Running backs can make or break your fantasy football season. Whether you're drafting in the first round or hunting for value later, landing the right back is often the difference between contending and falling short.
In 2025 fantasy football, several running backs stand out as premium targets due to talent, opportunity, and proven production. This list highlights five running backs you should prioritize in all formats.
Each player brings a unique upside — whether it’s elite pass-catching, touchdown potential, or a feature role in a high-powered offense. Let’s dive into the top five running backs to target in 2025 fantasy football using Sleeper’s ADP.
Christian McCaffrey
(RB, San Francisco 49ers) 17.9 ADP
Christian McCaffrey remains the gold standard of fantasy running backs. McCaffery in my eyes is the RB4 behind Saquon Barkley, Bijan Robinson, and Jahmyr Gibbs. The only reason that he is being drafted behind those guys is because of injury concern and age.
However, you're getting McCaffery as the RB4, you're getting him at the RB7 and if he stays healthy, he can finish as the RB1. McCaffery easily has the most upside out of anyone in the draft.
Despite just turning 29, McCaffrey led all running backs in total fantasy points in 2023. He posted over 2,000 total yards and 21 touchdowns, anchoring fantasy teams that made deep playoff runs. As long as he's healthy, his dual-threat ability keeps him locked in as a first-round cornerstone.
The San Francisco 49ers continue to run one of the most efficient and creative offenses in the NFL. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has mastered the art of maximizing McCaffrey’s strengths, especially in the red zone and passing game.
While age is a concern, his usage remains elite, and there's no true threat behind him on the depth chart. McCaffrey should be a first-round pick, but he is being drafted in the middle of the second and has elite value in 2025 fantasy football.
Breece Hall
(RB, New York Jets) 34.6 ADP
Breece Hall bounced back from his 2022 ACL tear with a monster 2023 season. He totaled just under 1,600 total yards and 9 touchdowns while finishing as the RB2 in PPR formats.
Hall had a disappointing year in 2024, where he finished as the RB16. The New York Jets were disappointing as well with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback where Garrett Wilson was set to explode but did not.
Now in 2025, Hall is entering the season fully healthy, and with his age, skill set, and projected workload Hall is set to have legitimate RB1 overall upside in 2025 fantasy football.
Justin Fields now at quarterback is looking to spark the Jets, and yes Fields is not a great NFL quarterback, but he should help Hall out, as Fields has a high checkdown rate compared to other rushing quarterbacks.
With Braelon Allen, I am not expecting him to have a large role in the Jets’ offense and am expecting Hall to have around 70 percent of the snaps.
Chuba Hubbard
(RB, Carolina Panthers) 48.0 ADP
Chuba Hubbard might not be the flashiest name on this list, but don’t let that fool you as he is primed for a breakout season. Hubbard enters 2025 as the clear starter for the Carolina Panthers. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry last season and quietly posted more than 1,300 total yards finishing as the RB15 despite limited early-season usage.
The Panthers have upgraded their offense with the addition of Tetairoa McMillan and Bryce Young going on year three. That bodes well for Hubbard’s volume and efficiency moving forward. The addition of Rico Dowdle does not affect Hubbard as he was signed because of Jonathon Brooks being injured and Dowdle is there to relieve Hubbard as a backup.
With very little competition for touches and a likely increase in red zone opportunities, Hubbard is one of the best mid-round running back targets in 2025 fantasy football who in my opinion is being drafted at his floor and has plenty of upside.
Kaleb Johnson
(RB, Pittsburgh Steelers) 95.8 ADP
Kaleb Johnson, the rookie out of Iowa, is already turning heads at Steelers camp. Johnson in his last year at Iowa had 1,537 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns with 6.4 yards per carry and 188 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns in just 12 games.
The Pittsburgh Steelers used early draft capital to select Johnson in the second round, and he could be a potential workhorse from day one. Johnson blends size, speed, and vision, making him a perfect fit for the Pittsburg Steelers physical running style.
With Najee Harris now in Los Angeles and Jaylen Warren being his only competition, Johnson could take charge and lead this backfield. Rookie running backs can struggle with pass protection, but Johnson has received praise for his readiness in that department.
If he wins the starting job in preseason, Johnson offers league-winning upside at a fraction of the cost. He’s a high-priority sleeper in 2025 fantasy football.
Tyjae Spears
(Running Back, Tennessee Titans) 113.3 ADP
Tyjae Spears showed flashes of brilliance in a timeshare last season. With Tony Pollard being 28 and head coach Brian Callahan announcing Pollard and Spears will be splitting reps 50/50, if Pollard gets injured Spears in set to explode.
He averaged 3.7 yards per carry in 2024 and showcased elite quickness. The Tennessee Titans have shifted toward a more modern, spread offense, which should help Spears thrive in space and increase his reception totals.
Spears is expected to dominate passing-down snaps and split the backfield with Pollard. That versatility makes him one of the most underrated backups running backs on draft boards. In PPR formats especially, Spears is a smart investment for 2025 fantasy football.
Final Thoughts
In today’s pass-heavy NFL, finding true workhorse running backs is increasingly rare. That makes hitting on the right targets — like the ones listed above — even more critical to fantasy success.
Christian McCaffrey, Breece Hall, and Chuba Hubbard offer RB1 upside, while players like, Kaleb Johnson, and Tyjae Spears could vastly outperform their ADP.
Whether you’re building around a veteran star or taking shots on emerging talents, this group gives you a blend of safety and upside for all draft strategies.
As you prepare for your draft, make sure to keep these names at the top of your list. These are your top five running backs to target in 2025 fantasy football.