Fantasy Football: 2016 running back sleepers and busts

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When was the last time you didn't see a running back projected to go in the Top 3 of a fantasy draft? Well, that's where we are in 2016.

As most NFL teams transition to two-back systems or deploy a running back-by-committee approach, fantasy owners are struggling to find true No. 1-type backs.

There are only a handful of those "bell cow"running backs, which we ranked in order in the pictures below.

If you're unable to secure one of those five players, the CSN Fantasy crew offers up some advice on who to target, which sleepers to keep an eye on and who to stay away from for the 2016 season.

If you've got specific draft questions, drop us a line on Twitter @CSNFantasy or use #CSNFantasy and we'll give you our take.

Top Targets

C.J. Anderson, DEN: I know he got off to a terrible start last season and anybody who owned him was frustrated beyond belief after probably spending a first-round pick on him. But things got better from there. He averaged 6.4 yards per carry in the final 11 weeks and showed he can still be productive even on a Broncos team that didn't have the typical elite QB play, so owners shouldn't be scared off just because Peyton Manning is gone and Trevor Siemian is starting. Anderson, 25, is still the same guy that broke out in the second half of 2014 and is the clear lead back on a team that undoubtedly will run the ball. Considering you can get him in the third or fourth round of any draft, what's not to like? — Tony Andracki

​[RELATED: 2016 Fantasy Football wide receiver sleepers and busts]

​Jeremy Langford, CHI: If we're looking at Langford from strictly a value perspective, there aren't many better running backs to snag at his late fifth-round average draft position. Ignore Langford's 3.6 yards per carry in 2015. With a full year under his belt and a true zone blocking scheme in Chicago, he should see an increase in that number. Neither Ka'Deem Carey, Jacquizz Rodgers nor Jordan Howard have done enough to steal carries from Langford. Look for the former Michigan State Spartan to continue to get three-down work and provide a steady diet of points for PPR owners with his ability to catch the ball (22 receptions, 279 yards in 2015) and turn upfield for extra yardage. — Scott Krinch

Sleepers

Ameer Abdullah, DET: Why is everybody so down on this guy? He still holds all the skills that made him a popular breakout candidate prior to last season and now he's in an even better situation in Detroit with Joique Bell no longer around to vulture touches or tuddies. Don't be surprised at all if Abdullah breaks out in his second year and he's falling to the ninth round and later in drafts, so you can scoop him up on the cheap. — TA

[MORE: Five Burning Questions for the 2016 Fantasy Football season]

Duke Johnson Jr., CLE: There will always be that one player you regret passing up in your drafts. Don't let Johnson be that guy this year. In limited playing time, in an awful situation under the previous coaching regime in Cleveland, Johnson still managed to haul in 61 receptions for 534 receiving yards and two touchdowns. There may not be a better pass-catching running back in the NFL, and after seeing what new Browns head coach Hue Jackson did with a similar back in Gio Bernard in Cincinnati, I'm buying major stock in Johnson. The Duke will be loose this season. — SK

Busts

Devonta Freeman, ATL: This dude had just four good games last season. I know he was the No. 1 fantasy RB last year, but being a stud in Weeks 3-6 doesn't win anybody a championship. Tevin Coleman is legit and going to steal some touches and considering you'd have to draft Freeman at the end of the first round to secure his services, there is just no way he's worth that cost. Plain and simple. — TA

Latavius Murray, OAK: The honeymoon is over. If you've followed us over the past two years, you'll know my affinity for the bulldozing Raiders running back. After seeing with Murray did in his first full year as a starter in 2015, he's entered my doghouse. Murray was given the third most carries in the league and only averaged 4.0 yards per carry with six touchdowns, while also failing to turn one of his 41 receptions in for a score. For a player his size, he should be averaging better than 1.9 yards after contact. I know he's still young at 26-years-old, but I just don't see much room for improvement. If you're looking for a Raiders running back to own this season, look no further than rookie lightning bolt DeAndre Washington. — SK

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