Top 5 RB Sleepers: Texans Rookie Dameon Pierce Could Have an Instant Impact
While the National Football League has become increasingly focused on the passing game, there is still value to be found in the backfield. With fewer running backs putting up huge numbers, there is greater relative value in the ones that do.
With all the news available about the NFL, it is not like players are coming from total obscurity, but there are some players who might not be at the top of the running back lists going into the season and they still have the potential to be difference makers at the position.
Here are a handful of sleeper running backs that could offer surprising betting value this season.
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Running Back Sleepers
Dameon Pierce, Houston
A fourth-round pick out of Florida, Pierce has been extremely impressive in Texans camp, and it seems like only a matter of time before he overtakes veteran Marlon Mack for the starting job in the Houston backfield.
Pierce was not used in a featured role with the Gators, even as a senior, sharing touches with Malik Davis and Nay’Quan Wright, but still rushed for 574 yards and 13 touchdowns on 100 carries.
For a Texans team that needs every bit of good news that it can get, Pierce has a chance to be an impact runner as a rookie.
To Lead the League in Rushing Yards: +25000 at Caesars, DraftKings
Offensive Rookie of the Year: +2500 at Caesars, +1800 at DraftKings, +1600 at FanDuel
Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams
A 23-year-old coming into his third NFL season, Akers has not really popped yet, and missed almost all of last season with a torn Achilles – so it's understandable to be cautious with expectations coming into the 2022 season.
Even when he returned to the Rams lineup last season, it’s not like Akers put up huge numbers. In four playoff games, he carried the ball 67 times for 172 yards (2.6 YPC).
It’s not so much the rushing yards that offer hope, it is more about the touches – and that the Rams had no trouble making Akers a featured part of their offense in the postseason. He should be in a prime ball carrying role for them this season.
To Lead the League in Rushing Yards Odds: +3000 at Caesars and DraftKings, +2700 at FanDuel
Offensive Player of the Year Odds: +15000 at FanDuel, +8000 at DraftKings
Regular Season Total Scrimmage Yards: 1175.5 at FanDuel
J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore
A torn ACL caused Dobbins to miss all of the 2021 season, and there is still some question about whether he will be ready for Week 1 this season –but there is no question that he is expected to be the No. 1 running back in Baltimore.
As a rookie in 2020, Dobbins rushed for 805 yards and nine touchdowns on 134 carries, good for a hefty 6.0 yards per carry. The upside that Dobbins presents makes it worth the risk to take him coming off a serious injury.
To Lead the League in Rushing Yards Odds: +3500 at DraftKings, +2700 at FanDuel, +2500 at Caesars,
Offensive Player of the Year Odds: +10000 at DraftKings and FanDuel
Chase Edmonds, Miami
A versatile back who had emerged into a productive contributor with Arizona, Edmonds is looking at more of a featured role with the Dolphins this season and more touches should lead to impressive production.
In his last two seasons with the Cardinals, Edmonds rushed for 1,040 yards on 213 carries while catching 96 passes for 713 yards and four touchdowns despite effectively sharing time with the likes of James Conner and Kenyan Drake.
Moving to Miami, Edmonds is at the top of the running back depth chart and his ability to contribute as a runner and receiver gives him a chance to become hugely productive in a starting role.
To Lead the League in Rushing Yards Odds: +10000 at Caesars, +2700 at FanDuel +6000 at DraftKings
Offensive Player of the Year Odds: +20000 at FanDuel, +10000 at DraftKings
Rashaad Penny, Seattle
A first-round pick in 2018, Penny has flashed plenty of talent, but has not been able to stay healthy and earn the role as the Seahawks’ primary ball carrier.
He did start six games last season, on his way to averaging a league-best 6.3 yards per carry (119 carries for 749 yards). With Chris Carson forced to retire with a neck injury, Penny sits atop the Seattle depth chart and that opportunity could push him over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career.
To Lead the League in Rushing Yards Odds: +3000 at DraftKings, +3500 at Caesars, +1700 at FanDuel
Offensive Player of the Year Odds: +10000 at DraftKings
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