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Let’s take a look at the running backs that are currently being drafted 30th or later in standard/PPR leagues in order to find some sleepers for deeper leagues. These players can provide a nice return on your draft day investment, based on their current ADP and the potential production they can provide for fantasy football.
You can also read about more 2015 running back draft sleepers, as our running list is updated daily for all positions. Find those draft day values, and dominate your drafts.
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2015 Fantasy Football Running Back (RB) Sleepers
Giovani Bernard (CIN, RB) - Current ADP: 30 Standard, 26 PPR
Bernard lost his starting job to Jeremy Hill quicker than many had imagined, and for good reason. Hill was an absolute force down the stretch, and while Bernard’s season totals look strong, he really struggled to pick up consistent yards. Bernard is still an excellent receiving back and should have no problem seeing 12-15 touches per game in a run-heavy Hue Jackson offense. In 13 games last year, Bernard averaged 16 touches a game, and his targets actually increased as the year progressed even with the presence of Jeremy Hill. In the games in which Jeremy Hill was the lead back, Bernard still averaged over 15 touches per game. Gio is still an incredibly talented young back, and is capable of a top 20 PPR season and a top 25 standard season in a secondary role. His yards per carry/catch next year should increase as he becomes a full-time change-of-pace player.
Shane Vereen (NYG, RB) - Current ADP: 34 Standard, 30 PPR
Vereen is a popular sleeper this year along with his backfield partner Rashad Jennings, who is being drafted in relatively the same area. While Jennings has decent value, his age and injury history (along with the presence of the uninspiring Andre Williams) makes me want to steer clear of him unless he falls in the draft. Vereen, on the other hand, should provide solid value as he trades in carries for receptions. While Vereen isn’t an excellent receiver, he’s strong and agile enough to both get open and fight for yards after the catch. The Giants have sorely missed a backfield presence like Vereen since Ahmad Bradshaw left, and he should fit in nicely in their offense.
With Manning expected to throw the ball at career-high levels, Vereen is expected to be the main target beneficiary in the backfield as the 3rd to 4th option in the passing attack. Giants running backs saw 99 targets last year, and while Jennings should still see 30-40 of those, I can see Vereen seeing 80 passes in his direction (he had 78 last year), making him a potential top 20 PPR running back.
Ryan Mathews (PHI, RB) - Current ADP: 38 Standard, 41 PPR
Not only is Ryan Mathews probably the most talented/important handcuff in all of fantasy football this year, he’s also a decent bet to be a high-scoring fantasy back on his own. Chip Kelly uses running backs heavily in every part of the offense, and Mathews is by far the most talented backup he’s had to work with that can play every down. It’s nearly impossible to predict how the Eagles backfield will look come Week 1, but it’s safe to say that DeMarco Murray will handle most of the work (particularly at the goal line), while Darren Sproles should handle a majority of 3rd down and two-minute drill work.
However, with Kelly’s fast-paced offense, Murray is going to be on the sidelines for quite a few drives in order to stay fresh, giving Mathews entire possessions to himself. While he’s going to be inconsistent, he makes for a great flex option in plus matchups, and he’ll likely see 10-15 touches against teams like the Colts, Falcons, Giants (x2), Redskins (x2), Saints and Patriots.
Duke Johnson (CLE, RB) - Current ADP: 39 Standard, 39 PPR
I’m not a huge fan of taking rookies early, but Johnson is great value as a late-round flier who could force a 50/50 carry split in Cleveland by week 8. Terrance West was uninspiring as a rookie, and the coaching staff appears to have already moved on, leaving Johnson as the ideal complement to Isaiah Crowell. Cleveland had one of the more dominant run-blocking lines when Alex Mack was healthy, and they should be even better after drafting Cam Erving in the first round of this year's draft. Johnson is insanely quick and light on his feet, has elite vision, and above-average power for his size. Of all the running backs in this class, I see him as the most likely to succeed outside of Todd Gurley. There’s not a lot of talent this late in the draft, and Johnson's potential could make him a great value in the last few rounds.
Jay Ajayi (MIA, RB) - Current ADP: 49 Standard, 51 PPR
If Ajayi’s knee was healthy, he would have probably been picked in the early 2nd round of the 2015 draft. Scouts and GMs loved his combination of size and speed along with his versatility. While I don’t think he has the burst to become an elite NFL back, he certainly has the opportunity to excel in a an above-average Miami offense that will be looking to spell Lamar Miller. It should be noted that Ajayi’s knee condition is considered degenerative, and is more of a long-term concern than something to worry about this year. With his size and vision (you’re going to hear about his soccer background 500 times this year), he makes for an enticing late-round pick. He should beat out Damien Williams early in the year and act as Lamar Miller's primary backup, receiving 8-12 touches a game.
2015 Fantasy Football Running Back (RB) Deep Sleepers
Roy Helu (OAK, RB) - Current ADP: 58 Standard, 54 PPR
We’re getting pretty far down the list now. Helu shouldn't have a hard time beating out Trent Richardson and Michael Dyer for backup duties to Latavius Murray, which could be enough to make Helu relevant as a RB3/4. Helu is a proven 3rd down back, and he excels in the two-minute drill. He should have no problem maintaining a choke-hold on that role in Oakland.
Stevan Ridley (NE, RB) - Current ADP: 60 Standard, Unranked PPR
Chris Ivory is talented, but no coaching staff has ever trusted him to be a bell-cow because of a bevy of injuries (most notably to his hamstring). While Ridley isn’t the picture of health himself coming off a torn ACL, he’s still one of the more talented backs in the NFL when healthy if you subtract his fumbling problem. Ridley will likely go undrafted in your league, but if he shows promise in the preseason or in the first few weeks, he’d be a great addition as someone who could become a workhorse by mid-season with no threat of falling into Bill Belichick's doghouse.
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