In the world of fantasy football, the term “sleeper” means different things to different people. Some believe he is simply a player who will outperform his draft position. Others think it's a relatively unknown or once-forgotten player showing up unexpectedly or re-emerging as a useful fantasy option.
In my opinion, both definitions are true, but with a caveat. I don't view a player who was already a valuable fantasy asset during his career as a sleeper. For example, you can't call Rhamondre Stevenson a “sleeper.” Did he have a disappointing 2023 season? Yes, but that doesn't make him a sleeper, even if he isn't projected to be a double-digit pick or higher in most fantasy drafts.
Will Stevenson be labeled a bargain? absolutely. But he's not a sleeper. I also believe that some rookies are sleeper players (as you can see). Even if these players have not yet made a mark in the pros, they have the potential to outperform their draft positions.
With that in mind, here are 10 sleeper running backs to target in the mid-to-late rounds who could be better than their stat sheets predict this season.
1. Jonathan Brooks, Carolina Panthers
Brooks, the first running back selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, will have a chance to compete for a key role as a rookie. He'll have to compete with the likes of Tuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders, but Brooks' ceiling is much higher, assuming he's ready to bounce back from a torn ACL in his final college season. Brooks isn't the key to year one success, but I'd be willing to bet he becomes a fantasy asset.
2. Jalen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers
In case you didn't know, Warren scored more PPR points than Najee Harris last season and did it with fewer snaps and touches. Still, based on average draft position data, Warren is several rounds behind Harris. This will make him a running back to target in his PPR format for the Steelers. Additionally, of all the quarterbacks who started at least 10 games last season, no quarterback targeted running backs more than Russell Wilson.
3. Tejay Spears, Tennessee Titans
The Titans made some big additions in the offseason, including plucking Tony Pollard from the Dallas Cowboys. As a result, Pollard will be drafted several rounds higher than Spears. Similar to Warren, Spears may be the better of the two players from a value standpoint in that case. Coming off a season in which he averaged 4.5 yards per rush and had 52 receptions, Spears has some late-round appeal.
4. Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals
Benson, the second running back picked in the 2024 draft, will likely be one of fantasy football's top handcuffs as a rookie. That's because he starts the season behind veteran James Conner on the depth chart. However, Conner has never been a durable player, so it wouldn't be a shock to see Benson start a few games and play a role even when Conner is on the field.
5. Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals will be overhauling their backfield after trading Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans. Zack Moss will top the depth chart, while Brown will likely see more action in his second NFL season. Don't be surprised if Brown has an independent flex value during his bye week, as he showed flashes as a rookie, especially when receiving the ball in space as a receiver. He's worth being late for.
6. Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings added Aaron Jones as their new top running back, so Chandler won't play a key role to start the season. Still, Jones is entering his age-29 season and missed six games last year due to injury. If Jones can't avoid the trainer's room, Chandler could end up with more work. Even with Jones healthy, I can see him filling a role in the backfield.
7. Rico Doodle, Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys return Ezekiel Elliott, who is projected to be the team's new primary running back, but coach Mike McCarthy expects to take a committee approach in the backfield. So Zeke will be the first Dallas runner in your fantasy draft, but Dowdle should also be on the lookout for his contributions. And with Sieg entering his age-29 season and taking a lot of punishment on his body, Dowdle could be used more often.
8. Blake Colm, Los Angeles Rams
The Rams don't have much of a chance to start, as breakout fantasy star Kyren Williams has secured that role. Still, Colm could do more to keep Williams fresh, as Williams has had injury issues in the past. The rookie out of Michigan has more talent than the Bucs had behind Williams a season ago, and if he makes a mistake, he could push Colm into a key role.
9. JK Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers
Listing Dobbins as a sleeper is a scary proposition, as he has suffered serious knee and Achilles injuries over the past three years. The good thing is that he's only 25 years old and has little wear and tear at the pro level (due to injuries), and the Chargers don't have a clear lead runner. In fact, he'll likely end up sharing duties with Gus Edwards in a run-based offense under new head coach Jim Harbaugh.
10. Marshawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers
The Packers added Josh Jacobs, who will play a leading role in the team's backfield. However, Lloyd will have a chance to unseat AJ Dillon as the main backup, in which case he could become one of the top fantasy handcuffs. Lloyd, who rushed for over seven yards per attempt in his first (and final) season at USC, would be well worth a late-round look in most redraft leagues.