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The 3 best RBs to claim off the Week 1 waiver wire

The fantasy football waiver wire is a valuable tool throughout the season, but if your drafted roster has already taken a hit, there is value to be had heading into Week 1. We break down the best running backs to consider.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Carlos Hyde runs with the ball during a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 17, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

You’ve held your fantasy draft, and with just days remaining before Week 1 kicks off, you’re not exactly feeling your roster. That fourth WR and third RB weren’t what you hoping for when the draft began. Well, there’s no time like the present to fix your mistakes. Let’s look at the top running backs still available in more than 30 percent of leagues, based on season-long ownership in CBS Sports leagues as of Sunday, Sept. 1.

Justin Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers (61 pct)

It sure looks like Melvin Gordon has played his last game with the Chargers, as the team announced Sunday there will be no extension talks until after the 2019 season. Fantasy owners are focusing their love on Austin Ekeler, but Jackson had three double-digit fantasy performances in his final five games last year. He’s going to have a significant role this season.

Carlos Hyde, Houston Texans (44 pct)

Hyde was persona non grata in Kansas City, but he has a great chance to make an impact in Houston, essentially taking over the early-down role for the injured Lamar Miller. It’s apparent the Texans were not sold on Duke Johnson as a three-down back, and Hyde is a veteran who has a lot to prove, now on his fourth team in the past three seasons.

David Montgomery, Chicago Bears (23 pct)

Montgomery is going to be the early-down back for the Bears, taking over for Jordan Howard. Even with Tarik Cohen there as the change-of-pace back, Montgomery should be looking at 15-20 touches per game, and backs with a consistent workload have value, especially if he gets the goal-line work, which is likely.