitely someone to keep an eye on.
Week 5 Matchup: @Baltimore Ravens, 1pm
Kendre Miller, RB, New Orleans Saints (5.8%)
New Orleans aimed for a significant upset against the Buffalo Bills but faltered late in the game. Nevertheless, running back Kendre Miller made a noteworthy appearance, earning 11 carries for 18 yards and a touchdown, along with 65 receiving yards.
He shared backfield duties with Alvin Kamara, showing promising output in what has been a tough season for the Saints at 0-4. The team might benefit from adjusting their lineup more, which could give Miller an increased role. Given his potential as Kamara’s handcuff, he’s worth considering off the waiver wire this week.
Week 5 Matchup: vs. New York Giants, 1pm
Justice Hill, RB, Baltimore Ravens (10.6%)
After a 37-20 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Ravens find themselves in panic mode, now sitting at 1-3 with several key injuries piling up. In this loss, Hill’s performance was notable as he carried the ball three times for 76 yards and caught five passes for a total of 41 yards, scoring two touchdowns.
It’s also worth noting that he played over 50% of the offensive snaps for the second week in a row, suggesting a shift in the Ravens’ offensive strategy. This is definitely something to keep an eye on as they may incorporate him more moving forward.
Week 5 Matchup: vs. Houston Texans, 1pm
Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (32.5%)
With Jalen Warren sidelined due to a knee injury, Gainwell stepped up significantly, contributing 99 rushing yards and two touchdowns while also adding six receptions for 35 yards. This performance made him one of the top fantasy scorers of the week.
The Steelers have a bye this week, but Warren should return in Week 6. Still, it’d be wise not to overlook Gainwell as a valuable backup who sees plenty of playing time.
Tyler Allgeier, RB, Atlanta Falcons (36.2%)
The Falcons bounced back with a 34-27 victory over the Washington Commanders, thanks in part to Tyler Allgeier, who shared carries with Bijan Robinson. Allgeier tallied 16 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown. While Robinson had a standout day in the passing game, Allgeier’s contribution was significant enough to place him among the top 20 fantasy running backs for the week.
He’s been one of the better handcuff options this season, ranking in the top 30 for yards after contact. Even though the Falcons are on a bye this week, I’d still consider picking him up off the waiver wire to stash on your bench for later.
