Top Fantasy Football Sleepers: Running Back
Running back is one of the most make or break positions in fantasy football. A great RB can carry your entire team, but there’s a finite amount. If you don’t find good running backs early in the season, you’re probably not going to find one at all. And you’re probably not going to win a championship.
That’s why sleepers at running back are extremely valuable. Finding the guys worth rostering at one of the most barren positions is key to a championship run.
Here are some of my favorite sleepers:
Devonta Freeman, Atlanta Falcons
Projected: 3rd-4th round
Devonta Freeman was a tremendous disappointment last season. I would know, I drafted him early and immediately traded him away. But his season was disappointing for the same reason the entire team’s disappointing seasons; injuries.
Freeman was bruised and banged up for the better part of last season and was stuck behind an injured and ineffective offensive line. This season, Freeman is healthy, the offensive line is much improved, and his former running mate, Tevin Coleman, is now in San Fransisco, so the Falcon’s backfield is now a one man show. Freeman has a chance to seriously out play his draft position with his ability as a receiver and around the goal line.
Sony Michel, New England Patriots
Projected: 5th-6th round
This one admittedly comes with its share of risk. Sony Michel has a chance to be a legit top-ten back this season as the Patriots begin life without Rob Gronkowski. If the playoffs are any indication – 336 yards and six touchdowns in three games – Michel has dominant potential.
On the down side, Michel started Training Camp on the PUP list and there are some serious concerns about his knee. This could be the Patriots being cautious with their first round pick from a year ago after an injury riddled rookie season, but it’s tough to tell with knee injuries. Personally, if I’m on the clock in the fifth round or later and Michel is still on the board, I’ll gladly take him.
Tarik Cohen, Chicago Bears
Projected: 7th-8th round
The Bears cleared house at running back this offseason and brought in a new stable of backs with Mike Davis and rookie David Montgomery. The only running back to survive the turnover is Tarik Cohen. I think Cohen’s experience in Matt Nagy’s offense should give him an edge against the Bear’s new backs.
Cohen was one of the league’s best receiving backs last season and, in the event Montgomery struggles, the Bears could lean on the undersized back even more. If he can establish himself in this open backfield, Cohen will easily outplay his draft position.
Jordan Howard, Philadelphia Eagles
Projected: 11th-12th round
Say what you will about Jordan Howard’s ability, but he could thrive in the Eagles offense. While it’s more than likely he’ll be giving up carries to Miles Sanders, the rookie running back missed all of OTAs with a hamstring injury, which opened the door for Howard a bit. The Eagles rely on a committee of backs moreso then one guy and if Sanders struggles, that could mean more carries for Howard.
Even if Sanders plays well, Howard could put up big numbers in the redzone and could parlay is pass blocking into some carries on early downs. One way or another, I think Howard is going to get his.
Jerick McKinnon, San Fransisco 49ers
Projected: 15th-16th round
Last season, Jerick McKinnon was a popular early round selection after he signed a big contract to be the Niners new lead running back. Then he tore his ACL before the season even started and devastated fantasy owners. He has a chance to make up for last season’s heartbreaks as one of the biggest potential steals in this year’s draft.
New Niner Tevin Coleman is projected to go much higher than McKinnon in most drafts, but he proved last season he doesn’t produce well as a lead back. Kyle Shanahan is trying to recreate the backfield that lead the Atlanta Falcons to the Super Bowl three years ago and he’s already announced McKinnon as the starting running back. If everything goes as expected, he could be a tremendous steal.
Justin Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers
Projected: 16th round – undrafted
This is my deepest sleeper and could pay off biggest. Melvin Gordon’s holdout is looking more and more serious with ever passing day, as is the Chargers intent to not give in to his demands. As a result, his status for the beginning of the season is starting to come into question. Part of the reason the Chargers refuse to pay Gordon is because they know they have another talented, much more cost effective back waiting in the wings.
Justin Jackson showed flashes of brilliance in relief of Gordon last season and he could flourish if handed the full time reigns. Jackson excels as a runner and receiver, so if Gordon’s holdout is serious, he could be in line for a serious work load. Owners could be rushing to picking up Jackson off waivers before the season starts, using a late round pick on the back seems like a safe gamble.
