While early-round running backs are the backbone of many fantasy football rosters, true league-winners often emerge from the later rounds of the draft. These “deep sleepers” are the undervalued gems, the players whose potential isn’t fully reflected in their average draft position.
Whether it’s due to a new opportunity, an unexpected rise in the depth chart, or simply flying under the radar, identifying these running backs can give you a massive edge. For the 2025 season, we’ve scoured the landscape to bring you some names who could deliver huge returns on a small investment.
Kaleb Johnson (Pittsburgh Steelers): Johnson has reportedly been making a strong impression in Steelers camp. Depending on the ADP source, he’s being drafted as a high-end RB3. If he secures a significant share of the early-down carries in Pittsburgh’s run-heavy offense, his proven ability to find the end zone from college could make him a huge fantasy value, with a minimum mid-RB2 finish in sight.
Tony Pollard (Tennessee Titans): After a slight dip in efficiency as a lead back, Pollard is looking to bounce back in Tennessee. If the Titans can scheme him into more favorable situations and utilize his receiving skills effectively, he could return to the high-efficiency, dual-threat back he was earlier in his career.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. (New York Giants): Everybody seems to be aboard the Cam Skattebo train, and as a result of that, it’s opened up a very good value opportunity for Tracy. As a versatile back, Tracy has the potential for a significant role. At the very least, he’ll be the primary pass-catching back, which is a good gig for PPR leagues. But I wouldn’t count him out just yet as the back who garners more touches.
Javonte Williams (Dallas Cowboys): Williams is reportedly showing signs of regaining his pre-injury form and is in the mix to be the Cowboys’ starting back. If he can recapture his tackle-breaking prowess and the Dallas offense remains potent, he could easily outperform his current draft position and become an RB2.
Travis Etienne (Jacksonville Jaguars): I get it: a poor 2024 showing from Etienne plus a hand-picked rookie running back by new coach Liam Coen has suddenly made Etienne yesterday’s news. I think Etienne’s days as a high-ceiling, dynamic fantasy back are gone, but now he is a low-cost, moderately valuable RB3. He has the chance to pay high dividends for his low price.
Jordan Mason (Minnesota Vikings): Mason has reportedly been impressing in Vikings camp, with the coaching staff viewing him as a strong complement to Aaron Jones. If he earns a significant share of the carries in Minnesota’s outside zone scheme, which fits his running style, he could have stand-alone flex value and become immensely valuable if Jones misses time.
J.K. Dobbins (Denver Broncos): After a successful return from injury in 2024, Dobbins joins the Broncos in a Sean Payton offense that has historically utilized multiple backs. If he can secure a consistent pass-catching role, his efficiency and nose for the end zone could make him a strong fantasy producer despite the crowded backfield.
Trey Benson (Arizona Cardinals): After a somewhat limited rookie campaign in 2024 (291 rushing yards, 1 TD), Benson enters his second season with the Cardinals in a more prominent role. With James Conner now in his age-30 season and a history of injuries, Benson is positioned to take on a significantly larger share of the backfield work, potentially even earning a “co-RB1” role, making him a high-upside sleeper.
Nick Chubb (Houston Texans): While recovering from a severe knee injury, Chubb’s talent is undeniable, and he’s now with the Texans. With Joe Mixon expected to miss time due to a foot injury, Nick Chubb is now in the “driver’s seat” to step in as the Houston Texans’ starting running back, at least for the beginning of the 2025 season. This development significantly increases Chubb’s potential role. He was initially signed in June 2025 on a one-year deal to be a complementary piece, but now he’s making the most of the opportunity to work with the first-team offense.
Ray Davis (Buffalo Bills): Davis is an intriguing second-year player who could see an increased workload if James Cook’s contract situation becomes an issue or if Cook regresses — as I strongly expect him to. Davis showed his versatility in college and has demonstrated his potential to be a dual-threat in the Bills’ offense, making him a high-upside handcuff with standalone value.
Jerome Ford (Cleveland Browns): Ford stepped up admirably when Nick Chubb was injured in 2023, showing flashes of mid-range RB2 value. With Quinshon Judkins facing legal issues and not reporting to training camp, Jerome Ford’s role in the Cleveland Browns’ backfield is significantly elevated. Judkins was initially expected to be the primary back, but his arrest and potential suspension mean Ford is now in line to be the lead back, at least for the start of the 2025 season.
Braelon Allen (New York Jets): Allen enters his second season with the Jets, and there’s buzz he could take a significant leap in development, especially with the Jets’ improved offensive line and the addition of Justin Fields at quarterback. If he can improve his pass-catching and blocking, he could emerge as a reliable part of a committee or even a workhorse back, outperforming his current low ADP.
Kyle Monangai (Chicago Bears): As a seventh-round rookie, Monangai is a true deep sleeper, but he was a college workhorse who can handle volume. If he can earn a short-yardage or goal-line role, or if D’Andre Swift or Roschon Johnson face injuries or struggles, Monangai’s tough running style could lead to surprising fantasy production.
