The running back position has gone through the ringer over the past few years. In the 2023 offseason, it seemed like teams didn’t want anything to do with them, as marquee backs weren’t getting signed to contract extensions.
However, in the offseason leading up to the 2024 campaign, it seems like teams have been much more apt to pay running backs, putting a greater emphasis on the position. Wide receivers might still be king in offenses, but running backs will certainly have their moments in the sun as well.
With that in mind, today, we’re going to take a look at running backs from the perspective of fantasy football. Most leagues require you to start at least two running backs but after some of the most obvious choices, it might be difficult to sift through the players outside of the top 20. That’s what we’re here for!
We are going to highlight our three favorite sleepers for fantasy this year. These are players who are currently being taken outside of the top 100 in Underdog drafts, but we think they could help you win your fantasy league. Go ahead and take some alphas at receiver and tight end early, and draft these later-round running backs with confidence. Let’s get into it!
Tyjae Spears (Current Underdog ADP 108.2, RB32)
What the heck is going to happen in the Tennessee Titans’ running back room in 2024? That is one of the biggest questions heading into next year. It might seem like a crapshoot with Derrick Henry moving on to the Baltimore Ravens, but we’re pretty confident that Tyjae Spears will have a defined role in the offense.
The Titans did make a move to acquire Tony Pollard in the offseason, but with a lack of production during the 2023 campaign, we don’t have a lot of faith in Pollard to be a significant difference-maker. Spears averaged 4.5 yards per carry last year in a limited role, and considering he’s going a few spots behind Pollard in drafts, we’re taking him all day long.
The Titans might not have a great passing game this year, but with Spears expected to be a bigger part of their rushing attack, he just might help them win a few more games while helping you win weeks in fantasy.
Nick Chubb (Current Underdog ADP 127, RB40)
If Nick Chubb is available in your draft anywhere past the 110th overall pick, he should be viewed as a “must-draft” player. Chubb is recovering from injury, and his return to the field currently has a few question marks surrounding it.
There’s a chance he misses a few weeks, but that’s a chance we’re more than willing to take. Before missing time in 2023, Chubb was on a four-year streak of 1,000-yard seasons, and he missed hitting the 1,000-yard mark by four in his rookie campaign.
He is an impactful player when on the field, and if fantasy managers in your league are sleeping on him, go ahead and take him in the late rounds!
Antonio Gibson (Current Underdog ADP 171.1, RB52)
Antonio Gibson is by far our favorite sleeper pick this year. He’s practically free in fantasy drafts, and with a new landing spot in New England, Gibson could thrive. He established himself as a pass-catching back in Washington, also displaying bouts of rushing prowess.
The Patriots do still have newly extended Rhamondre Stevenson on the roster, but there’s certainly room for both players to make an impact, especially since Drake Maye has struggled a bit in training camp a bit.
Look for Gibson to put up similar numbers to what he did in the 2022 campaign, racking up around 600 rushing yards, 350 receiving yards, and five-plus total touchdowns. Should be a great year to take him late as well!
