As fantasy football managers gear up for the 2026 draft, the hunt for undervalued running backs has intensified, with three names emerging as prime sleeper candidates who could deliver outsized returns relative to their draft positions.
Key Sleepers to Watch
Kaleb Johnson, the Green Bay Packers’ newly acquired back, arrives from the Pittsburgh Steelers with a reputation for explosive play and a surprisingly low ADP of RB62, making him a compelling bench‑deep option that could easily outstrip his projected value.
Brian Robinson Jr. joins the Atlanta Falcons’ backfield, where he is expected to vie for goal‑line carries alongside star Bijan Robinson, a situation amplified by the team’s lingering uncertainty at quarterback and a strategic preference for a two‑back rotation.
Kaelon Black, a third‑round rookie out of the 49ers’ system, has stepped into a larger role after injuries sidelined Christian McCaffrey and other key skill‑position players, positioning him as a potential handcuff or reliable bench piece who could see a sudden spike in workload.
The broader landscape also reshapes sleeper expectations: MarShawn Lloyd, once a frequent pick, has fallen out of favor after Josh Jacobs’ placement on the commissioner’s exempt list, while the 49ers’ emphasis on a ground‑centric attack and the Falcons’ two‑back strategy hint at increased workloads for their respective backups.
According to FantasyPros, sleepers are players with a strong chance to become surprise difference‑makers, and Johnson, Robinson Jr., and Black each embody that profile based on their draft positions and the circumstances surrounding their teams.