Third-Year Players: Running Backs (2025 Fantasy Football)

Targeting third-year players in fantasy football is a good strategy because this is when players tend to have their breakout season.

This is because these players are still young but have the experience needed to put up a career year.

On this page, you’ll find some of my top third-year players to target in 2025 fantasy football leagues.

Third-Year Fantasy Football Draft Targets

Bijan Robinson (RB – ATL)

From Weeks 6-18, Bijan Robinson averaged 21.1 points per game, which ranked first among running backs and wide receivers. During this stretch, Robinson put up 19.8 rush attempts and 4.4 targets per game. He is an absolute workhorse who looks ready to take off and have a career year, especially as the focal point of the Falcons’ offense with first-year starter Michael Penix.

Jahmyr Gibbs (RB – DET)

Jahmyr Gibbs is one of the most explosive running backs in the NFL, finishing as the fantasy RB2 in points per game last season. While David Montgomery remains in Detroit, it’s more likely he will gradually get a diminished role because it’s clear Gibbs is the best player in this offense.

De’Von Achane (RB – MIA)

De’Von Achane has big-play ability along with massive production in the passing game. We just need Tua Tagovailoa to stay healthy, as Achane had suppressed production because of his time with backup quarterbacks under center. This is one of the more undervalued picks in fantasy drafts, currently available in the second round.

Chase Brown (RB – CIN)

Chase Brown was an absolute workhorse for the Bengals down the stretch. After the Bengals made minimal investments in free agency (Samaje Perine) and the draft (sixth-rounder Tahj Brooks), it’s clear the Bengals are showing trust in Brown as the lead back. This is another undervalued runner, currently available in the third round.

Tank Bigsby (RB – JAX)

Tank Bigsby was the more effective runner compared to Travis Etienne in this Jaguars backfield. While the team selected Bhayshul Tuten in the fourth round, there’s a legitimate chance that Bigsby gets early-down and red-zone carries in this offense. Did I mention Bigsby is the cheapest runner in this backfield?

Roschon Johnson (RB – CHI)

After the Bears didn’t bring in another threat to D’Andre Swift‘s job, it makes sense to throw a dart on Roschon Johnson, who can be a solid contributor in the passing game and the red zone. He is a handcuff in redraft leagues and a shot at upside in best ball. The latter is the preferred format to target Roschon.