10 Super Sleeper Running Backs

If there's anything I've learned through the years, it's that if a player is on an NFL roster they're worth keeping an eye on. So many starters get injured each season that if you don't know the backups and the backup to the backup then you're season could come to an end before you know it. We've compiled a small list of some players you may want to keep an eye on this season. Most of these guys are 3rd or 4th on the depth chart but with an injury and/or a shot at some playing time, could make a mark this season.

RB Thomas Brown, ---

Brown currently sits third on the Falcons' depth chart behind Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood. This may not seem like an ideal position, but in fact it's not that horrible. Turner has always played behind LT and while he has shown flashes of brilliance when given the opportunity, can he carry the load for 16 games? The same holds true for Norwood. Jerious has never been an every down back in the NFL. This should leave the door open, albeit a small opening, for Brown to prove himself. Thomas may not be the biggest back, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in strength. Should something happen to Turner, Brown will fill in nicely.

RB Tashard Choice, DAL (RB - #63)

Right now you're probably thinking I'm out of my mind, but that's exactly where you have to be when considering players as dark horses. I know Choice is third on the depth chart behind Barber and f(ellow rookie and first round selection) Felix Jones, but that's all right. First off, Jones and Choice won't see a lot of action unless something happens to Barber. So, should something happen, Wade Phillips will have to make a decision to go with one rookie over the other or split carries between them. Choice being the bigger of the two backs, should see more short yardage and goal line carries.

RB Andre Hall, ---

Can anyone on the Broncos roster seriously be considered a dark horse? It seems like every year a 1,000 yard rusher emerges that nobody expected. This season that guy very well may be Andre Hall. Even if Hall doesn't get the bulk of the carries it appears he may get the bulk of the Broncos' rushing touchdowns. Thus far in the preseason Shanahan has been using Hall in short yardage situations. This is bad news for Selvin Young, but good news for fantasy owners looking for a late round dark horse. If the season plays out like the preseason, Hall could be a viable fantasy back.

RB Jerome Harrison, CLE (RB - #24)

In limited action, Harrison averaged 6.2 yards per carry last season. Jerome only saw action in eight games and he touched the ball in just four of them. While these numbers are nothing to write home about, it does show that he has the ability to do well on game day. Jerome is not a big guy, so there is little chance he'll ever be an every down back. Typically, his primary role is receptions out of the backfield. Unfortunately for Harrison that's the same role currently filled by Jason Wright. However, should something happen to Lewis or Wright, Harrison will see additional playing time and if he performs well enough he could be elevated to second on the depth chart. While Wright currently holds that position, there is no clear cut winner.

RB Jacob Hester, SD (RB - #101)

Hester was drafted by the Chargers in the third round last April. After losing perennial backup Michael Turner to free agency last year, there was a void which needed to be filled. Thus far through two preseason games it appears Hester may be exactly the guy Chargers brass had hoped for. He's rushed for 108 yards on 25 carries and he's reached the end zone twice. I know preseason doesn't mean a lot, but Norv Turner loves Hester's hard nose attitude. While I wouldn't expect to see a lot of Hester this season, I do expect to see him playing a similar role to the one vacated by Turner. Late in the game when the Chargers have a big lead, Hester will be there to pick up the garbage this time. Should something happen to LT, Hester and Sproles will likely split time in the backfield.