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Finding valuable running backs in the later rounds of fantasy football drafts can significantly improve an overall roster. It adds depth to the position, while also giving managers more lineup flexibility and assets to use in the trade market. With the 2024 NFL season quickly approaching, here are seven running backs that make for high-upside sleepers.
Late-round RBs to target in fantasy football 2024
Sportskeeda's "Who Should I Draft" tool is extremely valuable in helping managers compare fantasy projections and make better picks during their drafts. It was used to help produce the following list of late-round running backs to target in 2024 fantasy football:
#1 - J.K. Dobbins
Dobbins ranks as the RB43 and 131st overall player, according to his current Average Draft Position. Injuries have plagued him throughout his career, causing him to miss 45 games in four years.
He did finish as the RB21 in his only full season with the Baltimore Ravens, but last year he turned in just 10 touches for 37 yards and a touchdown. If he can stay healthy, he has a realistic chance to be the LA Chargers starter, giving him late-round value in fantasy drafts.
#2 - Austin Ekeler
After finishing among the top two fantasy football running backs in consecutive seasons, Austin Ekeler fell to the RB28 last year. He still turned in a solid 1,064 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns but will now join the Washington Commanders.
While he is not expected to be the team's starter, he can still provide fantasy value as a receiver out of the backfield. He has exceeded 50 receptions in each of his past five seasons, giving him significant upside at his RB32 and overall 90th ADP.
#3 - Kendre Miller
After missing nine games in his rookie season with the New Orleans Saints because of injuries, Miller finished the year with a solid final game. He ranked as the RB13 in the final week of the campaign, bringing his season totals to 273 scrimmage yards and a touchdown in eight games.
Miller's Week 18 performance suggests that he will likely receive a significant workload this year. He will need to compete with Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams for touches, but the Saints likely wouldn't have drafted him if he wasn't in their long-term plans. He is a major sleeper as the RB54 and 173rd overall player in fantasy football drafts.
#4 - Ezekiel Elliott
Elliott will return to the Dallas Cowboys after one year with the New England Patriots. His season away included a solid 955 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns.
The veteran spent much of last year as a backup to Rhamondre Stevenson, making his production even more impressive. He is expected to serve as the featured back for the Cowboys in one of the highest-scoring offenses in the NFL. He could be a steal in fantasy football this year, especially at his ADP of RB37 and 106th overall.
#5 - Chuba Hubbard
Hubbard surpassed Miles Sanders as the starting running back for the Carolina Panthers last year. This resulted in 1,135 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on his way to an RB26 finish in fantasy football.
While the Panthers drafted Jonathon Brooks this year, he is expected to miss the beginning of the season as he continues to recover from an injury. This gives Hubbard an opportunity for a large workload again, giving him value as the RB45 and 141st overall player.
#6 - Jerome Ford
After Nick Chubb suffered a season-ending injury in Week 2 last year, Ford took over as the starting running back for the Cleveland Browns. He responded by finishing as the RB17 in fantasy football with 1,132 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns.
It's unclear when Chubb will be ready to return during the 2024 season, but he will not be available to start the year. This makes Ford, given his RB40 and 114 overall ADP, a valuable running back to target in the later rounds of fantasy football drafts.
#7 - Ty Chandler
Chandler went the first eight weeks of last season without recording five touches in a single game for the Minnesota Vikings. He then earned a split-backfield role in the second half of the year and responded by totaling 620 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns.
He is again expected to share the backfield this season, but this time with newly acquired Aaron Jones. Chandler has already proven that he can excel in this role, giving him sleeper value late in drafts. He is ranked as the RB47 and 148th overall player according to his current ADP.
