Nothing is more thrilling for a fantasy manager than a sleeper running back exploding out of nowhere to become a consistent weekly scoring threat with his evasive moves and ground-gaining ability. Like a stealth rocket streaking through the night sky, they’re rarely seen coming. Sleeper running back candidates are usually the handcuff or even further down the depth chart and can be a steal in the later draft rounds.
Five Sleeper Running Backs Who Could Breakout
Miami Dolphins rookie running back De’Von Achane is the perfect example of a sleeper who became a dominant fantasy stud. Before the start of the NFL 2023 season, Achane was listed at a lowly 136 ADP. Appearing in only 11 games last season, he earned 800 yards on 103 carries with eight touchdowns plus 197 yards on 27 receptions with three touchdowns. Achane’s current ADP is 20 and he is projected as high as the number two running back on several sites.
Sleeper Running Back Candidates for 2024
Here are five running backs who would be considered sleepers and might potentially have a breakout season.
Zach Charbonnet
Currently listed as number 41 on ESPN’s fantasy running back ranking chart heading into the 2024 season, Zach Charbonnet is in his second year with the Seattle Seahawks. Selected by the Seahawks in the second round of the 2023 draft, the UCLA graduate will once again be splitting carries with Seahawks’ lead back, Kenneth Walker III.
As a rookie, Charbonnet rushed for 462 yards on 108 carries with one touchdown behind Walker as the lead back. He added another 209 yards on 33 receptions including one 39-yard catch. Last year, the two worked well together as a tandem but with almost 1,000 yards and eight rushing touchdowns in 15 games, Walker was the star. Walker’s powerful strength and ability to pivot and break away from defenders make him a top-tier running back.
But this year, Charbonnet has the opportunity to come into his own. His 6’2″ height is a rare advantage among running backs. In addition, Charbonnet’s speed, and pass-catching ability make him a nice scoring threat downfield. Expect to see Charbonnet get more usage this year in a pass-catching role to compliment Walker as the lead back on the ground.
Tyjae Spears
Second-year Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears is returning to a team that bears little resemblance to one year ago. Brian Callahan has replaced head coach Mike Vrable. Titans star running back and likely Hall of Fame candidate Derrick Henry pursued free agency and signed with the Baltimore Ravens. As his replacement, the Titans acquired former Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard in free agency and signed him to a three-year $21.75 million deal.
Pollard has speed and acceleration but struggled in his final year as a Cowboy.
Not fully recovered from injuries suffered in the 2022 season, he’s also had a history of ball retention issues in the past. Averaging 5.5 yards per carry last year behind “King” Henry, Spears posted stats of 453 rushing yards on 100 carries with two touchdowns. He added another 52 receptions for 385 yards with one touchdown.
Both running backs were hampered by Vrabel’s lackluster offense last season and this year should provide more of an opportunity for Spears. Callahan developed an impressive ground game in Cincinnati with Joe Mixon who was consistently rated as a top-tier running back. While Spears is currently listed as number two on the depth chart behind Pollard, the chance is there for him to step up and demonstrate the flashes of brilliance he showed in his rookie season.
Chase Brown
Speaking of Cincinnati, third-year running back Chase Brown didn’t get a lot of touches in the past two years on the depth chart behind Mixon and former teammate Samaje Perine. But Brown is a potential deep sleep candidate who looked strong in training camp. Towards the end of last season, Brown got more touches and he made them count, averaging over 50 yards per game.
Late last season, the former University of Illinois athlete had his first breakout game against the Indianapolis Colts rushing for 105 total yards on eight carries along with three receptions including a 54-yard touchdown pass. With newly acquired Zach Moss ahead of him on the depth chart, Brown will continue to fight for touches. But Head Coach Zac Taylor has stated he wants Brown more involved in the offense this year so the opportunity for a breakout season could be his.
Jaylen Warren
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren is a scoring threat every time he touches the ball with his ability to get downfield, evade tacklers, and pick up huge chunks of yardage along the way. He made the highlight reels last year with a 74-yard touchdown run against the Cleveland Browns. He is also one of the most difficult running backs in the league to bring down after the initial contact is made, often requiring two or three attempts. Warren will once again split the backfield with Najee Harris but based on his upside projections, Warren will end up as the go-to fantasy stud.
Alexander Mattison
Released by the Minnesota Vikings after five seasons, Alexander Mattison has found a new home as a Las Vegas Raider. Currently, number two on the depth chart behind Zamir White, Mattison has a chance to fill the gap left behind in the absence of Josh Jacobs. Although White performed admirably for the Raiders after Jacobs was injured, he has big shoes to fill as the starter. Having a second strong running back like Mattison provides additional scoring options for the team. One of the areas where White lacks experience is in pass catching. Mattison could be a nice compliment to White as a talented receiver with over 718 career receiving yards on 100 catches and six touchdowns.
When drafting in the late rounds, the goal is to find players who complement your team and can cover for bye weeks. But remember to keep an eye out for those surprising sleeper talents who could just turn out to be the next Kyren Williams or De’Von Achane.
