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.
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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??
Rachaad White (TB)
“I have my eye on Rachaad White, who is currently flying under the radar following the emergence of Bucky Irving. White finished last season as the RB26 in average fantasy points per game in half-PPR formats, besting players ranked above him this summer like Brian Robinson Jr., Travis Etienne Jr., Isiah Pacheco, and Tyrone Tracy Jr. “But what happened once Irving took over the majority of the backfield snaps?” Well, White was the RB26 in average points per game from Weeks 12-18 last season, too. He may not be a league-winner, but don’t be surprised if he finds his way into your weekly lineup often this season.”
– Jaime Eisner (The Draft Network)
Jordan Mason (MIN)
“Jordan Mason falls just outside the top 35 running backs in the consensus rankings, coming in at RB36. However, he is one of my favorite draft targets this season, especially when using a Hero-RB strategy because of his upside. Last year, Mason was the RB5 over the first month, averaging 17.9 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, totaling 16.9 or more in all but one contest. While the veteran struggled with injuries, Mason was outstanding when healthy. More importantly, he has a real chance to steal significant work from Aaron Jones in 2025. 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. Don’t be surprised if he starts as the No. 2 running back with a role at the goal line and quickly forces the Vikings to use a 50-50 split with Jones or possibly takes over as the starter.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
“Let’s go just outside the top 35 with Jordan Mason (RB36). When the Vikings traded for Mason in the offseason, they handed him a two-year deal that includes more than $7 million in guaranteed money. With Christian McCaffrey sidelined at the start of the 2024 season, Mason averaged 107.2 rushing yards for the 49ers over the first five games of the season (before getting hurt himself), 120.4 scrimmage yards per game, and 5.1 yards per carry. The Vikings upgraded their offensive line in free agency, and their running scheme uses a lot of outside zone, which is Mason’s bread and butter. It’s possible Mason splits work with Aaron Jones almost evenly, and Mason could smash if anything happened to the 30-year-old Jones, who hasn’t exactly been Mr. Durability.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
“Jordan Mason. The former 49ers running back is going to split touches with Aaron Jones in 2025, while potentially seizing the goal-line/red-zone role behind a revamped interior offensive line. Mason was fantastic last season, filling in for Christian McCaffrey. He ranked 2nd in the NFL in rushing yards (667) before his injury in Week 8.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
Dylan Sampson (CLE)
“You absolutely have to reach on Dylan Sampson at RB57 right now. Sampson was an excellent prospect coming out this season, but he landed in a seemingly bad spot behind fellow rookie and college RB standout Quinshon Judkins in Cleveland. Now, with Judkins facing legal issues that are currently holding up his contract with the Browns, it’s down to Sampson and incumbent Jerome Ford to fight for meaningful touches. I’m always gonna bet on the rookie in a wide-open backfield. Now, it’s seemingly Sampson’s job to lose… and he’s also free in the last round of your drafts.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)
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