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

Fantasy Football Running Back Preview: Targets & Sleepers For 2025 Drafts

Bijan Robinson - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers

Mike's top running back targets and sleepers for 2025 fantasy football drafts. His top draft targets and sleepers at running back for 2025 fantasy football.

While the NFL is in the middle of its offseason, the fantasy football world never takes a break. Much in the fantasy world will change between now and the start of the regular season.

Yet, let’s take an early look at the running back position for 2025 fantasy football drafts. Below are three early-round studs, three mid-round values, and three late-round sleepers I will target in my fantasy drafts later this year.

The ADP used for this article is courtesy of Underdog Fantasy.

Editor's Note: Find sleeper picks, undervalued ADPs, and draft targets to help you dominate your fantasy football drafts. Try our free who to draft tool for personalized recommendations.

 

Early-Round Stud Running Backs

Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons – ADP 3.3 | RB2

Despite seeing only 28 more rushing attempts than Tyler Allgeier as a rookie, Robinson finished the year as the RB9, averaging 12.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Fantasy players had high hopes for the former Texas star last season after the Falcons moved on from former head coach Arthur Smith.

While he started last year slowly, Robinson was a superstar by the end of the season. He ranked fourth in the NFL with 304 rushing attempts and fifth with 14 rushing scores. More importantly, Robinson was the RB3 during the three weeks Michael Penix Jr. started, averaging 22.3 rushing attempts for 118 yards, two touchdowns, and 25.6 fantasy points per game.

Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams – ADP 31.5 | RB12

Williams has been one of the more reliable running backs in fantasy football since taking over as the starter in 2023. The former Notre Dame star has finished as an RB1 every season of his career as the team’s starting running back. Last year, the superstar finished as the RB7, averaging 15.9 half-point PPR fantasy points per game despite the addition of Blake Corum.

Many were worried that the rookie running back would cut into Williams’s role, especially around the goal line. Yet, Corum had zero touchdowns as a rookie, totaling more than five rushing attempts in only three contests. By comparison, Williams had 16 offensive touchdowns, scoring at least once in 75% of the games. Fantasy players should expect another massive performance from the superstar in 2025.

Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals – ADP 35.9 | RB13

Last year, Brown finished as the RB12, averaging 14.2 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. The former Illinois star started the season as Zack Moss’s backup, averaging 4.7 rushing attempts and 4.9 fantasy points per game over the first three weeks. However, he had at least 12 rushing attempts in all but one of his final 13 games, including 25 or more twice.

More importantly, Brown finished the year on fire as the Bengals’ featured running back. He was the RB6 from Week 9 through Week 17, averaging 18.3 fantasy points per game, a higher average than Derrick Henry (15.8). Furthermore, Brown had seven rushing touchdowns despite playing on one of the more pass-happy offenses.

 

Mid-Round Value Running Backs

Najee Harris, Los Angeles Chargers – ADP 83.4 | RB26

While he is far from the most explosive running back in the NFL, Harris has been a consistent RB2 for fantasy players throughout his career. The former Alabama star has had at least 1,000 rushing yards every year of his career, totaling six or more scores each season. More importantly, he has significant upside after signing with Los Angeles in free agency.

Harris was the RB20 last year, averaging 12 half-point PPR fantasy points per game despite splitting the backfield work with Jaylen Warren. Meanwhile, J.K. Dobbins was the RB17 on a points-per-game basis with the Chargers last season. More importantly, Harris can be a significant factor in the passing game, totaling 74 receptions as a rookie.

Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers – ADP 86.8 | RB29

Speaking of Warren, the former undrafted free-agent star is in line to be the Steelers' No. 1 running back in 2025. Last year, he finished as the RB41, averaging seven half-point PPR fantasy points per game. However, Warren missed time with injuries that impacted his play, resulting in him posting a career-low 4.3 rushing yards per attempt.

Furthermore, he had only one rushing touchdown after totaling four the season before. Yet, fantasy players should have high hopes for Warren next year. The former Oklahoma State star averaged 0.79 fantasy points per touch in 2023. Warren should be a mid-range RB2 in fantasy rankings unless Pittsburgh drafts a running back with its first-round pick.

D'Andre Swift, Chicago Bears – ADP 115.1 | RB35

Fantasy players should be interested in what the Bears do during the NFL Draft. If they don’t spend one of their three top-50 picks on a running back, Swift will be a steal as the 35th running back off the board. Last year, he finished as the RB19, averaging 11.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game despite playing behind an awful offensive line.

Thankfully, Chicago added three new starters to their offensive line this offseason, including Joe Thuney. Despite running behind a struggling offensive line, Swift had 959 rushing yards and six touchdowns. More importantly, new head coach Ben Johnson wants to run the ball after having massive success doing it with the Detroit Lions.

 

Late-Round Sleeper Running Backs

Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys – ADP 152.3 | RB45

Everyone expects the Cowboys to pick a running back early in the 2025 NFL Draft, potentially in the first round. However, don’t be surprised if Dallas waits until Day 3 to add a running back, if they select one at all after adding two in free agency. Last year, the team decided not to draft a running back, instead relying on the veterans on their roster.

Therefore, Williams is one of my favorite running back values. He was the RB31 last season, averaging 7.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game while totaling four rushing touchdowns despite being in a crowded and dysfunctional backfield. Williams should have no trouble beating out Miles Sanders for the starting role if the Cowboys don’t add a big-name rookie running back.

Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns – ADP 154.8 | RB48

Many will want to avoid Cleveland’s offense like the plague next season. However, Ford could have sneaky fantasy value in the final year of his rookie deal. Nick Chubb is a free agent and unlikely to return, making Ford the early favorite to start next season. The Browns probably won’t invest significant draft capital at running back as they head into another rebuilding project.

More importantly, Ford was productive in 2023, with Chubb missing most of the year, finishing as the RB17, and averaging 11.1 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Last season, the veteran finished as the RB34, averaging 8.3 fantasy points per game despite splitting the backfield workload. After totaling three rushing touchdowns in 2024, don’t be surprised if Ford has a career year in 2025.

Isaac Guerendo, San Francisco 49ers – ADP 165.8 | RB52

Hopefully, Christian McCaffrey can stay healthy in 2025 after dealing with multiple injuries last year, including Achilles tendinitis. However, fantasy players should prepare for the worst, especially given the superstar’s injury history. McCaffrey has missed nine or more games in three of the past five years, including 13 in two different seasons.

Therefore, the No. 2 running back in San Francisco is arguably the top handcuff in fantasy football. That role belongs to Guerendo after the 49ers lost Elijah Mitchell to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency and traded Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings. Last season, Guerendo averaged 15 half-point PPR fantasy points per game in the five contests with over five rushing attempts.



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

Shemar Stewart

Not Practicing With College Team
Uchenna Nwosu

Seahawks Place Uchenna Nwosu on PUP List
Taylor Decker

Alim McNeill, Taylor Decker Placed on PUP List
Tyrion Davis-Price

Titans Waive Tyrion Davis-Price
Tre Harris

Chargers Relying on Tre Harris to Be Starting X Receiver
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Expected Back Friday
Micah Parsons

Will Become Highest-Paid Non-QB
MarShawn Lloyd

Vying for RB2 Role
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith Finds End Zone in First Training Camp Practice
Tyler Shough

Pushing for Fully Guaranteed Rookie Deal
Ar'Darius Washington

Goes on PUP List
Lamar Jackson

to be Even Better in 2025?
Tre Harris

Agrees to Terms on Rookie Deal
Justin Herbert

Off to Good Start at Training Camp
Jameson Williams

Earning Rave Reviews from Lions Coaches
Christian Mahogany

Expected to Start for Lions
Zach Allen

an Extension Candidate in Denver?
Zaire Franklin

May Miss Start of Training Camp
Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard Returning to Portland
Mason Taylor

to Play "Crucial" Role in Jets' Offense
Paul Skenes

Pirates Could Preserve Paul Skenes in Second Half
T.J. Watt

Once Again Becomes Highest-Paid Non-QB
RJ Harvey

Reaches Agreement on Four-Year Rookie Contract
Rashee Rice

Chiefs Believe Rashee Rice Will Receive Two- to Four-Game Suspension
Brooks Barnhizer

Grabs 19 Points, Nine Boards in Summer League Win
Jeremiah Fears

Scores 22 Points in Summer League Loss to Thunder
Isaiah Collier

Collects 17 Points In Summer League Win
Caleb Houstan

Joins Hawks
AJ Johnson

Erupts for 25 Points in Summer League Loss
Washington Wizards

Leaky Black Logs Double-Double in Loss to Jazz
Connor Norby

Undergoes Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-8 Weeks
Trey Alexander

Tallies 25 Points in Losing Effort
Johni Broome

Records Second Consecutive Double-Double
Jahmir Young

Has Historic Summer League Outing
Rob Dillingham

Plays Big Role in Wednesday's Win
Tyrese Proctor

Erupts for 35 Points Against Kings
Cody Williams

Leads Jazz to Victory Against Wizards
LeBron James

Mavs Not Interested in "Gutting its Roster" For LeBron James
Josh Hart

Undergoes a Procedure on Right Finger
Jake Burger

Goes on 10-Day Injured List With Quad Strain
Sal Frelick

Dealing With Grade 1 Hamstring Strain, TBD for Start of Second Half
Chris Sale

Plays Catch
Los Angeles Clippers

Bradley Beal Heading to Los Angeles to Join Clippers After Contract Buyout
Rayan Rupert

Scores 24 Points in Summer League Win
Derik Queen

Collects Third Consecutive Double-Double in Summer League Loss
GG Jackson II

Records 13 Points in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Johni Broome

Logs Double-Double Against Wizards
DaRon Holmes II

Records Double-Double in Summer League Loss to Raptors
Kyle Schwarber

Named All-Star Game MVP
Harris English

Takes Stellar 2025 Performance to The Open Championship
Aldrich Potgieter

Seeks Better Result in Northern Ireland
Cameron Young

Likely to Hang Around at The Open Championship
Cameron Smith

Just Trying to Make the Cut at Royal Portrush
Jordan Spieth

Is Jordan Spieth Still a Natural for Links Style Golf?
Patrick Reed

a Viable Option at The Open Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Wants to Rebound from Last Experience at Royal Portrush
Xander Schauffele

Looks to Defend His Claret Jug at Royal Portrush
Tony Finau

Trying to Turn Tide at Royal Portrush
Daniel Brown

Seeks a Rebound at The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy

Will be the Most Watched Player This Week at Royal Portrush
Daniel Berger

Trending Poorly as The Open Championship Looms
Clayton Kershaw

Retires Both Batters In ASG Appearance
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Hit In Pinky In All-Star Game, X-Rays Negative
MLB

NL All-Stars Win On Tie-Breaker Home Run Swing-Off
Robert MacIntyre

Hoping to Bounce Back at Open Championship
Shane Lowry

Hopes to Repeat at Royal Portrush
Brian Harman

Hopes to Rekindle Some Magic at the 153rd Open
UTA

Michael Carcone Returns to Utah on One-Year Contract
Bowen Byram

Signs Two-Year Deal with Sabres
Morgan Barron

Jets Re-Sign Morgan Barron for Two Years
PGA

Chris Gotterup Punches Ticket to Royal Portrush With Win at Scottish Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Hopes to Reverse Links Golf Struggle at the 153rd Open
Keegan Bradley

Needs to Find The Weekend at Royal Portrush for Ryder Cup Hopes
Oneil Cruz

Ties Home Run Derby Distance Record
Cal Raleigh

Wins 2025 Home Run Derby
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied For 22nd at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Jon Rahm

Finishes in Second at LIV Andalucia
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round TKO
Derrick Lewis

Scores First-Round TKO
Michael Lorenzen

Royals Put Michael Lorenzen on Injured List With Oblique Strain
Stephen Thompson

Loses Controversial Split Decision
Gabriel Bonfim

Wins Controversial Split Decision
Calvin Kattar

Gets Outclassed At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Extends His Win Streak
Nate Landwehr

Gets Knocked Out
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Scores Third-Round Knockout
Austen Lane

Suffers Submission Loss
Vitor Petrino

Scores First-Round Submission In Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Earns His First UFC Win
Junior Tafa

Unsuccessful in his Light-Heavyweight Debut
Chase Elliott

Charges to A Finish of Third At Sonoma
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Second With his First Career Road-Course Top-Five at Sonoma
Christopher Bell

Rollercoaster Day Ends With Top-5 Finish at Sonoma
William Byron

Maintains the Regular-Season Points Lead
Kyle Busch

Earns A Hard-Fought Top-10 Finish At Sonoma
Alex Ovechkin

Not Thinking About Retirement
PIT

Penguins Acquire Arturs Silovs
NHL

Nikolai Kovalenko Returns to Russia
Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Tosses Gem Against Giants
Shota Imanaga

Shuts Down Yankees on Sunday
Nathan Eovaldi

Dominant Again in Seventh Win
Tyler Reddick

Evades Near Upset to Remain Alive in In-Season Challenge
Ty Gibbs

One of Three Tylers to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinals
Kyle Larson

Curiously Mediocre at Sonoma Before Late-Race Crash
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek Edges Out Teammate to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Alex Bowman

Ty Dillon Bumps Alex Bowman to Advance to In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Chicago White Sox

Billy Carlson Goes 10th Overall to White Sox
Cincinnati Reds

Steele Hall Selected Ninth by Cincinnati
Toronto Blue Jays

Blue Jays Select JoJo Parker with Eighth Overall Pick
Miami Marlins

Marlins Select Aiva Arquette With Seventh Overall Pick
Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates Select Seth Hernandez with Sixth Overall Pick
Shane Van Gisbergen

Can Anyone Beat Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma?
Tyler Reddick

Better at Sonoma Than Record Shows
Chase Elliott

a Prime DFS Option at Sonoma
Michael McDowell

Struggling a Bit at Sonoma
NASCAR

Christopher Bell Has Never Finished Better Than Ninth at Sonoma
Ryan Blaney

Has Top-10 Upside at Sonoma
NASCAR

Sunday at Sonoma Will Likely Be a Long Race for Bubba Wallace
Kyle Larson

Is A Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Ryan Preece

Points Position Could Affect Race at Sonoma
Todd Gilliland

Struggling to Find Speed at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs

May be an Underrated Favorite to Compete for the Win at Sonoma
Erik Karlsson

Open to Move Away From Pittsburgh
Zach Hyman

Hopes to be Ready for Start of Next Season
SJ

Jeff Skinner Joins Sharks on One-Year Contract
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF