Everyone has been scared of the running back dead zone for years. The dead zone generally starts in the third round of fantasy football drafts and runs through the sixth. Running backs in this range have struggled historically compared to wide receivers and even tight ends in the same span.
A couple of factors go into the running back dead zone. The top one is fantasy players pushing running backs up in the ADP after seeing an early run at the position in the first two rounds. However, that has changed over the past few years. The general public has become more willing to draft wide receivers early in their drafts. With more wide receivers getting drafted in the first two rounds, running backs have been more appropriately ranked and drafted.
While the dead zone still exists, there are multiple running backs in that range that fantasy players should target during their drafts. Below are five running backs inside the dead zone that fantasy players want to draft this season.
- Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2025 Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
- Fantasy Football ADP
- Fantasy Football Trade Tools
Running Backs to Target Inside the RB Dead Zone
Chase Brown (CIN) – ADP 27.5 | RB11
Despite doing their homework on the rookie running back class, Cincinnati waited until the sixth round to draft Tahj Brooks. Therefore, Brown will have a featured role again in 2025. Last year, he was the RB6 from Week 4 through Week 17, averaging 20.3 touches and 18.3 PPR fantasy points per game. Furthermore, Brown is a factor in the passing game, posting the same route participation rate (46.6%) as Jahmyr Gibbs and a higher target per route run rate (20% vs. 15%) than Saquon Barkley (per Fantasy Points Data).
Kenneth Walker III (SEA) – ADP 49.5 | RB16
Unfortunately, Walker missed a career-high six games last season because of injury. Yet, he had an outstanding year when healthy. The former Michigan star was the RB12 on a points-per-game basis, averaging 16.5 PPR fantasy points per outing. Furthermore, Walker posted a career-high 4.6% rushing touchdown rate, totaling seven scores in 11 games. More importantly, he set career highs in receptions (46) and targets (54) despite missing significant time with injuries. Don’t be surprised if Walker is even more involved in the passing game under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
Alvin Kamara (NO) – ADP 54.5 | RB17
The only running back with more receptions than Kamara (68) last season was De’Von Achane (78). However, the veteran led all running backs in receptions per game (4.9) but missed the final three contests with an injury. Fantasy players should avoid Kamara in non-PPR scoring leagues, but make him a target in PPR scoring leagues. The veteran is the Saints’ best weapon on offense on the ground and in the air. Furthermore, the team’s awful quarterback situation could lead to Kamara seeing a career high in targets this year.
D’Andre Swift (CHI) – ADP 70.5 | RB23
Everyone expected the Bears to spend an early pick in the NFL Draft on a running back. Instead, they waited until the seventh round to select Kyle Monangai, meaning Swift’s role as the lead running back is likely safe. Last year, he finished as the RB19, averaging 12.6 PPR fantasy points per game despite running behind an awful offensive line. Thankfully, Chicago significantly improved their offensive line this offseason. Furthermore, Swift was the RB15 on a points-per-game basis in 2022, the lone year with Ben Johnson as his playcaller.
Kaleb Johnson (PIT) – ADP 71.5 | RB24
Last year, Iowa had no meaningful passing offense. Yet, Johnson led the Big 10 in rushing yards (1,537) and touchdowns (21) while averaging 6.4 yards per attempt. While he will lose passing game work to Jaylen Warren, expect the rookie to take on the Najee Harris role in Arthur Smith’s offense. Last season, Harris was the RB20, averaging 12 PPR fantasy points per game despite averaging four yards per rushing attempt. Johnson is a more explosive runner than the veteran. Don’t bet against big running backs in Smith’s offense.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
