Best Running Back Values in Each Round of 2025 Fantasy Football Drafts

Finding the best running back values in each round can make or break your 2025 fantasy football draft. While elite RBs go off the board early, the smartest fantasy managers know you can build a championship roster by scooping up value picks in the middle and late rounds.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top fantasy football RB values for every draft round—from reliable veterans to breakout sleepers. Whether you’re playing in PPR, half-PPR, or standard leagues, these running backs give you the most upside for the price.

Why Drafting RB Value Matters

Running backs are the most volatile position in fantasy. Injuries, coaching changes, and offensive line play can make or break a season. Instead of reaching for hype picks, target RB values at their average draft position (ADP). This ensures you’re getting maximum upside without overspending early capital.

Round 3–4 Running Back Values

By this stage, most elite RBs are gone. But several discounted RB1s are still on the board:

Josh Jacobs – Green Bay Packers

Jacobs is being drafted in Round 3 in many leagues, yet he offers true RB1 production in a revamped Packers offense. He’s a workhorse with proven volume and touchdown upside.

Alvin Kamara – New Orleans Saints

Kamara remains a PPR goldmine. Despite his age, he benefits from one of the friendliest RB schedules in 2025. A top-12 RB at an RB2 price makes him a screaming value.

Kyren Williams – Los Angeles Rams

Williams thrived last year, and despite added depth in LA’s backfield, he projects for heavy usage. He’s a steady RB2 that you can draft in Round 4.

Chuba Hubbard – Carolina Panthers

Quietly a breakout in 2024, Hubbard’s role looks safe in Carolina’s offense. At his ADP, he’s one of the best fantasy football RB sleepers in the mid rounds.

Round 4–5 Running Back Values

This is where workhorse veterans become league-winning values.

James Conner – Arizona Cardinals

Every year fantasy managers fade Conner—and every year he delivers. His goal-line role and consistent touches make him one of the safest RB picks in Round 4–5.

James Cook – Buffalo Bills

Cook is the perfect RB2 target. He topped 1,200 scrimmage yards in 2024 and remains heavily involved in Buffalo’s passing game. For PPR leagues, he’s one of the best running back steals of 2025.

Round 6–7 Running Back Values

Now you’re hunting for upside RB2s who can push into RB1 territory.

D’Andre Swift – Chicago Bears

Reunited with OC Ben Johnson, Swift is in a system tailored to his strengths. With 1,300+ scrimmage yards in back-to-back years, Swift is a mid-round RB breakout candidate.

Isiah Pacheco – Kansas City Chiefs

Before injuries slowed him down, Pacheco was pacing for a top-10 RB finish. In Round 7, getting the starting RB for Patrick Mahomes’ offense is a massive fantasy football value pick.

Round 8–10 Running Back Values

This is the sweet spot for depth and sleeper stashes.

Bhayshul Tuten – Jacksonville Jaguars

One of the most explosive college RBs in 2024, Tuten is a deep sleeper with big-play potential. If opportunity strikes, he could emerge as a late-round fantasy football steal.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt – Washington Commanders

Going undrafted in many leagues, Croskey-Merritt could carve out real touches. A must-have for Zero-RB drafters.

Sean Tucker – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A name to remember in Round 10+, Tucker has flashed explosiveness and could climb the depth chart quickly.

Round 11+ Running Back Sleepers & Handcuffs

Late rounds are all about high-upside stashes.

Rhamondre Stevenson – New England Patriots

Still ranked outside the top 35 RBs, Stevenson could easily lead New England’s backfield. At his price, he’s a great fantasy RB sleeper pick.

Isaac Guerendo – San Francisco 49ers

With Christian McCaffrey carrying an injury history, Guerendo is the handcuff you can’t ignore. He could see standalone value in Kyle Shanahan’s RB-friendly scheme.

Tyler Allgeier – Atlanta Falcons

Behind Bijan Robinson but entering a contract year, Allgeier is one injury away from becoming a league-winner.

Will Shipley – Philadelphia Eagles

A rookie with pass-catching chops, Shipley is free at the end of drafts. If he earns a role behind Saquon Barkley, he could smash in PPR leagues.

Expert RB Value Draft Strategy

• Zero-RB Strategy: Load up on WRs early, then draft RB values like Conner, Swift, and Pacheco in the middle rounds.
• Anchor RB Strategy: Draft one stud RB early, then stack mid-round RBs (Kamara, Cook) for depth.
• Late-Round Lottery Tickets: Always leave your draft with upside stashes like Guerendo, Shipley, or Tucker.

Final Thoughts: Best Running Back Values by Round

Here’s a quick cheat sheet of the best fantasy football RB values for 2025:

• Round 3–4: Josh Jacobs, Alvin Kamara, Kyren Williams, Chuba Hubbard
• Round 5: James Cook, James Conner
• Round 6–7: D’Andre Swift, Isiah Pacheco
• Round 8–10: Bhayshul Tuten, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Sean Tucker
• Round 11+: Rhamondre Stevenson, Isaac Guerendo, Tyler Allgeier, Will Shipley

Drafting smart RB values in every round ensures you build a deep, flexible roster ready to handle injuries and bye weeks. Don’t chase hype—target these running back sleepers and steals to win your league in 2025.