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Finding value in the later rounds of fantasy football drafts can be the key to building a championship roster, especially when it comes to running backs. As the top-tier options fly off the board early, savvy managers know that hidden gems often emerge from the depths of the draft. These late-round running back fliers can turn into league winners, providing a significant return on investment at a fraction of the cost.
In this article, we'll explore four running backs who are flying under the radar in 2024 but have the potential to deliver substantial fantasy production. Whether due to an overlooked opportunity in a crowded backfield, or an injury to a starter, these players are poised to outperform their current draft positions. By targeting these potential breakout candidates, you can add valuable depth to your roster and possibly unearth the next big sleeper in your fantasy league.
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Zack Moss, Cincinnati Bengals
Moss is primed to be a sleeper option this season after joining the Bengals. Moss, who showcased his talent last year with the Colts, finished the 2023 season with 795 rushing yards and five touchdowns, despite sharing the backfield with Jonathan Taylor. Now with the Bengals, Moss steps into an offense that has consistently been among the league’s most potent. With defenses focused on containing quarterback Joe Burrow and the Bengals' dynamic passing attack, Moss is set to benefit from lighter boxes and ample opportunities to rack up yards on the ground. His bruising running style complements the Bengals’ high-powered offense, making him a potential touchdown machine in the red zone. From weeks 2-6 last season, Moss was the RB3 over that span.
With the departure of veteran running back Joe Mixon, Moss has a clear path to significant carries and could emerge as the team’s lead back. He will be competing with second year back Chase Brown, but Moss is listed as the starting back on the depth chart. He has shown the ability to handle a heavy workload, and he's a better pass catcher than he gets credit for, which could keep him on the field in passing situations. For fantasy managers, Moss presents tremendous value in the middle to late rounds of drafts, offering the potential for RB2 production at a fraction of the cost. His current ADP of 108 is a phenomenal value for a potential top 15 running back. Keep an eye on Moss as he could easily outproduce his draft position in what could be a career-best season in his new home.
Zach Moss (RB31 ADP)
Weeks 2-6 as lead IND RB
⁃ 3rd in Yards B4 Contact
- 6th in Broken Tackle %
- RB3 OverallMixon saw 88 High-Value Touches as CIN RB1 last season…
All of those are now for Moss.
Better pick than Pollard, Z White, J Williams.
— Joe Orrico (@NoExpertFF) June 1, 2024
Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys
Elliott is a prime sleeper candidate for the 2024 fantasy football season following his return to the Cowboys after a brief stint with the Patriots. Last season, Elliott proved he still has plenty left in the tank, rushing for 642 yards and five total touchdowns, despite splitting time with Rhamondre Stevenson in New England. Back in Dallas, Elliott finds himself in a familiar system in which he had previously thrived. With the departure of Tony Pollard in free agency, Zeke is set to reclaim a significant share of the Cowboys' backfield touches. Last season, Pollard was seventh in the NFL in red zone touches, which should hint that Elliott will also be expected to be the team's lead goal-line back. His experience and ability to find the end zone make him a valuable asset, particularly in leagues that emphasize touchdowns.
The Cowboys’ offensive line remains one of the best in the NFL, providing Elliott with the support he needs to maximize his opportunities. The team's balanced offense, led by quarterback Dak Prescott, will force defenses to respect the passing game, opening up more running lanes for Elliott. While some fantasy managers may overlook Zeke due to his age and wear and tear concerns, his potential to deliver solid RB2 numbers at a discounted draft price makes him a savvy pick in the middle rounds. Elliott's ADP is 119th, sitting at RB36, which is an incredible value for a starting running back in one of the most explosive offenses in the league.
Ezekiel Elliot 1️⃣5️⃣#DallasCowboys #CowboysCamp
pic.twitter.com/tDcRa1blGu— GEE (@THEBLITZ365) July 25, 2024
Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams
Corum, the rookie running back for the Los Angeles Rams, is a sleeper option with immense upside in fantasy football this season. A standout at the University of Michigan, Corum rushed for 1,245 yards and 27 touchdowns in his final college season, showcasing a powerful blend of vision, speed, and agility. Drafted by the Rams in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Corum finds himself in a favorable situation where he could quickly carve out a significant role in an elite offense. Corum's ADP falls at 142nd, which is the RB44 off the board. The Rams have been one of the best offenses for running backs, and we saw this once again in 2023 with Kyren Williams, who ended the season with 1,144 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.
Rams head coach Sean McVay isn't a fan of a two-back system.
Kyren Williams averaged nearly 22 touches per game in 2023, racking up 1,350 total yards and 15 touchdowns.
Blake Corum would fill the void if Williams were to miss time. pic.twitter.com/dHRjd3UVEw
— Moody (@EricNMoody) August 4, 2024
Corum will be the second-string running back for the Rams in 2024, but his risk-reward value is off the charts. If Williams were to miss time this season, Corum would be inserted into the RB1 role. His expanded workload would make him an even more attractive option for fantasy managers, as he would inherit goal-line duties and see a significant increase in touches on the ground and through the air. In such a scenario, Corum's potential to deliver RB1 production would make him a must-start player and potential league winner.
Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos
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