Every fantasy team relies on dependable running backs in order to be successful. Year after year, there are several running backs that seem to come out of nowhere to become fantasy football stars. This year should have more fantasy sleepers come out of the RB position than any other due to the high amount of turnover on team’s rosters, injuries, and other causes. Get ready for a great season and a fantasy draft that will determine whether your team will win the championship or finish last.
Here are the top sleepers at running back for the 2013 NFL season:
– Jonathan Dwyer – Pittsburgh Steelers
Jonathan Dwyer finally got a chance to shine this year for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although he didn’t blow anyone away with his performance, he did prove that he has what it takes to be a starting NFL running back. This upcoming season he’ll have a good shot at the #1 running back position with running back Rashard Mendenhall leaving as a free agent. Dwyer averaged 4 yards a carry with 156 carries and 623 yards. He did frustrate fantasy owners with only two touchdowns, but he was sharing time with several running backs. Look for him to share the time with Isaac Redman, but he should average more carries. Dwyer is a solid sleeper and has a good shot at becoming a breakout fantasy star.
– Daryl Richardson – St. Louis Rams
ESPN recently put out an article about Daryl Richardson’s strong dedication and hard work ethic. Fantasy owners are hoping that his work ethic will pay off with a big performance in his second year in the NFL. Richardson averaged an impressive 4.8 yards per carry on 98 carries as he gained 475 yards, but did not reach the endzone. Richardson is also a pass catching threat out of the backfield. It appears as though Steven Jackson will either test free agency or retire, which seems odd since he is currently only 29 years old. In any case, Richardson should receive the bulk of the carries and has a great shot to be a relevant fantasy football running back.
– Vick Ballard – Indianapolis Colts
Running back Vick Ballard had a surprisingly big role on what turned into a playoff contender in the Indianapolis Colts. Ballard was a rookie from Mississippi State when he was called upon to play significant time after Donald Brown went down with an injury. Ballard looks like he might have won the starting role for 2013 due to his performance. Ballard started off the season with just 67 yards in his first 5 games. He finished the season with 814 yards but only 2 touchdowns. With a full season as a starter, Ballard may be able to finish in the top 20 or even the top 15 of all fantasy running backs if he has a larger role than Donald Brown.
-DuJuan Harris – Green Bay Packers
DuJuan Harris went from an unknown name to the starting running back of one of the best teams in the NFL. Harris had just 157 yards rushing through four regular season games, but averaged a very respectable 4.6 yards per carry and scored two touchdowns. In the playoffs, he added 100 yards rushing, 7 receptions, 64 yards receiving, and 2 touchdowns in the two Green Bay Packers playoff games. Harris showed consistency and explosiveness, and the Packers are likely to use him as their premier back in 2013. Harris is a great sleeper pick for this upcoming season.
-Bilal Powell – New York Jets
In his second season in the NFL, Bilal Powell earned his spot on the New York Jets’ roster. Powell had 437 yards on 110 carries and also had 4 touchdowns. He was also a receiving threat as he had 17 receptions for 140 yards. Starting running back Shonn Greene is a free agent and is not likely to be re-signed by the team. If they feel confident enough in his abilities, Powell should be the Jets’ starting back this next season. Powell is a solid option, but make sure to check the Jets’ depth chart before adding him to your team.
*All statistics from NFL via NFL.com
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