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Fantasy Football: 10 Sleeper Running Backs to Target in 2017

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Robert Turbin, Indianapolis Colts

In 2016, Frank Gore became the first age-33 running back to notch 150 carries since 2011. If Gore hits that mark again in 2017, he’ll be the first age-34 running back with 150 carries since 2004. Each season, the odds weigh a little more in favor of Gore’s understudy, Robert Turbin.

But Turbin isn't just a handcuff. He was the Colts' best goal-line back in 2016. He and Gore each rushed 10 times from inside the 5-yard line, and they each had 4 tries from the 1-yard line. Turbin scored 5 touchdowns in this situation, while Gore managed just 2 scores.

Despite only getting 47 carries for 164 rush yards in 2016, Turbin finished with 7 rushing touchdowns. Thanks in part to those touchdowns, Turbin finished second in Rushing NEP per attempt among backs with at least 40 carries -- and he was second in Success Rate (55.32%) among that crop, too. Meanwhile, Gore delivered a league-average Rushing NEP per attempt and a Success Rate of 41.44%.

Turbin should continue to see goal-line looks even if Gore stays healthy. If Gore struggles -- or, you know, disintegrates -- Turbin is first in line for the primary rushing workload, though impressive rookie Marlon Mack may cap Turbin’s upside in the passing game. —Brian Malone