Fantasy Football Breakouts: Audric Estime & MarShawn Lloyd

The 2025 fantasy football season is several months away. However, it’s never too early to start looking ahead to next year. While the NFL Draft class is loaded with several talented running back prospects, let’s not forget about the emerging stars in the league. Here are early running back breakout candidates for the 2025 fantasy football season.

Fantasy Football Breakout Candidates

MarShawn Lloyd (GB)

Unfortunately, Lloyd’s rookie season was ruined by injuries. He played only one game, totaling seven touches for 18 scrimmage yards and 2.3 half-point PPR fantasy points per contest. However, the former USC star should be Josh Jacobs‘ backup next year. Meanwhile, Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks had that role in 2024, totaling 802 scrimmage yards and 7.7 fantasy points per game. Jacobs had 337 touches this season, the fifth-most in the NFL. The last time he had over 310 touches, the star running back struggled with injuries the following year.

Audric Estime (DEN)

Denver’s backfield was a nightmare for fantasy players this season. Javonte Williams led the way, finishing as the RB31, averaging 7.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. However, he was ineffective and is a free agent this offseason. Meanwhile, Estime finished the year playing well, averaging 8.1 fantasy points per game over the final three weeks, totaling 9.4 or more twice. While the Broncos will likely add an explosive runner during the NFL Draft, Estime could take over as the early downs back and become Sean Payton’s new Mark Ingram.