Running back remains one of the hardest positions to evaluate for fantasy purposes. Taking this evaluation and utilizing it to determine which running backs to target in drafts is just another piece of the puzzle.
DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: 2024 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet
One thing drafters can rely on each season is multiple running backs providing fantasy value despite minimal draft capital. Grabbing the correct running back sleeper can make your season far easier by providing depth at the most fragile position in fantasy football.
The definition of “sleeper” varies from analyst to analyst. But for this exercise, we’ll be looking at a handful of running backs who are drafted after pick 100 (per FantasyPros' Consensus ADP) and are candidates to pay off at their current price. These running backs should be highlighted on every drafter’s cheat sheet.
2024 PPR Rankings
Top 250 Overall | QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF/ST | K
Who are the best fantasy RB sleepers for 2024?
The top-5 running back sleepers for 2024 are a mix of established veterans with sizeable roles and some up-and-comers looking to carve out bigger roles for themselves this season. In no particular order, Chase Brown, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyjae Spears, Ezekiel Elliott, and Kimani Vidal could be undervalued steals for fantasy managers on Draft Day.
Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown is one of fantasy football’s most intriguing picks this season. The combination of his athleticism and opportunity in Cincinnati’s potent offense could create fantasy fireworks this year.
Coming out of the University of Illinois, Brown posted a relative athletic score (RAS) of 9.81. He put this athleticism on display on a 54-yard touchdown where he reached a top speed of 22.05 mph, the second fastest speed of any ball carrier last season. His workload was limited, but he showed a dynamic skill set that could lead to enormous fantasy production.
There’s no denying that when Joe Burrow is healthy, the Bengals are among the league’s most dangerous offenses. It’s an offense that has allowed Joe Mixon to finish as a top-10 fantasy running back in three consecutive seasons.
Cincinnati beat reporters have shared that Brown is getting the majority of first-team reps in training camp. If Brown can fend off Zack Moss to take on the majority of work, he could be an elite fantasy asset.
2024 FANTASY SLEEPERS
QB | WR | TE
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans
As a rookie, Tyjae Spears played a complementary role to Derrick Henry in Tennessee. Henry handled the early-down rushing work, while Spears was the change-of-pace, pass-catching back. Spears quickly became one of the most heavily utilized pass-catching running backs in the NFL last season. He ranked ninth among running backs in total targets (68) and seventh in target share (13.8 percent).
Moving into his sophomore season, Spears will have room for his role to grow in the offense. Derrick Henry is no longer in Tennessee, and his new competition is Tony Pollard who looked like a shell of his former self last season. This could have been due to an injury (TightRope surgery) that kept him at less than 100 percent, but his explosiveness and efficiency still took a massive hit.
The Titans also hired former Bengals’ offensive coordinator Brian Callahan to be their new head coach and install his offense. Tennessee will likely see a dramatic shift in offensive philosophy, throwing the ball at a much higher rate than they have in recent years. This will do nothing but help Titans pass catchers, including Spears.
Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys
Ezekiel Elliott is often dismissed by NFL fans due to age. Elliott is no longer an every-down back, but limited competition in the Dallas running back room means he could see valuable touches in the Cowboys’ offense.
The Dallas offense should continue to be a fertile fantasy environment. The Cowboys have been a top-six scoring offense in four consecutive seasons with Dak Prescott under center. In these four seasons, the Cowboys' top fantasy running back has finished as the RB14 or better.
Elliott’s path to success is through some rushing work while controlling the majority of receiving and goal line opportunities. This is a realistic outcome for Elliott who has been a strong pass catcher, blocker, and goal line specialist throughout his career.
2024 POSITION TIERS & DRAFT STRATEGY
Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins
Since taking over as the Dolphins' head coach, Mike McDaniel has not shied away from his preference for small, quick players on offense. Most people tend to think of Tyreek Hill and De'Von Achane, but McDaniel added another speedster this offseason. The Dolphins selected Jaylen Wright in the 4th round of the NFL Draft.
Wright is a product of the University of Tennessee, where he regularly left defenders in the dust for three seasons. Coming into the NFL, he posted a blazing 4.38 40-yard dash. His college tape showed a player who would perfectly fit in McDaniel's scheme. His preseason debut confirmed that the Dolphins made the right choice drafting Wright.
Jaylen Wright is making moves for the @MiamiDolphins
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2024
📱: Stream #ATLvsMIA on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/qYWJLaUhw5
Given Wright's skill set, there is no doubt he'll find success in Miami, the only question is his ability to get on the field. Thankfully for Wright, the two running backs ahead of him have been highly susceptible to injury. Raheem Mostert is a 32-year-old with a lengthy injury history and De'Von Achane is a 175-pound back who just missed six games in his first NFL season.
If either of Mostert or Achane goes down, Wright slots in as the 1b in one of fantasy's most valuable backfield. Wright could realistically be a weekly RB2 if either faces a significant injury. In that case, drafters will be thrilled to have picked up Wright.
Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos
Jaleel McLaughlin beat the odds and made the Denver Broncos’ roster as an undrafted free agent last season. Not only did he make the team, but he flashed true talent when he was on the field.
He was only on the field for 18 percent of snaps last season, but when he was on the field, he was earning targets, juking defenders, and was generally efficient with his touches. In fact, McLaughlin ranked 4th among running backs in missed tackles forced per attempt and 3rd in yards after contact per attempt. With more opportunity, McLaughlin has the talent to produce fantasy points in droves.
Sean Payton’s offenses are also incredibly valuable for running backs in fantasy. Across 17 seasons as a coach, Payton’s running back room has ranked 1st or 2nd in fantasy scoring 12 times. With Samaje Perine now in Kansas City, McLaughlin has a clear path to becoming the go-to pass catcher in Denver. This role is also incredibly valuable, considering Payton’s offenses target running backs at incredibly high rates.
2024 FANTASY AUCTION VALUES (PPR & STANDARD)
Overall | QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF/ST | K
2024 fantasy running backs: Deep sleeper RBs
In leagues with bigger rosters, there may be multiple rounds in drafts after the previously mentioned running backs have been drafted. While the success stories are few and far between, there are several players who could be meaningful in fantasy despite their late-round price tag.
MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers: Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has a history of utilizing multiple backs. In a strong offense like Green Bay's, Lloyd could deliver value as the second back behind Josh Jacobs.
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bucky Irving joins the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after leading the FBS in receptions (among RBs) last season. He is already the RB2 and could challenge Rachaad White for touches if he struggles as a rusher once again in 2024.
Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears: Throughout his career, Kahlil Herbert has been an effective and efficient runner. He now backs up the oft-injured D’Andre Swift. If Swift goes down, he would be the top option in an ascending offense if he can continue to fend off Roschon Johnson.
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons: Tyler Allgeirer is arguably the best pure handcuff available late in drafts. He already has a 1000-yard season under his belt and would quickly become a weekly RB2 if Bijan Robinson faces an injury.
Late-round RB dart throws
And if you're still craving more running back picks or are in leagues with even bigger rosters, here are some more names to consider in the final rounds of drafts.
- Dylan Laube, Las Vegas Raiders
- Audric Estime, Denver Broncos
- Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills
- Braelon Allen, New York Jets
