Gridiron Groundworks

For the true Workhorse

Tag: Sleepers

  • Giants RB Strategy: Key Insights for Fantasy Football 2025

    Giants RB Room: Fantasy Football Deep Dive (2025)

    1. Tyrone Tracy Jr. – The Rising Star

    Tyrone Tracy Jr. burst onto the scene as the Giants’ lead back—and he made it stick. Drafted in the 5th round in 2024, he took over duties by Week 5 after Devin Singletary’s injury, and by Week 7 he had cemented himself as the workhorse in the Giants backfield Wikipedia.

    Across that season, Tracy finished with:

    • 839 rushing yards
    • 5 rushing touchdowns
    • 38 receptions for 284 receiving yards
    • 1 receiving touchdown
      His tremendous rookie campaign earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team, and he, along with Malik Nabers, became just the third rookie duo in NFL history to each exceed 1,000 yards from scrimmage WikipediaNew York Post.

    Fantasy Outlook (2025)
    Tracy ended 2024 as the RB22 in fantasy points per game from Week 5 onward, underscoring his consistency when given the opportunity PFSNNew York Post. Heading into 2025, he is firmly the Giants’ RB1, with many analysts labeling him a mid-round value pick Big Blue ViewNew York Post.

    2. Cam Skattebo – The Rookie Hopeful

    New Giants rookie Cam Skattebo enters the scene with notable college production—and this has translated into sleeper buzz in fantasy circles.

    Who’s Skattebo?
    Skattebo, taken in the 2025 Draft (Round 3, pick ~105), joins a Giants backfield after an explosive Arizona State career: he rushed for 1,711 yards in 2024 and posted a memorable playoff performance where he also threw a passing touchdown PrizePicks.

    Fantasy Buzz
    Despite offseason hamstring issues and being listed as RB3, his upside still intrigues fantasy managers. Skattebo is currently being drafted around RB32 by ADP—meaning there’s perceived value if he earns a role down the road PrizePicks.

    Outlook
    For now, Skattebo is a speculative stash—a late-round dart or waiver-wire grab. His fantasy stock hinges on whether he can crack the two-man rotation. Keep tabs early in the season.

    3. Devin Singletary & Depth Options – Supportive Roles

    Devin Singletary, once a contender for lead back, slipped down the depth chart as Tracy emerged. In 2024, he retained some passing-down work but otherwise had limited impact WikipediaBig Blue View.

    Other players like Eric Gray and Dante Miller round out the depth chart, but neither is expected to play a meaningful fantasy role unless injuries strike FantasyProsWikipedia.

    4. Layering It Together: Fantasy Strategy

    PlayerRoleFantasy Impact
    Tyrone Tracy Jr.Lead Back / WorkhorseReliable RB2 / high-upside RB3
    Cam SkatteboRookie Sitting BehindSleeper stash with upside if rotated in
    Devin SingletaryBackup SpecialistShort-term plug; low long-term value
    Eric Gray / Dante MillerDepthLikely irrelevant barring mishaps

    Draft Strategy

    • Primary Target: Tyrone Tracy Jr. is your must-draft. His proven performance and clear role make him a stable mid-round asset.
    • High-Upside Add: Cam Skattebo is worth a late-round pick or early waiver claim if he garners training camp buzz.
    • Avoid Early Picks: Skip Singletary and other depth options unless injuries affect the top two. Your focus should be on upside and reliable volume.

    Why This Giants Backfield Matters

    The 2025 Giants offense comes with tempered expectations—ranked near the bottom in offensive outputs in recent years Big Blue View. Yet Tracy’s emergence and Skattebo’s potential provide just enough intrigue to make RB a position of interest in Giants-themed fantasy drafts.

    If the offense improves incrementally or Tracy remains efficient in both rushing and passing downs, he could finish as a low-end RB1 or high-end RB2. Skattebo, meanwhile, remains one of those high-risk, high-reward assets that fantasy managers should monitor closely.

    Final Thoughts

    The Giants’ running back room is more compelling than many expected heading into 2025:

    • Tyrone Tracy Jr. is the anchor—including on your fantasy roster.
    • Cam Skattebo offers a compelling upside pick as a late-round flier.
    • Singletary and others are just insurance pieces—not fundamental fantasy assets unless disaster strikes.

    For leagues that prize upside and breakout potential, the Giants’ RB room is a hidden gem. Tracy anchors steady production, while Skattebo could be your league-winning X-factor. Keep your finger on the pulse during the preseason—who emerges as the next Tracy?

  • 2024 Washington Commanders RBs: Fantasy Insights & Strategies

    Washington Commanders Running Backs Fantasy Football Outlook 2024: Austin Ekeler, Bill Merritt, and Chris Rodriguez Jr.

    The Washington Commanders enter 2024 with a backfield that looks vastly different from years past. Gone are the days of Antonio Gibson and a muddled rotation; in their place is a new mix of experience, youth, and potential. For fantasy football managers, this group is fascinating: Austin Ekeler provides the proven veteran floor, rookie Bill Merritt offers lottery-ticket upside, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. is quietly positioning himself as a Montgomery-style workhorse waiting in the wings.

    This is not a “set-and-forget” backfield like Christian McCaffrey’s in San Francisco, but it’s far from irrelevant. Depending on how touches shake out, Washington’s running backs could deliver massive fantasy value at affordable draft prices. Let’s break down each option.

    Austin Ekeler Fantasy Outlook 2024: The Proven Veteran Presence

    At age 29, Austin Ekeler arrives in Washington after an up-and-down final year with the Chargers. Once one of the premier dual-threat backs in fantasy football, Ekeler’s 2023 was derailed by an ankle injury and inconsistent offensive line play. Still, his track record speaks for itself: four straight seasons of 900+ scrimmage yards, two years with 18+ total touchdowns, and an unmatched ability to rack up receptions out of the backfield.

    For fantasy football, Ekeler’s value in 2024 is clear: he’s the safest option in this committee. His passing-game chops give him weekly PPR relevance, and his experience makes him the most trusted option for new quarterback Jayden Daniels. Checkdowns are a young QB’s best friend, and Ekeler is tailor-made for that role.

    The upside: If Ekeler gets 12–15 touches per game with 4–6 catches, he can easily return RB2 value in PPR leagues. In an offense still finding its footing, he could be Daniels’ safety valve and rack up sneaky consistent numbers.

    The downside: Father Time. Running backs at 29 rarely hold up for a full season. Washington likely wants to preserve him by rotating in Merritt and Rodriguez, limiting his ceiling compared to his Los Angeles peak. He’s also unlikely to see heavy red zone work — that may go to the younger, bigger backs.

    Fantasy Draft Range: Round 7–8 (solid RB3 with RB2 upside in PPR).

    Bill Merritt Fantasy Outlook 2024: The Upside Play

    Rookie Bill Merritt (a mid-round pick) might not be a household name yet, but for fantasy football players looking for the next breakout, he’s the one to watch. Comparisons to Bucky Irving make sense: Merritt is undersized but explosive, slippery, and dangerous in space. He thrives on cutbacks, has natural receiving ability, and brings the kind of juice this backfield has lacked.

    In fantasy terms, Merritt is the classic lottery ticket stash. He’s not guaranteed touches out of the gate, but he’s the kind of back who can make the most of limited opportunities. If he flashes early, the Commanders will be forced to expand his role.

    The case for Merritt:

    • Explosiveness: Washington’s offense needs chunk plays, and Merritt has the speed to provide them.
    • Scheme fit: Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has historically favored backs who can catch passes and work in space.
    • Path to touches: Ekeler is aging, and Rodriguez is more of a grinder. Merritt fills a unique role.

    The risk: Rookie growing pains. Pass protection is often a barrier to early playing time, and Merritt will need to prove he can handle NFL-level physicality. He’s also more of a complementary weapon than a true bell-cow — meaning he might need injuries ahead of him to become an every-week starter.

    Fantasy Draft Range: Round 13–15 (bench stash, high-upside flier in redraft; dynasty priority).

    Chris Rodriguez Jr. Fantasy Outlook 2024: The Next David Montgomery?

    If Ekeler is the veteran floor and Merritt is the upside dart throw, Chris Rodriguez Jr. is the steady grinder in the middle. Drafted in 2023, Rodriguez didn’t get many opportunities as a rookie, but when he did, he flashed the physical, no-nonsense running style that coaches love. At 5’11”, 224 pounds, he runs through contact, thrives in short yardage, and could easily become the Commanders’ preferred goal-line option.

    The David Montgomery comparison is apt: Rodriguez may never wow with elite speed or highlight-reel plays, but he’s dependable, tough, and could sneak into a 12–15 carry role if the staff leans on him.

    For fantasy, Rodriguez’s value comes in two forms:

    1. Touchdown upside: If he earns goal-line duties, he could pile up 6–8 TDs in this offense.
    2. Handcuff appeal: If Ekeler goes down, Rodriguez could step into the “workhorse” role with Merritt sprinkled in.

    The risk: He’s not explosive, and in PPR leagues, his lack of receiving ability caps his ceiling. He’s more of a flex or bye-week filler than a weekly starter. But like Montgomery, steady volume can add up over time — especially in standard formats.

    Fantasy Draft Range: Round 11–12 (RB4 with flex potential, especially in standard scoring).

    Commanders Running Backs 2024: Fantasy Draft Strategy

    So how should fantasy managers approach this backfield on draft day? Here’s the breakdown:

    • Austin Ekeler is the most reliable, with a clear PPR role and a weekly floor. He’s best drafted as your RB3, giving you safe receptions with occasional RB2 weeks.
    • Bill Merritt is the stash with the highest ceiling. He could be this year’s midseason waiver-wire darling, especially in leagues that reward explosive plays.
    • Chris Rodriguez Jr. is the touchdown-dependent grinder. He’s unlikely to wow, but he’s the most likely to steal goal-line work and hold flex value in non-PPR formats.

    In dynasty leagues, Merritt is the long-term prize. In redraft, Ekeler is the stable play, while Rodriguez is the cheap insurance policy.

    Final Verdict: A Committee with Roles

    The Commanders’ backfield may lack a clear superstar, but it offers fantasy football value in 2024 if you play it correctly:

    • Draft Ekeler for immediate production.
    • Stash Merritt for upside.
    • Don’t overlook Rodriguez, who could carve out a Montgomery-style role and finish higher than expected.

    This won’t be a one-back show. Instead, expect a committee where roles matter: Ekeler as the passing-down veteran, Merritt as the spark plug, and Rodriguez as the power runner. For fantasy football managers willing to navigate the uncertainty, Washington’s running backs could be one of the sneakiest sources of value this season.

  • 5 NFL Rookie Sleepers to Watch in 2025

    1. Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt (Washington Commanders)

    Jacory Croskey-Merritt, affectionately known as “Bill,” is emerging as one of the most compelling sleeper stories of the 2025 rookie class. A seventh-round pick, his rise in Washington’s camp has been nothing short of remarkable. With standout practices, highlight-reel runs, and buzz that even fans on the fence caught, he’s quickly become a camp darling The Washington PostHogs Haven.

    His journey hasn’t been straightforward: eligibility controversies at Alabama State and Arizona restricted his college play, ultimately delaying his development The Washington Post. Yet that adversity shaped him into a determined athlete hungry for an opportunity—one he’s seizing through special teams, blocking, and return duties while also showing flashes as a downhill runner with excellent vision The Washington PostHogs HavenCommandersRoto Street Journal.

    Sleeper takeaway: In leagues that reward versatility and grit, Croskey-Merritt is a high-reward, low-cost late-round dart. His special teams value alone could secure his roster spot—and if injuries strike, he’s in prime position to seize bigger roles.

    2. Bhayshul Tuten (Jacksonville Jaguars)

    Bhayshul Tuten, the Jaguars’ fourth-round pick, may not have the highest draft status, but fantasy analysts and pundits see him as a sleeper with upside. With uncertainty in Jacksonville’s backfield, fantasy veteran Matthew Berry named Tuten among his top 10 late-round running back targets in 2025 drafts NBC Sports.

    Tuten brings a unique blend of speed and production. In college, he amassed massive rushing numbers—over 3,700 yards and 77 touchdowns at Paulsboro High School—and continued that success at North Carolina A&T and Virginia Tech NFL Draft BuzzJaguars.

    However, he’s currently behind established backs like Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby on the depth chart, and he’s recently battled a hamstring flare-up FantasyProsWikipediaBlack and Teal.

    Sleeper takeaway: If you’re drafting late and seeking depth in PPR or return-heavy rosters, Tuten’s combination of rookie upside and athletic pedigree makes him worth a flyer. If injuries emerge or he impresses in camp, he could carve out a useful role.

    3. Jaydon Blue (Dallas Cowboys)

    Jaydon Blue was selected in the fifth round and brings serious bang-for-your-buck upside to the Cowboys’ offense. A speedster from Texas with receiving chops, he’s drawn attention from Mike Vrabel and the Patriots pre-draft—as well as Cowboys coaching staff aiming to inject dynamic playmakers into their backfield Pats PulpitAthlon SportsNFL.com. He’s already scored a preseason TD and shown the quick-cut ability that jumps off the tape Dallas CowboysCBSSports.com.

    Yet the Cowboys’ RB room isn’t barren—veterans like Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders exist—but with a revamped offense focused on speed and versatility, Blue could slip in as a gadget piece with bigger upside Blogging The BoysBleacher Report.

    Sleeper takeaway: For fantasy managers chasing upside, especially in PPR formats, Blue offers a potent blend of explosiveness, receiving skill, and opportunity in a creative offense.

    4. Brian Thomas Jr. (Jacksonville Jaguars)

    While not a traditional running back, including Brian Thomas Jr. here underscores positionless fantasy value. His rookie wideout season was elite—more than 1,200 receiving yards, 10 TDs after 87 receptions—and he shattered Jaguars rookie records Roto Street JournalFantasyPros.

    Fantasy analysts are projecting him as a WR1-level talent, drawing comparisons to Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson—a rare feat PFSN. New Jaguars coach Liam Coen plans to feature him heavily in 2025, making Thomas one of the most hyped second-year players in fantasy NBC SportsCBSSports.com.

    Sleeper takeaway: If you’ve got a flex slot and want to think outside the RB box, Thomas offers RB-level versatility and ceiling with WR production. A sneaky value pick with sky-high upside if your league allows positional flexibility.

    5. Ollie Gordon II (Miami Dolphins)

    Ollie Gordon II, drafted in the sixth round by Miami, doesn’t come with the same buzz as others—but his physical profile and college dominance can’t be ignored. He was a consensus All-American in 2023, racked up over 1,700 rushing yards and 20+ TDs, and won the Doak Walker and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year awards WikipediaMiami Dolphins.

    Preseason glimpses have been positive—solid carries, acclimating to the pro game—especially valuable in a Dolphins backfield hit by injuries to Jaylen Wright and Alexander Mattison NFL.comCBSSports.com.

    There’s some skepticism too; early reports suggested he might underwhelm Phin Phanatic. Still, size, physicality, and circumstance could converge to give him opportunity.

    Sleeper takeaway: In deeper or dynasty formats, Gordon offers bold potential. If Miami’s veteran backs face setbacks, his downhill style and pedigree make him a prime handcuff-to-watch.

    Summary Table

    PlayerWhy They’re Sleeper-WorthyRisk Factors
    Jacory Croskey-MerrittGrit, special teams value, training camp hypeLate-round pick, depth chart crowded
    Bhayshul TutenSpeed, pedigree, draft capitalBehind veterans, hamstring concerns
    Jaydon BlueExplosive dual-threat, camp momentumLearning curve, RB room competition
    Brian Thomas Jr.Elite rookie WR, position-flex valueNot an RB, competition at WR
    Ollie Gordon IIPhysical runner, college accolades, camp opportunityLow draft spot, needs injury cue

    Final Thoughts

    These five rookies embody different sleeper archetypes:

    • Croskey-Merritt: gritty, versatile, high special-teams ceiling.
    • Tuten: long-term athletic upside, late-round dart.
    • Blue: dynamic and explosive fits in creative game plans.
    • Thomas Jr.: fantasy crossover appeal, elite WR-equivalent production.
    • Gordon II: pound-the-ball bruiser with sleeper handcuff potential.

    Each brings upside that far exceeds their draft position. In deeper formats or redraft leagues where upside trumps floor, they’re must-consider gambles.

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