Fantasy Football: 10 Sleeper Running Backs to Target in 2017

Duke Johnson, Cleveland Browns

Stuck behind Isaiah Crowell, Duke Johnson is not going to be seeing a workhorse-type role any time soon with the Cleveland Browns, though the all-time leading rusher for the Miami (FL) Hurricanes probably deserves it.

Johnson’s yards-per-carry average jumped from 3.6 as a rookie to 4.9 in 2016 (albeit on 31 fewer carries), but it's in the passing game where Johnson really shines -- and thus, why he offers the most value in PPR formats.

He has 114 receptions in his first two NFL seasons, and has eclipsed 500 receiving yards both years. The Browns have tinkered with the idea of using Johnson as their primary slot receiver, which should mitigate any concerns regarding Crowell’s usage as a pass-catcher eating into Johnson's floor (Crowell, after all, did reel in 40 passes in 2016).

In PPR leagues, he's a solid value. But if Johnson had even the slightest uptick in touchdown production (he's scored three total touchdowns in two seasons), his 10th-round ADP in standard leagues would be akin to robbery. —Neil Dutton