2009 Fantasy Football Sleepers- Running Back

The 2009-2010 fantasy football season will be here before long. Every fantasy owner will have their own list of sleepers with them on draft day. Getting it right on the correct sleeper picks is often the difference between winning and losing in fantasy football. Look at those that got Michael Turner or Matt Forte last year and you know the true value of sleeper picks at the running back position. A sleeper is defined as a player that will drafted well below the level he ends up producing at. Last year Michael Turner was a 3rd rounder that performed like a 1st rounder making him sleeper running back.

Here is my list of the 5 top sleeper running backs for your fantasy football 2009-2010 season:

1. Maurice Jones-Drew- RB Jacksonville Jaguars

Maurice Jones-Drew is set to bust out in the 2009-2010 NFL season. He no longer has Fred Taylor to worry about as Taylor has signed with New England. Jacksonville upgraded their offensive line in this off-season and also added a receiver threat in Torry Holt. Look for Jones-Drew to be a top sleeper pick as he should perform above his draft position. He is capable of putting up numbers that would make him a top 3 running back this season.

2. Steve Slaton- RB Houston Texans

Steve Slaton will prove to be a top running back for this fantasy football season. He showed last season that he is capable of carrying a full load. He got stronger as the season went on. Slaton is on a team that should be improved this season and Andre Johnson should help ensure that Slaton has many holes to run through. Draft Slaton in 2nd or 3rd round in your fantasy football draft in 2009-2010 and hope for 1st round production.

3. Derrick Ward- RB Tampa Bay Bucs

Derrick Ward moved from the Giants to sign a big contract to be the main man in Tampa Bay. Ward has proven to be one of the best in the NFL at the running back position in terms of yards per carry. Expect this to go down slightly with more carries. Ward will get the majority of the carries for Tampa and should grab 10 rushing touchdowns in the 2009-2010 season. Consider selecting Ward as your 2nd running back for your fantasy football team and hope this sleeper pushing you to a crown.

4. Ronnie Brown- RB Miami Dolphins

Brown has the talent to be a top 5 running back. He looked like the NFL league MVP at times last season but lacked the consistency to make him a top fantasy football running back. Look for Brown to increase his carries and the team to find a way to get him the ball. Add Ronnie Brown to your fantasy football running back sleeper list for your draft day.

5. Pierre Thomas- RB New Orleans Saints

Thomas is a better running back then Reggie Bush. I think the Saints have realized this and will look to get Pierre Thomas more touches in the 2009-2010 NFL season. Reggie Bush is a playmaker that if healthy will be used in different ways but look for Pierre Thomas to lead the team in rushing attempts, yards and touchdowns. Put him down as a running back sleeper for your fantasy football draft.

Remember these names on draft day. Selecting the correct running back sleepers can lead your team to the 2009-2010 fantasy football title. Good Luck!