10 RB sleepers to target for fantasy football Week 1

Raheem Mostert, San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers starting running backs are getting drafted very late. Mostert is going around running back 25 in drafts this week, as people are worried about what Trey Sermon means for his starting spot. Mostert is still the big-money player in the backfield, and he will be the starter from the drop.

Jimmy Garoppolo is the starter under center, at least we think. Even if it is Trey Lance, expect Kyle Shanahan to put together a strong running game to help his quarterback. They are facing a Lions defense that is… well… not good. Even with Dan Campbell bringing some tenacity to the head coaching position, it’s hard to believe the Lions are going to stop this running game.

Mostert could have his biggest week of the season in Week 1. Sermon is still learning the offense, his backup is another rookie, and Mostert has proven in the past he works very well when other players are going for his spot.

The 49ers are also expected to be leading for most of the game, so Mostert will get plenty of opportunities to run the ball. Even in a seven or eight-man box, he can make a big play happen at any time.

Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks

Chris Carson isn’t so much a “sleeper” as he is completely underrated. Fifteen running backs on average go before him in drafts, but there won’t be 15 running backs better than him. He has perceived injury risk, but it isn’t any more than most running backs deal with on a weekly basis. For Week 1, Chris Carson is going to make owners look really, really good.

The Seahawks are looking to focus more on the running game this season. Russell Wilson was forced to make too many plays last year, but the revamped offensive line and additional weapons will open more holes for Carson. Teams have to pay attention to Wilson, D.K. Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett. So, Carson can take advantage of the underneath areas.

The Seahawks are facing an Indianapolis Colts team that had a tumultuous offseason. There were issues with Carson Wentz’s health, there were injuries up and down the depth chart, and analysts can’t seem to figure out what this team is going to be. They have a pretty good front seven, but it’s not one of the top units in the league. Carson can find space here and might even score a touchdown or two.