The Little Things for RB Prospects

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RB Sleepers: Jonathon Brooks Returns

That’s right, he’s back. That running back who tantalized so much during the draft process two years ago, only to have knee injuries be his biggest downfall. But with a return to health, now he can look forward to terrorizing NFL defenses and editors making sure his first name is spelled correctly.

Jonathon Brooks is one of the sleepers at the RB position this season, and it could be a pivotal year for the talented back with just 9 career rushing attempts, all in 2024 before he suffered his second ACL tear. Dwain McFarland hasn’t forgotten that Brooks had a fairly healthy Rookie Super Model profile heading into the league:

Brooks was hard to bring down. His career 34% missed-tackles-forced rate sits in the 83rd percentile since 2017, and his 4.1 yards after contact lands in the 60th percentile. He was a capable pass blocker who rarely fumbled—a back with multiple paths to playing time and the electricity to carve out a larger role.

Chuba Hubbard figures to open the season as Carolina's No. 1 back, but Brooks could challenge as the year progresses. Just last season, Rico Dowdle took over this backfield. This coaching staff rides the hot hand, and Brooks offers oven-mitts-hot upside.

Matthew Freedman and Pete Overzet also took their turns dropping their favorite RB sleepers for the coming season. ⤵️

Could Tee Higgins Bring You The Hardware?

If you believe your dynasty team is on the cusp of championship glory, sometimes all it takes is a couple of well-timed trades for undervalued veterans to tip the scales. Luckily, I’ve got a few options that fit the bill.

Last offseason, this article helped folks scoop up Davante Adams and Javonte Williams at bargain prices and possibly even ride them to the playoffs. We’re hoping the names below will do the same.

Tee Higgins, WR - Bengals (WR22)

Want a stud receiver without having to pay stud receiver prices? Are you OK if that receiver for sure misses at least a couple of games every season? THEN YOU’RE IN LUCK!

The freshly 27-year-old Higgins is obviously second fiddle to Ja’Marr Chase in the Bengals offense, but that fiddle can be pretty damn loud in its own right. Here are Higgins’ per-game fantasy finishes in half PPR since Chase was drafted by Cincinnati:

• 2021: WR13

• 2022: WR19

• 2023: WR41 (booooo)

• 2024: WR4 (yayyyyyy)

• 2025: WR11

Higgins’ role as the high-aDOT guy makes him a little less consistent, but his boom potential also makes him a frequent week winner. The injury concerns are obvious, but so is the upside. And even though he’s technically the WR2 on his own team, Higgins has proven to be extremely capable of providing WR1 fantasy numbers. 

Swapping out Brian Thomas Jr. or Marvin Harrison Jr. for Higgins is a solid move for contenders.

Fantasy

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