Finding a true breakout running back outside the top tiers can be a league-winning move in fantasy football. In 2025, targeting the right RB3 with the potential to outperform their draft cost could give you the depth, upside, and weekly scoring punch you need to dominate your league. To help you uncover those hidden gems, we’ve gathered insights from our collection of Featured Pros, who have pinpointed the RB3 candidates most likely to make the leap this season. Here’s who they believe can turn mid-round value into top-tier production and why you should consider them on draft day.
Fantasy Football Breakout Candidates: Running Backs
What RB (outside the top-24 ADP) has the best shot of having a breakout year in 2025 and why?
Tony Pollard (TEN)
“I hate to say it, but I’m probably planting my flag on Tony Pollard right now. Fellow RB Tyjae Spears rolled his ankle and is out for the rest of the preseason, allowing Pollard more of the starter reps. Pollard is no spring chicken, but he’s averaged over 4 yards per attempt for all 6 years he’s been in the league so far. He broke the career 1,000 carry threshold last season, but I think he’s got plenty left in the tank for fantasy. If Spears misses any time, Pollard would get both the 1A and 1B role, leading fantasy managers into the playoffs in the process.”
– Andrew Hall (FantasyPros)
“Tony Pollard. The high-ankle sprain that Tyjae Spears sustained in the Titans’ first preseason game positions Pollard to be a high-volume back for the first month of the season, maybe longer. The Titans face one of the easiest schedules in the league this season. They signed Kevin Zeitler and Dan Moore in free agency, bolstering what could be one of the better offensive lines in the league. And the arrival of QB Cam Ward should help improve the overall quality of the offense. I have Pollard ranked RB17 and think he’s a steal at an ADP of RB28.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
“The Titans’ offense was atrocious last year, yet Tony Pollard still was the RB21 in PPR leagues. He’s still on top of the depth chart this year with not much competition besides Tyjae Spears (currently dealing with a high ankle sprain), so it’s a safe assumption he will get the majority of the carries. Pollard had 41 receptions on 57 targets last year, and now, with a competent QB with Cam Ward under center, he could see even more targets this year. I think Pollard improves from last year and cracks the top 15 for RBs this season.”
– Joey Meinerding (Fantasy Dink)
Cam Skattebo (NYG)
“Cam Skattebo is the RB (outside the top-24 ADP) that has the best shot of having a breakout year in 2025. He arrives in New York with a lot of momentum: top-tier production, physical playing style, receiving capability, and optimism from Giants brass. At his current ADP of RB35, he’s a rare rookie RB who could quickly become an every-week fantasy starter, but this is provided that his hamstring heals in time and he starts getting work over Devin Singletary. I’m drafting Cam Skattebo as a high-upside, low-cost flyer. He’s not a locked top-15 RB, but he’s an RB who could hit that level midseason. If healthy, he’s worth rostering in most formats, especially in PPR or leagues that favor running backs who specialize in short-yardage, power runs near the goal line.”
– Jeff Boggis (Fantasy Football Empire)
Isiah Pacheco (KC)
“Isiah Pacheco is the answer to your prayers for a breakout this season. We have a running back on a strong offense that will be ahead in most games. His running back room is lacking talent to create explosive plays between the tackles. When healthy, Pacheco has touted 4.9 YPC and 4.6 YPC averages in 2022 and 2023. Let’s not forget that in 2023, he recorded 44 receptions, too.”
– Joe Pepe (Beyond The Gridiron)
Tank Bigsby (JAC)
“It’s Tank Bigsby for me. While I like both Travis Etienne and Bigsby at cost, Etienne has already broken out… hence the fantasy disappointment we experienced last season. I look at Bigsby as an RB2 type with a back-end RB1 ceiling if Etienne goes down. The hype has been growing for this ADP RB41 all camp long, and while he doesn’t catch many passes, Bigsby’s situation as a rushing talent gives him the potential to score double-digit touchdowns even with Etienne on the field. While Jordan Mason may be the sexier choice here, Bigsby is cheaper and now in a much more functional offense that knows how to utilize multiple backs. I rarely leave a draft without taking Bigsby in the 9th and sometimes 10th round.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)
“Tank Bigsby, currently priced as RB42, has a strong chance for a breakout year in 2025 with Jacksonville. His 2024 performance, where he outgained and outscored teammate Travis Etienne with 766 yards and seven touchdowns on 168 carries, showcased his potential as a powerful, tackle-breaking runner. New head coach Liam Coen, known for utilizing multiple backs effectively, seems to favor Bigsby for early-down and goal-line work, as indicated by his heavy usage in training camp. Despite a crowded backfield with Etienne and rookie Bhayshul Tuten, Bigsby’s elite yards-after-contact metrics and increasing role suggest he could emerge as the lead back. His low ADP makes him a high-upside pick with RB2 potential in a more efficient Jaguars offense with no shortage of weapons.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)
“The Jaguars threw us for a loop in the first preseason game with Travis Etienne running with the first team, but don’t let that dampen your hopes of a Tank Bigsby breakout season! Bigsby’s potential as the next Bucky Irving gets slightly overlooked because of the perception that he can’t be used as a receiving weapon. That’s simply not the case. Bigsby was a capable receiving threat in college and can be a true three-down back and dynamic weapon in Liam Coen’s offense.”
– Tera Roberts (OddsChecker)
Jordan Mason (MIN)
“Jordan Mason (RB34 in the ADP) is one of my favorite draft targets this season because of his league-winning upside. Last year, he was the RB5 over the first month, filling in for Christian McCaffrey, averaging 17.9 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, totaling 16.9 or more in all but one contest. While the veteran struggled with injuries, Mason was outstanding when healthy. More importantly, he has a real chance to steal significant work from Aaron Jones in 2025. According to Fantasy Points Data, Mason had a better explosive run rate (7.8% vs. 3.5%) and missed forced tackle per attempt rate (22% vs. 11%) than Jones last season. The Vikings’ coaching staff wants both running backs to have half the backfield workload. Yet, don’t be surprised if Mason starts the season as a co-starting running back with a role at the goal line and quickly forces the Vikings to give him more touches. He could have a breakout year, especially if Jones struggles with efficiency or staying healthy.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
“Jordan Mason has significant breakout potential in 2025 now that he’s with the Vikings. Current starter Aaron Jones is likely to regress as he enters his age-30 season, opening the door for Mason to see an expanded role. Reports from training camp have highlighted Mason as a potential 1A/1B back in the offense, suggesting a shared workload with high upside. Mason could have a “special” season similar to what we’ve seen from Jamaal Williams or Raheem Mostert in previous years, with touchdown-heavy production. He’s a player worth targeting in the middle-to-late rounds as a high-upside RB3 for your roster.”
– Steven Pintado (The Fantasy Coaches)
Dylan Sampson (CLE)
“Dylan Sampson (RB52 ADP) is a breakout candidate I’m circling outside the top-24. Drafted in Round 4 by Cleveland after a 1,491-yard, 22-touchdown 2024 season at Tennessee, Sampson has surged up the depth chart by outplaying Jerome Ford and earning first-team reps throughout camp. With Quinshon Judkins expected to sign soon and take the lead role, Sampson’s versatility and pass-catching chops position him as a key complement in what could be a dynamic two-back system. The Browns have praised his vision and burst, and early-season usage looks likely given Ford’s fading grip and Sampson’s camp momentum. He won’t lead the backfield, but he’s earned a prominent role, and that’s more than enough to deliver value at cost.”
– Lawrence Iacona (Gridiron Experts)
Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC)
“Travis Etienne Jr. – Whoever emerges as the RB in Jacksonville is likely to be a good pick in fantasy; they all are priced down due to the uncertainty, which creates an opportunity for drafters. Analyst JJ Zachariason has done a lot of research into why and how we should attack ambiguous backfields – his findings suggest the RB being drafted first in these situations (which is Etienne) is the best bet at exceeding ADP expectation. Tank Bigsby just sent out a cryptic tweet that seems to insinuate he feels lied to about playing time, although you can only be so confident in any analysis of a string of emojis. I still like Bigsby and Tuten at cost, but Etienne seems to be underpriced because nobody really wants to admit that he is the RB1 for that team. Bigsby looked good on the field last year, and Tuten is an exciting rookie. Additionally, coach Liam Coen’s Buccaneers were 3rd in the NFL in RB Targets last year; should this trend continue in Jacksonville, Etienne would seem more likely to benefit than the other backs.”
– Charlie Sisian (The Fantasy DC)
“Last year, pretty much everyone except for Brian Thomas Jr. on the Jacksonville Jaguars regressed, including Travis Etienne Jr., who had career lows in carries, yards, and touchdowns. Bring in new offensive-minded head coach Liam Coen, who made Tampa Bay’s offense look outstanding, and all signs could point to an Etienne resurgence. Etienne has looked dynamic in training camp and has been the initial option for the first-team offense during practice. He is just one year removed from a #3 fantasy finish and is electric enough as a pass catcher to sneak back into the RB1 discussion. Etienne is currently RB32 with a mid-7th round ADP, meaning owners who take the risk on him could be rewarded with a (or another) breakout year for the 4th year running back.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)
Kaleb Johnson (PIT)
“Kaleb Johnson enters a fantastic situation in Pittsburgh after Najee Harris‘ departure to LAC. Johnson is a big play magnet, and this is the kind of profile that the Steelers’ offense has been lacking as a whole over the last few seasons. Johnson will have to fend off competition from backfield stablemate Jaylen Warren, but Johnson is good enough to earn significantly more reps in comparison to Warren. Johnson also has the backing of a run-first offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith, who absolutely will run the ball as much as he can. Johnson’s floor and ceiling are superb for 2025, with 240+ carries and double-digit touchdowns not out of the realm of possibility.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
“We are going to see a lot of rookie breakouts from this year’s RB class. Steelers rookie RB Kaleb Johnson has the profile to be Pittsburgh’s next workhorse, as he is the perfect fit in the Arthur Smith run scheme. He is available in Round 7 of most 12-team leagues, and his stock is falling due to lackluster training camp reports regarding his performance as a receiver/pass protection. But that was the expectation coming in for Johnson. And there are still over 300 vacated touches in this backfield after the team moved on from Najee Harris. KJ led this entire rookie class in career dominator rating (33%) and posted 1,500+ yards, 21 TDs, and 6.4 YPC in 2024 (zero fumbles). Elite season and career average yards per offensive snap (3.35). Johnson’s breakout might not happen in Week 1 or in September. But fantasy managers will be rewarded for being patient with the 6-foot-1 and 224-pound RB from Iowa.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
D’Andre Swift (CHI)
“I may be in the minority, but sign me up for D’Andre Swift as an RB2 or RB3 this year. New head coach Ben Johnson knows how to use running backs, and even in a “down” year last year, Swift finished as RB19. Without much legitimate competition for snaps behind him, the only thing that could slow him down is injury.”
– Trevor Land (FlurrySports)
Jaydon Blue (DAL)
“I believe rookie RB Jaydon Blue has the best shot at breaking out, and he’s currently going as RB44 in ADP and could emerge as the starter for the Cowboys. His receiving upside makes him especially appealing in PPR and half-PPR formats – he averaged 5.4 yards per carry in his final year at Texas, adding 365 receiving yards and six receiving TDs. The Cowboys desperately need a spark in their backfield, and Blue can provide it.”
– Brady Auer (BA Sports Podcast)
“The pool of RBs drops off quickly, but I’ll take Jaydon Blue as a potential breakout in Dallas. The main argument for Blue is about how replaceable guys like Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders are, and Blue has his speed to make him profile as their best weapon at RB. So while he will not ever be a full snap guy, I expect a decent amount of designed touches getting him in space as the year goes on. With good health, he could easily perform as a low-end RB2 despite his RB4 pricetag.”
– Justin Frye (Pro Football Network)
“The pool of RBs drops off quickly, but I’ll take Jaydon Blue as a potential breakout in Dallas. The main argument for Blue is about how replaceable guys like Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders are, and Blue has his speed to make him profile as their best weapon at RB. So while he will not ever be a full snap guy, I expect a decent amount of designed touches getting him in space as the year goes on. With good health, he could easily perform as a low-end RB2 despite his RB4 pricetag.”
– Justin Frye (Pro Football Network)
Braelon Allen (NYJ)
“Jets head coach Aaron Glenn has hinted at an RBBC- comprising of Hall and Braelon Allen, where Allen gets the short-yardage and potential goal-line touches. Glenn said, “With Braelon, a 240-pound man who’s always falling forward. Listen, that’s where he’s going to make his money.” And this just in, per Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, people close to this situation think Breece Hall might be moved before the trade deadline. If that happens, Allen’s stock gets a major boost. My best guess is Allen would be the primary RB in an RBBC with Isaiah Davis. However, there’s a world where Braelon Allen becomes a rare bell cow RB, and those players are very valuable in fantasy football, especially on a run-heavy team, which the Jets figure to be. So with a current overall ADP at 148th, Ringo is going to take a Babe Ruth home run swing in the Empire State, and hope for some late-round magic.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
Zach Charbonnet (SEA)
“Zach Charbonnet is poised for a breakout 2025 season, potentially pushing for a timeshare with Walker, or even taking over the role due to a scheme change that fits his running style and Walker’s injury history. Charbonnet’s proven ability to handle a lead role (91 carries, 433 yards, 6 TDs in 6 games last season) and his versatility as a receiver are notable. When given 15+ touches, he’s averaged 18.9 PPR points per game. With a team-friendly contract, Walker’s injury history, and the Seahawks potentially prioritizing the run, Charbonnet is a high-value RB2 with significant league-winning upside. I personally have little to no shares of Walker and have been opting to snag Charbonnet as an alternative everywhere I can.”
– Avery Thrasher (The Branded Sports)
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