As I’ve said before, I don’t hate the player, just the risk. If my team needs some risk, I’m fine adding players like these veteran RBs to help me win a title this year. They’re all proven talents who are going later than I think they should and could be added to your own team at a discount.

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Dynasty Draft Sleepers: Veteran Running Backs (2023 Fantasy Football)

Here are veteran running backs that still provide value in dynasty startup drafts.

Austin Ekeler (RB – LAC)

It’s hard to consider Austin Ekeler a sleeper after his point per reception (PPR) RB1 overall finish in 2022 finish, but I still think he’s being slept on for 2023. His expert consensus rating (ECR) for dynasty is RB10, largely because of his age. Veteran RBs are often discounted, but I don’t recall a running back finishing as the top PPR option being booted to RB10 the following season. The Chargers didn’t draft any running backs to compete with him, so I’m not sure I get it.

Justin Herbert is another year older and sent 127 targets to Ekeler last year. Why wouldn’t he do it again? The Chargers added rookie WR Quentin Johnston who should get some looks this year, but he is more likely to take targets from Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, not Ekeler. The 2023 PPR RB1 just turned 28, and I don’t think he’s slowing down at all. Ekeler is, therefore, a sleeper heading into this 2023 season.

Derrick Henry (RB – TEN)

Similar to Ekeler, Derrick Henry is basically seen as yesterday’s news. He finished as RB4 in PPR scoring last year and is ranked as RB17 in ECR in dynasty right now. Wait, what?! I get that he turned 29 right after the season ended, but have you seen Henry’s legs? The man is a machine. Even though the Titans drafted Tyjae Spears to eventually take over, I fully expect Henry to put up solid points for at least the next couple of seasons. I’m happily buying the dip here and riding Henry to another title before his legs fall off.

Joe Mixon (RB – CIN)

If you ask the fantasy community what they think about Joe Mixon, they’ll tell you he’s washed up. I get why they think that, but I’m not so certain myself. I fully expected the Bengals to draft an RB in the first or second round of the draft. Instead, they waited until Round 5 to draft Chase Brown out of Illinois.

Can Brown be a good change of pace and help spell Mixon? Sure. But I don’t see him vying for real touches anytime soon. That means that Mixon should get the same or more carries than he got last year, making him a clear buy for me right now, regardless of his age. He might not be all that productive on a per-carry basis, but his volume should counteract a lot of that downside. As long as he’s on the Bengals, I want him on my roster.

Aaron Jones (RB – GB)

Aaron Jones finished as RB9 in PPR scoring in 2022, just ahead of fellow veteran RB sleeper Mixon. However, for whatever reason, the fantasy community has basically written off Jones as trash and not worth rostering anymore. I don’t really see the rationale there. Aaron Rodgers left for the Big Apple, and the reigns are being passed to the heir apparent in Jordan Love. I sincerely expect him to lean on the veteran rusher in Jones early and often. That being said, Jones is ranked as RB24 in dynasty feels almost insulting. He’s the epitome of a veteran RB sleeper, in my opinion.

Dalvin Cook (RB – MIN)

Now we get to the more obvious names on the list. First off, Dalvin Cook could be cut or traded. Until he is, I still want him on my roster. Depending on where he goes, he could see a value bump coming too. He’s currently RB25 in dynasty, according to ECR, behind guys like Rachaad White and Dameon Pierce. I get that it’s due to the risk, but he’s still a stud in my eyes. If you can get him cheap before he’s moved, I think that’s a great idea. Don’t pay top-shelf value, but see if you can send a 2nd round pick for him. I’d take Cook in a heartbeat as a contender.

Alvin Kamara (RB – NO)

Last but not least is the one RB with a pending legal case that I think could impact playing time in 2023. We all think that Alvin Kamara might miss some time this year, forcing his managers to hold on and enjoy the ride, or should I say: hate it. Now might be a great time to try to capitalize on that uncertainty and see if you can add him to your bench for cheap. Depending on the roster of the current Kamara manager, you might be able to lowball and get him on yours now and end up with a stud RB2 or flex option as we head into the season. That sounds good to me.

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Andrew Hall is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Andrew, check out his profile and follow him @AndrewHallFF.