Fantasy Football: 5 undervalued running backs

Bucky Irving’s rise to starter status makes him a viable prop-bet target — consider backing Irving to lead the Buccaneers in carries or to exceed season rushing yards prop lines. Chase Brown’s high-scoring stretch suggests bettors can target Bengals RB touchdown props in favorable matchups. Overall, expect more spread on early-down workload props as these rookies push for lead-back roles.

Fantasy Football Running Back Sleepers and Betting Angles for 2025

Bucky Irving’s late-season surge, Chase Brown’s breakout stretch, Jaylen Warren’s growing role, Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s path to touches and Zach Charbonnet’s handcuff upside are the key storylines for fantasy managers and bettors heading into the season. Here’s a position-by-position breakdown, with how each situation affects draft strategy and prop-market opportunities.

Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (ADP: 2.11)

Irving transformed from fourth-round pick and backup to an early-down workhorse by the end of last season, posting elite avoided-tackle and yards-after-contact numbers. He played north of 69% of snaps in late-season key games and handled goal-line and short-yardage duties while Rachaad White saw third-down snaps. With the Buccaneers keeping their starting offensive line intact, Irving appears positioned to start — though a new offensive coordinator could reintroduce a committee.

Betting angle: Irving is a sensible pick for Buccaneers carries or rushing-yardage props and a strong candidate to lead the team in rushing attempts if he starts the season as expected.

Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals (ADP: 3.01)

Brown went from late-season rotational player to the Bengals’ lead back after Joe Mixon’s departure and Zack Moss’s injury. From Weeks 9–17 he logged 80%+ snap rates and averaged 20.6 fantasy points per game in that stretch, benefiting from a high-scoring offense. Cincinnati’s scheme tends to produce one clear early-down back, making Brown a relatively safe fantasy start while bringing touchdown and scoring upside tied to the team’s box score output.

Betting angle: Target Brown touchdown props and Bengals rushing/TDP team props in matchups where Cincinnati projects to score heavily; regression is possible but his role supports consistent opportunity.

Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers (ADP: 8.04)

Warren has grown from undrafted reserve to primary early-down threat, especially once Najee Harris departed. Injuries slowed him early, but he regained form and finished as a borderline starter last season. The Steelers’ offseason additions — including Kaleb Johnson — make the split one to monitor, but preseason usage and coaching statements indicate Warren will retain a prominent early-down role under an offense that likes to run and target backs.

Betting angle: Warren is a reasonable targets-per-game and rushing-attempts prop option in forecasting a steady-volume season; monitor Johnson’s development for volatility risk.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders (ADP: 14.07)

Croskey-Merritt climbed draft boards after productive college tape, strong Shrine Bowl showings and promising preseason reps. Projected as an early-down back in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, his path to carries widened after roster changes. Kingsbury’s offenses historically split early- and passing-down duties, which may limit target share but preserve early-down rush opportunities.

Betting angle: Croskey-Merritt is a value pick in deeper leagues and a potential handcuff with early-down carry prop upside; expect lower receiving props in Kingsbury’s scheme.

Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks (ADP: 11.07)

Charbonnet has flashed as a starter when Kenneth Walker III is injured: strong touchdown frequency and efficiency on gap runs, plus frequent goal-line usage. New OC Klint Kubiak has favored pass-catching backs but also tends to feature RBs in balanced roles. Walker’s recurring injury history and Charbonnet’s preseason first-team reps make him a high-upside handcuff who could be starter-material if availability becomes an issue.

Betting angle: Charbonnet is one of the top handcuff plays for prop bettors — consider touchdown and fantasy-point props when Walker’s availability is uncertain.

Draft Strategy and Market Notes

Target early-down backs who finished last season with increased snap shares and clear roles; these players carry both fantasy and prop-market value. Monitor coaching changes and training-camp snap counts for final role clarity. For bettors, the most actionable markets are team rushing attempts, RB carry/rushing-yard props and touchdown props in games where offenses project to be high-scoring.

Bottom Line

Several mid-to-late ADP running backs have moved into lead roles or present top handcuff value. Fantasy managers should prioritize role certainty and goal-line usage, while bettors can exploit carry and touchdown prop markets tied to increased snap shares. Stay alert to preseason reports and depth-chart confirmations to adjust draft and betting strategies accordingly.

Nathan Jahnke breaks down five undervalued running backs for the 2025 fantasy football season.

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