Running Back Sleepers: Jaleel McLaughlin, Zach Charbonnet, J.K. Dobbins

As we gear up for the 2024 fantasy football season, identifying potential breakout stars and hidden gems is crucial for gaining a competitive edge. Our team of FeaturedPros analysts has compiled an exclusive list of running backs poised to make a significant impact this year. From explosive rookies to under-the-radar veterans, discover the RBs who could be game-changers for your fantasy roster.

Want to see more running back sleepers, according to the experts we asked? Check out our complete 24 Running Back Sleepers and Breakouts article.

Running Back Sleepers

Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN)

“The Denver Broncos backfield is a wide-open competition heading into the 2024 season. However, Jaleel McLaughlin (RB47 in the ECR) is the guy fantasy players should want on their team. He impressed as a rookie, averaging 11.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game and 6.9 yards per rushing attempt in the four contests with at least seven attempts. McLaughlin had the 12th-best explosive run rate among running backs with at least 75 rushing attempts in 2023 (per Fantasy Points Data). Don’t be surprised if Sean Payton views him as his next Alvin Kamara and gives the second-year player a significant workload this season, especially in the passing game. Furthermore, McLaughlin could see an even larger role if Javonte Williams or Samaje Perine don’t make the final roster, potentially giving him top-20 upside despite being a low-end RB4 in the rankings.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)

Zach Charbonnet (SEA)

“Zach Charbonnet – His teammate Kenneth Walker lapped him with a 26.9% versus a 13.9% avoided tackle rate in 2023. But Charbonnet bested Walker with 2.6 versus 2.4 yards after contact per attempt and ranked top 12 at the position. New Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb has stated his desire for a physical team, and he may want to shift some work to Charbonnet to stay ahead of the sticks and complement his conservative and accurate quarterback Geno Smith.”
– Scott Spratt (FTN)

J.K. Dobbins (LAC)

“Take your pick between JK Dobbins (RB52) and Kimani Vidal (RB64) in the Chargers backfield. I’ll go with Dobbins, just because we know he’s a great back with his only barrier being health. He’s been talking a good game recently too, but we need to see it now. Dobbins and fellow running mate Gus Edwards (RB35) are also familiar with the Greg Roman system from their time together in Baltimore, so it’s his job to lose. Vidal is the cheapest, but he’s also got the most to learn. I’ll take the bet on Dobbins to regain full health and be the 1A in this backfield. If he’s healthy, he absolutely will be.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)

“J.K. Dobbins, RB, Chargers: You have to acknowledge the injury risk. Still, it’s tough to overlook Dobbins as an “upside” fantasy player, given his ideal blend of opportunity and offensive environment. There’s even familiarity with former Ravens OC Greg Roman. Predictably, Dobbins has seen his fair share of first-team reps in training camp. His Underdog ADP extends into Round 14.”
– Kevin English (Draft Sharks)