It’s a bit difficult to pinpoint sleeper fantasy running backs this year. There are many teams that could have three running backs receive 5+ touches a game. Most teams run a dual-running back offense and it’s much better to own the pass-catching back in PPR leagues.

The incoming running back rookie class should make some noise this season. There are a handful backs taken in the third round (or later) that could be smart pickups to stash.

Which Indianapolis running back will benefit the most from the Jonathan Taylor drama?

Javonte Williams (Denver Broncos) – Williams is coming off a major knee injury early last season, but I have high hopes for him this year. New head coach Sean Payton is known for consistently using two running backs in his offense. Williams will get plenty of touches and take some of the pressure off QB Russell Wilson.

Rashaad Penny (Philadelphia Eagles) – Penny has a knack for looking impressive and then immediately getting injured. He will start the season as RB D’Andre Swift’s backup, who has had trouble staying on the field as well. If you own Swift, it would be smart to add Penny late in the draft or immediately after it.

Jaylen Warren (Pittsburgh Steelers) – In 2022, the Steelers started using Warren more and more. He was eating into RB Najee Harris workload and was having success with his touches. It’s possible that Harris could end up being the ‘Ezekiel Elliott’ and Warren is the ‘Tony Pollard’ going forward. He’s worth a late-round pick.

Zach Charbonnet (Seattle Seahawks) – It was a big preseason for UCLA rookies. Charbonnet impressed a lot of people with his play and many think he should steal carries away from RB Kenneth Walker III. I think Walker is a talented back, but he was streaky in his rookie season. Charbonnet has tackle-breaking size and could be a touchdown vulture.

Tank Bigsby (Jacksonville Jaguars) – I’m a fan of Jaguars RB Travis Etienne this season, but head coach Doug Pederson has been known to stream running backs in and out of games. Bigsby is a different kind of back and should be the bruiser in the backfield.

Chase Brown (Cincinnati Bengals) – In 2022, Bengals starting RB Joe Mixon looked old for large stretches of the season. Brown had a productive season year at Illinois and impressive teams with his 4.40 speed at the NFL Combine. He should be the first man in line to relieve Mixon.

Evan Hull (Indianapolis Colts) – Indy’s backfield is a bit of a mess with starting RB Jonathan Taylor asking to be traded (that didn’t happen) and will start the season on the PUP list. They also cut running backs Kenyan Drake and Jake Funk in the last days heading to the 53-man cuts. Hull is a pass-catching threat and should see time as a third-down back, even if Taylor returns.

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About the Author…

Bobby Roberts (otherwise known as Sweetbob) is the creator of ‘America’s White Boy’ and contributor at Project Shanks. His writing has been featured on ESPN’s ‘SportsNation’, Sports Illustrated’s Hot Clicks, Guyspeed, and various other sites. You can follow him on X at @Sweetbob