2025 Fantasy Football Running Back Sleepers: Best RBs to Target in Drafts for Maximum Value

The 2024 NFL season is now behind us, and it's never too early to prepare for the 2025 fantasy football draft season. Although running backs should be drafted early and often, there are always a scant few late-round gems who can win you a championship.

The running back cream of the crop in 2024 was Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Jahmyr Gibbs, who were all first- or second-round selections. But RBs available in the middle rounds -- James Conner and David Montgomery -- and the late rounds -- Chuba Hubbard, Chase Brown, and Bucky Irving -- still finished as low-end RB1s to high-end RB2s. 

Having two or three running backs who finish inside the top 12 RBs is a huge advantage. Drafting top guys early is the way to go, but these backs can put your fantasy football team over the top in 2025.

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Ashton Jeanty, RB, NFL Draft Rookie

Jeanty destroyed college football in 2024 -- running for over 2,600 yards on 7.0 yards per carry is simply not normal. His devastating power and unreal contact balance made him a threat to go the distance every time he touched the football.

While the NFL is no Mountain West, it is clear that the Boise State back is a special talent. Although Jeanty is expected to be a first-round draft pick, according to NFL.com, it will likely be a later pick in the round, meaning Jeanty could step into a great situation from Day 1.

FantasyPros Draft Wizard ranks Jeanty as the fantasy RB18 in PPR scoring, which he could easily outperform. In his final season at Boise State, Jeanty gained 1,970 yards after contact and forced 164 missed tackles, both more than any other player in FBS history. Jeanty will be a top fantasy running back, and it will happen sooner rather than later.

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots

With Mike Vrabel returning to New England, this time as head coach, expect a more stable situation focusing on great defense and a strong rushing attack. An unexpected beneficiary of that mindset will be Stevenson.

Stevenson will have more room to work with in 2025 than he did in 2024. He averaged just 1.7 yards before contact per carry last season, a sign of poor offensive line play. But with Vrabel in charge, the Patriots will likely use their league-high cap space and collection of NFL Draft picks to upgrade the trenches.

While he struggled with fumbles last season, he fumbled just once during his rookie campaign in 2023, showing he could protect the football. If Stevenson can do that in 2025, he will receive the lion's share of work in the New England backfield.

Ty Johnson, RB, Buffalo Bills

Johnson may be the backup to James Cook in Buffalo, but it's no secret that he is effective. On a limited workload, Johnson averaged 5.2 yards per carry and a whopping 15.8 yards per reception in 2024. He also caught a key touchdown pass in the Bills' playoff win over the Denver Broncos.

Despite the presence of league MVP Josh Allen at quarterback, the Bills have shown they are willing to lean on the running game. Last season, they ranked ninth in the league in rushing attempts and first in rushing TDs.

When Cook is healthy, Johnson will likely not be a startable player outside of deep leagues. But an injury to Cook would instantly elevate Johnson to RB1 status, making him a worthy choice in the late rounds.

Sincere McCormick, RB, Las Vegas Raiders

McCormick is not a player who jumps off the page; he is barely even on the page at all. McCormick played in just four games for the Silver and Black last season before suffering a season-ending ankle injury.

He began the year on the practice squad, fighting his way onto the roster and becoming the Raiders starting running back by December. A tough inside runner, McCormick averaged over 5.0 yards per attempt in the two games he started.

Although the sample size has been limited, McCormick is the best running back the Raiders have. He will be an excellent value as a deep sleeper if he holds on to the starting role.

Blake Corum, RB, Los Angeles Rams

Corum is another player who lacks a clear path to getting touches. With Kyren Williams entering his fourth season, the backfield should belong to him, just as it has the last two years.

However, Williams averaged just 4.1 yards per carry in 2024, a steep decline from the 5.0 he averaged the previous season. That may allow Corum to vulture work on third downs and at the goal line. Corum excelled in short-yardage situations at Michigan and is also a strong pass protector, which should get him more reps on third downs moving forward.

And, of course, if Williams were to get injured, Corum would immediately become an RB1 in all formats. He could be a huge steal in the late rounds if Williams goes down or he earns more work.

Roschon Johnson, RB, Chicago Bears

With Ben Johnson now running the show in Chicago, the Bears offense is on an upward trend. Last season, Johnson's offense in Detroit scored 33.2 points per game (first in the NFL) and ran for 146.4 yards per game (sixth). And they did it with a thunder-and-lightning combination of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.

While D'Andre Swift will be the lightning for the Bears, Roschon Johnson should be the thunder. His 225-pound frame makes him the ideal candidate to attack the middle of defenses in Johnson's creative rushing attack. And although Chicago's offense was abysmal last season, Johnson is expected to provide Chicago with a new offensive scheme and an improved offensive line.

If Johnson can carve out a Montgomery-like role in the Bears offense, he could become a productive RB2, just as Montgomery has in Detroit. Even better, Johnson will be available in the last few rounds of drafts, so strike while the iron's hot. 

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