4 sleeper fantasy running back candidates for 2023

It’s time we talk about my favorite hobby, sleeping, or in this case “sleepers”.

Looking at the running back position this year there are a couple of players I think are being disrespected at their current ADPs that can make you look like a genius at the end of the year if you draft them. With running back sleepers sometimes, you have to get out your crystal ball and predict how a backup can become a star or how a starter can break out of a committee. 

Will there be a true starter in Chicago? Will a pass-catching running back continue to produce in Kansas City? Will two backup running backs make the jump from bench players into the weekly flex starter category? Keep reading for answers to these questions and more.

Sleeper running backs for 2023

Khalil Herbert (CHI)

While Khalil Herbert has been steadily rising up draft boards he is still nowhere near where he should be going as the clear RB1 for the Chicago Bears.

While the Bears did bring in competition via free agency and the draft, D’Onta Foreman is already out with an injury and while Roschon Johnson has a very bright future, he is the clear backup to start the season.

The big knock against Herbert last year was his pass-catching and pass-blocking but by all accounts, he has improved on both. A great example of this was preseason Week 1 when he was able to catch an off-the-mark screen pass and take it 56 yards for the TD. Getting a starting RB this late in drafts makes Herbert the ideal RB1 for a zero RB build.

Draft: Round 7

Jerick McKinnon (KC)

I’m going to let everyone in on a little secret, having Patrick Mahomes’ pass-catching running back in a half PPR or PPR fantasy league is a cheat code.

Defenses try to stop Mahomes by having their safeties deep to stop the deep ball, but what this leaves wide open on most plays is the RB out of the backfield. Getting smart to this, Mahomes dumped it off to his RB more and more as the year went on last year leading to a semi-breakout from Jerick McKinnon last year.

From Weeks 1-17 last year, McKinnon was the RB7 in points per game, third in RB receptions at 35 with seven receiving TDs. He won’t get the early down work, or the goal line rushes which can cap his floor but when the Chiefs get rolling in the passing game his ceiling is worth taking in fantasy every time. As long as the Chiefs aren’t blowing out the other team McKinnon will get opportunities to produce weekly. 

Draft: Round 9

Kenneth Gainwell (PHI)

While listed as the 3^rd running back on the Philadelphia Eagles depth chart it’s not hard to see a path to fantasy gold for Kenny G.

First of all the two running backs in front of him may be the most injury-prone in the league and while you never want to bet on injuries Swift and Penny make it to where it’s hard to ignore. Also after getting hurt late in the season last year, it would make sense for the Eagles to utilize their running backs more, which if given the lead role can lead to some huge production.

Even if the RBs in front of him stay healthy Gainwell has proven to be a production 3rd down and 2-minute drill RB which gives him a floor worth drafting with a ceiling that can be league-winning.

Draft: Round 10

Jaylon Warren (PIT)

While Jaylon Warren himself is clearly an explosive running back worthy of lots of touches he is behind former 1^st round pick Najee Harris. Why Najee is by no means a bad player there is a clear argument that Warren is the more explosive runner which should hopefully lead to more touches if not a full-out split in the Steelers running back room. 

As a rookie, Warren posted three 20-plus yard runs, while Harris had just one rushing play of 20-plus yards. He led Harris by 1.1 yards per rush attempt and two yards per reception. The key is that his sample size was a lot smaller last year (208 fewer touches) but it was clear that Warren was the more explosive and exciting back.

If he can continue to improve this backfield may turn into more of a 50/50 split. I think by the end of this year the Steelers backfield will look a lot like the Dallas backfield of the last couple of seasons with Zeke and Pollard being a nice thunder and lighting combo. 

Draft: Round 10 

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