The tailback spot wasn’t affected quite as much by physical issues the previous season, but we all know how swiftly circumstances can shift at a position known for its high-impact nature. Dream football strategists who maintain readiness and understand which runners are next in line for play time will consistently possess a strategic benefit over their adversaries.
It’s similarly vital to discern which supplementary players possess the possibility to elevate in the pecking order depending on skill, which ones are arranged for a prominent part when physical issues arise, and those who would maximize as a segment of a smaller amount of appealing substitute group.
Here’s how I’m arranging the best supporting running backs heading into Week 2 — founded on their dream potential in 2025.
1. Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks
Anyone who’s obtained Charbonnet knows the worth he’s supplied when Kenneth Walker III was sidelined. In the six games Walker missed the previous season, Charbonnet posted weekly dream results as the RB1, RB6, RB12, RB15, RB21, and RB27. In Week 1, we perceived indications that this backfield may be more of a shared role than it’s been previously.
Charbonnet played more snaps (30-21), acquired more carries (12-10), created more yards (47-24), and discovered the end zone in Week 1. It’s conceivable Walker’s preseason foot issue is as yet restricting him, so we will not know for a couple more weeks whether this is an indication of things to come. In any case, meanwhile, Charbonnet moves into the top spot on this list. In addition to the fact that he looked like the better back in the opener, he has a possible way to taking over this backfield.
2. Jordan Mason, Vikings
The Vikings made a composed exertion to trade for Mason and didn’t do a lot else to address their backfield. Aaron Jones Sr., who will turn 31 in December, has battled through a rush of physical issues the last few seasons and it appears like the training staff comprehends his workload should be dialed back. In Week 1, Mason beat Jones in snaps (30-28), touches (16-11) and scrimmage yards (75-67), while giving off an impression of being the more viable back. For the present, we’ll keep Mason on the list as a dream RB3, but we probably won’t be considering him a backup for much longer if this trend continues.
3. David Montgomery, Lions
Montgomery’s carries dropped last year, yet he compensated for it with getting work and touchdown scoring. Even though the Lions offense gives off an impression of being probably going to take a step back without Ben Johnson, Frank Ragnow, and Kevin Zeitler, Montgomery remains a strong RB3/flex with league-winning upside if Jahmyr Gibbs gets hurt.
4. Trey Benson, Cardinals
Benson was drafted to be the beneficiary apparent to James Conner, yet the veteran just keeps chugging along. The Cardinals actually appear high on Benson, with Conner recommending in the offseason that the team has two RB1s and Kyler Murray predicting an advancement campaign for the second-year back. In Week 1, Benson just played 33% of the snaps while outgaining Conner 75-44 in scrimmage yards because of a 52-yard run. Assuming the 30-year-old Conner drops off or gets injured, Benson would be in the top 20 of my weekly rankings.
[Upgrade to Fantasy Plus and gain your edge in player projections and much more]
5. Braelon Allen, Jets
Even as a 20-year-old rookie, Allen looked like he belonged last year while backing up Breece Hall. Allen continued his development with a strong offseason, which caught the eye of new head coach Aaron Glenn, who routinely talked about using multiple backs — like his former team did in Detroit. In Week 1, Hall re-established himself as the unquestioned top back in New York, but it was Allen who scored a touchdown. Moving forward, Allen is an unstable weekly flex play with enormous upside if Hall gets banged up or traded.
6. Brian Robinson Jr., 49ers
With injuries affecting the younger backs on San Francisco’s depth chart, the front office acquired a proven veteran as the backup for Christian McCaffrey. Robinson is just one year removed from posting 1,101 scrimmage yards and nine total touchdowns, while finishing as the RB21 in fantasy points per game. Though he’s not the most exciting back on this list, Robinson would definitely produce if CMC gets hurt again.
7. Najee Harris, Chargers
Harris recovered from his eye injury and was able to suit up in Week 1, serving as the backup to Omarion Hampton. While Harris isn’t a threat to the rookie’s starting job, he is still one of the better backups in the league if an injury moves him into the top spot. The 27-year-old had four straight 1,000-yard seasons in Pittsburgh before joining the Chargers.
8. Ray Davis, Bills
James Cook is back with the team after signing a new contract, but Davis is still ready to step up if the former misses time. Davis has shown he can deliver when thrust into the starting role. In the two games where Davis played more than 50% of the offensive snaps last year, he finished as a top-15 fantasy RB both weeks.
9. Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars
Trading Tank Bigsby to the Eagles after Week 1 is a clear sign the Jaguars feel confident about Tuten serving as the main backup to Travis Etienne Jr. We know the team liked Tuten even before general manager James Gladstone got hired this offseason, but it’s still nice to see him moving up the depth chart. Etienne has a strong hold on the starting job after compiling 156 scrimmage yards on a 61% snap share in the opener, but keep an eye out for Tuten carving out a role as the season progresses. The explosive rookie is now one Etienne injury away from being a fantasy star.
10. Tyler Allgeier, Falcons
It seems like a lifetime ago when Allgeier was rushing for over 1,000 yards as a rookie. Then along came Bijan Robinson and away went Allgeier’s fantasy value as a starter. He’s still an overqualified backup who could step up and produce — if Robinson wasn’t able to play for any reason.
Ambiguous backfields still being sorted out
-
RJ Harvey/J.K. Dobbins, Broncos
-
Jaylen Warren/Kaleb Johnson/Kenneth Gainwell, Steelers
-
Jacory Croskey-Merritt/Austin Ekeler, Commanders
-
Quinshon Judkins/Dylan Sampson, Browns
Backups with Flex potential
-
Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots
-
Rachaad White, Buccaneers
Quality backups with injuries
Rookie backups to stash
-
Ollie Gordon II, Dolphins
Intriguing backups with question marks
Backups to stash in deep leagues
-
LeQuint Allen Jr., Jaguars
