Top 5 Fantasy Football Sleeper Running Backs for 2026

By Harry P McGill · July 4, 2026

Every fantasy football championship roster has one thing in common: value picks that dramatically outperform their draft position. While the elite running backs come off the board early, savvy managers know the middle and late rounds are where leagues are often won.

Using Carolina Huddle's current fantasy rankings and ADP data, we've identified five running backs who could return tremendous value relative to where they're being drafted. These aren't first-round stars—they're players who have the opportunity to exceed expectations if things break their way.

1. Chuba Hubbard – Carolina Panthers

Current Overall Rank: 80
Current RB Rank: RB29
ADP: 69

It's no surprise that Carolina's own Chuba Hubbard headlines this list.

Despite being ranked as RB29 with an ADP of 69, Hubbard remains one of the safest mid-round running back selections available. He has proven he can handle a significant workload, and playing in an improving Panthers offense should create more scoring opportunities than he's seen in previous seasons.

While Jonathon Brooks' development will be something to monitor, Hubbard continues to have a clearly defined role and offers weekly flex appeal.

Fantasy Outlook: Excellent value as an RB3 with the ability to produce RB2 numbers if Carolina's offense continues to improve.

2. Jadarian Price – Seattle Seahawks

Current Overall Rank: 69
Current RB Rank: RB26
ADP: 91

Jadarian Price may be one of the biggest draft bargains in Carolina Huddle's rankings.

Being ranked inside the top 70 overall while carrying an ADP of 91 suggests fantasy managers are letting him fall well below his projected value. Those types of discrepancies are exactly what experienced fantasy players look for on draft day.

Fantasy Outlook: One of the strongest late-round value picks based on Carolina Huddle's rankings.

3. Tony Pollard – Tennessee Titans

Current Overall Rank: 73
Current RB Rank: RB27
ADP: 78

Fantasy managers may be sleeping on Tony Pollard after a quieter stretch in recent seasons, but Carolina Huddle still ranks him as a viable fantasy contributor.

Pollard remains capable of producing both as a runner and receiver, giving him value in PPR leagues. If Tennessee's offense takes a step forward, Pollard could easily outperform his current draft slot.

Fantasy Outlook: Reliable depth piece with enough versatility to become a weekly flex starter.

4. Jaylen Warren – Pittsburgh Steelers

Current Overall Rank: 76
Current RB Rank: RB28
ADP: 63

Jaylen Warren has been a favorite of fantasy managers for several years thanks to his efficiency and receiving ability.

Although his ADP currently sits a little higher than his overall ranking, Warren still offers considerable upside if his workload increases throughout the season. His pass-catching ability gives him additional value in PPR scoring formats.

Fantasy Outlook: A dependable flex option capable of producing RB2 weeks whenever his touch count climbs.

5. Bhayshul Tuten – Jacksonville Jaguars

Current Overall Rank: 63
Current RB Rank: RB25
ADP: 53

Rookies always carry risk, but they also bring league-winning upside.

Bhayshul Tuten enters the season ranked as RB25 by Carolina Huddle, reflecting confidence that he'll contribute sooner rather than later. If Jacksonville expands his workload during the season, he could quickly outperform his current expectations.

Fantasy Outlook: High-upside bench stash who could become a weekly starter later in the year.

Honorable Mention

Rhamondre Stevenson (Patriots)

Overall Rank: 82
RB Rank: RB30
ADP: 70

Stevenson continues to offer solid value as a depth running back and could become fantasy relevant if New England's offense exceeds expectations.

Bottom Line

One of the best ways to identify fantasy sleepers is by comparing rankings with draft position. Carolina Huddle's fantasy data highlights several running backs who are available well after many managers begin filling out their benches.

Jadarian Price stands out as the biggest value thanks to a top-70 overall ranking despite an ADP of 91. Chuba Hubbard remains an excellent mid-round target with a clearly defined role in an ascending Panthers offense, while Tony Pollard, Jaylen Warren, and Bhayshul Tuten all possess the talent to outperform their current draft positions.

If you're looking to find value after the early rounds are over, these five backs deserve a long look before you're on the clock.