Fantasy Football Sleepers 2012: Backup RBs You Should Target

In the NFL these days, a running back's health and starting position is anything but secure. The days of the feature back are largely behind us, with most teams opting for platoons instead.

Coupled with the constant threat of injury in the NFL, this means drafting solid backup running backs is more important than ever in fantasy football.

Handcuffing your own fantasy studs is a must, and handcuffing the top options from other fantasy squads is a bonus. I've compiled four guys you absolutely should be targeting once the starting options are off your board in the draft. 

Ben Tate, Houston Texans

Is there a more talented backup running back in the league than Ben Tate?

In the three weeks that Arian Foster missed at the beginning of last season, Tate finished with 441 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. Not too shabby.

He also rushed for 942 yards on just 175 attempts as Foster's backup. Therefore, if Foster happens to go down with an injury, Tate isn't just a nice replacement—he's a bona fide RB1 for your team. He's worth stashing on your squad.

Michael Bush, Chicago Bears

Even if starter Matt Forte stays healthy, Bush is a nice touchdown vulture to have around, as he'll likely see the majority of goal-line touches. Plus, offensive coordinator Mike Tice has plans to incorporate Bush into the offense regularly.

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

"

When he weighed his options—begrudgingly accepting that he wouldn’t land a massive contract befitting a starting tailback—Michael Bush wanted an NFL home where he could work and win.

So when he arrived at Halas Hall for a free-agent visit, Bush was fascinated when new offensive coordinator Mike Tice informed him that he wanted two 1,000-yard running backs.

"

Forte is still the man in Chicago. However, if Bush steals touchdowns and gets anywhere near the 1,000 yards Tice wants from him, he could be an excellent flex play all season long as well.

Taiwan Jones, Oakland Raiders

Darren McFadden has missed 19 games in his first four seasons. There is a good chance he will miss time again this season. That makes Jones a valuable commodity to hold on to as a Run DMC handcuff.

Jones showed good burst in the team's preseason tilt against the Detroit Lions, rushing for 50 yards on 10 carries. Given his speed, he could be a big-play threat for the Raiders if McFadden goes down with an injury again this season.

Like every other season before it.

C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills

Fred Jackson is the starter in Buffalo, but he is 31 and coming off a broken right fibula. Plus, Spiller looked very good when he was given full-time duty last year, finishing with four games of 100 yards or more from scrimmage and five total touchdowns in the final five games.

He's likely to see more touches this season, regardless of whether Jackson is hurt or not. However, if the starter goes down, Spiller instantly becomes a fantasy stud for your team.

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