In fantasy football, the running back position remains king, but the landscape is ever-changing. Injuries, committee approaches, and the influx of new talent constantly shift the perceived value of players.
Savvy fantasy owners know that finding running backs who outperform their Average Draft Position (ADP) is key to building a championship roster.
As we look ahead to the 2025 season, some talented backs are being overlooked, their ADPs depressed for various reasons – be it past injuries, new competition, or a perceived lack of elite status.
This post will highlight five running backs whose current 2025 ADPs don’t reflect their true upside, offering you a winning edge in your upcoming drafts.
Ken Walker (Seattle Seahawks): Walker’s fantasy production has been a bit of a roller coaster, largely due to injuries and a somewhat inconsistent offensive scheme. However, 2025 presents a significant opportunity for him to re-establish himself as a top-tier fantasy back. The arrival of new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and run game coordinator Rick Dennison is a game-changer. This duo has a strong history of designing effective run schemes, particularly utilizing outside zone concepts, which align perfectly with Walker’s strengths. He’s been incredibly efficient on such runs throughout his career. While Zach Charbonnet remains a factor, the new regime’s commitment to the run, coupled with Walker’s proven tackle-breaking ability and explosiveness, could lead to a significant increase in volume and efficiency. If he can stay healthy, Walker is poised for a substantial rebound and could easily finish as a high-end RB2 or even sneak into the RB1 conversation, making his current ADP a bargain.
Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints): Kamara is a tricky player to evaluate for 2025, as age (he’ll be 30 at the start of the season) is a concern for running backs. However, his consistent target volume and ability to rack up receptions make him a strong candidate to outperform his depressed ADP, especially in PPR formats. Even as his rushing efficiency has wavered, Kamara has consistently been among the league leaders in running back targets. The Saints’ offense, under new leadership, may continue to lean on Kamara as a security blanket for the quarterback, particularly given the team’s quarterback situation. While there’s always the risk of a decline at his age, Kamara’s unique skill set as a pass-catcher, coupled with a likely significant workload, means he still possesses a high fantasy floor. If he avoids major injuries and continues to be a focal point of the passing game, Kamara could easily exceed expectations as a solid RB2.
Kyren Williams (Los Angeles Rams): Williams has been a surprising fantasy success story, consistently producing when healthy due to an exceptionally high volume within Sean McVay’s offense. While the Rams have drafted Blake Corum and Jarquez Hunter, signaling a desire for more depth, Williams has proven himself to be McVay’s preferred lead back when available. McVay has historically gravitated towards a single bell-cow back, and Williams’ receiving prowess and gritty running style fit that mold. Despite some efficiency concerns in 2024, his utilization rate has been elite. As long as Williams remains the clear lead back in a high-powered Rams offense, the sheer volume of touches he receives, both rushing and receiving, will make him a fantasy force. If his ADP drops due to rookie hype or past injury concerns, he could be a steal as a player with clear RB1 upside in a potent offense.
D’Andre Swift (Chicago Bears): Swift’s 2024 season with the Bears saw him handle a significant workload, and he enters 2025 in a favorable position despite some fan skepticism. The key factor for Swift’s potential breakout is new head coach Ben Johnson, who comes from Detroit. While Johnson traded Swift away from the Lions, this was more about the Lions’ desire to draft Jahmyr Gibbs than a reflection of Johnson’s opinion of Swift’s talent. Johnson’s scheme is known for being run-heavy and creative, which could unlock Swift’s full potential as both a runner and a receiver. The Bears’ investment in their offensive line and the arrival of a highly-touted rookie quarterback in Caleb Williams should improve the overall offensive efficiency, creating more scoring opportunities for Swift. With limited proven competition in the backfield (Roschon Johnson and a seventh-round rookie), Swift has a clear path to being a volume-driven RB2 with RB1 upside in PPR leagues.
Isiah Pacheco (Kansas City Chiefs): Pacheco is a tough, hard-nosed runner in one of the league’s most explosive offenses, but concerns about his workload in 2025 are likely to depress his ADP. The Chiefs retained Kareem Hunt and added Elijah Mitchell, suggesting a potential committee approach. However, Pacheco has consistently demonstrated a knack for breaking tackles and converting in the red zone. Andy Reid’s offense, while passing-heavy, still relies on an effective run game, and Pacheco’s physicality is a key component. Furthermore, the Chiefs’ overall offensive firepower means that even with fewer touches, Pacheco could still be highly efficient, especially in scoring touchdowns. If his ADP slides outside the top-20 RBs, he offers incredible value as the primary runner for a Super Bowl contender, with significant touchdown upside and a floor provided by his physical running style.
