The running back position is critical in fantasy football. It is a much tougher position to find value later in a draft.
That is because there is only a select group of running backs who are workhorses. The other running backs split work.
This season, three value running backs stand out to target later in drafts to have as an RB2 or flex option.
Fantasy Football 2025: Three Sleeper Running Backs To Target Later In Drafts
Three value running backs are appealing options to select later in your fantasy football draft.
Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans
Tony Pollard has quietly put together three straight seasons of over 1,000 rushing yards.
He also gets it done in the passing game. Pollard recorded 41 receptions and 238 receiving yards last season.
His backup, Tyjae Spears, will begin the year on the IR, which means he will miss at least the first four games of the season.
Pollard gets an upgrade at QB with Cam Ward now under center over Will Levis and Mason Rudolph.
The Titans also improved their offensive line.
Pollard is being selected in the middle of round five, which is excellent value for a starting back.
Take Pollard with confidence as your RB2, and he should have a better season than last with Cam Ward under center.
D’Andre Swift, Chicago Bears
D’Andre Swift is coming off a down season in 2024 with the Bears, but the entire offense struggled.
This season, the Bears brought in offensive guru Ben Johnson to be the head coach.
Johnson ran the ball successfully with the Lions and hopes to do the same with the Bears.
Chicago improved its offensive line to protect Caleb Williams better and run block more efficiently.
Swift is a candidate for a strong bounce-back year as the starting running back for the Bears.
He will play on third downs also. Swift caught 42 passes last season and recorded 386 receiving yards.
Swift is being selected one round later than Pollard and offers RB2 upside as well.
Jordan Mason, Minnesota Vikings
Jordan Mason is a talented back who will be Aaron Jones’ backup in Minnesota.
Aaron Jones is 30 years old and will be 31 in December. Jones is coming off a solid 2024 campaign in which he played in all 17 games. However, Jones has been injury-prone and is on the wrong side of 30.
One injury to Jones and Mason becomes a must-start. Mason thrived in the starter role with the 49ers last season when Christian McCaffrey was out for most of the season.
Even if Jones stays healthy, Mason is going to have a big role in the offense.
Mason is not someone to draft and expect him to be your RB2. This is more of a possible flex option or a bench role. If Jones were to miss games, Mason becomes a lock to start and put in your fantasy football lineup ahead of many other backs.
This is more of a gamble pick as it is more contingent on Aaron Jones missing games, but if Jones were to miss games, Mason has RB1 upside.
