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Analysis of five fantasy football running backs to target late. Are these RBs undervalued players and potential sleepers to target in deeper 2023 drafts?
Once you reach the late rounds of fantasy football drafts, everyone wants to draft high-upside fliers that can provide a great return on value. You can afford to take risks on a variety of different players, including prospects, forgotten veterans, players returning from injuries, or even skilled players with potential playing time concerns.
It's essential to have at least a handful of sleeper targets at each position heading into your fantasy football drafts, no matter the format. Here are some late-round running backs for you to consider drafting this season.
Our editors have hand-picked these specific NFL players for your draft prep enjoyment. Usually only available to Premium subscribers, the outlooks below are meant to give you a taste of the in-depth analysis you receive with our industry-leading 2023 Draft Kit. Be sure to subscribe today and start reading all 300+ of our 2023 player outlooks, along with many other premium articles and tools available exclusively in our 2023 Draft Kit.
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Zack Moss, Colts, Fantasy Football Outlook
Zack Moss (arm) was traded from the Buffalo Bills to the Indianapolis Colts at the trade deadline last season and backed up superstar running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle). He broke his arm during practice in late July and missed most of training camp. Moss underwent surgery on his broken arm on August 1 and could return by Week 1. When Taylor missed the last three games due to an ankle injury, Moss filled in quite nicely. He averaged 83.5 rush yards during the last four weeks of the season and had over 14 carries in three of those four games.
In eight total games with the Colts last season, the 25-year-old back had 76 carries for 365 yards and one touchdown. Moss entered the 2023 offseason with a chance to win the RB2 job in Indianapolis. However, a lot has changed since then. Taylor will begin the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and will miss at least the first four games.
At least to begin 2023, Moss will compete with Deon Jackson and fifth-round rookie Evan Hull for the starting job. He'll likely be the favorite to lead the team in rushes if Indianapolis also doesn't bring in another running back. He's worth a shot in the later rounds of your fantasy drafts.
Chuba Hubbard, Panthers, Fantasy Football Outlook
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard has been the second option in the backfield behind Christian McCaffrey and then D'Onta Foreman since entering the NFL in 2021. In 2023, he'll once again be the RB2 for Carolina -- this time behind former Eagles running back Miles Sanders.
The team brought in Sanders on a generous contract, and he's fully expected to command a large workload. But Hubbard could have value as at least a handcuff running back in deep leagues.
That said, it's tough to see a path for high upside in an offense led by a rookie QB and limited pass-catching weapons, so there's not too much to be optimistic about with Hubbard heading into his third NFL season. The Oklahoma State product has rushed for 1,078 yards and seven touchdowns through his first 32 games as a pro.
Jerome Ford, Browns, Fantasy Football Outlook
Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford was used sparingly in his rookie season after being drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The Cincinnati product totaled just 12 rushing yards and was primarily used as a pro returner in his debut season. With Kareem Hunt out of the picture, he is set up to be the primary handcuff running back for Nick Chubb behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.
The Browns traded offensive lineman Tyron Wheatley to the Patriots in exchange for running back Pierre Strong Jr. Despite the trade for Strong, Ford is the favorite to be Cleveland's RB2 behind Chubb. There's also a chance Ford has standalone value with a receiving role out of the backfield. Even if he's just a pure backup, he's an attractive fantasy asset.
The Browns' offense could take a massive leap forward if Deshaun Watson gets back to form. If the 27-year-old Chubb has to miss any time, Ford will immediately have RB1 upside in his absence.
Tyjae Spears, Titans, Fantasy Football Outlook
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Since Tennessee had much more glaring needs on its roster, it can be assumed they loved him as a prospect.
Spears racked up 1,837 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns as a senior at Tulane, flashing big-play ability. Of course, Derrick Henry remains the starter for the Titans. Spears, who has 48 college receptions, could be utilized in the passing game.
If nothing else, he's set up to be the primary handcuff for the 29-year-old former rushing champion. There won't be a lot of touchdown upside in the starved-for-talent offense. Given Spears' RB56 ADP, he'll likely pay off with even one or two starts in the Titans' run-first attack.
Roschon Johnson, Bears, Fantasy Football Outlook
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson spent three years backing up Bijan Robinson at Texas, but that didn't stop him from being selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The 219-pound back has tackle-breaking skills and figures to be a solid early-down back. He also had 23 receptions as a true freshman before Robinson arrived, so he could be a capable pass-catcher.
Either way, he's set to be in a committee backfield with Khalil Herbert and D'Onta Foreman -- in an offense that doesn't target running backs in the passing game much. Justin Fields will also be a threat to score rushing touchdowns in the red zone, so the upside of a single Bears running back seems to be limited.
That said, Johnson could be a decent zero RB strategy asset if he earns a sizable workload in what should be an ascending offense. He'll likely have double-digit fantasy point games but don't count on him being a fixture in traditional league lineups.
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