Fantasy Football 2022: Sleeper RBs to Target in Updated Flex Rankings
It's important to target sleepers at every position in fantasy football drafts, then on the waiver wire once the season begins. But perhaps none more so than running back.
Unlike the other positions on the roster, there aren't many true clear-cut starting RBs around the NFL. Plenty of quarterbacks and tight ends will get substantial time on the field, and numerous wide receivers are in for most teams on nearly every offensive play.
But there's a limited number of running backs who dominate their team's workload. Quite a few offenses go with a committee approach in the backfield. So that lessens the number of three-down bell-cow RBs around the league.
So, keep an eye out for potential sleeper running backs in your league's draft (if it hasn't already happened) and later down the line on waivers. Here's a look at several RBs who are strong sleepers heading into the 2022 season and where they currently rank in FantasyPros' expert consensus rankings.
Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans
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Dameon Pierce built a good bit of hype during training camp and the preseason, as the rookie running back has quickly shown he belongs on the field for the Texans. However, he's still only the No. 28 RB in the FantasyPros Expert Consensus Rankings.
By the end of the 2022 season, Pierce could rank much higher. Especially because it seems he'll be Houston's starting running back to open the year, as Marlon Mack was released and signed to the practice squad. And Pierce is a much stronger option than veteran Rex Burkhead.
Pierce, who was selected by the Texans in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft out of Florida, had 11 carries for 86 yards over three preseason games. He also had a 1-yard touchdown run in Houston's preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers.
Not only is Pierce talented, but he could get a ton of touches for the Texans this season. That makes him an enticing fantasy sleeper who should be targeted in the middle rounds of drafts. He's an RB who could possibly play a big role in helping you win your league because of the value he brings at his average draft position.
Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns
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It always seems like Kareem Hunt is overlooked in the fantasy world because he's the Browns' No. 2 running back behind Nick Chubb. But the 27-year-old Hunt has previously proven that when he stays healthy, he can still be a big fantasy factor as part of Cleveland's two-headed rushing attack.
Hunt, who is the No. 35 RB in FantasyPros' Expert Consensus Rankings, was limited to eight games last season because of injury. But let's not forget his production from 2020, when he ran for 841 yards and six touchdowns and had 38 receptions for 304 yards and five scores while playing all 16 games for the Browns.
Cleveland is likely going to need to rely heavily on both Chubb and Hunt this year, particularly early in the season. The Browns will be without starting quarterback Deshaun Watson for the first 11 games because of his suspension, and they don't have a deep receiving corps beyond free-agent acquisition Amari Cooper.
So Hunt should get a decent number of carries while also being a prime target in the passing game. Fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about drafting a No. 2 running back, because Hunt's numbers should be comparable to some starters at the end of the season.
Cordarrelle Patterson, Atlanta Falcons
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Don't think Cordarrelle Patterson can replicate the production he had during his surprise 2021 season? You aren't alone. That's why the Falcons running back is the No. 36 RB in FantasyPros' Expert Consensus Rankings, even though he's the clear starter in Atlanta.
Patterson maybe 31, but age wasn't a factor last season. He set career highs in rushing yards (618), rushing touchdowns (six), receiving yards (548) and receiving TD (five). And even though quarterback Matt Ryan is no longer with the Falcons, Marcus Mariota shouldn't have any trouble getting the ball into Patterson's hands.
Plus, Atlanta's receiving corps still isn't that strong, despite the addition of first-round rookie Drake London, who may need some time to adjust to the NFL level. That means Patterson is again likely to be a top pass-catcher for the Falcons, which boosts his fantasy value, particularly in points-per-reception formats.
So continue to allow other fantasy managers to sleep on Patterson, which should allow him to slide down the draft board. Then, try to pick him up at a spot where he could provide great value as a dual-threat RB with a fairly high ceiling.
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