Meet the Latest Waiver Wire Darling
If you're asking 'who?', you're not alone. Seth McGowan was a seventh-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2026 NFL Draft. After a winding college career that saw him find success at Kentucky, he entered the league as a powerful, physical runner
with a knack for falling forward. For the first several weeks of the season, he was a non-factor, buried on the depth chart. But a combination of injuries to other backs and his own impressive play in limited action has thrust him into the RB2 role behind superstar Jonathan Taylor. In Week 7, his usage spiked, seeing a season-high 11 carries for 46 yards, and he’s now a key part of the Colts' special teams. That increased workload is exactly the kind of smoke that fantasy managers look for when trying to find a fire.
The Bull Case: A League-Winner in Waiting
The argument for stashing McGowan is built on two powerful pillars: talent and opportunity. Teammates are already taking notice, with Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson praising McGowan's energy, noting, 'He runs angry'. That physical, tough running style is exactly what coaches love, especially near the goal line. While he has yet to score a touchdown in the NFL, his college tape shows a nose for the end zone. But the real fantasy upside lies with the precarious situation surrounding Jonathan Taylor. The Colts are struggling with a 2-5 record as of late October 2026, and with the NFL trade deadline looming on November 10th, rumors are swirling that the team could look to trade its star running back. If Taylor were to be traded, McGowan would instantly be thrust into a lead-back role. This potential for a massive workload overnight makes him one of the most valuable 'handcuff' running backs in the entire league, and a player who could single-handedly swing fantasy championships.
The Bear Case: The Bench Clogger
However, there’s a significant risk involved. First, as long as Jonathan Taylor is healthy and on the Colts roster, McGowan's role is strictly limited. He's currently averaging just over two fantasy points per game and is playing on less than 20% of the offensive snaps. That’s not a player you can start with any confidence. The trade rumors surrounding Taylor are just that—rumors. Indianapolis could easily decide to hold onto their star, leaving McGowan as a low-volume backup for the rest of the season. A player who never sees a path to starting is a wasted spot on your bench, a 'bench-clogger' who could have been dropped for someone with more immediate value. Furthermore, even if Taylor were to miss time, there's no guarantee the Colts would simply hand McGowan a three-down role. They could sign a veteran or involve other backs, creating a messy committee that frustrates fantasy managers.
The Verdict: What's the Right Move?
So, should you stash him? The answer depends entirely on your league format and your current roster construction. In deeper leagues with 12 or more teams and large benches, Seth McGowan is an absolute must-add. The potential upside of securing a starting running back for free is too great to pass up. He is the perfect end-of-bench lottery ticket who could pay enormous dividends. If you are the fantasy manager who already has Jonathan Taylor, adding McGowan is a mandatory insurance policy. In shallower leagues (10 teams or fewer) with smaller benches, the decision is tougher. If your team is struggling with injuries or bye-week issues and you need a player who can contribute points immediately, McGowan is not your guy. You’re better off using that roster spot on a high-floor wide receiver or a streaming tight end. But if your team is stable and you have a roster spot to spare for a high_upside play, grabbing McGowan now, before any potential trade news breaks, is a savvy move that your league_mates will regret not making.
