Perhaps no other position in NFL fantasy football depends more heavily on finding the right sleeper picks than running back. The reason is simple - running backs are notorious for having break out seasons, and everybody puts a premium on them. Because of this, you have to find the players that will have great seasons, and draft them at the right time during the NFL fantasy football draft. Here are five NFL running backs that might have breakout years in fantasy football, and fit that description:

Steve Slaton, RB Houston - Slaton showed signs throughout last season that he was on the verge of stardom. Unfortunately, the Texans found themselves having to go to the passing game early way too often leaving Slaton to pass block and take short passes. Still, the young Slaton managed to set some pretty respectable numbers overall. Expect those numbers to improve as the Texans improve this season.

Jonathan Stewart, RB Carolina - The Panthers have a two-headed monster in Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. Williams is the unquestioned leader of the group, often causing Stewart to be overlooked. The truth is, Williams is ripe for an injury given his size and the Panthers penchant to run the ball alot. Williams has been avoiding that, but it seems time will catch up eventually. When it does, Stewart will become a mega star. He is so explosive and powerful, and many people do not realize just how good he is.

Darren McFadden, RB Oakland - McFadden is simply too talented to not explode soon. He has needed some time to adjust to the NFL, and this is the season that it pays off. The Raiders are looking for McFadden to finally be worth his draft position, and he might just break through this year. This is a high reward/high risk pick to be sure though.

Felix Jones, RB Dallas - Felix Jones is one of those guys that is simply a step above those around him. Before he was injured last year, the Dallas running back looked like the breakout star along with Jonathan Stewart. Felix will have plenty of carries in Dallas, and the only real roadblock is Marion Barber. Barber is a touchdown eater around the goal line, and this will temper Jones’ value. Still, he should be drafted late enough to be worth taking. If Barber gets hurt, you will look like a genius.

Pierre Thomas, RB New Orleans - Thomas was pretty darn good last year even with sharing carries all over the place. With Deuce gone, and Bush turning more and more into a receiver, Thomas is going to get the lion’s share of carries in New Orleans. The only real problem here is that the Saints are all about Drew Brees’ arm. If they realize they need to run the ball again, Thomas could become a star.