Tag: Trey Benson

Fantasy Football: 12 running backs to target on the waiver wire

Audric Estime is the top running back to target on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

It looks like there’s been a changing of the guard in the Denver Broncos‘ backfield.

Broncos coach Sean Payton hinted last week that rookie Audric Estime could be more involved in the second half of the season, and that’s beginning to play out. Estime led the team’s backfield in snaps (26), carries (14) and rushing yards (53) on Sunday. Javonte Williams (one carry and two targets) seems to have been relegated to passing-down duties.

Estime could be Denver’s new RB1 going forward, and he should be considered a top priority on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

Elsewhere on the waiver wire front, wide receiver Cedric Tillman (50%) should be rostered, Dawson Knox (1%) is a streaming tight end option and quarterback Bo Nix (50%) has quickly become fantasy-relevant.

Today, though, we’re focusing on the running back position. We’ve put together a quick list of 12 running backs to consider on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

Fantasy Football Running Back Waiver Wire Targets

1. RB Audric Estime (1%): Estime’s efficiency (3.8 yards per carry) wasn’t great on Sunday, but Payton seems to be a big fan of the rookie, so his workload (14 carries) will likely trend up in the coming weeks.

2. RB Gus Edwards (21%): Edwards (10 carries for 55 yards) split time with J.K. Dobbins (15 carries for 50 yards) on Sunday. Playing in a run-heavy offense, both RBs could be fantasy-relevant going forward.

3. RB Tyler Allgeier (50%): Bijan Robinson remains the star, but Allgeier (11 carries for 59 yards) isn’t going away. Allgeier has standalone flex value and he’s an extremely important handcuff in case Robinson is ever unavailable.

4. RB Trey Benson (16%): James Conner (17 touches for 113 yards) and Benson (12 touches for 87 yards) were both productive on Sunday as the Cardinals cruised to a comfortable win over the Jets. That won’t happen every week, but Benson should be rostered. Note that Arizona has a bye in Week 11.

5. RB Tyjae Spears (42%): Spears (10 touches for 51 yards) wasn’t far behind Tony Pollard (13 touches for 63 yards) in Week 10. He’s worth a look in deeper leagues.

6. RB Braelon Allen (22%): Breece Hall is obviously the RB1, but Allen (seven carries and one target) remains involved. Allen could be a flex option if you’re desperate.

7. RB Cam Akers (16%): Aaron Jones had an injury scare on Sunday before later returning to the game. Akers is worth adding in case Jones does end up missing any time. With Jones missing part of Sunday’s game, Akers got 14 touches for the Vikings in Week 10.

8. RB Ray Davis (19%): He’s just a handcuff behind James Cook at this point, but Davis proved earlier this season that he’s a capable fill-in option if called upon in Buffalo.

9. RB Blake Corum (16%): The Rams have been giving Kyren Williams a heavy workload, and Corum could be an extremely valuable handcuff down the stretch if Williams gets banged up.

10. RB Kenneth Gainwell (2%): Saquon Barkley steps aside when the Eagles have big leads, giving value to Gainwell and Will Shipley (1%) when Philly is a big favorite.

11. RB Keaton Mitchell (5%): The speedy running back returned to action in Week 10 and the Ravens now have a “three-headed monster” at running back. Mitchell is worth stashing, especially in deep leagues.

12. RB Jaylen Wright (5%): De’Von Achane remains the RB1 in Miami, but Wright might be taking the RB2 role away from Raheem Mostert. Wright got the second-most carries (five) on Monday. Mostert was targeted three times as a receiver out of the backfield but got no carries.

Bonus: RB Jaylen Warren (62%) is already rostered in most leagues, but double-check just to make sure he’s not still available in your league. 

Roster percentages for players listed in this article were sourced from ESPN. For more fantasy coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.

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Bears caught cold feet trying to catch Cardinals RB James Conner

Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner continues to thrive under new head coach Jonathan Gannon and OC Drew Petzing.

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner shredded the Chicago Bears defense for 107 rushing yards on just 18 carries yesterday at State Farm Stadium in a 29-9 win.

Thanks to head coach Jonathan Gannon, the Cardinals have a new commitment to running the ball, a commitment that has dynamically impacted their potency on offense.

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Through Week 9, Conner ranks No. 6 in the NFL in both carries and rushing yards. His durability has been essential to the team and it’s almost as if Conner becomes more powerful as the game progresses. Conner wasn’t the lone carrier in the Cardinals’ run attack Sunday as rookie running back Trey Benson and Emari Demercado both scored touchdowns and handled a few carries as well.

With Gannon’s run-first offensive identity, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing can rely on Conner to set the tone while he simultaneously accesses film to identify potential coverage voids for the team to attack in play-action.

Ultimately, the Cardinals have found their niche on offense, using physicality and larger personnel groups to create advantages for Conner at the line of scrimmage. Thanks to Conner, the Cardinals now have their eyes set on winning the NFC West midway through 2024.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

 

Cardinals rookie RB Trey Benson scores 1st NFL TD!

The third-round rookie running back scored a touchdown in the first half against the Bears. Check out the play!

Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Trey Benson saw more action in Week 9 against the Chicago Bears and scored his first NFL touchdown.

Already with an 18-yard reception in the first quarter and then a 17-yard run to start the Cardinals’ fifth drive of the game, Benson scored on a one-yeard run to give Arizona a 14-6 lead.

Here is the play.

 

At that point in the game, Benson had three rushes for 20 yards and a catch for 18.

The third-round pick had only seen 62 offensive snaps in the Cardinals’ first eight games of the season and had 31 rushing attempts for 117 yards, as well as two catches for 12 yards.

It would appear that his role will continue to grow as the season progresses.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

 

Fantasy Football: 10 running backs to target on the waiver wire

Isaac Guerendo and Tyrone Tracy highlight this week’s list of running backs to target on the fantasy football waiver wire.

The San Francisco 49ers are going into their bye this week, and there’s some hope that star running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) could be set to return in Week 10. Meanwhile, fellow Niners running back Jordan Mason is now nursing a reaggravated shoulder injury.

With McCaffrey’s status still uncertain and Mason injured, Isaac Guerendo is the top running back to target on the fantasy football waiver wire this week. Even if CMC returns after the bye, Guerendo could serve as the RB2 if Mason misses any time.

Elsewhere on the fantasy football waiver wire, Denver Broncos rookie Bo Nix (37%) is suddenly a hot target at quarterback, Cedric Tillman (16%) is turning heads at wide receiver and Taysom Hill (20%) is a popular streaming option at tight end.

Today, though, we’re focusing on the running back position. We’ve put together a quick list of ten running backs to consider on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

Fantasy Football Running Back Waiver Wire Targets

1. RB Isaac Guerendo (4%): He’s on a bye this week, but Guerendo could be a crucial handcuff in the second half of the season and if CMC and Mason are ever sidelined, Guerendo is the next man up.

2. RB Tyrone Tracy (47%): Devin Singletary is back healthy, but Tracy remains the RB1 in New York. He dominated the team’s backfield touches on Monday Night Football with 20 carries for 145 yards and a touchdown. Tracy’s concussion status should be monitored, but he is a priority add off the waiver wire this week.

3. RB Tyler Allgeier (51%): Allgeier is sharing touches with Bijan Robinson. Allgeier got 12 carries on Sunday and Robinson got 13. Robinson (seven targets) is much more involved in the passing game, but Allgeier has standalone value as Atlanta’s RB2.

4. RB Braelon Allen (25%): The Jets are a mess, but Allen (12 carries) remains in the mix alongside Breece Hall (16 carries). He’s a potential flex play or an RB2 candidate in deep leagues. 

5. RB Khalil Herbert (5%): He was a healthy scratch on Sunday, but with the NFL’s trade deadline approaching, Herbert could get a fresh start soon. Herbert is worth stashing in case he lands on a RB-needy team.

6. RB Ray Davis (17%): James Cook is the guy in Buffalo, but Davis is an important handcuff with some standalone value.

7. RB Blake Corum (17%): Corum is another important handcuff behind Kyren Williams.

8. RB Trey Benson (17%): Completing the handcuff trio is Benson, who is an important stash behind James Conner, who has never played a full season.

9. RB Keaton Mitchell (4%): He returned to practice last week and could be on track to return to the active roster last week. Mitchell is worth stashing in deep leagues.

10. RB Kimani Vidal (7%): He’s mostly a handcuff behind J.K. Dobbins right now, but Vidal has made the most of his limited touches with the Chargers.

Bonus RBs: Tank Bigsby (69%), Bucky Irving (69%), Jaylen Warren (62%) and Jonathon Brooks (60%) are already rostered in most leagues, but double-check just to make sure they’re not still available in your league. 

Roster percentages for players listed in this article were sourced from ESPN. For more fantasy coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.

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Fantasy Football: 10 running backs to target on the waiver wire

Tyler Goodson and Ray Davis highlight this week’s list of running backs to target on the fantasy football waiver wire.

Several key injuries (and players returning from injuries) are shaking up the NFL — and fantasy football lineups — going into Week 8.

At quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa (27%) is expected to return after recovering from his concussion. In Cleveland, the Browns are expected to turn the offense over to Jameis Winston (1%) after losing Deshuan Watson to an Achilles injury. Drake Maye (14%) is also worth a look at QB.

At wide receiver, Jauan Jennings (46%) will be a popular target this week after the 49ers lost Brandon Aiyuk to a torn ACL. Elsewhere at the position, Romeo Doubs (37%) has turned heads with consecutive big games.

At tight end, Hunter Henry (28%) and Taysom Hill (21%) will be among the top targets to consider on the waiver wire ahead of Week 8.

Today, though, we’re focusing on the running back position. We’ve put together a quick list of ten running backs to consider on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

Fantasy Football Running Back Waiver Wire Targets

1. RB Ray Davis (15%): Even with James Cook back in the lineup, Davis still got five carries and a target, turning those touches into 41 rushing yards and a touchdown and a one-yard reception. He won’t reach the end zone every week, but Davis offers flex value even when Cook is healthy.

2. RB Tyler Goodson (10%): It remains to be seen if Jonathan Taylor (ankle) will be able to return this week. In his absence on Sunday, it was Goodson, not Trey Sermon, who led the Colts’ backfield with 14 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown.

3. RB Alexander Mattison (43%): Mattison dominated the Raiders’ backfield on Sunday with 26 touches that he turned into 123 yards.

4. RB Jaylen Warren (46%): Najee Harris is still the guy in Pittsburgh, but Warren got 12 carries and three targets in Week 7. He’s worth flex consideration in a shared backfield.

5. RB Tyrone Tracy (48%): Even with Devin Singletary back in the lineup, Tracy remained a key part of New York’s offense. Game flow didn’t allow for much rushing from the Giants, but Tracy got one more carry (six to five) and two more targets (three to one) than Singletary on Sunday.

6. RB Sean Tucker (11%): Rachaad White is back and Bucky Irving remains the RB1b, but there’s still a role for Tucker in the backfield. He got five carries and two targets on Monday.

7. RB Kendre Miller (8%): The Saints weren’t able to get anything going against Denver’s defense on TNF, but Miller got six carries (compared to Alvin Kamara’s seven) and three targets (compared to Kamara’s seven). Kamara is obviously still the star in New Orleans, but Miller might have some standalone value going forward.

8. RB D’Ernest Johnson (15%): Tank Bigsby (69%) is dominating right now, but there’s still a role for Johnson. He got nine carries and four targets this week.

9. RB Trey Benson (18%): Benson is a claim-and-stash option in case James Conner is ever unavailable this season.

10. RB Blake Corum (18%): Similar to Benson, Corum is a valuable handcuff behind Kyren Williams.

Bonus RBs: Nick Chubb (83%), Tank Bigsby (69%), Jonathon Brooks (60%), Bucky Irving (66%) and Tyler Allgeier (54%) are already rostered in most leagues, but double check just to make sure they’re not still available in your league. 

Roster percentages for players listed in this article were sourced from ESPN. For more fantasy coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.

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Fantasy Football waiver wire: 12 running backs to target in Week 5

These 12 running backs should be waiver wire targets in your fantasy football league this week.

As we wait for a pair of Monday Night Football games to wrap up Week 4, fantasy football managers are already considering their waiver wire options for next week.

The top option at wide receiver seems to be Wan’Dale Robinson (28%). Zach Ertz (55%) is a quality tight end available in nearly half of leagues and Tyler Huntley (3%) could be a sleeper option at quarterback. 

Today, though, we’re focusing on running back. We’ve put together a quick list of 12 running backs to target on the fantasy football waiver wire ahead of Week 5. If you’re looking for reinforcements at RB, consider these options.

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Running Backs

1. RB Kareem Hunt (22%): Hunt made his 2024 debut on Sunday and led Chiefs running backs in carries (14), rushing yards (69) and targets (3). He might be the new feature back in KC.

2. RB Bucky Irving (52%): Irving and Rachaad White had nearly identical stats in Week 4 with 10 carries for 49 yards each. Irving also scored a touchdown. It remains to be seen if Irving will become the primary back, but he’s getting enough touches for flex consideration (or a starting role, if you’re thin at RB).

3. RB Braelon Allen (46%): Breece Hall isn’t going anywhere, but he was limited to four yards on 10 carries against the Broncos’ tough defense on Sunday. Allen led the Jets with 34 yards on eight carries. Like Irving, he gets enough touches to warrant consideration even if he’s not the RB1.

4. RB Tyler Allgeier (42%): Allgeier is an extremely important handcuff behind Bijan Robinson, and he led the Falcons in rushing yards (60) in Week 4. That won’t happen every week, but Allgeier remains part of Atlatan’s rotation.

5. RB Trey Sermon (1%): Sermon becomes an important handcuff option this week after Jonathan Taylor suffered an ankle injury on Sunday. If Taylor has to miss any games, Sermon would be the next man up.

6. RB Trey Benson (32%): Benson is another important handcuff behind James Conner, who is yet to play a full season in the NFL. Benson rushed nine times for 50 yards on Sunday.

7. RB Roschon Johnson (14%): D’Andre Swift remains the RB1 in Chicago, but Johnson got seven carries on Sunday and scored a touchdown. He’s worth a look if you’re thin at the position.

8. RB Tank Bigsby (7%): Bigsby led the Jaguars with 90 rushing yards in Week 4 and Jacksonville could opt to ride the hot hand.

9. RB Rico Dowdle (44%): Dowdle led the Cowboys in rushes (11) and yards (46) this week. He seems to be the best option in Dallas’ backfield.

10. RB Justice Hill (10%): Hill is worth consideration in PPR formats after hauling in six receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown on Sunday night. He also rushed four times for 18 yards.

11. RB Alexander Mattison (31%): Zamir White has been the RB1 in Las Vegas, but Mattison led the team with 60 rushing yards on Sunday and he’s a better receiver out of the backfield. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce hinted Monday that more reps are on the way for Mattison.

12. RB Keaton Mitchell (5%): Mitchell (ACL) is eligible to return this week, although it’s unclear if he will. He’s worth stashing on your IR spot.

Bonus: RB Nick Chubb (78%): Chubb is rostered in most leagues, but like Mitchell, this is the first week he would be eligible to return. Double-check if he’s available in your league just in case. 

Roster percentages for players listed in this article were sourced from ESPN. For more fantasy coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.

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Fantasy Football: 20 waiver wire targets for Week 3

Scrambling to replace Isiah Pacheco and Cooper Kupp in your fantasy football lineup? Here are 20 waiver wire targets to consider this week.

We’re just two weeks into the 2024 NFL season and injuries are already piling up across the league.

The two biggest injuries from a fantasy football perspective this week are Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (who is going on injured reserve with an ankle injury) and Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (who is also a candidate for IR with an ankle injury).

The in-house candidates to replace Pacheco in KC are Samaje Perine and Carson Steele, but there might be non-Chiefs running backs available on the waiver wire who are better options to replace Pacheco in your fantasy lineup. Kansas City is also bringing in Kareem Hunt for a free agent visit today.

In Los Angeles, the Rams are now missing both Puka Nacua and Kupp. That leaves Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson as the top WRs still standing, and rookie Jordan Whittington is a massive sleeper to consider this week.

Check out the full list of fantasy football waiver wire targets below. Each player’s roster percentage in ESPN fantasy football leagues is listed in parentheses.

  1. RB Bucky Irving (30%)
  2. RB Braelon Allen (8%)
  3. RB Kareem Hunt (1%)
  4. RB Rico Dowdle (38%)
  5. RB Dameon Pierce (3%)
  6. RB Antonio Gibson (33%)
  7. RB Trey Benson (44%)
  8. RB Samaje Perine (4%)
  9. RB Carson Steele (2%)
  10. WR Quentin Johnston (7%)
  11. WR Alec Pierce (14%)
  12. WR Demarcus Robinson (34%)
  13. WR Jordan Whittington (3%)
  14. WR Tyler Johnson (13%)
  15. WR Tutu Atwell (1%)
  16. TE Colby Parkinson (45%)
  17. TE Zach Ertz (7%)
  18. TE Hunter Henry (11%)
  19. QB Justin Fields (32%)
  20. QB Derek Carr (10%)

For more fantasy football coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.

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25 sleeper prospects to target in fantasy football

These 25 players are being undervalued in fantasy football this summer.

The 2024 NFL season begins tonight, as does the fantasy football season. For anyone with last-minute drafts, we’ve put together a list of 25 sleeper prospects to target this season.

Note that by “sleeper,” we mean a player we expect to outperform their average draft position in 2024. They’re not necessarily “unknown” players, but undervalued players going into the season.

Let’s get to it.

1. QB Jayden Daniels (ADP 102): Daniels (QB12) is not being drafted as a starter in 10-QB leagues, yet it’s extremely easy to imagine a top-10 (or better) finish for the rookie this season. After rushing for 2,019 yards and 21 touchdowns in two years at LSU, Daniels should continue making plays with his legs in the NFL.

2. QB Justin Herbert (ADP 123): Herbert’s stock tanked this summer following a foot injury, but he’s been practicing since mid-August. Herbert averaged 18.5 points per game last season, which ranked 11th among QBs. Yet he’s being drafted as QB17 this summer. Herbert’s injury might cause a slow early start, but getting him as QB17 should be a good value.

3. QB Kirk Cousins (ADP 135): Yes, he’s coming off an Achilles injury, but Cousins has never been much of a threat to run and he was cleared to play again in July. Cousins will be surrounded by talent in Atlanta and he should easily top his QB19 ADP. With a small sample size of eight games, Cousins ranked seventh among QBs with 19.3 PPG last fall. Before that, he ranked 13th in 2022 (18 PPG) and 12th in 2021 (19.2 PPG). Cousins seems unlikely to drop from QB13 to QB19 this season, but that’s where fantasy managers are drafting him.

4. QB Bo Nix (APD 186): Nix is a late-round flyer to serve as a QB2 in re-draft leagues and an intriguing dynasty option. Nix was tailor-made for Sean Payton’s offense and he rushed for 20 TDs in two seasons at Oregon. Denver ran read-option plays with Nix in preseason and while Payton obviously won’t want to run Nix into the ground, the QB’s speed will be utilized in 2024. He might not finish in the top 12 as a rookie, but it’s easy to imagine Nix finishing much higher than his QB23 ADP thanks to his rushing ability.

5. QB Justin Fields (ADP 194): Fields is an extremely deep sleeper because he won’t begin the year as Pittsburgh’s starter. Fields could get special packages early in the season near the goal line and if Russell Wilson struggles, it’s easy to imagine Fields eventually taking over as QB1. Fields is being drafted as QB27 so you obviously shouldn’t reach for him, but he could offer great value later in the year.

6. TE Dalton Schultz (ADP 125): Schultz finished as TE11 last season so his being drafted as TE13 isn’t a huge discrepancy, but he should prove to be a good value pick for fantasy managers who opt to wait to draft a TE.

7. TE T.J. Hockenson (ADP 126): Please understand that this is not a recommendation to overdraft Hockenson, who will miss at least the first four games of the season. Hockenson will eventually return from an ACL injury, though, and when he does, he could rank among the top fantasy TEs to close out the season. Drafting Hockenson late and stashing him on IR could pay dividends later in the year.

8. TE Pat Freiermuth (ADP 129): Freiermuth still hasn’t returned to the seven-touchdown production of his rookie season, and a five-game injury hurt his 2023 campaign. Now healthy again, he’ll look to outperform his TE15 ADP in 2024.

9. TE Taysom Hill (APD 151): Hill is a feast-or-famine fantasy prospect because a three-touchdown game could be followed up by a 12-yard game. Despite his up-and-down nature, Hill averaged 9.1 points per game last fall, which ranked ninth among TEs. He’s being drafted as TE21.

10. TE Greg Dulcich (ADP 239): It’s now or never for Denver’s former third-round pick. He missed seven games due to injuries as a rookie in 2022 and was unavailable for 15 games last fall. Now finally healthy, Dulcich will look to utilize his speed to make plays in Sean Payton’s offense that has been friendly to TEs in the past. Dulcich is being drafted as TE29 (undrafted in most leagues), so there’s no need to reach for him, but he could be an early-season waiver-wire target.

11. WR Cooper Kupp (ADP 34): It feels insane to list Kupp among “sleepers,” but he’s being drafted much later than his ceiling due to last season’s injuries. If he stays healthy — even with Puka Nacua added to the mix — Kupp should finish much higher than his WR17 ADP this season.

12. WR Malik Nabers (ADP 45): Marvin Harrison Jr.’s hype is through the roof, understandably so. But MHJR is being drafted as WR9 while Nabers is going off the board as WR24. MHJR should obviously be ranked higher than Nabers, but the sixth overall pick is also headed for a big year.

13. WR Rashee Rice (ADP 65): Eventually, Rice could face discipline from the NFL, but he’s set to play in the season opener and he’s a top receiver in KC’s high-flying offense. Landing him as WR30 could be a steal.

14. WR Xavier Worthy (ADP 82): Two Chiefs receivers make the list as Patrick Mahomes looks to have a bounce-back season. Worthy isn’t “the next Tyreek Hill,” but his speed could make him a great value as WR37 this fall.

15. Ladd McConkey (ADP 97): The Chargers lost Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason, and Quentin Johnston has struggled to make an impact. That could leave McConkey as a PPR gem playing in the slot. He’s going off the board as WR42.

16. RB Alvin Kamara (ADP 46): He’s not the fantasy monster he once was, but Kamara could prove to be a big steal at RB17 after finishing as RB3 in PPR points per game (17.9) last year.

17. RB Javonte Williams (ADP 77): Getting a clear-cut starter at RB27 is a steal. Williams lost 11 pounds this offseason and coach Sean Payton has said he looks like “a completely different player.” Now another year removed from his 2022 knee injury, Williams is healthy and the clear RB1 in Denver.

18. RB Jonathon Brooks (APD 93): Understand that Brooks will miss at least the first four games of the season on the PUP list as he continues to recover from his ACL injury. He might not pay dividends until the second half of the season, but he would be the perfect use of an IR spot early in the season. Brooks is being drafted as RB34.

19. RB Jerome Ford (ADP 105): He will start at least the first four games of the season while Nick Chubb is on the PUP list. Chubb is recovering from a serious knee injury, but he’s being drafted as RB30 while Ford is going off the board as RB35. That should be flipped. Ford averaged 12.4 PPG last season, a serviceable number for RB3/flex, and depending on your roster, perhaps even an RB2. Getting him at RB35 should be a good value.

20. RB Chase Brown (ADP 104): Following the Joe Mixon departure, Brown might be the next man up in Cincinnati’s backfield. Zack Moss hurts his value, but a potential starter being drafted as RB37 is an intriguing option.

21. RB Trey Benson (ADP 113): If James Conner is ever sidelined, Benson will be the next man up. Conner has never played a full 16- or 17-game season and Arizona just used a third-round pick on Benson. He’s being drafted as RB39.

22. RB Blake Corum (ADP 111): Corum is arguably the most important sleeper and handcuff running back in fantasy football this year. He should have standalone value in L.A.’s offense and if Kyren Williams misses time like he did in each of his first two seasons, Corum’s stock will skyrocket. He’s currently being drafted as RB40.

23. RB J.K. Dobbins (ADP 120): Dobbins will likely be the lead running back for the Chargers this fall and if he stays healthy, Dobbins should easily finish higher than his RB41 ADP.

24. RB Tyler Allgeier (ADP 141): Similar to Corum, Allgeier already has standalone value, and if anything happens to Bijan Robinson, Allgeier’s stock will skyrocket. He’s a value at RB48 even as a rotational option.

25. RB Jaylen Wright (ADP 139): He’s currently behind De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert on the depth chart, but Wright’s speed should lead to him getting opportunities sooner than later. And once again, if there are injuries ahead of him, Wright’s stock will increase. He’s a flyer at RB48 with big upside.

For more fantasy football coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.

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10 sleeper running backs for 2024 fantasy football season

Blake Corum headlines this list of fantasy football sleeper running backs for the 2024 NFL season.

Welcome back, football!

The 2024 NFL season will kick off on Thursday night, which also marks the start of the fantasy football season. To help you win your league, we’ve put together a list of 10 sleeper running backs to target in your fantasy football drafts.

Keep in mind that we’re using the term “sleeper” to mean a player we expect to outperform their average draft position this fall. That doesn’t mean these players are necessarily unknown, just drafted lower than they should be. That represents great value for managers who pick them at the right spot.

So, keep an eye on these ten sleeper running backs as they approach their ADP places in your fantasy football drafts this summer.

1. RB Alvin Kamara (ADP 46): He’s not the fantasy monster he once was, but Kamara could prove to be a big steal at RB17 after finishing as RB3 in PPR points per game (17.9) last year.

2. RB Javonte Williams (ADP 77): Getting a clear-cut starter at RB27 is a steal. Williams lost 11 pounds this offseason and coach Sean Payton has said he looks like “a completely different player.” Now another year removed from his 2022 knee injury, Williams is healthy and the clear RB1 in Denver.

3. RB Jonathon Brooks (APD 93): Understand that Brooks will miss at least the first four games of the season on the PUP list as he continues to recover from his ACL injury. He might not pay dividends until the second half of the season, but he would be the perfect use of an IR spot early in the season. Brooks is being drafted as RB34.

4. RB Jerome Ford (ADP 105): He will start at least the first four games of the season while Nick Chubb is on the PUP list. Chubb is recovering from a serious knee injury, but he’s being drafted as RB30 while Ford is going off the board as RB35. That should be flipped. Ford averaged 12.4 PPG last season, a serviceable number for RB3/flex, and depending on your roster, perhaps even an RB2. Getting him at RB35 should be a good value.

5. RB Chase Brown (ADP 104): Following the Joe Mixon departure, Brown might be the next man up in Cincinnati’s backfield. Zack Moss hurts his value, but a potential starter being drafted as RB37 is an intriguing option.

6. RB Trey Benson (ADP 113): If James Conner is ever sidelined, Benson will be the next man up. Conner has never played a full 16- or 17-game season and Arizona just used a third-round pick on Benson. He’s being drafted as RB39.

7. RB Blake Corum (ADP 111): Corum is arguably the most important sleeper and handcuff running back in fantasy football this year. He should have standalone value in L.A.’s offense and if Kyren Williams misses time like he did in each of his first two seasons, Corum’s stock will skyrocket. He’s currently being drafted as RB40.

8. RB J.K. Dobbins (ADP 120): Dobbins will likely be the lead running back for the Chargers this fall and if he stays healthy, Dobbins should easily finish higher than his RB41 ADP.

9. RB Tyler Allgeier (ADP 141): Similar to Corum, Allgeier already has standalone value, and if anything happens to Bijan Robinson, Allgeier’s stock will skyrocket. He’s a value at RB48 even as a rotational option.

10. RB Jaylen Wright (ADP 139): He’s currently behind De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert on the depth chart, but Wright’s speed should lead to him getting opportunities sooner than later. And once again, if there are injuries ahead of him, Wright’s stock will increase. He’s a flyer at RB48 with big upside.

For more fantasy football coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.

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Football is serious for rookies Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey Benson

Harrison and Benson have grown close as rookies together in the offseason.

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson takes his job seriously, which is very similar to fellow rookie Marvin Harrison Jr.

It turns out Benson and Harrison have developed a relationship off the field that Benson talked about Monday following his improved play in Saturday’s preseason game against the Colts.

First, when asked about the team’s draft class, Benson mentioned tight end Tip Reiman “blocking his (expletive) off” in Indianapolis.

Then, when asked who he’s closest with, Benson didn’t hesitate before saying, “Marv; Marvin for sure. The five weeks that we had off (after minicamp), we spent most of our time together. Me and him spent probably the whole time off together.”

It didn’t take Benson long to see what was special about Harrison off the field after all the rookies arrived in Arizona following the draft.

“When I first got here with him, he was just all about work,” Benson said. “I’m all about work, too, so I was like, ‘I’m going to be around him a little bit more.’ Once minicamp was over, we put in overtime and went to L.A. We even put in overtime in here. We used to get here at 7 a.m. — I came a little late sometimes (at 7:15) and he would get on me. He pushed me to a level I never thought I had.

“He’s a different dude. He’s about his business. And that’s how I want to be. You got to be around people that are about their business because you’ll adapt to that and you’ll be about your business, too.”

One thing Benson quickly noticed is how Harrison “takes care of his body. Even when he’s not hurt, hamstring work, whatever, he’s always doing this type of work, being a pro even though he just came to the league. And even teaching me about being a pro.”

Benson said with Harrison’s approach, “He’s quieter than everybody, but he kinda opened up to me and talked to me a little more. He’s funny though; got a sense of humor. That’s my guy and I’m gonna continue to grow that relationship with him.”

Early in training camp, head coach Jonathan Gannon noted how serious Benson is and when the running back was asked about the similarities in the two players, he said, “We joke sometimes and we have a little fun, but when it’s time to get to work, we get to work and be serious.”

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