Football season has returned!
The 2023 NFL season will kick off tomorrow when the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs host the Detroit Lions on Thursday.
Buy Broncos TicketsBefore the regular season begins, fantasy football drafts will be wrapping up in the coming days and fantasy managers will all have the same question — who are the sleepers to target this year?
This week, we will be publishing sleepers at tight end, wide receiver, quarterback and running back for 2023. Today, we’re looking at RB.
Each player is listed in order of his average draft spot relative to his position. We consider a “sleeper” to be a player who we expect to outperform his ADP during the season.
1
Alvin Kamara (RB21)
How can a name like Kamara be considered a “sleeper?” Because he’s being drafted as RB21 and should easily rank higher than that in 2023 (even with a three-game suspension). Last year, Kamara missed two games and he still finished as RB16 in PPR leagues. Getting a RB16-caliber player at a RB21 draft slot is a steal.
2
Javonte Williams (RB28)
Yes, he’s coming off a torn ACL and LCL, but Williams passed through every stage of recovery with no setbacks this offseason and he’s been declared “100%” healthy going into Week 1. New coach Sean Payton splashed in free agency with two big signings on the offensive line and he then signed a fullback and a blocking tight end before trading for another blocking tight end. Payton has set the Broncos up to pound the rock. Broncos fans might also recall quarterback Teddy Bridgewater comparing a then-rookie Williams to Kamara in 2021. Williams could be a fantasy gem in Payton’s offense.
3
D'Andre Swift (RB30)
Now getting a fresh start following a trade from Detroit, Swift is joining a high-scoring Eagles offense that led the NFL with 32 rushing touchdowns in 2022. Granted, Rashaad Penny will likely lead the goal-line work, but Swift’s talent and receiving ability should result in him getting plenty of opportunities in 2023.
4
David Montgomery (RB31)
Jahmyr Gibbs will obviously get plenty of work in 2023, but Detroit’s offense had a pair of fantasy-relevant running backs last year and that could continue this season. Jamaal Williams scored 17 rushing touchdowns with the Lions last fall and Montgomery should get some of those goal-line carries now.
5
Samaje Perine (RB38)
Both Broncos running backs? Yes, because that’s how much Denver is going to run the ball this season, and Williams might have a snap count early in the season. Perine’s receiving ability could make him a big steal at RB38 in PPR leagues.
6
De'Von Achane (RB40)
Jeff Wilson is set to miss at least the first four games of the season and while Raheem Mostert is the Dolphins running back to roster in fantasy, Achane is a sleeper worth your consideration. Miami just used a third-round pick to draft Achane, and Mostert is a 31-year-old veteran with a long history of injuries. At some point this season, Achane might emerge as the Dolphins’ RB1.
7
Rashaad Penny (RB44)
Similar to the Broncos, the Eagles have both their top running backs on this list. Philly ranked fifth in rushing yards (2,509) last season and Penny has proven himself as a productive goal-line back when healthy. The problem is Penny is often injured, which likely factors into his low ADP. Even with the risk of injury, though, Penny could prove to be a great value at RB44.
8
Tank Bigsby (RB46)
Travis Etienne is an exciting player and very fantasy-relevant, but he’s not a goal-line back. Bigsby (fittingly) plays like a bigger back than he is, and the rookie might be poised to get more work near the end zone than Etienne.
9
Kareem Hunt (RB55)
Hunt is a bit of a risky fantasy target because he is currently without a team, so you probably shouldn’t draft him before the final pick in your draft. Jonathan Taylor is set to miss at least the first four games of the 2023 season and Hunt has already visited the Colts. If he eventually signs with Indy, Hunt would instantly become their best and most fantasy-relevant RB. Adding him late in drafts would be a low-risk move with potential for big reward.
10
Deon Jackson (RB59)
While Hunt remains a free agent, Jackson appears poised to start for the Colts in Week 1. Indy will likely use a backfield committee approach for as long as Taylor is sidelined (either by injury or holdout) and any one of Jackson, Zack Moss or Evan Hull could be worth a dart throw. For now, we’re betting on Jackson — just don’t bet the farm.
