Fantasy Football Sleepers: Jerome Ford, Jarquez Hunter, Braelon Allen

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 Sleepers & 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??

Jerome Ford (CLE)

“Call me crazy, but there’s a world where Browns RB Jerome Ford is the running back you want to roster in Cleveland this year. His RB52 ranking means he’s free in later rounds of drafts, and you can grab him whenever you need to start filling your bench. He has RB1 upside if Quinshon Judkins misses time or stumbles out of the gate, so I’m fine paying his low price for his potential high reward.”
– Andrew Hall (FantasyPros)

Jarquez Hunter (LAR)

“The Rams’ backfield churns out Top 12 performances. We’ve been flattered by Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson. Even Ronnie Rivers gave us a Top 24 week. Blake Corum has yet to get that McVay touch. Kyren has been remarkably durable for his size and the load he takes on. I’ll be looking to make the cheapest bet that he can’t continue at such a torrid pace, and that means drafting Jarquez Hunter 15 spots after Blake Corum.”
– Seth Miller (Crossroads Fantasy Football)

Braelon Allen (NYJ)

“Braelon Allen could begin the season stealing goal-line work from Breece Hall, and there is the potential he may start to progressively see a larger workload in 2025. There have already been rumors that Hall is not “the guy” for the Jets and could be eventually moved out of the picture. Allen is a power runner with true TD promise.”
– Scott Engel (RotoBaller)

“Given the nebulous nature of information on Joe Mixon, former No. 1 candidate Nick Chubb seems the obvious response, complete with blinking letters. So, I’ll grab Braelon Allen in New York (54). Thunder/lightning or whatever term you want to put on it, he’ll supplement Hall’s work and likely see more RZ opportunities. The Jets will look to take the air out of the ball and grind games out. That means heavy run game.”
– Mike Harmon (Swollen Dome)