Identifying late-round RB sleepers can significantly change the outcome of your 2024 fantasy football season. They provide depth and breakout potential without the hefty price tag of early-round workhorse running backs.
While it’s common to target rookie running backs after pick no. 100, primarily due to the unknown upside, several veterans are overlooked by early redraft and Underdog Best Ball drafters. In this article, we’ll explore why these veteran late-round running backs are undervalued and could finish the season in the top 24 of fantasy running backs.
Note: These late-round RB sleepers currently have a 100 ADP or later in 2024 fantasy football drafts.
2024 FANTASY FOOTBALL LATE-ROUND RB SLEEPERS
DEVIN SINGLETARY, NEW YORK GIANTS (Sleeper ADP 103, 9.7)
If you’re seeking RB2 value and upside in the later rounds of your draft, Devin Singletary is a viable option and is currently being drafted in the ninth round of redraft Sleeper leagues.
Singletary is reunited with Brian Daboll in New York after spending time under him in Buffalo. Although he faced more competition with the Bills than he currently does with the Giants, he was a top-24 fantasy running back in 42% of his games.
Jones mentioned the veteran running back will be “big time” for the Giants’ offense, even bringing up Singletary unprompted when discussing the team with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Expect Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka to utilize him in various ways, including out wide in certain packages.
“Singletary knows exactly where to be, what his job is, he’s a really good route runner, and a good downhill running back,” Jones added. “He’ll be big for us.”
Last season with the Texans, he ranked RB9 in fantasy points per game from Week 10 onward. He played behind a banged-up offensive line that had 10 different linemen play over 200 snaps, and he once again played in a pass-first offense.
The surrounding talent, overall offensive situation, and his lack of week-winning upside are not sexy, which is why Singletary is going off the board at RB35. However, he’s a three-down back, and when given the touches, Singletary consistently performs at a low-end RB2 level.
Due to the lack of depth behind him, expect Singletary to take a significant chunk of snaps in the Giants offense, ultimately leading to weekly Flex consideration with RB2 upside.
Singletary sits at RB34 on The Wolf’s 2024 Fantasy Football Rankings.
BRIAN ROBINSON JR., WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (Sleeper ADP 107, 9.11)
The Commanders have an ambiguous backfield with Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler. However, it would be wise to side with the youth and upside of the two backs in this situation. Currently selected at 107 overall, Robinson Jr. possesses great value with RB2 upside, which would exceed his current draft value.
Although Ekeler is the better natural pass catcher, B-Rob has improved this aspect of his game, according to the Commanders’ coaching staff. Last season, he ranked 30th among running backs with 40 targets but still finished as fantasy’s RB21 with over 1,000 total yards. If he becomes a more consistent pass-catcher, he could turn into a true three-down workhorse.
The coaching change and quarterback switch should greatly benefit Robinson, as the Commanders’ offense was one of the NFL’s least efficient in 2023. New OC Kliff Kingsbury, known for his balanced approach out of the Air Raid, loves to run the ball near the goal line, as seen when James Conner scored 18 touchdowns in 2021. Robinson, who is more explosive than Conner, could post huge numbers in 2024 if rookie QB Jayden Daniels keeps defenses honest with his arm and legs.
“I love Kliff. I feel like he does a great job trying to get to know his players and how to know how to best utilize us,” Robinson said. “I feel like he has been doing a great job of that, and I appreciate him for that.”
Brian Robinson Jr. checks in at RB29 on our 2024 Fantasy Rankings.
JK DOBBINS, LA CHARGERS (Sleeper ADP 145, 13.1)
JK Dobbins has faced significant challenges throughout his professional career. He missed substantial time in two of his four NFL seasons and played in only 24 of 67 games. Injuries such as a torn ACL and Achilles have raised concerns about his dependability. However, optimism and buzz surround the running back during Chargers camp.
Dobbins spent his first four seasons with the Ravens, where he struggled to stay on the field. After signing with the Chargers in free agency, he reunites with offensive coordinator and run-game maestro Greg Roman, who was with the Ravens during Dobbins’ first three seasons. Dobbins has praised Roman as a “genius” for his ability to create successful running schemes.
Dobbins is entering training camp with the Chargers, optimistic about his prospects. He stated, “I do think if I get the volume, I’ll be one of the best in the league,” pointing to his career average of 5.8 yards per carry. Despite a torn Achilles in his first game last season, he claims to feel better than ever, even faster.
While the Chargers’ scheme and the lack of elite competition on the depth chart favor Dobbins, the history of running backs returning to form after an Achilles tear is not encouraging. From Arian Foster to Cam Akers to James Robinson, no running back has fully regained their previous performance post-injury.
Whether Dobbins defies these odds remains to be seen, but given the ideal run-heavy scheme and his ADP, he might be a worthwhile gamble compared to other options like Kendre Miller, Rico Dowdle, and Ty Chandler.
The Wolf is yet to buy in on Dobbins, ranking him RB61 (-9 vs ECR).
