2007 Fantasy Football Running Back Sleepers

Jerius Norwood

Not thought of in the first 30 running backs of the average draft, Norwood could turn out some impressive numbers in 2007. He is set to split carries with incumbent starter Warrick Dunn to start the season, but may end up with 200-250 touches once the season is over. He averaged over 6 yards/carry and 8 yards/reception in 2006 and should be well over 4.5 yards a carry with his gamebreaking speed. With an injury to Dunn, or if he just steps up, the starting job may be his and he won't look back. Especially in a keeper league or where bonuses are given for long touchdowns, Norwood will reward you throughout the season. If he is your third or fourth running back, you are in very good shape.

Michael Turner

He's known as the best back-up running back in the NFL and for good reason. Obviously, Turner is almost a must-have for Tomlinson owners as an insurance policy. If L.T. went down for the season, Turner would provide around 80% of the numbers Tomlinson would because of the offensive scheme and an All-Pro fullback named Lorenzo Neal. Like Norwood, Turner also averaged over 6 yards/carry in 2006 and is also in his contract year, which should give him plenty of motivation to play for a big contract and a starting job somewhere in 2008.

Brian Leonard

The versitale fullback/running back out of Rutgers is Steven Jackson's back-up entering 2007. Coach Linehan has said that Leonard will be involved in the offense, even with Jackson healthy so having him as an insurance policy on your roster is a great idea.

Tony Hunt

The Eagles have lacked a power running back for a number of years now, but Hunt fills that role out of Penn State. This will balance out the offense inside the 10-yard line from having it be up to McNabb to throw 2-yard touchdown passes all the time. You shouldn't expect Hunt to run for 500 yards this season, but more of a Bettis-type role, where he can quietly get 7-10 touchdowns near the goal line.

Najeh Davenport