Backfield Takeover: Underrated Rookie RBs Set to Dominate in 2025 Fantasy Football

The 2024 NFL season saw several unexpected running backs rise to fantasy football prominence. As we look ahead to 2025, a new crop of rookie RBs is poised to make a similar impact. Forget the over-hyped, first-round selections; this year, the real value lies in the Backfield Takeover: Underrated Rookie RBs Set to Dominate in 2025 Fantasy Football.

The Changing Landscape of the NFL Backfield

The modern NFL increasingly favors running back committees and versatile players who can contribute in both the running and passing game. This trend creates opportunities for talented rookies drafted outside the first round to quickly ascend depth charts and become valuable fantasy assets. Last season, injuries to established starters and surprising coaching decisions opened doors for players like Kyren Williams and Isiah Pacheco, who became league winners for savvy fantasy managers. In 2025, several rookies are in prime positions to replicate this success.

The Headliners: Potential League Winners

Cam Skattebo (New York Giants): Skattebo is a name fantasy players need to know. The Giants leaned on a committee approach in 2024, splitting carries between Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary. While serviceable, neither back truly seized control. Skattebo, the former Arizona State standout, has the potential to change that. In his final college season, Skattebo led the Big 12 in nearly every major rushing category, including rushing yards (1,712) and missed tackles forced (103). He also excelled as a receiver, racking up 543 receiving yards. Some analysts believe Skattebo’s production, draft capital, and PFF grades point to him potentially surpassing Singletary and Tracy sooner rather than later. With rumors swirling about the Giants potentially releasing Singletary, Skattebo could quickly become the lead back in New York.

Jaydon Blue (Dallas Cowboys): The Cowboys’ backfield situation is intriguing. Dallas drafted Texas’ Jaydon Blue in the fifth round. With only Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders ahead of him on the depth chart, both on one-year deals, Blue has a clear path to becoming the lead back in his rookie season. Blue averaged 5.4 yards per carry last season, showcasing his explosiveness and elusiveness. He also excels as a receiver, making him a versatile weapon for the Cowboys’ offense. Keep an eye on Blue during training camp; he could be a steal in fantasy drafts.

RJ Harvey (Denver Broncos): The Broncos surprised many by selecting Harvey in the second round. The UCF product has two consecutive 1,400-yard rushing seasons under his belt, along with 39 catches in that span, demonstrating his pass-catching ability. Some analysts believe Harvey could become Sean Payton’s next Alvin Kamara, a versatile back who can contribute in all facets of the game. While he may have to compete for touches initially, Harvey’s talent and the Broncos’ investment in him suggest he will have a significant role in 2025.

Other Rookies to Watch

Omarion Hampton (Los Angeles Chargers): The Chargers selected Hampton in the first round, signaling their commitment to establishing a strong running game under coach Jim Harbaugh. While he may split carries with Najee Harris initially, Hampton is expected to command the backfield by his second season. With Greg Roman as the offensive coordinator, Hampton could become a long-term RB1 in fantasy football.

Quinshon Judkins (Cleveland Browns): Judkins was selected in the second round by the Browns and is expected to lead their running back room as a rookie. While he may not be a home-run hitter, Judkins is a reliable runner who keeps his legs moving through contact and consistently falls forward for extra yards.

Kaleb Johnson (Pittsburgh Steelers): Johnson is a physical runner who excels between the tackles. He has excellent vision and stays balanced on contact, consistently picking up additional yardage. Johnson could fill the Najee Harris role in the Steelers’ offense and become a valuable fantasy asset, particularly in standard-scoring leagues.

TreVeyon Henderson (New England Patriots): Henderson is a dynamic playmaker with exceptional speed and agility. He is a threat to score whenever he touches the ball, both as a runner and a receiver. If he can stay healthy, Henderson has the potential to be a high-upside fantasy option.

Dylan Sampson (Cleveland Browns): Sampson is an explosive runner with impressive speed and elusiveness. He is a threat to score from anywhere on the field and could become a valuable asset in PPR leagues.

DJ Giddens (Arizona Cardinals): Giddens is a sleeper pick with insane suddenness and the ability to make defenders miss in a phone booth. If he improves as a receiver and blocker, he has the potential to become a three-down back at the next level.

Jarquez Hunter (Los Angeles Rams): Hunter offers the Rams an explosive element that neither Kyren Williams nor Blake Corum possesses. He is a tackle-breaking machine with the speed to hit home runs.

Why Underrated RBs Offer Value

Opportunity: As mentioned earlier, the NFL’s reliance on running back committees creates opportunities for rookies to earn playing time and prove their worth.
Cost-Effectiveness: Drafting running backs outside the first few rounds allows fantasy managers to allocate resources to other positions while still securing potential RB1 production.
Upside: These underrated rookies often possess unique skill sets or land in favorable situations that allow them to outperform their draft position.

Conclusion

The 2025 fantasy football season promises to be another exciting year for running backs. While the top-tier names will undoubtedly command attention, the Backfield Takeover: Underrated Rookie RBs Set to Dominate in 2025 Fantasy Football offers tremendous value and upside. By identifying these potential breakout stars, fantasy managers can gain a significant edge over their competition and build a championship-winning team.