X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Early Fantasy Football Best Ball Sleepers For 2025 - Running Back Draft Targets

Tyjae Spears - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Dan Fornek takes a look at early fantasy football best ball sleepers at the running back position for 2025. Which RBs should you target for your team?

The NFL Draft is now in the rearview. Training camps are roughly three months away. The 2025 NFL season will be here before we know it.

For the die-hard fantasy managers, best ball drafts have been going since the 2024 regular season ended. There is a considerable amount of risk in drafting this early, but the value rewards can be massive if you hit on a player who survives the offseason without competition or a rookie who drops into a prime landing spot.

All the players listed below can be considered sleeper running backs at their current ADP on Underdog Fantasy. For this article, a “sleeper” will be regarded as any player not going in the first 10 rounds of ADP. Check them out below.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans

ADP: 138.2, RB40

Tyjae Spears initially received hype after the 2023 season when it was clear the Titans were moving on from Derrick Henry. Unfortunately, the signing of Tony Pollard signaled he was going to be trapped in a timeshare once again.

A litany of injuries (concussions, ankle, and hamstring) led to just 12 games played, and a dip in efficiency (3.7 yards per carry after averaging 4.5 as a rookie) led to a slight step back in Spears’ second season.

That said, Spears did provide a reason to believe in his ability to produce in fantasy at the end of his second season. From Weeks 15 to 17, Spears logged his only three games with a snap share above 50 percent. During that stretch, he averaged 11.3 carries and 4.0 receptions per game for 67.0 all-purpose yards and scored four touchdowns.

That three-game stretch (two of which were with a shared backfield with Pollard) gave Spears three straight RB1 finishes, including an RB5 finish in Week 15 (24.2 points) in half-PPR scoring.

Tennessee invested in its offensive line in free agency by adding Dan Moore Jr. to play left tackle and Kevin Zeitler to play right guard. It is a near-certainty that the team will also upgrade the quarterback position by drafting Miami’s Cameron Ward with the first overall pick. This offense should be better in 2025.

Spears will once again be stuck in a timeshare, but he will have a weekly role and has the burst to make the most of it. If Pollard happened to get injured, he would be on the weekly RB1 radar due to a thin depth chart behind him.

 

Jordan Mason, Minnesota Vikings

ADP: 138.4, RB41

The Vikings made sure to re-sign Aaron Jones after he posted an excellent season in 2024 (255 carries for 1,138 yards and five rushing touchdowns with 51 receptions for 408 yards and two receiving touchdowns). However, it was just the second time in Jones’ career that he played more than 15 games, and the third time he had a snap share above 58 percent.

The Vikings tried not to lean on him too heavily, trading for Cam Akers before Week 7 to spell Jones. From Weeks 9 to 18, Akers logged a 26 percent snap share, averaging 6.4 carries and 1.1 targets per game.

This offseason, the Vikings traded for Jordan Mason to serve as their complementary back. Mason is no stranger to being a backup behind a three-down running back, but he showed that he can handle a workload if given a chance. From Weeks 1 to 7 this season, Jones averaged 18.3 carries, 95.3 rushing yards, and scored three rushing touchdowns. He also had 10 receptions for 86 yards.

Mason was the RB17 in half-PPR leagues during this stretch (13.8) and was the RB9 in overall scoring (96.3). He had three top-10 scoring weeks, including two top-5 finishes.

The Vikings will lean on Mason to spell Jones in 2025, and given Jones’ injury history, there is an excellent chance that Mason gets a stretch of games as the lead back once again. He’s the perfect boom-or-bust RB3 or RB4 for a best ball roster that can provide scoring weeks at some point this season.

 

Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals

ADP: 143.5, RB42

Trey Benson delivered an underwhelming rookie season (63 carries for 291 yards and one touchdown with six receptions for 59 yards) in 13 games. Benson logged just two games with double-digit carries and only one game above a 28 percent snap share due to James Conner’s healthy 2024 season.

Still, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about Benson heading into 2025.

2024 was just the second time since 2018 that Conner played more than 13 games. The veteran running back has a lengthy injury history and isn’t a stranger to missing stretches. Arizona’s coaching staff has also come out this offseason in support of Benson, stating that it believes it has “two number-one backs.”

Time will tell whether that is coach speak or not, but at the very least, Benson has value as the RB2 behind a running back who tends to get injured. The Cardinals are also unlikely to invest heavily in the position this season after investing a third-round pick in Benson in 2024.

Benson will start the year as a backup with an ambiguous role in Arizona’s backfield but should see an increased workload as a change-of-pace back in his second season. He could easily pay off his RB42 price tag if Conner were to go down for any period.

 

RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos

ADP: 170.4, RB55

This rookie running back class is loaded with talent, but most people’s attention is being focused on the names at the top (Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, TreVeyon Henderson, and Quinshon Judkins). That is allowing some of the secondary backs to fly under the radar.

One rookie who is an excellent value at this point is the University of Central Florida’s RJ Harvey.

Over his last two collegiate seasons, Harvey amassed 458 carries for 2,993 yards and 38 rushing touchdowns while adding 39 receptions for 505 yards and four receiving touchdowns. Harvey measured in at 5-foot-8, 205 pounds at the combine before running a 4.40 40-yard dash.

The advanced metrics are even more impressive. Harvey was second to Jeanty in rushing attempts that went 10+ yards (54) and 15+ yards (32). He was third in the class in breakaway rushing yards (827) and posted a respectable 1.39 yards per route run as a pass-catcher.

Harvey is currently being drafted as the RB55 in best ball drafts but that will change now that he landed with the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Harvey immediately becomes the most explosive component in this backfield running behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. He will get plenty of opportunities to make plays in space with his speed.

Harvey's ADP will climb dramatically now that we know he is in Denver's backfield, but it shouldn't get out of control given Sean Payton's history of rotating running backs. He should remain a value as long as he continues to be selected in

 

Will Shipley, Philadelphia Eagles

ADP: 224.7, RB68

The Eagles drafted Will Shipley in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Shipley didn’t see the field much on offense (30 carries for 82 yards and four receptions for 35 yards), making most of his impact on special teams while playing behind Saquon Barkley and Kenneth Gainwell.

Gainwell left the Eagles in free agency this offseason, opening an opportunity for Shipley to earn a bigger role behind Barkley in 2025. The veteran logged a 26 percent snap share with the Eagles last season while handling 75 carries and 22 targets.

Shipley was a three-down workhorse during his three seasons at Clemson, amassing 526 carries and 85 receptions for 3,349 all-purpose yards and 33 total touchdowns. There were glimpses of that skill set in limited reps during his first season.

Barkley will be the unquestioned lead back for Philadelphia again in 2025, but Shipley figures to be the first man up if he misses any time due to injury. The only other running back on Philadelphia’s roster with NFL experience is former Packer AJ Dillon.

Make no mistake, Shipley will be a zero for most weeks in your best ball lineup. However, he could have an amazing upside should Barkley miss time with injury. He is a last-round pick in best ball with tantalizing upside, especially if the Eagles don’t add to the running back room during the NFL Draft.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Michael Morales

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Gilbert Burns

In Dire Need Of Victory
Precious Achiuwa

Uncertain For Game 6
Derek Carr

More to Derek Carr's Retirement Than his Injury?
Rodolfo Bellato

Set For UFC Vegas 106 Co-Main Event
Paul Craig

Returns To Light Heavyweight
Shedeur Sanders

Browns Say Shedeur Sanders is Willing to Put in the Work
Mairon Santos

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Harold Fannin Jr.

Browns, Harold Fannin Jr. Agree to Terms on Four-Year Rookie Deal
Sodiq Yusuff

Set For Lightweight Bout
Nursulton Ruziboev

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 106
Melquizael Costa

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 106
Julian Erosa

Set To Open Up UFC Vegas 106 Main Card
Keaontay Ingram

Chiefs Waive Keaontay Ingram
D.J. Humphries

No Deal Yet Between 49ers, D.J. Humphries
Cleveland Browns

Browns Maximizing Reps For Rookies
Cleveland Browns

Browns To Utilize Fullback Position In 2025
MLB

Former MLB Shortstop Rafael Furcal Arrested
Mark Scheifele

Returns To Score Sheet With Two Points
Nikolaj Ehlers

Finds The Net Twice As Jets Stave Off Elimination In Game 5
Connor Hellebuyck

Shuts The Door On Stars In Game 5
Frederik Andersen

Registers Third Consecutive Victory
Andrei Svechnikov

Scores Decisive Goal In Series-Clincher
Seth Jarvis

Records Two Points In Series-Clinching Win
Shohei Ohtani

Smashes Two Homers, Drives In Six
Hunter Brown

Dominates Rangers, Takes Tough Loss
Jacob deGrom

Quiets Astros In Masterful Start
Jaxson Dart

2025 Could Be A Redshirt Year For Jaxson Dart
Eric Johnson II

Claimed By Indianapolis
Donovan Jackson

Signs Rookie Contract
Brandon Lowe

Smacks Two Homers On Thursday
Lars Eller

Won't Play On Thursday
Charlie Lindgren

May Miss Thursday's Game
Anthony Beauvillier

Returns To Top Line Thursday
Jordan Addison

Jury Trial Set For June In Connection To Jordan Addison's 2024 DUI Citation
Spencer Strider

To Start Next Week Against Nationals
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Hiring Brandon Hunt As Vice President Of Player Personnel
Patrick Murtagh

Let Go By Jaguars
Christian Barmore

 Expected To Play In Week 1 After Dealing With Blood Clots
Byron Buxton

Leaves Game Thursday, In Concussion Protocol
Carlos Correa

In Concussion Protocol After Collision On Thursday
Caleb Williams

Considered Way Around Going To The Bears
Eric Johnson II

Patriots Release Eric Johnson II
Anfernee Orji

Titans Claim Anfernee Orji Off Waivers From Saints
Donovan Peoples-Jones

Saints Sign Donovan Peoples-Jones
Jayden Reed

Up To 199 Pounds
Josh Lowe

Activated And Starting On Thursday
Josh Hart

Leads Knicks In Scoring Wednesday Night
Derrick White

Erupts For 34 Points As Celtics Stay Alive
Luke Kornet

Big For Boston In Game 5
Jaylen Brown

Records Double-Double In Crucial Win
Anthony Edwards

Posts Double-Double In Series-Clinching Win
Julius Randle

Scores Game-High 29 Points In Series-Clincher
Nicholas Robertson

Nets Lone Maple Leafs Goal Wednesday
Nate Schmidt

Tallies Two Assists In Big Win
Kyle Stowers

Smashes Two Homers In Marlins' Victory
Sam Reinhart

Records Two Assists In Game 5 Win
Aaron Ekblad

Enjoys Multi-Point Night In Game 5
Kasperi Kapanen

Scores Series-Clinching Goal
Tarik Skubal

Strikes Out 11 In No-Decision
Stuart Skinner

Backstops Oilers To Series Win
Brian Harman

Not A Great Option For PGA Championship
Ketel Marte

Blasts Two Home Runs, Removed Early With Hip Tightness
Rhys Hoskins

Homers, Drives In Five
Nikola Vučević

Nikola Vucevic May Be Involved In Trade Talks Again This Offseason
Jared McCain

Moving In The Right Direction
Matthew Golden

Officially Signs Rookie Contract
Trayveon Williams

Patriots Sign Trayveon Williams
Cameron Smith

May Not Be Worth The Risk At Quail Hollow
Joaquin Niemann

A Strong Play At Quail Hollow
Stephen Curry

Cleared For Light On-Court Work
Sam Hauser

Returns To Action Wednesday
Evan Bouchard

Relishes Series-Clinchers
Ben Joyce

Expected To Miss Rest Of Season After Shoulder Surgery
Jalen Chatfield

Good To Go For Thursday's Game 5
Brandon Saad

Not Expected To Return In Round 2
Ryan Weathers

Activated And Starting On Wednesday
Mark Stone

Doubtful For Game 5 Wednesday
Evan Rodrigues

Won't Play On Wednesday
Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Good To Go Wednesday
PGA

Sungjae Im Could Be Someone To Watch At Quail Hollow
Max Homa

Still Not Trustworthy Ahead Of PGA Championship
Dalton Rushing

Dodgers Calling Up Dalton Rushing
Bryce Miller

Mariners Place Bryce Miller On 15-Day Injured List With Elbow Inflammation
Jason Day

Looking To Continue Success At Quail Hollow
Sam Burns

A Shaky Play At Quail Hollow
Daniel Berger

Looking To Capture First Major At Quail Hollow
Jordan Spieth

Looks To Complete Career Grand Slam At Quail Hollow
Rory McIlroy

All Eyes Are On Rory McIlroy At Quail Hollow
Jon Rahm

Fits Quail Hollow Well On Paper
Keegan Bradley

A Reliable Option At Quail Hollow
Will Zalatoris

Enters PGA Championship With Major Concerns
Justin Thomas

Peaking At The Right Time For PGA Championship
Akshay Bhatia

Not Quite The Same Since Players Championship
Donovan Mitchell

Scores Game-High 35 Points In Tuesday's Loss
Harris English

Playing Well Heading Into PGA Championship
Collin Morikawa

A Solid Contender At PGA Championship
Tyrese Haliburton

Returns To Form In Closeout Game
Gary Woodland

Not Expecting Much At PGA Championship
Jamal Murray

Tallies 28 Points In Game 5 Loss
Si Woo Kim

A High-Risk, High-Reward Option At PGA Championship
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic Ends Shooting Slump In Game 5
Tom Hoge

A Risky Play At Quail Hollow
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Leads Team With 31 Points In Comeback Victory
Stephen Curry

Officially Ruled Out For Game 5
PGA

Tyrell Hatton A Volatile Pick At PGA Championship
Dylan Cease

Strikes Out 10 In No-Decision On Tuesday
Daulton Varsho

Homers Twice, Drives In Four On Tuesday
Javier Báez

Javier Baez Hits Two Homers With Walk-Off Tuesday
Josh Jung

Hits Two Homers, Plates Four Tuesday
Sam Hauser

Expected To Play On Wednesday Night
Jayson Tatum

Tears Achilles, Undergoes Successful Surgery
Jonathan Kuminga

Leads Warriors in Scoring Monday Night
Anthony Edwards

Scores 30 Points With Six Triples In Game 4 Win
Jack Della Maddalena

Becomes The New UFC Welterweight Champion
Belal Muhammad

Outclassed At UFC 315
Manon Fiorot

Drops Decision At UFC 315
Valentina Shevchenko

Defends Title
José Aldo

Jose Aldo Retires After UFC 315 Loss
Aiemann Zahabi

Extends His Win Streak
Alexa Grasso

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Alexa Grasso

Natalia Silva Outclasses Alexa Grasso
Kyle Prepolec

Submitted In His UFC Return
MMA

Benoit Saint-Denis Gets Back In The Win Column
Ryan Blaney

Holds Strong For A Top-Five Finish At Kansas
William Byron

Struggles At Kansas With An Underwhelming Finish
Chase Briscoe

Scores A New Career-Best Cup Finish At Kansas
Denny Hamlin

Mechanical Issues Ruin Denny Hamlin's Promising Kansas Performance
Alex Bowman

Puts Together A Strong Top-Five Finish At Kansas
Ryan Preece

Earns His First Career Top-10 Finish At Kansas
Christopher Bell

Finishes Second In Otherwise Subpar Day For Toyota
Chris Buescher

Has Decent Run At Kansas, But Teammates Outperform Him
Josh Berry

Despite Qualifying Error And Speeding Penalty, Josh Berry Finishes Sixth
Joey Logano

Despite Joey Logano's Complacency, Penske Cars Fast Enough For Top-10 Finish
Tyler Reddick

Once Again Inexplicably Mediocre At One Of His Better Tracks
Brad Keselowski

Crashes Out At Kansas But Shows First Hint Of Speed
Kyle Larson

Could Embarrass The Field At Kansas
Tyler Reddick

Should Be Fast At Kansas
Denny Hamlin

Has Been Phenomenal At Kansas in Next Gen Car
Ryan Blaney

Expect Ryan Blaney To Obtain Another Quality Kansas Finish
Chris Buescher

May Be One To Watch At Kansas
William Byron

Is Among The Top Favorites To Win At Kansas
NASCAR

Should DFS Players Roster Bubba Wallace At Kansas?
Christopher Bell

Qualifies Third For This Week's Kansas Race
Austin Cindric

May Be A Great And Sneaky DFS Pick For Kansas
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF