With only a few weeks until the 2015 NFL season it’s time to breakdown the best fantasy football sleepers at the running back position.
Many times people get caught up int the top tier running backs but if you’re in a deeper league (10-16 teams) you’ll only be able to snag 1-2 dependable guys at the position. What’ll make your team a success is choosing the correct mid/late round runner. Here’s 5 guys that can turn you .500 team into a championship contender.
1. Bishop Sankey – Tennessee Titans
You’ll notice a trend as we got through this list, running backs that carry the bulk of the load for a team have priority. Sankey si the clear-cut guy in Tennessee and with a rookie QB his number should be called often to relieve some of the pressure from Mariota. Baring injury, Sankey should be a dependable guy in the flex or as a RB #2.
2. Doug Martin – Tampa Bay Bucs
Doug Martin is the definition of boom or bust. He was almost traded in the offseason and he’s never really showed the talent he had his rookie year, but with a talented QB the holes should open up for him this season. Once again health plays a huge part in his productivity and he’ll have to show the ability to handle 20+ carries a game.
3. CJ Spiller – New Orleans Saints
Spiller has disappointed fantasy owners for years now but a fresh start in N.O. could boost him back into the top 15 rankings. Drew Brees made Reggie Bush and Darren Sproles dynamic fantasy options in the same role Spiller will now fill. It’s not hard to imagine Spiller getting 70+ catches and 600 yards rushing. In a PPR league Spiller can be a steal in the 6th or 7th round.
4. Duke Johnson – Cleveland Browns
Duke Johnson makes this list because the Browns will need a running back to step up and take pressure off of their middling quarterback situation. Johnson has the speed to break a long run whenever he touches the ball, so he doesn’t need 25+ touches to score points for your team.
5. Fred Jackson – Buffalo Bills
Fred Jackson is projected to go in the 9th round or later in most leagues right now and he could be the Bills starter come week 1. Rex Ryan loves to run the ball and let his defense carry the team, which is perfect for Jackson. Add in the fact that Shady McCoy is already banged up and stuff is lining up perfectly for owners of Jackson.