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Fantasy Football Sleepers: 15 Sleepers from Preseason Week 3

By Zachary Thompson

Aug 27, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Virgil Green (85) reacts to his touchdown reception during the second quarter of a preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Virgil Green (85) reacts to his touchdown reception during the second quarter of a preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back DeAndre Washington (33) celebrates with Raiders guard Gabe Jackson (66) after scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back DeAndre Washington (33) celebrates with Raiders guard Gabe Jackson (66) after scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

DeAndre Washington-RB-Oakland Raiders

All preseason I’ve been talking up Raiders running back DeAndre Washington.  He was one of my undervalued running backs coming into the preseason, and one of my top 10 breakout RB as well.

Washington has earned his role throughout training camp and preseason as a solid option to back up starting running back Latavius Murray in an offense that I think is going to run the ball much more effectively this season. The Raiders drafted Washington in the fifth round out of Texas Tech, and he immediately started to stand out as soon as he joined the team.

The Raiders were able to release Roy Helu Jr. as a result of Washington’s progress.  He seemed to be the front-runner for the backup job in Preseason Week 3 when he ran for 55 yards on eight carries.  He hauled in three catches and totaled -2 more yards but one of those catches went for a six-yard touchdown.  Washington also had a strong Week 1 when he racked up 43 yards on eight carries agains the Cardinals and also added a 32-yard catch.

Washington will likely get a few touches early on in the season as a third-down back, but coach Jack Del Rio was quick to saw that Latavius Murray was still the top back.  While it may take until mid-way through the season or an injury to Murray, Washington could emerge as a RB2 option if he gets a large enough share of the workload. Coming into the season he deserves to be a late-round flier in all formats, and right now he’s going in the 17th round as the 57th running back taken.  I think he’s one of the better backup options and should probably go in the 40’s of RB rankings.

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