X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

2022 Running Back Sleepers: Fantasy Football Early Draft Targets

Devin Singletary - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Running back sleepers and fantasy football draft targets for the 2022 NFL season.

With the Rams, led by Cooper Kupp, Aaron Donald, and Matthew Stafford, defeating the Bengals in Super Bowl LVI by a score of 23-20, we have finally wrapped up the longest season in NFL history. With so much chaos, injuries, and breakouts, this was quite the rollercoaster year for fantasy football.

So, we should take a break, right? Nope! There is no true offseason for fantasy football, and it is never too early to look ahead to next year! Believe it or not, you can already partake in best-ball drafts on Underdog Fantasy, while preparation for other drafts is in full swing.

With that in mind, it would behoove us to look for some targets for next season. Today, we'll be focusing specifically on the running back position.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Looking Back

Last season, as is becoming the norm, running backs were hit hard with injuries. The consensus top-three running backs from the preseason, Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook, and Alvin Kamara, all missed multiple games last season. That is not ideal, to say the least.

As a result, there are is a population of drafters that would prefer to avoid running backs at the top of the draft. Personally, I don't like to have a rigid strategy and want to adjust to each draft differently. Based on research done, this was a strong year for those who drafted running backs early, per Betsperts and 4for4 Football data analytics manager Sam Hoppen:

What strategy will be optimal in 2022? That is left to be determined. Regardless, it's obviously better to get as much value as possible, right? With that being said, these four running backs are optimal targets at their expected prices. Whether it's in the early rounds or later on, I guarantee there is at least one running back in here that can fit your draft strategy. Who are these four players? Let us find out!

 

Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos

Heading into the 2021 NFL Draft, there were a lot of reasons to be intrigued by Javonte Williams' skillset. After all, this is a player who ranked in the 94th percentile in yards/carry (7.3) at North Carolina, while he also entered the draft young for his class. All signs pointed him to be a very effective runner after contact, as you can see here.

Williams didn't get drafted in the first round, but he was still a coveted commodity. To ensure that the Miami Dolphins were not able to draft him at the top of the second round, the Denver Broncos traded up to the 35th overall pick and made sure to select him. Clearly, this is a player they have a lot of faith in.

Unfortunately for those expecting an immediate impact from Williams, Denver wasn't the optimal landing spot. They already had Melvin Gordon III, who was under contract for $8 million, and it was likely the team was going to split duties with him. Williams was still drafted high with optimism that he'd take over the role eventually, though that never came to fruition.

Despite that, Williams certainly made his presence felt. He ranked ninth in yards after contact/carry (3.42), finished as the RB17, and was the team's main receiving back. Plus, in the one game Gordon missed, Williams played a true three-down role, carrying the ball 23 times and commanding seven targets in the process. This was a glimpse into what the future holds for Williams, which can come next season.

See, Gordon III is a free agent, and all signs are pointing to him departing. Gordon has stated that he doesn't want to take a backseat to Williams and hinted that the team has been preparing Williams to take over the lead role. Additionally, the logic behind drafting Williams and getting the most out of him during his rookie year dwindles if he doesn't see a larger workload. After all, why would you trade up to the top of the second-round for a part-time player?

If Williams does indeed become the three-down back, his ceiling is through the roof. We are well aware of the skills he brings to the table as both a runner and receiver, and it's likely the Broncos' offense will improve next season. They're in the running for several high-end quarterbacks, and also benefit from the hiring of head coach Nathaniel Hackett, who will bring stability to the offensive side of the ball. In other words, all is pointing towards Williams ascending into a star next season. When that happens, you'll want him on your fantasy team. Perhaps his stock rises enough for him to be drafted in the first round, but if he's available at the back-end there or in the second round, he's a no-brainer anchor to your team next season.

 

Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams

We've reached an all-time high when it comes to athletic performance and recovery. After all, when Cam Akers tore his Achilles in July, who could imagine he'd be able to take the football field by January? That would have been unheard of just a few years ago!

Yet, that's exactly what Akers did. Now, let's not act like he led the Rams to a Super Bowl. He averaged just 2.4 yards/carry, "earned" a 39.6 PFF rushing grade, and rushed for just 21 yards on 13 carries in the Super Bowl. That being said, there are actually a lot of positives to take away from here.

Despite the fact that he was coming back from a severe injury, head coach Sean McVay demonstrated total faith in Akers. He established himself as the clear lead back with 16.75 carries per game in the postseason, which is a notable amount in spite of several factors that didn't go his way: the inefficiency, two fumbles in the divisional round, as well as an injury suffered in the conference championship game. Clearly, the team is enamored with Akers.

After returning so quickly from an Achilles tear, wouldn't you expect a running back to experience some early struggles? Let's not forget what Akers showed us in his rookie season last year; he earned a 77.6 PFF rushing grade, took over as the lead back by the end of the season, and showcased the ability to make plays after contact. Meanwhile, coming out of college, he ranked in the 91st percentile in dominator rating and commanded a strong 12.3% target share. Add in the fact that his 4.47 40-yard dash at 217 pounds gave him a speed score in the 90th percentile, and he would appear to have all the tools you're looking for.

As the head coach of the Rams, Sean McVay has strongly preferred to have one lead back. We both saw Darrell Henderson and Sony Michel were able to produce when they were the starting running back, while he's even been able to manufacture production from the likes of C.J. Anderson in the past. It's very difficult to project efficiency, but when you know the volume is going to be there, you have to take a chance on him. As they say, draft players with top-notch roles for high-scoring offenses. Stick to that philosophy, and you could come out of the second round with a gem in Akers.

 

Devin Singletary, Buffalo Bills

Full disclaimer: of these four players, Devin Singletary is currently my favorite running back target. What isn't there to like?

Singletary's journey in the NFL starts with him being drafted in the third round of the 2019 draft. After averaging five yards per carry and over three yards after carry/contact, many expected him to emerge as the team's lead back moving forward. However, the team drafted Zack Moss in the third round of the 2020 draft, which certainly negatively impacted Singletary. While his peripheral numbers were still strong, he only averaged 7.9 fantasy points per game and was expected to be in a timeshare with Moss heading into 2021.

In fact, Moss was the higher drafted running back and started to take over the backfield in the middle of the season. However, this wasn't it from Singletary. From Weeks 12 to 18, Moss was a healthy scratch three times and only received 21 carries in that time frame. Singletary, on the other hand, carried the ball 105 times and took over as the three-down back.

With how productive the Bills offense is, we've been waiting for one running back to take over that coveted role. Thus, it's no surprise that from Week 14 on, Singletary averaged 18.3 points per game, while he finished amongst the top-10 running backs in each of the final four games. If you had him on your fantasy team, he may have taken you to the promised land.

While it's a little worrisome that it took Singletary until his third season to finally be the team's true lead back, let's not act like he isn't a talented back. He's averaging 4.6 yards/carry for his career, 3.08 yards after contact/attempt, and was PFF's 11th-highest graded rusher last season. There's no reason for the Bills to be looking towards the draft to add to their backfield, and with how Singletary finished the season, I don't expect him to. The upside here is a top-10 running back, which we saw at the end of the year. Depending on where he is going in drafts, that sounds like a potentially great value to me!

 

Rashaad Penny, Free Agent

Let's do a blind resume activity. This player led the league in yards after contact/carry (4.52), was the #1 running back over the final five weeks of the season, and is a former first-round pick. Who is this player? That would be Rashaad Penny, who could be a really strong value in drafts next season.

Many were surprised when the Seahawks drafted Penny in the first round of the 2018 draft, but it's easy to see what they saw in him. He ranked in the 98th percentile in college dominator rating, averaged 7.8 yards/per carry, and also had a 93rd percentile speed score. With that type of profile, why wasn't he a more coveted prospect?

Sadly for Penny, his career has been anything but smooth-sailing thus far. Over the first three years of his career, he had just 165 carries due to various injuries, leading to Seattle declining his fifth-year option. A calf injury caused him to be a non-factor through Week 12, but it all came together afterward.

During that span, Penny was PFF's highest-graded rusher. Furthermore, he averaged 6.4 yards/carry, ranked second in missed tackles forced (27th), and led the league in rushing. Meanwhile, his explosiveness was on full display:

The lack of track record for Penny, as well as the injuries he's suffered, is certainly a red flag. Plus, he also doesn't know where his current landing spot will be, he's a pending free agent. That being said, he may be one of the most talented running backs in the NFL, and his first-round draft capital is certainly going to help his free agency case. If he gets a lead-back role, the ceiling he offers is through the roof. I'm not recommending drafting Penny to be an anchor of your fantasy team, but in the middle rounds, this is a shot worth taking. Especially if you're in current best-ball drafts, where his stock is currently impacted by his status as a free agent. This is a player that you need to target. He's not your ordinary Penny. In fact, he may be a dime.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Kyle Larson

Can Kyle Larson Dominate at Bristol Again?
Denny Hamlin

One of the Best at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

All Eyes on Ryan Blaney at Bristol
Chase Briscoe

Whiffs in Qualifying, Will Start 31st in Bristol Night Race
Ty Gibbs

Could Contend at Bristol
AJ Allmendinger

on the Pole for Bristol Night Race
Tanner Bibee

Fans 10 in Two-Hit Shutout
Zach Neto

Dealing With Wrist Soreness
Masyn Winn

Shut Down for Rest of Season
Tarik Skubal

to Undergo Imaging on Saturday
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

RapSheet: Jacory Croskey-Merritt Expected to Be Lead Back Moving Forward
Tyler Soderstrom

Scratched on Friday With Groin Tightness
Tarik Skubal

Exits with Side Tightness
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
Ketel Marte

Scratched From Friday's Lineup
Brock Purdy

Officially Ruled Out Against Saints
Jauan Jennings

Given Questionable Tag for Week 2
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Dallas Goedert

Officially Ruled Out for Week 2
Xavier Worthy

Listed as Doubtful to Play in Week 2
Jayden Reed

Hopes to Return in November Following Surgery
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Kyle Tucker

"Unlikely" to Return When Eligible on Tuesday
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Ketel Marte

Expected to Return on Friday
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Quinshon Judkins

Questionable to Make NFL Debut in Week 2
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Alexander Hernandez

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Quang Le

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Card Opener
Santiago Luna

Set For His Debut At Noche UFC 3
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Won't Play Against Georgia
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks
CFB

Dylan Edwards Slated to Return on Friday
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Sees Little Usage in Week 2, Outlook Still Trending Upwards?
Deebo Samuel Sr.

Leads Commanders in Catches, Scores Touchdown Again
Tucker Kraft

Posts Huge Performance on Thursday
Joe Mixon

Lack of Joe Mixon Injury Updates Sparking Concern for Fantasy Managers?
Jayden Reed

Fractures Collarbone, Headed for Injured Reserve
Austin Ekeler

Commanders Fear Austin Ekeler Tore his Achilles
Jesús Luzardo

Jesus Luzardo Strikes Out 10 in Win
Aaron Judge

Matches Yankees Legend with Two-Homer Game
Austin Ekeler

Injured, Carried Off Field with Non-Contact Injury
Jayden Reed

Ruled Out with Shoulder Injury
Quinshon Judkins

Browns Insider Expects NFL to "Come Down Heavy" on a Quinshon Judkins Suspension
Jayden Reed

Questionable to Return on TNF With Shoulder Injury
Anthony Volpe

Playing Through Partially Torn Labrum in his Shoulder
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return
Charles Oliveira

Not Eyeing Retirement
Tyreek Hill

Chiefs, Steelers Eyeing a Trade for Tyreek Hill?
CFB

Ryan Williams Expected to Play Against Wisconsin
CFB

Billy Edwards Jr. Unlikely to Play on Saturday
P.J. Washington

Officially Signs Contract Extension
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Questionable to Make Debut Against Georgia
Chris Godwin

to Be Limited in His Return Thursday
Brock Purdy

Out 2-5 Weeks With Turf Toe
Lauri Markkanen

Big at Both Ends as Finland Books Place in EuroBasket Semis
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Notches 39 Points in Losing Effort
NBA

Cam Reddish Expected to Move to Europe
NBA

Trey Lyles Joins Real Madrid
Kyle Monangai

to See More Carries Going Forward?
Charles Bassey

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Hawks
Sacramento Kings

Terence Davis Waived by Kings
Will Smith

Scratched With Hand Soreness on Wednesday
Ketel Marte

has Foot Contusion, Expected to Play Friday
Shohei Ohtani

Won't Pitch This Weekend
MacKenzie Gore

to Start on Thursday
Ketel Marte

Exits Early on Wednesday
Matthew Knies

Ready for Bigger Role With Maple Leafs
Jack Eichel

Unbothered by Lack of Extension
Sidney Crosby

Not Thinking About Leaving Pittsburgh
SJ

Michael Misa Signs Entry-Level Contract With Sharks
Rutger McGroarty

Nursing an Injury
Anthony Rizzo

Retires
Cameron Champ

the Ultimate Wild Card at Procore
Cameron Young

Looks to Extend Momentum in Napa
Davis Thompson

Searching for a Spark at Procore
Sahith Theegala

Looking to Reignite Form at Procore
Mackenzie Hughes

Aims for Another Strong Showing at Procore
Luke Clanton

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Napa
Seamus Power

Looking to Overcome Poor Course History at Procore
Joe Highsmith

Hoping to Find Form in Napa
Masyn Winn

Will Require Offseason Knee Surgery
Kristaps Porzingis

Reportedly Still Not Completely Healthy
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Reportedly on the Trade Block
Andre Drummond

Future in Philadelphia in Doubt
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Helps Greece Reach Semis at EuroBasket
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Posts Historic Triple-Double
Joel Dahmen

Finishes Tied For 15 at Wyndham Championship
Bud Cauley

Finishes Tied for 33rd at BMW Championship
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied for Seventh at Tour Championship
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Tied for 25th at Tour Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied for 19th at Tour Championship
Keith Mitchell

Misses Cut at Wyndham Championship
Ben Griffin

Finishes Tied for 10th at Tour Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied for Second at Tour Championship
Gary Woodland

Could Hang Around at Procore Championship
Ranger Suárez

Ranger Suarez Strikes Out 12, Earns 12th Win on Tuesday
Karl Vilips

Ready for Napa Valley This Weekend
Taylor Montgomery

Heating Up at the Right Time
Jackson Koivun

May Be a Little Rusty at Procore Championship
Doug Ghim

Looking to Rise Up at Napa Valley
Josh Giddey

Re-Signs With Bulls for Four Years
Shakir Mukhamadullin

Joins Informal Skate
William Eklund

Skates With Sharks
Owen Power

Back at 100 Percent
Tyler Seguin

Cleared for Action
Mathew Barzal

Good to Go for Season Opener
Will Smith

Returns to Dodgers Lineup on Tuesday
Dustin Wolf

Signs Seven-Year Extension
NBA

Mason Jones Takes His Talents to Australia
NBA

Talen Horton-Tucker Joins Reigning EuroLeague Champions
Malcolm Brogdon

on Knicks' Radar
Andrew Wiggins

Attracting Interest From Lakers
Miami Heat

Heat Interested in Reunion With Precious Achiuwa
New York Knicks

Ben Simmons Reportedly Declined Knicks' Contract Offer
Elias Pettersson

Feeling "Good" Ahead of Season
NHL

Alex Formenton Rejoins Swiss Team
NHL

Grigori Denisenko Heads Back Home
CAR

Kevin Labanc Joins Hurricanes for Tryout
Ross Colton

Healthy for Start of Season
Caio Borralho

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Nassourdine Imavov

Extends Win Streak
Mauricio Ruffy

Gets Submitted
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Taps Out Mauricio Ruffy
Paul Craig

Retires After UFC Paris Loss
Denny Hamlin

Earns his First Cup Victory at Gateway
Kyle Larson

Damage Ruins Kyle Larson's Chance At a Top Finish at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Scores his Third Top-10 Finish at Gateway
Joey Logano

Maintains his Perfect Top-Five Streak at Gateway
Ryan Blaney

Struggles and Recovers for a Top-Five Finish at Gateway
Modestas Bukauskas

Scores First-Round Knockout
Bolaji Oki

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
Mason Jones

Scores Comeback Win
Chase Elliott

Gets Lucky but Still Has Best Run at Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Wins Stage 2, but Was Let Down by Strategy
Tyler Reddick

Despite Bad Luck, Tyler Reddick Does What he Needed to Do
Chase Briscoe

Recovers from Incident with Daniel Suarez to Finish Second
William Byron

Late Caution Foils William Byron's Shot at Gateway Victory
Ryan Blaney

Should Contend at Gateway
Denny Hamlin

Fastest in Qualifying, the Favorite to Win at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Looking for Redemption at Gateway
Joey Logano

Has Been Elite at Gateway
Austin Cindric

Should Be On Your Radar at Gateway

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP