Fantasy Football Advice: Running Back Sleepers
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders: He has stirred so much fantasy buzz this preseason, that Croskey-Merritt almost doesn’t seem like a true sleeper anymore. He is still a value target, though, as the 33rd RB off draft boards according to current Average Draft Position Reports from FantasyPros.
Croskey-Merritt rushed for a 27-yard TD in his second preseason game, and this seventh-round rookie already has an inside track on a significant role in Washington to begin the season. If he starts the year with good production, Croskey-Merritt might emerge as a quality fantasy RB2 in 2025.
Braelon Allen, New York Jets: The second-year RB could see a larger workload under a new coaching regime. At the very least, Allen can function as a productive goal-line runner for New York. He is a 6-foot-1, 235-pound battering ram who might eventually emerge as a No. 1 RB for the Jets.
Jordan Mason, Minnesota Vikings: The former 49er will likely open the season sharing some touches with Aaron Jones. If he is needed to be a featured starter for Minnesota at any time, Mason will function as a consistent source of fantasy TD production.
Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks: The third year ‘Hawk is the most coveted “insurance” RB in fantasy football. As a prime alternate to Kenneth Walker III, Charbonnet will be considered for fantasy RB1 usage any time he is pressed into an expanded offensive role.
In his first four starts of the 2024 season, Charbonnet averaged 23.5 Fantasy Points Per Game and he rushed for six TDs in those outings. In a new-look offense that emphasizes the run, he will carry much statistical upside when needed to take on a larger workload. Charbonnet has good vision, is a slippery runner, and willingly gets physical when seeking extra yardage.
Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins: The RB section here is full of rookies, and Gordon is one that might have an early-season path to some playing time. The Dolphins need to ensure De’Von Achane stays healthy, and Gordon can ease his workload and also operate as a short-yardage TD option.
Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns: The newest Cleveland RB might open the season in the time share. Sampson, however, could earn a larger workload if the first-year man builds on the promise he showed in his first NFL preseason.
Brian Robinson Jr., San Francisco 49ers: The ex-Commander was recently traded to San Francisco, where he will serve as the top fantasy insurance RB to target if you draft Christian McCaffrey.
Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears: This rookie might get added early in the season off the waiver wire in leagues where he goes undrafted. Monangai is tough to being down and might earn a complementary role in the Chicago backfield.
Woody Marks, Houston Texans: This is a draft-and-stash type of selection who may emerge after a few weeks of regular season play. Marks demonstrated in the preseason that he can inject life into a ground game, and that is what the Texans may need to balance out their offense.