The NFL season is so close that you can almost taste it, and getting off to a strong start is always a nice feeling in your fantasy leagues. Sometimes, though, it can pay to be aggressive in looking for players to pick up off the waiver wire or make a trade with other teams who might be undervaluing some of their running backs.
This article delves into some of the running backs who find themselves below RB24 in FantasyPros’ Consensus Best Ball Average Draft Position.
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Running Back Sleepers (2023 Fantasy Football)
James Cook (RB – BUF) | RB26
Damien Harris looked to be a big enough threat to James Cook’s workload that it kept Cook’s ADP reasonable. While it’s true that Harris is healthy again and might vulture touchdowns, the Bills seem committed to giving Cook a fair crack of the whip, too. All Summer long we’ve heard that the Bills believe in Cook as a three-down back. So even if we lose some of those goal-line opportunities, as long Cook is catching passes and breaking explosive runs, we can live with it, given the high ceiling we assume the Bills have in 2023.
James Cook played two drives in the third game of the preseason. Damien Harris played six.
Cook once again dominated snaps (74%) and rushing attempts (83%) but Harris stole the carry for a TD inside the five-yard line.
Cook also had a 17% target share.
RB2 with upside. pic.twitter.com/K8Eb2xs39F
— Dwain McFarland (@dwainmcfarland) August 27, 2023
David Montgomery (RB – DET) | RB28
Jamaal Williams was hyperproductive as the goal-line back and between-the-20s runner for this Lions team in 2022. The Lions saw David Montgomery as an upgrade on Williams, opting to sign the former Chicago back instead of re-signing Williams in free agency. Williams had over 1,000 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in 2022, and now Montgomery likely finds himself in that role.
Yet, he’s being drafted two rounds lower than he was in 2022 when he was a member of a woeful Bears offense. Montgomery’s offensive line and offense as a whole have been upgraded, but nobody is excited to draft him, preferring the shiny new rookie, Jahmyr Gibbs. The Alabama product is slightly undersized as a running back and if anything happened to him, Montgomery would be an every-week fringe RB1.
If I’m being honest I just can’t wait to see this app meltdown when David Montgomery takes the first snap at RB for Detroit on Thursday pic.twitter.com/wOtbBIaBGY
— Anthony Corrente (@DynastyDrive) September 3, 2023
Zach Charbonnet (RB – SEA) | RB36
Kenneth Walker had an above-average rookie campaign after being thrust into a bigger-than-expected role due to Rashaad Penny picking up a season-ending injury. Walker, though, was an incredibly boom-bust running back who didn’t always succeed at picking up the desired yardage on play. That’s a habit that’ll annoy an old-school coach like Pete Carroll.
Zach Charbonnet was drafted only 11 picks later than Walker was, so it isn’t like the team is far more invested in one than the other. Charbonnet’s abilities as a pass-catcher and short yardage back mean he’ll see the field plenty too. Charbonnet will have standalone value and elite handcuff upside.
I'm not really into Kenneth Walker now that Seattle has Zach Charbonnet. It's not that I'm a Charbonnet disciple, but Pete Carroll presides over a true meritocracy, and if Charbonnet is good, he'll get ample playing time. Based on draft capital, odds are that Charbs is good.
— Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) September 2, 2023
Raheem Mostert (RB – MIA) | RB44
The Dolphins backfield looked messy when three players were vying for time. However, now that Jeff Wilson is on IR and set to miss at least the first four weeks, it will be left to De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert to battle for touches. Achane is an exciting prospect but far from the typical three-down running back that we see in the NFL. It shouldn’t be surprising if Miami doesn’t unleash him too early in the season.
Mostert is 31 years old and by no means a spring chicken, but he has plenty of experience in Mike McDaniel’s system, dating back to their time together in San Francisco. At RB43, he could be the kind of bargain your team needs to help you survive a slow start for the likes of Jonathan Taylor, Javonte Williams or Alvin Kamara.
Jeff Wilson on IR
Hello 10th Round Raheem Mostert.
— TheOGfantasyfootball (@TheOGfantasy) August 31, 2023
Tyjae Spears (RB – TEN) | RB51
If you haven’t been keeping an eye on preseason fixtures, then you’ve likely missed out on seeing Tyjae Spears stiff-arm defenders and look more explosive than you’d expect for a player with no ACL. The lack of ACL might concern dynasty managers, but in redraft, we have to take the same approach as the Titans and not be concerned in the immediate future. Derrick Henry is 29 years old and easily tradable should things go south for the Titans. This makes Spears an excellent grab-and-stash candidate with an eye on the back end of the season.
Titans 2024 RB1… Tyjae Spears.
— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) August 26, 2023
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