*Note- some of these calls aren’t sleepers, just players I think could have a good year. It’s difficult to find a true sleeper in today’s fantasy football landscape, but I’ll do my best to uncover some longshots in larger leagues or leagues with deeper rosters.

Without further adieu, it’s time to start running!!!!!!

Jahmyr Gibbs
Gibbs is one of the most electric players in the league. The only concern is the Lions’ offensive line not being the dominant force they’ve been in the past. despite that, Gibbs is electric in the open field, he can turn any touch into paydirt. David Montgomery is gone, but the Lions brought in former Chief Isiah Pacheco to help lessen the workload on Gibbs. Don’t overthink it. Gibbs should have another great year.

Christian McCaffrey
McCaffrey’s analysis is real simple, if he stays healthy, he’ll have a monster year. And if he doesn’t, you’re in deep trouble. The good news is he’s coming into the season healthy after having a great year in 2025. Can he stay healthy, though? That’s the million dollar question. If he can, you’ve got a great shot at winning the title. It’s your call. Electrical substation be damned. Sound the foghorns at Levi’s Stadium!

Saquon Barkley
The imminent departure of A.J. Brown looms large in Philadelphia. Brown is so physical, he helps out Barkley in the run game, too. His loss will be felt. That said, I have a soft spot for Barkley. Saquon is one of the most talented RBs in the league. I’ve seen no signs of him losing a step. He’s still more than capable of electrifying runs and being a dominant RB. Saquon’s current consensus ranking at RB 8 seems cheap given how talented he is.

Omarion Hampton
UPDATE (8/18) Apparently I spoke too soon. Injuries are ramping up again in L.A. Center Tyler Biadsz was injured and needed to be carted off. He couldn’t put any weight on his leg. He’s out for the year. Meanwhile, LT RaShawn Slater had his knee swell up and is shelved for a bit. This is not a good start and if things persist could cap the ceiling of the Chargers’ offensive outlook, including Hampton’s.

Omarion Hampton isn't the cheapest option, but I think he's the best value at RB. Last year, everything that could go wrong in Los Angeles did. Injuries crushed the Chargers. Hampton had is own injury issues. Fortunately, he and his teammates (offensive tackles RaShawn Slater and Joe Alt) are healthy now. I expect Hampton to be one of the few bell-cow RBs in the league and if that transpires it could produce an incredibly high fantasy ceiling. The Chargers should put up plenty of points this season.

With a current half-point consensus ranking at RB 10, Hampton seems like a good value given the fantasy potential of an improved Chargers' offense in 2026.

Ringo’s comp- Hampton reminds me of former Steelers RB Barry Foster (from the early 90’s).

Derrick Henry
Despite the Ravens never getting on track, Henry had another solid season. Just think if Lamar Jackson can stay healthy? Baltimore also addressed the trenches. While they lost all-pro center Tyler Lindstrom, they brought back former Raven, John Simpson, and drafted one of the top offensive line prospects in Guard Vega Ioane. Both should help open holes for Henry. I’ve seen no signs of Henry losing a step. He seems like he’s in store for another great year. With his ADP currently sitting at RB 12, Henry seems like a bargain. Long live the King

Jeremiyah Love
(8/20) UPDATE Naturally, JUST like clockwork as soon as I drafted Jeremiyah Love, he hurt his ankle in his first game action. It’s the dreaded high ankle sprain. Those injuries are notoriously difficult to heal without plenty of rest. My fear is that it could linger all season. Former Saints RB Ricky Williams had the same injury his rookie season and it plagued him all year. Hopefully the Cardinals will be smart and sit Love until he’s 100%. What am I talking about? It’s the Cardinals. We know that they won’t be smart. Why they played Love as many snaps as they did in a meaningless preseason game is beyond me? Ugh! Fantasy impact- I’m bumping love down a few slots. I wouldn’t reach for him anymore in drafts. Also be aware that he could miss time in the beginning of the season. He also might not be at 100% all season.

Bottom line- Love is incredibly talented, but I’m tempering my expectations somewhat after the injury.

Love is arguably the best prospect that came out in last April’s NFL draft. He’s the real McCoy. love is electric with the ball in his hands with the ability to take any touch to paydirt. Pass on him at your own peril. The only thing that may slow him down is the Cardinals’ shaky offensive line. That said, if he gets an inch of daylight, he’s taking it to the house.

Ringo’s comp- Love reminds me of former Notre Dame RB Ricky Watters.

Kenneth Walker III
Patrick Mahomes might be the veteran in Kansas City, but it’s Kenneth Walker who will be carrying the Chiefs’ offense, at least for the first half of the season. The Chiefs want to protect Mahomes’ knee. He’s even said he plans to run less this year and let Walker do the heavy lifting. My only concern is if Walker will wear down if he’s given too heavy a work load. That said, young Sky Walker seems poised for a big year.

Ringo, “Before I go, know this. Kenneth…I am your father. “

Kenneth, “Really?”

Ringo, “No, not really. I can’t back that up. But as another Luke once said, sometimes nothing can be a real cool hand.”

Bhayshul Tuten
Travis Etienne’s departure on free agency opens up the lead RB role in Jacksonville, and I think that could go to Tuten. Tuten is electric on the field. When it comes to Bhayshul "Rootin'" Tuten, his talent is obvious. He's the fastest RB north, south, east, and west of the Pecos, according to Yosemite Sam Ringo.

Ringo's comp- Tuten reminds me of a smaller version of former Bronco and Redskin, Clinton Portis.

Jonathan Brooks
(8/13) UPDATE The word I heard was that Carolina wanted to slowly ease Brooks back. He might not be ready for a bell-cow role, even though he’s talented enough to do it. What was a sleeper could become overvalued if his ADP rises too high on false expectations. Remember, there’s a big difference between taking a shot on a sleeper at RB 42 or taking him early at RB 20 where you need him to do well.

Bottom line- I like Brooks but I wouldn’t overpay for him.

I’m not the biggest Panthers fan out there, but there are fantasy points there to be had if we can pick the right RB. Brooks has more pedigree coming out of college. Knee injuries derailed his promising career so far, but he appears healthy now. If he can stay healthy, he has the ability to be a bell cow RB. Brooks’ current consensus ranking on FantasyPros sits at RB 42. Major sleeper and Potential League Winner!! Worth a shot.

Jadarian Price
Seattle lost star RB Kenneth Walker III in free agency to Kansas City. Zach Charbonnet is recovering from a torn ACL in the playoffs last year. Even if he comes back, he won’t be 100% all year. The Seahawks drafted rookie Jadarian Price who looks impressive. However, they still want to limit his touches. With a current consensus ranking for Price at RB 28, the Price seems Right for sleepers in Seattle. Sorry, I had to. Haha!

Jordan Mason
The Vikings’ offense never got fully on track last year. J.J. McCarthy struggled. The Vikes have a new regime in their front office and they went out and signed veteran QB Kyler Murray. If Murray wins the starting gig, he could propel the entire offense to new heights, including Mason. Aaron Jones is still there, but as I figured last year, he missed some time with injuries. Any time Jones misses opens up Mason for a full time bell cow role.

With a current consensus ranking at RB 40, Mason’s current cost seems very cheap, especially given the potential on a Vikings’ offense with Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings.

Jonah Coleman (LONGSHOT LARGE LEAGUES 12+ TEAMS WITH DEEP ROSTERS)
Coleman had a great camp. He might push JK Dobbins for playing time. Even if he doesn’t, Dobbins injury history makes Coleman a valuable handcuff should anything happen to the veteran.

Ringo’s comp- Coleman reminds me a little of former Jaguar Maurice Jones-Drew

Mike Washington Jr.
(8/23) DEVELOPING STORY Ashton Jeanty suffered ankle injury in today’s practice. He was unable to put any weight on his right leg. If Jeanty is out for an extended period of time, it’s next man up in Vegas and that man is the impressive rookie out of Arkansas, Mike Washington Jr. The latest report is it’s not considered a season ending injury, which is good news. That said, will it hamper him throughout the year? Keep a close eye on Jeanty’s health as your draft approaches. For now, I’m bumping him down a few slots. If you draft Jeanty, I would be aggressive in getting his backup, Mike Washington Jr. He seems like a worthwhile insurance policy. And if you don’t draft Jeanty, Washington could become a fantasy darling if Jeanty gets shut down at some point.

Washignton’s current ADP at RB 54 will skyrocket if Jeanty is out for the year. Even if he’s not, expect to pay up for Washington regardless. The days of getting the young rookie at bargain basement prices are over.

Ringo’s comp- Washington has decent size and is fast. He reminds me a little of Isiah Pacheco.

Marshawn Lloyd / Kaleb Johnson
Josh Jacobs off the field incident has resulted in him being placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List. He can’t pratice or play until he’s removed. And he could be suspended for a good chunk of the season if not outright released. Alleyes shift towards MarShawn Lloyd. Lloyd has plenty of talent but has had a difficult time staying healthy. The Packers traded for former Hawkeye Kaleb Johnson. Johnson could be a factor if Lloyd gets hurt. Both are exciting RBs and worthy of a shot in a good offense.

Braelon Allen (LONGSHOT LARGE LEAGUES 12+ TEAMS WITH DEEP ROSTERS)
Last year, Allen’s season was derailed with an injury before it had a chance to get going. But Allen is big and fast. He also plays on what should be an improved Jet’s offense. Allen could be in a RBBC role and be the short yardage RB for Aaron Glenn and Frank Reich. With an ADP at RB 54, Allen is Worth a shot.

Malik Davis (LONGSHOT LARGE LEAGUES 12+ TEAMS WITH DEEP ROSTERS)
Last year, Javonte Williams proved the doubters wrong (me included) when he beat out Miles Sanders for the starting gig and had a phenomenal season in Dallas. However, his injury history in the past worries me. Javonte’s ADP is not cheap like last year. And as of now (Aug 20th) if anything happens to Javonte, it will be either Malik Davis or Phil Mufah who get the golden carries in the red zone. There’s also the chance that Dallas signs someone from free agency or makes a trade for a veteran like James Conner if something happens. That said, as of now, Davis is worth a shot in larger leagues as a valuable handcuff/insurance policy RB on a potent offense.