The running back position wasn’t hit as hard by injuries last season, but we know how quickly things can change at one of the most physical positions in football. Fantasy football managers who stay prepared and know which backs are next in line for touches will always have an edge on the competition.
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It’s also important to understand which backups have a chance to rise up the depth chart based on talent, which ones are poised for a leading role when injuries strike and those who would max out as part of a less-appealing replacement committee.
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Here’s how I’m ranking the top backup running backs heading into Week 8 — based on their fantasy potential in 2025.
1. David Montgomery, Lions
While some people get bothered to see Montgomery featured on a list of top backups, there’s just no denying he’s behind Jahmyr Gibbs in the Lions’ pecking order. Montgomery has played under 45% of the snaps in six of his seven games this year and continues to be a TD-or-bust, low-end RB2/RB3 for fantasy. However, he would immediately vault back into RB1 territory if Gibbs were ever sidelined.
2. Rico Dowdle, Panthers
In Chuba Hubbard’s first game back after a calf injury, he outsnapped Dowdle 38-33, but it was Dowdle who had the edge in touches (18-16) and yards (96-55). How much Hubbard’s injury impacted his usage and efficiency is still unknown, but something close to a 50-50 split seems likely moving forward. We know the type of ceiling Dowdle can offer after he ran wild in Hubbard’s absence. Dowdle is capable of being a fantasy RB1 when starting, but just an upside RB3 with Hubbard healthy.
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3. Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks
Unlike Montgomery, Charbonnet has a legitimate case to be removed from this list, since he’s outsnapped Kenneth Walker III in each of the past three games and has been the more productive fantasy back during that time thanks to his touchdown scoring. Even though he missed one game, Charbonnet already has five TDs on the season despite putting up less than half of Walker’s yardage. For the time being, Charbonnet remains a TD-or-bust fantasy RB3 who would be a top-12 back if Walker were sidelined. However, if this playing time trend continues, it might be Walker on this list in the coming weeks.
4. Tyler Allgeier, Falcons
Allgeier is a mainstay on this list as the unquestioned backup to superstar Bijan Robinson. Even in a supporting role, Allgeier has found a way to be productive for fantasy with touchdowns in three of his past five outings. The former 1,000-yard rusher continues to be a premier backup who offers flex value and would crush as a top-20 fantasy RB — if Robinson wasn’t able to play for any reason. His Week 8 matchup versus the Dolphins will be another spot you can use Allgeier as an upside RB3/flex.
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5. Rachaad White, Buccaneers
White has done a solid job replacing an injured Bucky Irving and it’s still unclear when the Bucs’ starter will return to action. Over the past three games, White has racked up 144 rushing yards, 57 receiving yards and three scores — finishing as a top-10 fantasy RB twice. He’s also the clear lead back in Irving’s absence, playing at 77% of the snaps in each of the past three weeks. White is an underrated fantasy asset who will be a must-start fantasy option until Irving is healthy and a flex play upon his return.
6. RJ Harvey, Broncos
Harvey has played less than a third of Denver’s snaps in every game other than the blowout of the Bengals in Week 4, when he set career highs in snaps (41%), touches (18), scrimmage yards (98) and touchdowns (one). The rookie is about to get a very positive matchup against the Cowboys in Week 8, but he can’t be trusted in your lineup based on his recent usage. Starter J.K. Dobbins has one of the most extensive injury histories of any player in the league and has yet to play a full season in the NFL. Dobbins getting hurt is the only path to Harvey becoming a fantasy option this season.
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7. Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars
After emerging as the clear No. 2 back in Jacksonville following the Tank Bigsby trade, Tuten’s role hasn’t grown over the last month. With Travis Etienne Jr. holding down the starting job, it’s not leaving the door open for Tuten to carve out a bigger role. The rookie has looked the part as an impact player in his limited usage, but he’s just a volatile flex option for fantasy, who is one injury away from being a fantasy starter.
8. Brian Robinson Jr., 49ers
Unlike a lot of the other names on this list, Robinson doesn’t offer much in terms of flex value. However, he’s just one year removed from posting 1,101 scrimmage yards and nine total touchdowns, while finishing as the RB21 in fantasy points per game. Robinson would definitely produce as a top-20 fantasy RB in the Kyle Shanahan run game if Christian McCaffrey gets hurt again.
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9. Blake Corum, Rams
Corum played a season-high 34% of the snaps in Week 7 and is a borderline flex option in good matchups. He also carries more fantasy value thanks to being the No. 2 back in a Sean McVay offense that tends to turn any starter into a quality fantasy option. While he’s not a threat to Kyren Williams’ starting spot, Corum should be rostered in all fantasy leagues.
10. Tyjae Spears, Titans
Investing in the Titans’ offense doesn’t seem like the smartest move for fantasy at the moment, but Tony Pollard’s name has been mentioned as a possible trade candidate. If Pollard were moved, Spears has shown he can excel in the starting role. During the fantasy playoffs last season, Spears posted 92 yards and two TDs in Week 15, 66 yards and two TDs in Week 16 and 103 yards in Week 17. If Pollard remains with Tennessee, then Spears will just be a risky flex option the rest of the way.
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Just missed the top 10
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TreVeyon Henderson, Patriots
Overqualified backups with injuries
Backups turned temporary starters with RB3/Flex value
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Michael Carter/Bam Knight, Cardinals
Exciting backups with Flex potential
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Ollie Gordon II, Dolphins
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Kenneth Gainwell, Steelers
Rookie backups to stash
Boring backups with Flex potential
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Jeremy McNichols, Commanders
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Chris Rodriguez Jr., Commanders
Intriguing backups with question marks
Backups who could get traded
Upside backups with injuries
Backups to stash in deep leagues
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LeQuint Allen Jr., Jaguars