Week 15 Waiver Wire Pickups: Chris Ivory and Other RBs to Add

On the Week 15 waiver wire, the following five running backs are the best additions:

Felix Jones, Cowboys (Available in nine percent of ESPN leagues)

You're already late to party on Jones, as he's gone in most leagues. He's still worth a mention, however.

A rash of injuries and an overall lack of production spawned the emergence of DeMarco Murray as the Cowboys' starter at running back. Now that Murray is on the shelf for the rest of the season, it's Jones's turn again to take over the lead role. If he can stay healthy, Jones is a guy that can produce big points the very first week (vs. Tampa Bay) off the waiver wire. The Bucs are allowing the most fantasy points to running backs in 2011.

Ryan Grant, Packers (Available in 15.0 percent of ESPN leagues)

I've warned against Grant all season long, but it might be time to grab him off the waiver wire after an 85-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Raiders. The weather will turn more winter-like in Wisconsin over the next few weeks, which may force the Packers to run it more than they have over the first three quarters of the season.

James Starks is also still dealing with an ankle injury, so there's reason to think Grant will continue to get the majority of the carries this week against the Chiefs.

Kevin Smith, Lions (Available in 34.6 percent of ESPN leagues)

Smith has practiced this week on a limited basis, and he said that he feels better right now than he did at this time last week. That's encouraging. So is the Lions matchup against the Oakland Raiders, who have been gashed on the ground throughout 2011. 

Chris Ivory, Saints (Available in 99 percent of ESPN leagues)

Ivory's fantasy impact depends solely on the health of Mark Ingram, who missed last week's game with a toe injury. If Ingram can go, Ivory's role is erased. If Ingram is inactive again, however, Ivory could very well see 10-15 touches again this week. Ivory rushed for 53 yards on 13 carries against the Titans in Week 14.

Marion Barber, Bears (Available in 37.8 percent of ESPN leagues)

Sure, Barber was the goat on Sunday in Denver after going out of bounds at the end of regulation, then fumbling while the Bears were in field-goal range in overtime. But Barber still ran for 108 yards and a score and added 32 yards receiving. He should still see a majority of the carries this week against the Seahawks.