If there’s one thing fantasy managers love, it’s a good sleeper. But in today’s fantasy football landscape, finding one is becoming quite challenging. Leaving no stone unturned, we’re going through every AFC East team to pinpoint the best sleeper running back candidate on each roster.
1 Sleeper Running Back From Every AFC East Team
Buffalo Bills: Ray Davis
Here’s what we know — the Buffalo Bills used a committee approach last season, which is vital to keep in mind when forecasting touches. Sharing isn’t always caring, especially in fantasy football.
James Cook was the clear RB1 last season, but both Ty Johnson and rookie Ray Davis saw work. Johnson often got the first snaps, but Davis out-touched him 130 to 59. Buffalo brings back the same trio in 2025, so be ready for much of the same.
Rewinding the tape, Davis looked good on limited touches as a rookie. He averaged 4.9 yards per touch (26th in the league) and ranked 14th in evaded tackles per touch. That should give him some confidence entering Year 2.
Ray Davis vs. James Cook in 2024:
+ Cook: 0.20 MTF/Att, 2.48 YACo/Att + Davis: 0.24 MTF/Att, 2.55 YACo/Att
Davis got an abnormal amount of his carries in garbage time and w/ stacked boxes due to his role as a rookie. He saw the 2nd highest stacked box rate in the entire NFL…
— Dataroma (@ffdataroma) May 30, 2025
What most stood out from last season was Davis’ Week 6 start when Cook sat out. Johnson started, but it was ceremonial primarily — Davis dominated.
He turned 23 touches into 152 yards and scored 18.2 fantasy points despite not finding the end zone. That piques our sleeper interests heading into a season in which it seems inevitable he’ll get another chance to shine.
Cook has missed only one game in three seasons, but injuries can happen at any time. Davis probably won’t have standalone value, but he has RB1 upside if Cook ever sits. At RB46, he’s a high-confidence handcuff who can match Cook’s production when called upon.
Miami Dolphins: Jaylen Wright
This backfield is messy behind Miami Dolphins starter De’Von Achane. There’s no clear answer if he gets hurt, but there’s also no shortage of intriguing options at head coach Mike McDaniel’s disposal when the time comes.
Jaylen Wright is the favorite to take over, but Miami also added Alexander Mattison and drafted Ollie Gordon II. If Achane misses time, we’re likely to see a full-blown committee — Wright between the 20s, Mattison near the goal line, and Gordon on passing downs.
Wright’s RB57 ADP is fair. Gordon at RB66 is a reach. If you’re taking a shot, it’s Wright — but there’s limited upside without injury.
New England Patriots: Rhamondre Stevenson
It’s rare for a team’s starting RB to be its sleeper, but that’s the case here.
TreVeyon Henderson is the future, no question about it. He’s the New England Patriots’ back on the roster long term, but fantasy managers have entirely written off Rhamondre Stevenson — and they shouldn’t.
Even if just ceremonial, Stevenson will open the year as the starter. Henderson might outscore him, but the veteran still has a role. He’s a 231-pound back with goal-line duties, and he’s had a top-four target share in the past.
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Last year, Stevenson averaged a career-high 13.8 carries per game. Chances are that number goes down this season, but even with Henderson healthy, Stevenson should still see 10–12 touches a game and goal-line work.
At RB37, Stevenson is a substantial value. If Henderson goes down, he becomes a full-time starter again.
New York Jets: Braelon Allen
In his ACL comeback year, Breece Hall ramped up gradually before experiencing a surge in volume in the second half. But even last year, Hall shared work with Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis.
Allen had an up-and-down rookie year, but he’s the favorite for RB2 duties. Hall played through injuries and wasn’t exceptionally efficient, so those duties could be extra interesting as the season grows long.
If Hall struggles again, Allen could see an increase in work. And he’s the likely starter if Hall were to get hurt. His RB54 ADP is fair given the situation.
