Fantasy Football Breakouts: RJ Harvey, Breece Hall, James Conner

Finding the right fantasy football RB sleepers and breakout running backs can be the key to dominating your draft and winning your league. That’s why our collection of Featured Pros experts has put together this list of undervalued backs and potential league-winners for the 2025 season. From late-round steals who could deliver RB2 production to breakout running backs ready to become every-week starters, these expert picks are based on in-depth analysis of training camp buzz, preseason performance, and advanced stats. Whether you’re searching for fantasy football sleepers at RB, hunting for upside, or looking to lock in the next big breakout star, this list will give you the edge you need to build a championship roster.

Running Back Breakouts in 2025

Which one player inside the top 35 of our half-PPR consensus RB rankings has the greatest return on investment potential in 2025??

RJ Harvey (DEN)

“R.J. Harvey at an RB2 price tag remains a buy for me in every format. Harvey is set to explode in his rookie season. The runway is clear for takeoff. Sean Payton just put second-round capital behind a back that enters a room with Audric Estime, Jaleel McLaughlin, and J.K. Dobbins. No, I’m not worried about Estime or McLaughlin when they couldn’t carve out consistent roles last year with only the ghost of Javonte Williams standing in their way. Dobbins will assist Harvey on early downs so Denver doesn’t run their talented rookie into the ground, but I don’t project him taking away passing down work or high-leverage opportunities. It’s hard not to love a player like Harvey, who has ranked inside the top 20 among FBS running backs in each of the last two seasons in breakaway percentage and elusive rating (per PFF). Add in Payton’s running back usage, and Harvey looks primed to smash. Over the last two years, Payton has ranked fifth and first in running back target share.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)

Breece Hall (NYJ)

“The only thing missing for Breece Hall is consistency. 133 receptions over the last 2 seasons. A Top 5 breakaway run rate in his first 2 seasons. 3+ yco/a throughout his 3-year career. We’ve seen the Jets make a massive commitment to improving their o-line; the unit is being called a strength for the first time in a decade, according to Justin Fried. Justin Fields led the league in check-down rate in 2024, according to Fantasy Points Data. Breece is being drafted at RB13. In his final season before seeking a new contract, Breece has an opportunity to put it all together, culminating in a Top 3 fantasy finish.”
– Seth Miller (Crossroads Fantasy Football)

James Conner (ARI)

“James Conner finished 2024 as RB11. He hasn’t finished lower than RB22 in his last five seasons, so you’re able to draft him at his floor and, barring health, guaranteed at the very least low-end RB2 production. Conner also comes with the added benefit of being able to draft his handcuff, Trey Benson, very late, making it easy to lock up the Arizona backfield.”
– Lee Wehry (FantasyPros)