Whether you’re a fantasy football owner who uses the “Zero RB” strategy or likes to double up on running backs in the first two rounds, it’s always a treat to land a sleeper or two at the position. There are few better things in fantasy than having too many running backs. It’s great for trades. It’s great for bye weeks. It’s the best problem to have.
So let’s dive into the mid and late rounds to identify running backs that appear to be sleepers, and could outperform their average draft position on Fantasy Pros. These five backs may be something of a risk, but they are worth the gamble, as the payoff could be huge.
Josh Jacobs, Raiders
ADP: RB19, 35th overall.
I’ve been pumping up Jacobs since May when he was barely a Raider. Jon Gruden told Jacobs he wants the running back to be the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Get that guy on your team, especially if you can do it with the 35th overall pick. Maybe you’ve heard of Jacobs. Maybe the fourth round isn’t technically a “sleeper.” But if you want someone who will outperform his draft position, it will be Jacobs – a guy who can and will contribute in the running and passing game. He is going to be a monster for the Raiders in 2019.
James White, Patriots (For PPR only)
ADP: RB25, 51st overall (again, for PPR)
Tom Brady throws to his running backs as much as anyone. Maybe Sony Michel will get more looks in the passing game, but White is going to stay in the mix. He’s too good for the Patriots to keep him off the field — and, for a time, his touches seemed to be correlated to their ability to win. Last season, he had a bonkers 87 catches for 751 yards and seven touchdowns. With Rob Gronkowski out, Brady will need a new safety valve. That will mean more work for Julian Edelman and White.
Phillip Lindsay, Broncos
ADP: RB25, 51st overall
Joe Flacco is just like Brady — he favors his running backs in the passing game. That should hugely benefit Lindsay, who is electric as a pass-catcher. But he has also been outstanding between the tackles — far better than Royce Freeman, who is Lindsay’s competition for touches in Denver. Freeman just isn’t that intimidating. He had 130 carries for 521 yards and five touchdowns in 2018. The Broncos will probably keep giving Freeman touches to beat up the defense with his size and physicality. But Lindsay will probably get more touches in the running game — and he’ll definitely get more opportunities in the passing game.
Kalen Ballage, Dolphins
ADP: RB43, 110th overall
This one is tricky because he’s a favorite of ESPN’s Matthew Berry. There’s a chance a handful of Berry’s many acolytes jump on Ballage early because that’s what Berry is telling them to do. Ballage presents good value at 110th overall, but he comes with big risks, namely that he’s backing up Kenyan Drake, who was pretty good in 2018 at 4.5 yards per carry. But Ballage, who is the more explosive of the two, can edge out Drake. Draft him, and be patient. It could pay off.
Devin Singletary, Bills
ADP: RB 49, 137th overall
What if Buffalo cuts LeSean McCoy? Suddenly, Singletary could be the top back on a Bills team that probably intends to run the ball a great deal. Buffalo’s offense was in bad shape last season, and Josh Allen was the most productive runner for most of the year. But the Bills are clearly making an effort to support him with offseason acquisitions at receiver. Singletary could benefit, especially if he beats out McCoy for the starting job, which isn’t out of the question after he averaged 3.2 yards per carry in 2018.
