Fantasy Football Sleepers 2012: Jacquizz Rodgers and More Late-Round RBs

Running backs are very important in fantasy football because they can benefit your team with receiving and rushing yards.

Since so many starting running backs will inevitably get hurt, need stretches of games off or need to be replaced because of poor performance, having some of the best backups will be critical to your team's success.

Let's look at some top running back sleepers to consider taking in your fantasy league's draft.

Jacquizz Rodgers, Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons don't want to tire starting running back Michael Turner before the playoffs because his performance is crucial to their playoff hopes, especially after seeing quarterback Matt Ryan struggle against the New York Giants in the Wild Card round last year.

Turner has carried the ball over 600 times in the last two years, which is too much for a star player. To keep him fresh, expect Atlanta to use Jacquizz Rodgers in many different situations, not just third down scenarios.

Rodgers will be a goal-line threat for the Falcons, and also has the speed to make a difference in the passing game.

After an impressive preseason, expect Rodgers to play an important role in the Falcons rushing attack.

David Wilson, New York Giants

David Wilson was fourth in rushing in college football last season for Virginia Tech, and could be the New York Giants' running back of the future.

With Ahmad Bradshaw nursing a hand injury during the preseason, expect Wilson to get a decent amount of touches in Week 1 versus the Dallas Cowboys, and throughout the season.

Bradshaw missed four games last season, and durability is not a strength of his. Since the Giants will likely attempt to have a more balanced offense this year (their running game ranked dead last in yards per game in 2011), their rushing attack should have a larger role this season.

Wilson is a big player and should also get goal-line carries, which used to be Brandon Jacobs' role. Expect Wilson to be one of the more effective rookie running backs this season.

Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After using a first-round pick on Doug Martin in April's NFL draft, expect the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to run the ball more effectively, and more often this season.

With quarterback Josh Freeman having a better passing attack thanks to the addition of star wide receiver Vincent Jackson, defenses won't be able to put eight guys in the box and dare Tampa to run the football.

Martin is a rookie, but given starting running back LeGarrette Blount's poor performance last season, there's a good chance that Martin will be the starting RB for the entire season, which gives him extra value in the later rounds of your draft.

Expect the rookie from Boise State to shine this season in Tampa Bay.