10 RB sleepers to target for fantasy football Week 14

Dec 4, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA;Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine (34) breaks a tackle by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (38) in the fourth quarter of a Week 13 NFL game at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 4, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA;Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine (34) breaks a tackle by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (38) in the fourth quarter of a Week 13 NFL game at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports /

The fantasy football regular season is winding down, and it’s more important than ever to start the right guys — including running back sleepers.

The fantasy football season goes by fast. You’re fresh out of your August drafts, and by the time you know it, you look up and we’re into December as playoff pushes get more intense. With this being the last regular season week for a lot of teams, it’s crucial to make the right starts. These guys could help you at running back if you’re dealing with injuries or byes.

Week 14 fantasy running back sleepers

10. Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals

While Joe Mixon has been sidelined with a concussion, Samaje Perine has filled in admirably — both from a real life and fantasy football outlook. He’s had three straight weeks inside the top-10, and some are beginning to wonder if he keeps a somewhat consistent role even with Mixon likely returning in Week 14.

Perine won’t get anywhere near his recent volume if Mixon returns this week, but perhaps he’s carved out a role after having three solid weeks in a row. He’s an interesting daily fantasy play, especially in a favorable matchup against Cleveland.

9. Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers

Jordan Mason was the clear-cut change of pace back behind Christian McCaffrey in Week 13, rushing eight times for 51 yards, which is easily a career high for the rookie. With Kyle Shanahan’s desire to spell McCaffrey often throughout games, Mason’s role should begin to stabilize as an 8-10 touch guy.

Though the volume won’t be great for Mason, he is all but guaranteed playing time in one of the NFL’s best offenses. He may not have week-winning upside, but a chance touchdown or big play could vault him into a top-30 week.