Fantasy Football Preview 2013: Top Sleeper Running Backs

3. Shane Vereen – New England Patriots

So, we do have Vereen after all, if for no other reason than cognitive dissonance scores very low on social media barometers.

Vereen finally offered a glimpse of his second round potential when he exploded for 124 combined yards and three touchdowns on only 12 touches in last year’s playoff victory over Houston. Danny Woodhead departed in the offseason leaving his duties to Vereen. Then the Patriots pass catchers started going down like Sterling Archer on a working holiday.

The Patriots’ scatback-in-waiting held tremendous sleeper potential a month ago before news broke that he was lining up all over the formation and might add pure receiver touches. A fun news story, it’s the kind of thing that hurts rather than helps. His ADP immediately climbed two rounds, moving into the range where he now possesses as much downside risk as upside potential. Keep in mind Woodhead never hit 11 fantasy points a game even as he provided great efficiency per touch. Kevin Faulk filled the same role for many years and never reached 1,100 scrimmage yards, crested six touchdowns, or caught more than 60 passes. Vereen holds the allure of the unknown, but his talent and situation are both overrated.