Running back sleepers are becoming few and far between, as the war of attrition at the position is driving us further and further down depth charts, into truly bad players. Anyway, the usual drill applies: All of these sleepers are unowned in 50% or more leagues and I’ll even dumpster dive past all things rotten in the state of Denmark to get you a gem that’s available in at least 90% of Yahoo! leagues. As always, check to see if there’s a guy available in Waleed’s Waiver Wire Cheat Sheet. If not, enjoy these week 13 running back sleepers!
Week 13 Running Back Sleeper:
Bo Scarbrough versus Chicago (38% Owned)
Two things are undeniable about Bo Scarbrough’s workload over the last couple of games: it’s been consistent, and it’s been, at worst, productive. That’s it, there it is. The most resounding endorsement that I can give of Bo Scarbrough’s skillset. Ultimately, he’s a plodder. But, a plodder getting carries is better than the best running back in the league not getting carries. He’s averaged sixteen carries in his two games as the lead back in Detroit. Unfortunately, he doesn’t catch passes, and he gets only a middling opponent against running backs this week. Scarbrough should get plenty of opportunities, as the Lions are likely going with something called a “David Blough” on Thanksgiving.
Week 13 Running Back Sleeper:
Benny Snell versus Cleveland (21% Owned)
This is a testament to how many people have truly given up on fantasy football this year. With Benny Snell turning in 98 rushing yards last week, and James Conner announcing that he wouldn’t be playing any time soon, he should have been a hot pickup. Imagine if that had happened back in week three or four, Snell would have been a massive FAAB guy. Now, he’s available in nearly 80% of leagues. Don’t worry about Jaylen Samuels. Samuels is good at stuff on a football field, just not… being a running back. Snell should get plenty of opportunities to produce this week in a rematch of The Madness at the Factory of Sadness from two weeks ago. The Browns are a middling fantasy matchup, but Snell should get plenty of opportunities against the Browns with Duck Hodges under center.
Deep Dive Week 13 Running Back Sleeper:
Darrel Williams versus Oakland (9% Owned)
This one takes a bit of theory (wish) crafting to get there. LeSean McCoy can’t stop fumbling and clearly isn’t Shady anymore, so Andy Reid is likely losing his patience with McCoy. This is evidenced by McCoy’s healthy scratch a couple of games ago. There’s also Damien Williams showing that he’s better suited in the passing game and Damien’s injured ribs kept him out of practice Wednesday. A short leash for McCoy and no Damien means it’s Darwin Thompson Darrel Williams’ time to shine. The Raiders allow the twelfth-most fantasy points to running backs on the season.
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You can find the rest of our Week 13 advice here (be sure to check back as the week develops!)
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