Fantasy Football: One Deep Sleeper Candidate From Every NFL Team

Branden Oliver, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

Through three seasons, nothing we've seen from Branden Oliver would indicate that he is anything more than an average talent stuck behind a workhorse back in Melvin Gordon. When on the field, Oliver has averaged just 3.6 yards per carry, and his 2014 Rushing NEP per rush of -0.12 is similar to what we saw from Rashad Jennings and Todd Gurley last season. Add in a torn Achilles in 2016, and I can see why Oliver's fantasy stock is about as high as Mike Pence at a Colorado dinner party.

Still, finding value in fantasy football isn't always about crazy measurables and draft pedigree. The fantasy landscape is littered with unheralded running backs whose value skyrocketed when given an opportunity. Names like Rob Kelley, Alfred Morris, and Justin Forsett come to mind. While some will have prolonged success, there is still value to be found in the players who just help you through bye weeks or injuries, or who you sell high on for a better asset.

Oliver's value is almost exclusively based on being the likely handcuff to Gordon, but despite his pedestrian numbers to this point, Oliver has flashed a decent amount of ability. Heck, not even Gordon has broken 4.0 yards per carry behind this Los Angeles Chargers' offensive line, and that certainly isn't a reliable indicator of ability or opportunity.

What is interesting, however, is that the Chargers were willing to give an undrafted rookie in Oliver double digit carries in nine games in 2014. And let's not forget the 36 receptions he totaled that year. Volume and opportunity, behind what is expected to be an improved offensive line, is certainly a reason to keep Oliver on your watch list. And that is especially true if you are the Gordon owner in deeper formats.