The middle rounds of your fantasy draft are where championships are quietly built. Early picks are all about safety established superstars who provide reliable weekly production. But once you move into the 6th to the end of the draft, the focus shifts. This is where savvy managers hunt for undervalued talent, players whose cost doesn’t reflect their ceiling.

In 2025, several running backs fit the perfect mid-round formula: affordable draft cost, strong upside, and a clear path to an increased workload. These are the kinds of backs who can outperform their ADP by multiple rounds and become the glue that holds a championship roster together.

If you’re looking for league-winning potential without early-round risk, here are five mid-round running backs who deserve a serious look in your upcoming drafts.

Jordan Mason

(RB, Minnesota Vikings)

Jordan Mason spent the first stretch of his NFL career buried behind Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco, but he made every touch count. In 2024, Mason produced 789 rushing yards on just 153 carries a blistering 5.2 yards per carry while scoring three touchdowns and adding 11 receptions for 91 yards. His career average of 5.3 yards per carry isn’t a fluke; it’s a sign he consistently generates yards beyond what the offensive line blocks.

This offseason, the Vikings traded for Mason and paired him with 30-year-old Aaron Jones. While Jones is still a dangerous weapon when healthy, he hasn’t played a full season since 2019 and has battled multiple lower-body injuries in recent years. Mason’s younger legs, physical running style, and proven durability give him a real shot at seizing the early-down and goal-line role especially if Jones misses time.

At his current Round 9–10 ADP, Mason offers RB2 upside at a backup price. Even in a split backfield, his projected workload in Kevin O’Connell’s balanced offense makes him one of the most attractive value picks in the mid rounds.

Tank Bigsby

(RB, Jacksonville Jaguars)

Tank Bigsby took a significant leap in 2024, racking up 766 rushing yards on 168 carries (4.6 YPC) and scoring seven total touchdowns. He even outproduced Travis Etienne in touches, touchdowns, and per-carry efficiency a sign that he can be more than just a rotational piece.

With Jacksonville opting not to invest heavily in the position this offseason, Bigsby enters 2025 in a wide-open competition for the starting role. His skill set is strong between the tackles, decisive at the goal line, and effective enough in the passing game makes him the favorite to handle the majority of early-down and short-yardage work.

Given that Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars offense can keep defenses honest, Bigsby could flirt with touches if he secures the job. Drafting him in the Round 10–11 range could return top-20 RB production without the need for a premium pick.

Nick Chubb

(RB, Houston Texans)

Few running backs in the league have the résumé of Nick Chubb, and while recent knee injuries have dimmed his draft stock, 2025 presents a perfect bounce-back opportunity. The Texans signed Chubb in free agency to pair with Joe Mixon, but Mixon suffered a foot injury this offseason and could miss meaningful time early in the year.

Chubb’s efficiency has remained elite when healthy. Even in limited 2024 action, he averaged 4.7 yards per touch and continued to force missed tackles at one of the highest rates in the league. While Houston will remain a pass-first team with C.J. Stroud at quarterback, that also means Chubb should face lighter defensive fronts and plenty of red-zone chances in one of the NFL’s most potent offenses.

At his discounted Round 12 ADP, Chubb offers the rare combination of proven talent and an immediate opportunity for feature-back work. If he starts the year hot, he could single-handedly win you the first month of the season.

Jerome Ford

(RB, Cleveland Browns)

Jerome Ford’s fantasy outlook improved dramatically after rookie Quinshon Judkins was arrested on domestic battery charges and could be facing a suspension. Without Judkins, Cleveland’s backfield is Ford’s to command heading into Week 1. Yes, I know the news has also come out saying Judkins won't face any charges, but don’t expect him to be one hundred percent with missing most of camp and the majority of preseason.

Ford already proved in 2023 and 2024 that he can deliver with volume, finishing the last two seasons with 1,922 total yards and twelve touchdowns despite sharing touches with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. His 81 receptions also make him a valuable asset in PPR formats, giving him a stable floor even if Cleveland falls behind in games.

With the Browns expected to lean on the ground game to support weak quarterback play and their offensive rhythm, Ford’s path to a lot of touches is clear. At a Round 10-12 cost, he’s a mid-round pick who could finish as a weekly RB2 and hold the role for the entire season.

Roschon Johnson

(RB, Chicago Bears)

At first glance, Roschon Johnson’s 2024 numbers 55 carries for 150 yards (2.7 YPC) and six rushing touchdowns won’t wow anyone. But a closer look shows where his fantasy value lies: red-zone usage. Johnson handled the bulk of Chicago’s short-yardage work, turning those touches into meaningful scoring opportunities.

The Bears have made significant upgrades to their offensive line, and the expectation is a more balanced attack in 2025. Johnson’s physical, north-south running style makes him the obvious choice near the goal line, and if injuries occur ahead of him on the depth chart, his role could expand quickly.

As a last-round selection, Johnson is a high-upside bench stash who could deliver RB2 production if given 12–15 touches per game. Even without a full-time role, his touchdown potential gives him weekly flex appeal.

Final Thoughts

The middle rounds are where value meets opportunity in fantasy football drafts. This year, Jordan Mason offers elite efficiency with a realistic path to lead-back duties in Minnesota. Tank Bigsby walks into a wide-open backfield in Jacksonville.

Nick Chubb could be Houston’s early-season workhorse if Joe Mixon isn’t ready. Jerome Ford has a clear runway to lead the Browns’ backfield after Judkins’ off-field issues. And Roschon Johnson brings sneaky touchdown upside that could balloon with just one injury in front of him.

By targeting these five backs in the mid-round sweet spot, you’re not only adding depth you’re drafting players who can step into every-week starter roles without costing you early-round capital. In fantasy football, that’s how championships are won.