While everyone wants to talk about the first few rounds of their fantasy football drafts, the middle rounds are where you can win your league. Finding mid-round running backs who outperform their average draft position gives fantasy players a massive advantage at winning the league, especially if the injury bug hits their team.
Which mid-round running backs can win fantasy leagues? Let’s look at seven potential league-winning running backs that fantasy players can draft between the fifth and 10th rounds.
Fantasy Football League-Winning Running Backs
ADP via FantasyPros
TreVeyon Henderson (NE) – ADP 51.3 | RB22
Unfortunately, Henderson will split the backfield workload with Rhamondre Stevenson again in 2026. However, the veteran turned 28 this offseason and could lose work to the former Ohio State star this year. Henderson averaged 12.1 PPR fantasy points per game as a rookie. Yet, he was a superstar when Stevenson missed time with an injury, averaging 19 touches for 110 scrimmage yards, 1.7 touchdowns, and 24.3 fantasy points per game, earning 74% of the backfield workload. If Henderson can earn 60-65% of the workload, he will be a league winner.
Bhayshul Tuten (JAC) – ADP 57.5 | RB25
The Jaguars put their faith in Tuten this offseason, letting Travis Etienne Jr. out of the building while only adding Chris Rodriguez Jr. to the backfield. Last year, Tuten averaged only 5.9 PPR fantasy points per game, as Etienne was the featured guy. However, he only had 93 touches in 15 games, averaging 0.95 fantasy points per touch. Had Tuten gotten the 296 touches Etienne earned last season, the former Virginia Tech star would have averaged 16.6 fantasy points per contest, making him the RB7 on a points-per-game basis.
Jadarian Price (SEA) – ADP 65.3 | RB26
Price is a long shot to finish as an RB1 this season. However, the Seahawks lost Kenneth Walker III in free agency, while Zach Charbonnet is coming off a torn ACL and likely won’t be 100% anytime soon. Last year, Seattle had a run-first offense, ranking third in rushing attempts, averaging 25.8 per game from their running backs. While Emanuel Wilson and George Holani will have a role early in the season, Price should be a second-half breakout star as a featured guy and push for a top-12 finish.
Kyle Monangai (CHI) – ADP 94.5 | RB34
While he won’t replace D’Andre Swift as Chicago’s starter, Monangai is an excellent mid-round pick. He finished his rookie year as the RB30, averaging 8.6 PPR fantasy points per game. However, Monangai earned more work as the year progressed, averaging six rushing attempts per game over the first eight weeks compared to 13.4 over the final nine weeks of the fantasy season. Furthermore, he had 198 scrimmage yards and 22.8 fantasy points in the lone game without Swift last year, putting Monangai an injury away from a likely RB1 season.
Kenneth Gainwell (TB) – ADP 103.5 | RB35
No one expected Gainwell to finish last year as the RB16, averaging 13 PPR fantasy points per game, especially with Warren finishing as the RB17. The veteran was a force in the passing game, ranking fourth among running backs in receptions (73) and fifth in receiving yards (486). While he won’t have Aaron Rodgers throwing to him in 2026, the Buccaneers signed Gainwell to a significant contract in free agency. If Bucky Irving struggles to stay healthy for the second consecutive season, Gainwell could have a career year.
Rachaad White (WAS) – ADP 110.3 | RB38
Washington doesn’t have a clear-cut starting running back on their roster. However, White has been impressive and is the heavy favorite to start in Week 1. If he can hold onto the starting role, White could be a league winner. The last time he had a featured role was in 2023. White finished that year as the RB4, averaging 15.8 PPR fantasy points per game, accounting for 76% of the backfield workload. Even if he isn’t a fantasy superstar, expect White to have a massive role in the passing game.
Jonathon Brooks (CAR) – ADP 113.3 | RB40
Despite having a career year in 2025 and replacing Chuba Hubbard as the lead running back, the Panthers let Rico Dowdle walk in free agency this offseason. That move showed their faith in Brooks despite him playing in only three contests during his two-year NFL career because of multiple ACL injuries. Reportedly, the former Texas star has had a positive offseason and has been a standout guy at the start of Carolina’s training camp. Don’t be surprised if Brooks takes the starting running back job from Hubbard sooner than later.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.