If there’s one thing fantasy managers love, it’s a good sleeper. But in today’s fantasy football landscape, finding one is more complicated than ever. Leaving no stone unturned, we’re going through every AFC West team to pinpoint the best sleeper running back candidate on each roster.
1 Sleeper Running Back From Every AFC West Team
Denver Broncos: J.K. Dobbins
Some teams don’t have an appealing RB sleeper. And the Denver Broncos were one of them until the draft.
The Broncos, who had had enough of the Javonte Williams–Audric Estimé–Jaleel McLaughlin carousel, used a second-round pick on RJ Harvey, who is the lead back now. But behind him, Denver signed J.K. Dobbins, who averaged 14.8 fantasy points per game in 13 appearances last season.
If Harvey misses time, Dobbins is the next man up. With an ADP of RB54 (and rising), he’s one of the better handcuffs in fantasy this year.
Kansas City Chiefs: Everyone Behind Isiah Pacheco
There’s a case for every Kansas City Chiefs backup, here. Let’s sort through it and figure out who’s the best bet to rise from sleeper status to contributor.
Isiah Pacheco was red hot early in 2024 before breaking his leg. When he returned, he didn’t look right and couldn’t reclaim the lead role. That opened the door for Kareem Hunt, who had a run of RB2 production.
Hunt’s back, and it wouldn’t shock anyone if he opened as the 1B again. On the flipside, he’s 30 years old and averaged just 3.6 yards per carry last year.
Elijah Mitchell is another option. He’s flashed before but can’t stay healthy. When he did get volume in 2023, he posted 14.0 and 14.7 points in two games with 12+ carries.
Then there’s sixth-round rookie Brashard Smith. He’s only 194 pounds but had an 11.7% target share and an 80th-percentile speed score. He could be the best pass catcher of the bunch.
All three have ADPs outside the top 60 running backs. Hunt is the best bet for standalone value, Mitchell has the highest early-down upside if Pacheco goes down, and Smith is the wild card.
Las Vegas Raiders: Sincere McCormick (But Really No One)
The Las Vegas Raiders had one of the worst backfields in football last year. Head coach Antonio Pierce played musical chairs, just trying to find someone who could handle the job.
Zamir White started the year. Then it was Alexander Mattison. Then Sincere McCormick, who got hurt, which left Ameer Abdullah. It was the island of misfit running backs.
This year, there will be a rotation. Ashton Jeanty is the RB1 and should see three-down usage unless he needs a breather. But someone has to back him up.
#Raiders Sincere McCormick will be a great piece behind Ashton Jeanty ☠️🏴☠️ pic.twitter.com/g9RXwwB9DQ
— ShifftttyyyQB1🏴☠️ (@raiders1022) May 7, 2025
The Raiders signed Raheem Mostert this offseason, but he looked gassed last year. At age 33, he’s one of the oldest running backs in the NFL. Mostert brings veteran presence, but probably not much else if Jeanty goes down.
McCormick, meanwhile, actually flashed a little juice. He had games with 65 and 89 total yards, posting 8.5 and 10.9 fantasy points, respectively, without scoring a touchdown.
McCormick isn’t being drafted (RB100+ ADP), nor should he be. But if Jeanty gets hurt, don’t assume Mostert’s the guy. Keep McCormick’s name in mind.
Los Angeles Chargers: None
Sometimes, the correct answer is no one. The Los Angeles Chargers don’t have a sleeper running back. They drafted Omarion Hampton in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and it’s clear he’s the future lead back. Hampton may not start Week 1, but it’s just a matter of time.
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Until then, Najee Harris will hold down the fort. He’s been durable (never missed a game) and productive enough to maintain that role for now.
If one gets hurt, the other is likely a three-down workhorse. If both get hurt? Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal are next, but neither profiles as fantasy relevant. Only Hampton and Harris need to be on the rosters.
