When it comes to fantasy football, few topics spark more debate than the most polarizing players-those whose values vary wildly from one expert to another. These are the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends that divide rankings, dominate draft-day discussions, and often determine whether you’re a contender or pretender. In this article, we asked our collection of Featured Pros to weigh in on one player at each key position with a high standard deviation, meaning analysts are all over the board in how they rank them. Whether it’s a breakout candidate you should be targeting or a risky pick to fade, our experts share who they’re significantly higher or lower on and why. Let’s dive into the most hotly debated Running Backs ahead of the 2025 fantasy football season.
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Polarizing Fantasy Football Players: Running Backs
Polarizing Players: Running Backs
Who is one RB with a high standard deviation you are higher or lower on and why?
Blake Corum (RB – LAR)
“I am much lower than the consensus on Blake Corum and am actually out on him completely this season. Last year, Corum never had more than eight carries in a game, even with Kyren Williams‘ fumbling issues. He finished as RB50 or better in just four games, and the Rams just drafted an explosive runner in Jarquez Hunter. With a more muddled role than last year when he finished as RB78, I fail to see how Corum comes anywhere close to RB48 this year.”
– Trevor Land (FlurrySports)
James Cook (RB – BUF)
“James Cook, RB, Bills: Cook is another regression candidate after scoring 16 times on the ground in 2024. His expected rushing TD total? Only 10.3.”
– Kevin English (Draft Sharks)
Quinshon Judkins (RB – CLE)
“While many fantasy players will want to avoid the Browns’ offense this season, I am higher on Quinshon Judkins (7.3 standard deviation) than his consensus ranking (RB28). Cleveland’s passing attack could be a nightmare because of their quarterback situation, which only helps the rookie’s upside. Head coach Kevin Stefanski wants to have a run-heavy offense, especially with limited options at quarterback. Therefore, expect Judkins to be the team’s new Nick Chubb. The veteran averaged 16.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game over his last three healthy years in Cleveland. Don’t be surprised if Judkins is the second-highest-scoring rookie running back this season.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
RJ Harvey (RB – DEN)
“ECR has it wrong on RJ Harvey, who is just the consensus RB27. I know JK Dobbins just inked a deal in Denver, and I am also aware that Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin still exist. I just don’t care. While his ADP of RB19 is a little rich, I’m still willing to pay up for Harvey given his opportunity in a Sean Payton/Bo Nix-lead offense.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)
“Please, I beg you. Do not be deterred by the Broncos signing J.K. Dobbins, like many others will be, I am sure. RJ Harvey will still be the guy to have in the Broncos’ backfield. Currently, the RB27 in the ECR and my RB21, Harvey is simply too good to ignore in what will be a prime spot for fantasy production. It is hard to believe Harvey will lose high-leverage work to Dobbins. We have seen a situation like this before involving Sean Payton, with some fantasy managers disregarding Alvin Kamara because of Mark Ingram. How did that turn out? Snap up every single share of RJ Harvey while you can, before it is too late.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
“The expert rankings already have RJ Harvey lower than his projected ADP because we analysts tend not to get caught up in rookie fever to the same extent as the general public. That’s not the case with me when it comes to Harvey. While everyone will panic due to the JK Dobbins signing and assume Harvey will be the RB2, I see this as a prime opportunity to get Harvey at a better draft price. Sean Payton identified Harvey as “his guy” on draft day due to his skill set. Dobbins will certainly have a role early on, but even if he manages to make it through the end of the year without getting injured, the job will be Harvey’s come fantasy playoff time.”
– Pierre Camus (Fantasy Endgame)
D’Andre Swift (RB – CHI)
“D’Andre Swift fits the classic “dead zone RB” mold – a projected volume play with an RB2 ceiling. He finished as the RB23 in points per game last year, but it was an empty workload propped up by opportunity, not efficiency. From Week 9 on, he was the RB32 in points per game and dead last in rushing yards over expectation per attempt. He now reunites with Bears HC Ben Johnson – the same coach who phased him out in Detroit back in 2022. Despite no clear threat to his touches, Swift’s inefficiency last season (career low in yards per carry) makes him a low-ceiling RB2 fantasy managers should be cautious of over-drafting in 2025.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
Breece Hall (RB – NYJ)
“Breece Hall is still being valued pretty high for a player who is no longer a bell cow RB. In fact, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn has hinted at a committee, possibly as large as three RBs, comprising Hall, Braelon Allen, and Isaiah Davis. We’ll see if that turns out to be the case, but one thing is for certain: Breece Hall has had a difficult time staying healthy. Last season, Hall once again struggled with injuries, which limited his effectiveness. In addition, it’s hard to imagine Hall’s reception total going up without Aaron Rodgers at QB. Justin Fields is younger and faster, and much more likely to take off and run when there is pressure rather than dumping off a pass to his RB in the flat. Hall seems risky in 2025, with his current consensus ranking hovering near RB 13 given the aforementioned concerns.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
Isiah Pacheco (RB – KC)
“Isiah Pacheco was the RB10 in FPPG during the 2023 season. Last year, he was dealing with a nagging injury that put a damper on his season, and I expect him to bounce back now that he is healthy. Pacheco is in one of the league’s best offenses and will benefit from having Patrick Mahomes as his quarterback with several goalline opportunities. I expect Pacheco to be a high-end RB2 with weekly RB1 upside.”
– Nick Penticoff (Fantasy Football Astronauts)
Jordan Mason (RB – MIN)
“Jordan Mason is a standout value at his current RB37 ADP, and I’ve got him ranked as my RB27. He registered a 15% explosive run rate last year, second only to Jahmyr Gibbs, and now steps into a Vikings offense that’s expected to emphasize the run behind an upgraded o-line and a second-year quarterback who could rely heavily on the ground game. With Aaron Jones approaching 31 and coming off a high-usage career, Mason has a real chance to earn a steady workload, especially near the goal line. His blend of efficiency and opportunity gives him strong breakout potential. At his current draft cost, Mason is a prime Zero RB target with league-winning upside.”
– James Emrick-Wilson (Armchair Scouting)
“The Vikings traded for Jordan Mason this spring and immediately gave him a two-year deal that includes more than $7 million in guaranteed money. We’ve seen what Mason can do if he gets substantial carry volume. In the 49ers’ first five games of 2024, Mason averaged 107 rushing yards per game, 120 scrimmage yards per game, and 5.1 yards per carry. He’s a hand-in-glove fit for Minnesota’s running game, which is heavy on outside zone. Mason could have stand-alone value even with Aaron Jones healthy, and if Jones were to miss time, Mason could deliver RB1 value. He’s worth grabbing if his draft cost is anywhere near his ECR (RB37).”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
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