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Mike Fanelli dives into 10 running back offseason winners and losers for the 2025 fantasy football season. His top risers and fallers for RBs this offseason.
While the 2025 NFL offseason still has a few months left, most teams are done making significant transactions. So, it’s time to look at offseason winners and losers.
Today, I dive into which running backs saw their fantasy value improve or decline this offseason. Some players saw their fantasy value improve by moves their team made or didn’t make during free agency and the NFL Draft.
Therefore, let’s dive into it and look at 10 running back offseason winners and losers for the 2025 fantasy football season.
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Running Back Offseason Winners
Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals did their homework on the running back class, leading many to think they would draft one on Day 2. Instead, Cincinnati waited until the sixth round to add Tahj Brooks, meaning Brown’s role as the lead guy is safe for the 2025 season. Furthermore, the Bengals used a third of their draft picks to improve their offensive line.
Last year, Brown was outstanding once Zack Moss got out of his way. He was the RB6 from Week 4 through Week 17, averaging 16.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game as the starter. The former Illinois star had seven rushing touchdowns and four receiving scores. Brown was arguably the biggest winner from the offseason.
That's a 30-yard TD run by No. 30! @chasebrown____
📺: #CINvsNYG on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/aubBTs5Ekh— NFL (@NFL) October 14, 2024
RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos
Many had Harvey as a rookie sleeper heading into the NFL Draft. Therefore, everyone was shocked when the Broncos selected the former Central Florida star in the second round. However, he landed in an excellent spot for his fantasy value, especially after the team let Javonte Williams walk in free agency.
Denver’s backfield accounted for 343 rushing attempts, 85 receptions, 1,875 scrimmage yards, nine offensive touchdowns, and 274 half-point PPR fantasy points in 2024 despite being an awful unit. While Harvey won’t see every touch out of the backfield, head coach Sean Payton has already praised the rookie, calling him a three-down player. He could finish his rookie season as an RB1.
Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns
Unfortunately, the Browns’ passing attack is far from an elite fantasy unit, regardless of who is playing quarterback. However, the uncertainty and lack of upside at quarterback could lead to a massive rookie year for Judkins. The second-round pick had an excellent college career, totaling at least 1,000 rushing yards every season.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski wants a run-heavy offense, even with a capable quarterback under center. Judkins should replace Nick Chubb as the offense’s new featured running back. While the veteran has struggled with injuries the past few seasons, he was a fantasy superstar in this offense when healthy. Judkins could have similar success in 2025.
D'Andre Swift, Chicago Bears
Nearly every NFL mock draft had the Bears taking a running back with one of their first three picks. Yet, the team waited until the seventh round to select Kyle Monangai. Therefore, Swift’s lead role is safe for the 2025 season. Furthermore, he is coming off a productive season and will have a massive role in Ben Johnson’s fantasy-friendly offense.
Last year, Swift was the RB19, averaging 11.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, totaling six rushing touchdowns. However, he should be even better this upcoming season. The Bears significantly improved their offensive line, trading for Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson while signing Drew Dalman in free agency. Don’t be surprised if Swift has a career year.
SWIFT TO THE HOUSE!
📺: #CHIvsWAS on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/4mcKeNEIY2— NFL (@NFL) October 27, 2024
Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys
Despite being a fifth-round pick, Blue is among my favorite targets in dynasty rookie drafts. Furthermore, the former Texas star will be one of my highest-rostered rookie running backs in redraft leagues because of his draft cost and massive upside. He has a pathway to significant snaps as a rookie after getting picked by the Cowboys in the NFL Draft.
Dallas has an up-and-coming offensive line and two ineffective veteran running backs ahead of Blue on the depth chart. Last year, Williams and Miles Sanders ranked in the bottom 16 among 70 running backs with at least 55 rushing attempts in yards per attempt. Furthermore, both veterans averaged 2.51 or fewer rushing yards per attempt last season.
Running Back Offseason Losers
Najee Harris, Los Angeles Chargers
Harris hasn’t been a fantasy superstar since his rookie year. However, the former Alabama star has been a solid and reliable RB2 for fantasy players because of his role on offense with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last season, Harris was the RB20, averaging 11 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, totaling six rushing touchdowns.
NAJEE HARRIS ARE YOU SERIOUS!?
📺: #PITvsLV on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/6uP3rKdzdD— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024
Many had the veteran as an offseason winner before the NFL Draft after landing with Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers in free agency. However, Harris became a massive loser following the draft after Los Angeles used their top pick on Omarion Hampton. Furthermore, the team placed the rarely used unrestricted tag on J.K. Dobbins, meaning Harris could be a three-way backfield this year.
Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots
Last season, Stevenson was the RB27, averaging 10.6 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. While many considered it a disappointing year, the veteran had the same fantasy points per game average as in 2023. Furthermore, he had seven rushing touchdowns, a career-high, despite playing behind an awful offensive line.
New England significantly improved their offensive line this offseason, adding Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury in free agency. They also drafted Will Campbell and Jared Wilson with two of their top four picks. Unfortunately, the Patriots drafted TreVeyon Henderson. Therefore, Stevenson is no longer the unquestioned starter and will lose significant volume to the former Ohio State star.
Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers
The fantasy football world has always loved Warren, begging the Steelers to give him more work over Harris. Many thought their dreams had come true after the veteran running back signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency. Pittsburgh signed Kenneth Gainwell in free agency, but all signs pointed to Warren finally having a featured role.
Unfortunately, the Steelers had other plans. They spent their second pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Kaleb Johnson, who is an excellent fit for Arthur Smith’s offense. Furthermore, the team added more veteran help to the backfield after the draft. While he will still have a meaningful role on offense, Warren went from a featured guy to, at best, co-starters with Johnson.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants
Tracy was a popular rookie sleeper candidate last season after getting drafted by the Giants. Devin Singletary joined the team in free agency, but no one expected him to hold onto the starting role. Despite totaling only nine half-point PPR fantasy points over the first four weeks, Tracy ended his rookie year as the RB26, averaging 9.6 fantasy points per game.
Furthermore, the former Purdue star had six offensive scores, finishing second on the team behind Malik Nabers (six). Fantasy players thought Tracy would hold onto the lead role after the first two days of the NFL Draft. However, New York selected Cam Skattebo early on Day 3, putting the second-year pro in a 50-50 backfield, at best.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. turns on the speed for a 45-yard TD!
📺: #NYGvsPIT on ESPN/ABC/ESPN2
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/CAhhcXCFhD— NFL (@NFL) October 29, 2024
Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins
Most rookie running backs landed in appealing spots for their fantasy value, whether in 2025 or for the long haul. Unfortunately, Gordon was the biggest rookie loser from the NFL Draft. The former Oklahoma star was outstanding in 2023, leading college football with 1,732 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. Sadly, Gordon’s fantasy outlook took a massive hit during the NFL Draft.
The former Oklahoma star went from a potential top-50 selection to a sixth-round pick after a disappointing 2024 season. Furthermore, Gordon landed in an awful spot for his fantasy value. De'Von Achane has been a superstar in his two years in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have high hopes for Jaylen Wright after a quiet rookie season. Gordon could have been a good sleeper candidate if he had been drafted to a better situation.
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