Next Big Thing? Top Running Back Breakout Candidates for Your 2025 Fantasy Football Draft
The NFL is a league of constant evolution, and the running back position is no exception. As we gear up for the 2025 fantasy football season, identifying the next wave of breakout stars at running back is crucial for gaining a competitive edge. Forget relying solely on established names; this is about pinpointing those players poised to explode onto the scene and deliver league-winning performances. In 2024, Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles rushed for a league-leading 2,005 yards, reminding us that the potential for a dominant RB1 is always present. So, who will be the next Barkley? Let’s dive into the top running back breakout candidates for your 2025 fantasy football draft.
The Landscape of the 2025 Running Back
Before we highlight specific players, it’s important to understand the current state of the running back position. The days of bell-cow backs dominating every snap are dwindling. More teams are employing running back committees, making it harder to predict who will emerge as the true workhorse. However, this also creates opportunities for undervalued players to seize larger roles and exceed expectations. Last season, Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens earned a PFF rushing grade of 93.5, showcasing the impact a dominant runner can still have.
Breakout Candidate #1: Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders
Ashton Jeanty is arguably the most hyped running back prospect entering the 2025 season. Drafted sixth overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, Jeanty steps into a backfield ripe with opportunity. He is considered one of the top running back prospects of the past decade, with only Bijan Robinson and Saquon Barkley ranking as highly as Jeanty on both the PFF big board and consensus boards. In his time at Boise State, Jeanty finished with a 99.9 career rushing grade and averaged over 200 all-purpose yards per game in his rookie season.
Why he could break out: Jeanty possesses a rare blend of power, agility, and receiving skills. Chip Kelly’s offenses have often featured running backs in the passing game, and Jeanty has proven he can be an elite receiving back. With limited receiving options on the Raiders, Jeanty could quickly become a focal point of the offense, leading to significant fantasy production.
Breakout Candidate #2: Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bucky Irving had a strong rookie season, finishing as the overall RB15 in PPR formats. Heading into 2025, expectations are even higher. Irving’s emergence as a lead back in Tampa Bay allowed him to finish as an RB2 in 2024, with the expectation now for an RB1 season in 2025.
Why he could break out: Irving impressed as a rookie, demonstrating excellent vision and elusiveness. He also proved to be a capable receiver, a valuable asset in PPR leagues. If Irving can continue to improve his pass-catching skills and maintain his efficiency, he has the potential to become a top-12 fantasy running back.
Breakout Candidate #3: Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks
Kenneth Walker III has flashed potential in his first three seasons but has yet to fully break out due to injuries. However, heading into 2025, Walker’s RB1 potential has arguably never been greater, assuming he can stay healthy enough to allow that potential to come to fruition.
Why he could break out: Walker possesses the explosiveness and power to be a dominant runner. In 2024, Walker set a new career high in total targets (52), which led the Seahawks backfield despite Walker missing six games and Zach Charbonnet (47) playing in all 17. If Walker can stay healthy and continue to develop as a receiver, he has the potential to be a top-10 fantasy running back.
Breakout Candidate #4: Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers
Omarion Hampton joins a Jim Harbaugh-led offense that loves to run the ball, so there will be plenty of touches to go around. He should be the bell cow for this unit — with veteran Najee Harris in the backup role — thanks to his patience and ability to bounce off defenders.
Why he could break out: Hampton profiles as an immediate impact player who could step into a featured role in a downhill rushing attack. His combination of size, power, and burst makes him particularly well-suited for Harbaugh’s offensive scheme.
Breakout Candidate #5: RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos
There’s a good chance J.K. Dobbins begins the season as Denver’s RB1, but I expect Harvey to ultimately emerge as the lead dog. The rookie is a viable three-down back who’ll quickly become a playmaker as both a rusher and pass catcher in Sean Payton’s offense.
Why he could break out: Harvey is a rookie who is a viable three-down back who’ll quickly become a playmaker as both a rusher and pass catcher in Sean Payton’s offense.
Other Potential Breakout Candidates
- Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals: Brown showed flashes of potential in 2024, and with Joe Mixon now in Houston, Brown has a clear path to a significant role in the Bengals’ offense.
- Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans: Spears is an explosive runner with the potential to be a valuable asset in PPR leagues. If he can improve his pass-catching skills, he could become a top-20 fantasy running back.
- Kaleb Johnson, Los Angeles Chargers: Johnson has legitimate feature back potential in a gap/power scheme where his combination of vision, decisive cuts, and finishing power will make him an immediate impact player.
Factors to Consider When Drafting Breakout Running Backs
- Opportunity: Look for running backs who have a clear path to playing time, whether it’s due to a weak depth chart or a coaching staff that favors a particular player.
- Talent: Evaluate a player’s physical abilities, such as speed, agility, and power. Also, consider their receiving skills, as pass-catching backs are more valuable in PPR leagues.
- Offensive Scheme: Consider how well a player’s skill set fits the team’s offensive scheme. A power runner may thrive in a run-heavy offense, while a receiving back may excel in a pass-first attack.
- Injury History: Be mindful of a player’s injury history, as injuries can derail even the most promising breakout candidates.
Conclusion
Identifying the next big thing at running back is a challenging but rewarding task. By carefully evaluating opportunity, talent, offensive scheme, and injury history, you can increase your chances of drafting a breakout player who can help you win your league. Keep an eye on these running backs as we approach the 2025 season, and be prepared to pounce when the opportunity arises.