Fantasy Football League Winners: Running Backs (2025)

Several factors go into building a championship-caliber fantasy football team. While finding average draft position (ADP) values and avoiding busts are critical, fantasy players must hit on league winners to bring home the title. Therefore, let’s dive into my favorite potential fantasy football league winners that are Running Backs.

Fantasy Football League Winners: Running Backs

D’Andre Swift (RB – CHI) | ADP: 71.5 (RB23)

Everyone expected the Bears to spend an early pick in the 2025 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, Swift finished as the RB19, averaging 12.6 PPR fantasy points per game despite running behind an awful offensive line. Thankfully, Chicago significantly improved its offensive line this offseason, making several massive additions.

More importantly, Swift had arguably the most efficient year of his career in 2022 with Ben Johnson as the offensive coordinator. Despite Jamaal Williams leading the NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns on 262 attempts, Swift finished as the RB15 on a points-per-game basis, averaging 13.7 fantasy points per contest. He also had an 8.1% explosive run rate, the second-highest among 43 running backs with at least 99 rushing attempts, per Fantasy Points Data.

Jordan Mason (RB – MIN) | ADP: 94.5 (RB31)

Last year, Jordan Mason finished as the RB41, averaging 9.6 PPR fantasy points per game. However, he was outstanding early in the season, filling in for Christian McCaffrey, ranking as the RB5 over the first month, averaging 18.6 fantasy points per game, totaling 17.4+ points in all but one contest. More importantly, Mason will push Aaron Jones for the lead role rather than fighting for the No. 2 running back spot in San Francisco.

Minnesota traded for Mason and extended him after re-signing Jones earlier this offseason. The Vikings want to limit Jones’ workload after he accounted for 62.5% of the backfield touches last year. Yet, don’t be surprised if Mason steals the starting role and becomes a league winner. 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.

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Jaydon Blue (RB – DAL) | ADP: 140.5 (RB45)

I have been pounding the table all offseason for Jaydon Blue as one of my favorite draft targets, regardless of the league format. The Cowboys lack a clear-cut starter on the roster, with Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders struggling the past few years. According to Fantasy Points Data, both veterans had an explosive run rate of 2.9% or lower last season, ranking in the bottom 20 out of 68 running backs with at least 55 rushing attempts.

Meanwhile, Dallas spent two picks in the draft on the offensive line, including their top selection on Tyler Booker. More importantly, Blue is an explosive player, running a 4.38 40-yard dash at the combine despite dealing with a groin tear. Furthermore, he is a weapon in the passing game. Last year, his six receiving touchdowns were the most among running backs in college football despite ranking 27th in routes run (229).