5 Dark Horse Sleeper Running Backs to Target In 2015 Fantasy Football Drafts

By Brad Berreman

Fantasy Football 2015: 5 Dark Horse Sleeper Running Backs to Target In Drafts

David Cobb Minnesota — As NFL offenses have de-emphasized the concept of a workhorse running back, fantasy football owners have mostly had to follow suit.

It surely takes crossing your fingers that a sleeper at any position will pan out, but here are five dark horse sleeper running backs I think are worth targeting in fantasy drafts this year.

5. Marcel Reece, Oakland Raiders

Marcel Reece Raiders

5. Marcel Reece, Oakland Raiders

Marcel Reece Raiders — Reece had more receptions (37) than carries (21) in 2014, and he has at least 25 receptions in five straight seasons (more than 30 in three straight seasons). Roy Helu is around to compete for a passing down role this year, but on the chance the Raiders find a way to use Reece more he is worth a look in deep PPR leagues.

4. Zac Stacy, New York Jets

Zac Stacy Rams

4. Zac Stacy, New York Jets

Zac Stacy Rams — Stacy had a productive rookie season with the St. Louis Rams in 2013 (973 rushing yards and seven touchdowns; 26 receptions) before falling down the depth chart last year. Chris Ivory, Stevan Ridley and Bilal Powell are technically ahead of him on the Jets' depth chart right now, but Stacy could easily find a way to a solid workload at some point.

3. Travaris Cadet, New England Patriots

Travaris Cadet Saints

3. Travaris Cadet, New England Patriots

Travaris Cadet Saints — Cadet had 38 receptions for the New Orleans Saints last year, despite playing just 209 snaps. If he clearly beats out James White for the passing down role vacated by Shane Vereen in New England, Cadet will be a solid late-round flier in PPR leagues.

2. Cameron Artis-Payne, Carolina Panthers

Cameron Artis-Payne Auburn

2. Cameron Artis-Payne, Carolina Panthers

Cameron Artis-Payne Auburn — Jonathan Stewart is now Carolina's unquestioned No. 1 running back, but he has not played all 16 games in a season since 2011. Artis-Payne is at least a solid handcuff for those that draft Stewart, but the rookie out of Auburn also has some stand-alone appeal as a late-round flier in deeper leagues.

1. David Cobb, Tennessee Titans

David Cobb Minnesota

1. David Cobb, Tennessee Titans

David Cobb Minnesota — Bishop Sankey is the current favorite to be Tennessee's No. 1 tailback when the regular season starts, but Cobb is an immediate threat to take away carries and he's far better suited for goal line work. In terms of dark horse running backs that have a chance to pay off well in fantasy this year, Cobb belongs atop this list.

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