Fantasy Football 2025: Ranking Every Team's Handcuff RB Ahead of NFL Season

Backup running backs may not be the most exciting players to draft in fantasy football leagues, but picking out the right handcuffs make the difference between winning a championship and missing the playoffs.

This can be a difficult endeavor, especially with the distinction between starting and backup blurring due to platoon approaches in the modern NFL. Things can change quickly, too, as injuries and ineffectiveness often lead to depth chart shakeups that can swing a fantasy campaign.

With that in mind, here’s a ranked look—largely based on a combination of standalone value and upside if promoted into a starting role—at each NFL team’s handcuff running back. These primary backups been determined via training camp reports, snap count data and prior season usage trends.

Fantasy points, rankings and ADP courtesy of FantasyPros.com using PPR data.

No. 32: Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints

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Miller was once one of the more promising handcuffs to target in fantasy drafts. That was three years ago, however, and most fantasy managers have run out of patience with the 2023 third-rounder by now.

While the Saints are still keeping him around in hopes he'll finally live up to the hype, Miller shouldn’t be rostered in all but the deepest formats.

Since entering the league and claiming he would challenge Alvin Kamara for the top spot on New Orleans’ depth chart, the injury-plagued back has mustered just 454 yards and two touchdowns from scrimmage on 95 touches across 14 career games and hasn't been a capable NFL player.

No. 31: Tahj Brooks, Cincinnati Bengals

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The Bengals landed a potential diamond in the rough in Brooks, a sixth-round rookie who likely would have come off the board far earlier in many other draft years.

While the youngster has the talent to beat out veteran Samaje Perine for backup duties—a competition that became far easier following Zack Moss’ release late last week—Chase Brown is clearly going to see the lion’s share of work in 2025.

Barring a series of major injuries in Cincy's backfield that lead to him taking on a feature role, Brooks simply won’t be fantasy-relevant this season.

No. 30: MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers

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Despite being taken on Day 2 of last year’s draft, Lloyd only appeared in a single game for the Packers last season. More concerningly, the then-rookie only garnered 18 yards from scrimmage on his seven touches in that contest.

After hip, ankle, appendix and hamstring issues derailed his rookie campaign, Lloyd’s outlook for 2025 isn’t promising after opening training camp with an abductor injury.

Even if Lloyd does manage to get and stay healthy, this is reigning Pro Bowler Josh Jacobs' backfield and Lloyd will only play a bit part within it while the veteran continues to perform at a high level.

No. 29: Will Shipley, Philadelphia Eagles

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Saquon Barkley’s initial campaign with the Eagles could not have gone better. He carried the team’s top-ranked rushing attack all the way to a Lombardi Trophy and earned a much-deserved pay raise this offseason. He's the alpha of this backfield and backups like Will Shipley won't play more than a small supporting role around him.

While injuries have limited Barkley in the past, he hasn’t missed extended time since the 2020 season. The superstar's presence, along with Jalen Hurts’ rushing talents, make it unlikely Shipley—or any other Philadelphia back—gets anywhere near the fantasy radar in 2025.

No. 28: DJ Giddens, Indianapolis Colts

The Colts haven’t had a competent quarterback in years, but they still managed to be a fringe playoff contender in 2024 thanks to the re-emergence of Johnathan Taylor. The vet’s return to form will make it tough for fifth-rounder DJ Giddens to get much playing time during his rookie season, although the lack of depth in Indy’s backfield does make him an intriguing late-round flier for fantasy managers who believe Taylor won’t be able to stay healthy in 2025.

Giddens could fill in as a heavy-usage RB1 thanks to his size and rushing skills, but a lack of explosion and power limits his upside should he unexpectedly climb the depth chart.

No. 27: Raheem Mostert, Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders landed a generational running back prospect in Ashton Jeanty on Day 1 of the 2025 draft, a player who will dominate Vegas' backfield for years to come.

There will be times that the 21-year-old will need a breather, however, and Mostert is the ideal backup for the up-and-coming star. The proven veteran is just a season removed from making the Pro Bowl for his outstanding efforts with the Dolphins and could turn back the clock following a change of scenery.

While Mostert regressed in 2024, he’s still a dynamic weapon who can turn in big plays on his limited opportunities. He doesn’t have the tread left on his tires to carry a starter’s workload in an age-33 season, however, and is likely to remain a rotational option even if Jeanty is sidelined.

No. 26: Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams

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The Rams have been allergic to using their backup running backs under head coach Sean McVay, but that could change in 2025.

McVay has said he hopes to showcase some “versatility” within the team’s offense and specifically highlighted how the Bucs utilized both Bucky Irving and Rachaad White effectively last year. Those are positive signs for Corum, who rarely saw the field as a rookie and mustered just 33.5 fantasy points.

At worst, Kyren Williams’ managers should be scooping up the second-year back in the latter rounds as a high-upside insurance option.

No. 25: Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens

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Hill has been Baltimore's backup RB option for the better part of the last half-decade and will remain in that spot this year, but there’s no real path towards earning a significant role in this run-heavy scheme without a serious injury to Derrick Henry.

Henry and the Ravens’ high-powered rushing offense proved to be a match made in heaven. The veteran juggernaut will be back for another go in Charm City after he rushed for nearly 2,000 yards in his first season, effectively closing the door for fantasy relevance on every other Baltimore RB.

No. 24: Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs

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The Chiefs reunited with Hunt last year in a move that ended up rejuvenating the veteran back’s career.

While his season-long tally of 155.4 fantasy points were a far cry from the 295.2 points he put up as a star rookie for the club in 2017, he did an adequate job holding the line while Isiah Pacheco was sidelined. Between Weeks 5-13, Hunt ranked as a top-20 RB who could be consistently started in fantasy leagues.

With Kansas City keeping Hunt in place as Pacheco's main backup again this season, expect the 29-year-old to see another sizable workload increase if the starter has to sit out for a stretch.

No. 23: Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns

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Most of the headlines surrounding the Browns have been related to their high-profile QB competition, but the team’s running back platoon also needs to be sorted during the preseason. Second-rounder Quinshon Judkins and fourth-rounder Sampson could relegate incumbent starter Jerome Ford to a third-string role with strong training camp performances.

If Sampson does end up as Cleveland's RB2 to open the year, he should see enough opportunities to move the fantasy needle.

It’s not unheard of for the latter-drafted of first-year backs to end up having better seasons and careers, with examples such as Elijah Mitchell outplaying Trey Sermon for the 2021 49ers and 2017 draftee Aaron Jones beating out classmate Jamaal Williams for the Packers’ RB1 job.

No. 22: Nick Chubb, Houston Texans

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A change of scenery could be exactly what Chubb needs to return to form.

Now nearly two years removed from the devastating knee injury that derailed his perennial Pro Bowl career, Chubb will get a chance to show he can still contribute at a high level while working behind Joe Mixon in Houston. Mixon thrived in his first Texans season, earning a second career Pro Bowl nod while finishing as fantasy’s RB17.

That performance will keep Mixon locked in as Houston’s starter, but an injury could open the door for Chubb to return to fantasy stardom with a Texans squad that is vastly superior to the Browns team he was stuck on last year.

No. 21: Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears

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The Bears overhauled most of their offense and coaching staff in wake of a disappointing 2024 season, but the team’s running back platoon remained largely untouched.

While seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai could shake things up with a strong camp, it’s most likely that D’Andre Swift will once again open the year as Chicago’s RB1 with Roschon Johnson working behind him as the backup.

Johnson’s 2.7 yards per carry average and RB54 performance last year left much to be desired, but there’s still a chance the third-year back improves significantly now that he’s running behind a revamped offensive line in a creative system being installed by new head coach Ben Johnson.

No. 20: Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys running back corps will look far different than it has in recent years. With all the 2024 backfield contributors now gone, first-time head coach Brian Schottenheimer will have to determine a pecking order from a new group that features known entities in Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in addition to rookies Blue and Phil Mafah.

While Williams is trending towards securing a starting role, Blue is the favorite to beat out the rest of the competition for backup duties. Although he didn’t come off the board until Day 3, the Texas product possesses the athleticism and skill to be a real factor in the pros.

Blue has already started earning some first-team reps during training camp, a sign that he’ll be in the mix regularly once the season kicks off. The rookie could even emerge as Dallas’ new RB1 if Williams isn't getting the job done, making him a fantastic late-round flier in fantasy drafts.

No. 19: Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins

Wright landed in an ideal place to showcase his dynamic playmaking abilities when the Dolphins drafted him last year, but he struggled to get on the field as a rookie and didn’t make much of an impact. That should change in 2025, as Wright has the inside track to becoming De’Von Achane’s primary backup for the first time.

Considering both Achane and Raheem Mostert thrived in the squad’s top-ranked offense two years ago, Wright could get enough touches to be fantasy-relevant regardless of the starter’s health. Factor in that Achane missed six games as a rookie and was hindered by injury last year as well and it’s clear that Wright should be on every fantasy manager’s radar right now.

No. 18: Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons

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Bijan Robinson may dominate Atlanta’s backfield, but that stranglehold also makes Allgeier an alluring handcuff option.

The Falcons leaned on both these backs heavily last year while struggling to generate passing offense with Kirk Cousins at the helm, but this unit should be more balanced with Michael Penix Jr. taking the reins in 2025. Robinson will get the lion’s share of touches while healthy, but Allgeier is the clear-cut choice to take over if the starter gets sidelined.

Allgeier is completely capable of being Atlanta’s feature back when called upon, evidenced by the respectable 4.7 yards per carry he posted last season and the impressive 1,035 rushing yards he put up as a rookie in 2022.

Allgeier won’t be anything more than a desperation flex play in standard leagues when Robinson is active, but his potential to step into a feature role makes him one of the highest value insurance options a fantasy manager can roster this year.

No. 17: Braelon Allen, New York Jets

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Allen put himself on the fantasy radar with an RB6 finish in Week 2 last year. While the rest of his rookie performances left much to be desired, Breece Hall’s backup showcased the potential to step in and make plays when his number is called.

Gang Green’s running back platoon will still be led by Hall to open 2025, but the lead back is already a glaring trade candidate with a high chance of being moved should the team fall out of the playoff race.

Should New York elect to deal Hall (or the back suffers a major injury for the second time in his career), Allen should get the first crack at becoming the team's replacement starter. With the Jets hoping to dominate on the ground under new head coach Aaron Glenn, Allen could be a league-winner if he assumes a larger role.

No. 16: Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers

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The Panthers capitalized on the Cowboys’ controversial decision to let Dowdle walk in free agency. The acquisition provides Carolina with a capable veteran who can split the backfield duties with incumbent starter Chuba Hubbard.

Dowdle was one of the few bright spots in Dallas last season, finishing with nearly 200 fantasy points. Dowdle ranked as the RB13 from Week 9 on and could continue to put up solid numbers now that he’s in Carolina.

The presence of Hubbard will make Dowdle a riskier play early on, but there could be enough looks for both backs to eat on a weekly basis if Carolina embraces the ground game.

No. 15: Isaac Guerendo, San Francisco 49ers

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The 49ers backup job can be a fruitful fantasy role, evidenced by the handful of players who posted monster performances in this system while filling in for Christian McCaffrey last season.

It remains to be seen if San Francisco's aging star can stay healthy over the course of a long season. If McCaffrey can’t suit up at any point, Guerendo looks to be first in line to pick up the slack.

Guerendo flashed during his limited stint as a starter last season, including posting an RB2 finish in Week 14 when he rushed for 78 yards and two scores on 15 totes and added another 50 yards on his two receptions.

Given that tantalizing look, McCaffrey's shaky health and head coach Kyle Shanahan’s creative scheming, Guerendo is one of the best handcuffs you can draft this year.

No. 14: Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars

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Jacksonville's backfield may be a bit messy, but this murky situation could end up benefitting Bigsby.

With Travis Etienne reeling from a dismal 2024 season, the door is open for Bigsby to assume a far bigger role in the backfield under new head coach Liam Coen. Bigsby wasn’t exactly elite during his sophomore season, but he did muster 766 yards and seven touchdowns on his 168 carries.

That efficiency could lead to Bigsby usurping the starter early in the season. Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. are also in the picture, but the former’s turnover issues and the latter’s limited potential makes Bigsby the obvious choice to lead this group should Etienne continue regressing.

No. 13: Austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders

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Ekeler’s first season away from the Chargers was a mixed bag. The veteran running back wasn’t able to rekindle the massive rushing and receiving numbers he put up earlier in his career, but he did outperform expectations for a player effectively being drafted as an RB5 last year.

Although Ekeler missed five games during his initial Commanders campaign, he still put up a steady 132.3 fantasy points and proved he can still be an adequate starter when called upon—evidenced by finishing as the RB13 or better in three consecutive contests between Weeks 9-11.

Don’t sleep on Ekeler again this season. While he won't get back into the RB1 range, he’s a competent depth option who can slot into starting lineups any time Brian Robinson Jr. misses time.

No. 12: Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals

Benson’s rookie season failed to get off the ground after veteran James Conner turned in one of the finest seasons of his lengthy NFL career. With Conner staying healthy and highly productive, the Day 2 draft pick couldn't get enough volume to be worthy of rostering in most fantasy formats.

That should change in 2025, with Conner himself acknowledging that both him and Benson are set to work within a more equal timeshare on a Cardinals squad pushing to become “the best rushing team in football”.

With Benson bulking up and stating that he’s added more explosion to his game, Arizona could become the next club to feature two top-end fantasy backs in the same offense. Given Benson’s modest ADP and vast upside, managers should jump at this low-risk, high-reward opportunity.

No. 11: Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills

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James Cook was one of the top fantasy performers of last season and Davis finished his rookie year as the RB40 with just 116.1 points, but the gap between these two backs could close significantly in 2025.

The Bills and Cook have reached an impasse in contract negotiations. With the starting running back sitting out of training camp for “business reasons”, a path has been cleared for Davis to cement his status as a key piece of Buffalo’s offense.

Davis is already getting plenty of work with the first-team offense in training camp. If Cook’s holdout spills into the regular season, Davis would be a shoo-in starter who could see even more playing time than the 48 percent of offensive snaps that Cook logged in 2024. Buffalo was already bringing Davis on the field for nearly a quarter of its offensive plays and would be left with underwhelming journeyman Ty Johnson as the primary depth option behind Davis.

Davis is a must-roster in all leagues while Cook remains out, but he’ll still be worth keeping around for handcuff value even if the contract dispute ends amicably. 

No. 10: J.K. Dobbins, Denver Broncos

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The Broncos’ rushing attack left much to be desired last season. With the team finishing in the bottom half of the league in both rushing yards per game and yards per carry, it came as no surprise that the front office selected RJ Harvey on Day 2 of the draft and added Dobbins in free agency.

These two newcomers will push incumbents Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin far down the depth chart, with Dobbins likely to end up as the primary backup behind Harvey. Dobbins should still have standalone value, however, as he proved he could finally stay healthy and contribute meaningfully after three consecutive seasons were marred by injury.

Although he did miss four games, Dobbins still posted an RB24 finish with the Chargers in 2024. He was highly efficient (4.6 yards per carry) and displayed a nose for the endzone (nine touchdowns)—two assets that will keep him heavily involved in head coach Sean Payton’s new-look platoon.

No. 9: Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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The Buccaneers backfield may have changed up the pecking order from last year, with White now backing up Bucky Irving, but both backs should remain highly productive in their second season together.

White is one of the best pass-catching backs in the NFL and has strong value in PPR formats due to this trait. Although he lost his starting job to a breakout rookie, the veteran still logged an RB22 finish largely thanks to his ability to reel in receptions.

Given he eclipsed 1,000 yards and scored nine times from scrimmage as the platoon’s lesser partner, White will continue to be a relevant fantasy contributor in 2025. If Irving misses time, White immediately elevates from an RB3/flex option to a must-start player with massive upside in Tampa’s potent offense.

No. 8: Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans

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The Titans are forging ahead into a new era led by No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward. The rookie’s presence should unlock an offense that has been hamstrung by poor quarterback play in recent seasons, an upgrade that will also elevate Spears’ fantasy value.

While Spears’ much-anticipated sophomore season was set back by a series of injuries, the back still mustered a red-hot finish—putting up 127 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 34 totes and 134 receiving yards and a score on 12 receptions during a three-game stretch between Weeks 15-17. That late run, coupled with an improved Tennessee passing attack, could be a preview of what’s to come in 2025 from Spears.

Although he’ll still have to split time with Tony Pollard, Spears should see an increase from the 43 percent snap share he logged in 2024. If he continues to play the way he did late last season, there’s a good chance Spears will overtake his counterpart on the depth chart and become the Music City’s RB1.

No. 7: Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots

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The Patriots spent the offseason acquiring new pieces to build a competent offense around Drake Maye, a series of moves that included selecting TreVeyon Henderson in the second round of the 2025 draft. The Ohio State product’s strong rushing skills and world-class pass protection abilities should result in him winning the starting job, but Stevenson shouldn’t fade into irrelevance now that the Pats have an exciting rookie in their backfield.

Stevenson struggled through a trying 2024 campaign, one that saw him average a career-low 3.9 yards per carry and fumble a concerning seven times. Despite this, the veteran isn’t too far removed from putting up 1,040 rushing yards and five scores in his sophomore season and could offer steady production as a nominal backup in a near-equal timeshare.

With the Pats boasting a much-improved offensive line and passing attack that will force defenses to stay honest, Stevenson should be an efficient contributor when he has the ball in his hands. If Henderson suffers an injury, the veteran becomes New England’s feature back with little competition for touches.

No. 6: Cam Skattebo, New York Giants

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The Giants landed one of the potential steals of the 2025 draft in Skattebo. The Arizona State product didn’t come off the board until the fourth round, but he’s a perfect fit in New York and could play a large role from the jump.

Skattebo finished his collegiate career in stunning fashion, displaying an incredible motor and heart to complement his hard-charging rushing skills and soft hands during an epic College Football Playoff bout against Texas. In that game alone, the senior put up 143 yards and two touchdowns on 30 totes, another 99 yards on eight catches and even added a 42-yard scoring pass during the contest.

That versatility and ability to wear down defenses will result in Skattebo garnering playing time immediately, splitting time with Tyrone Tracy Jr. in Big Blue's backfield.

Given his ability to absorb contact and push the pile, Skattebo projects to be the G-Men's primary goal line back in 2025. He’ll open his fantasy career as a touchdown-dependent flex option with the upside to rate in the RB2 range should Tracy miss any time.

No. 5: Najee Harris, Los Angeles Chargers

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The Bolts hid their desire to become a first-class rushing team in 2025.

By bringing Harris aboard in free agency and tapping Omarion Hampton in the first round of the 2025 draft, the organization crafted what should quickly become one of the NFL’s most feared backfields and a platoon in which both key members have a real chance to emerge as strong fantasy starters.

While Harris did suffer a setback last month when he was injured in a fireworks accident, he’s projected to be healthy and available in time for the start of the upcoming campaign. The reliable back never missed a game during his four seasons in Pittsburgh, racking up 4,312 yards and 28 touchdowns on 1,097 carries during that span.

Although Harris’ streak of 68 consecutive starts could end if Hampton earns the RB1 title, the veteran will still be a force in Jim Harbaugh’s offense. Harbaugh has leveraged the ground game throughout his time as a head coach in both the professional and collegiate ranks and that surely won’t change now that he has two extremely capable backs at his disposal.

Expect both Hampton and Harris to feast in L.A. and put up starting-caliber fantasy stat lines on a weekly basis.

No. 4: Jordan Mason, Minnesota Vikings

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Aaron Jones proved he still had plenty of gas left in the tank during his debut season with the Vikings last year, but the grizzled running back is going into an age-31 campaign and won’t be able to stave off his decline much longer. If he starts to slip in 2025, Minnesota at least has a suitable replacement waiting in the wings with Mason.

Despite using Mason to lead their backfield during much of Christian McCaffrey’s extended absence last season, the Niners were willing to part ways with him in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick swap and 2026 sixth-rounder. That small investment could pay dividends for the Vikings, who are venturing into unknown territory with second-year signal-caller J.J. McCarthy set to make his NFL debut in Week 1.

Although Mason doesn’t have too much standalone value with Jones still in the picture, he’s an obvious handcuff who will see feature usage should the starter go down with injury. Mason could also see a bump in playing time if McCarthy struggles and head coach Kevin O’Connell opts to focus more on the ground attack to generate offense.

No. 3: Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks

Charbonnet has been one of the most reliable fantasy handcuffs in the league over the last two seasons. He will open 2025 in that familiar role, although there’s several factors now in play that could result in him seeing a more permanent bump up the depth chart.

With Kenneth Walker III coming off his worst season as a pro—totaling a career-low 573 rushing yards in 2024—there could be more opportunity for Charbonnet to see the field if the starter continues to regress. Walker has had his struggles with health too, having missed multiple games in each of his three NFL seasons including a career-high six absences last year.

Given Charbonnet has been available for 33 of a possible 34 contests since entering the league and has regularly answered the call when elevated into the starting lineup (including a trio of top-eight finishes last year), it wouldn't be a major surprise if the Seahawks choose to move on from Walker at the trade deadline.

Walker is a candidate to be dealt due to his declining play and expiring contract. The move would also clear the path for Charbonnet to take over as the starter a bit earlier than expected, providing Seattle with a preview of what could be their backfield in 2026 and potentially beyond.

No. 2: Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers

Warren’s impressive development is the primary reason the Steelers could comfortably move on from Najee Harris this offseason. Since joining the team as an undrafted free agent in 2022, Warren has steadily improved and carved out an integral role as the squad’s backup ball carrier and primary backfield receiving option.

With Harris no longer in the picture, Warren can not only continue in that defined role, but also earn a noticeable uptick in usage as both a rusher and pass-catcher.

Kaleb Johnson will be Warren’s new running mate, a back who the Steelers selected on Day 2 of the 2025 draft. The 6’1”, 224-pound rookie profiles more as a starter and early-down back than the 5’8”, 215-pound veteran, but there should be more opportunities—especially in the red area—for Warren to contribute.

Expect Warren to turn in a far better fantasy finish in 2025 than the RB39 he rated as in 2024. The Steelers may not want the diminutive Warren absorbing a high volume of totes on a weekly basis, but he'll still get plenty of work thanks to his dynamic playmaking skills and ability to contribute in a variety of ways.

No. 1: David Montgomery, Detroit Lions

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The Lions have boasted the league's top backfield tandem over the past two seasons and that shouldn’t change in 2025. Jahmyr Gibbs has been a revelation as the team’s sparkplug starter and the steady Montgomery makes for the perfect complement to his dynamic partner.

Both Gibbs and Montgomery have ranked as top-tier fantasy starters during their tenure together in the Motor City, finishing as the RB1 and RB18, respectively, last season and the RB10 and RB17 in 2023. Both are poised to post another set of top-20 finishes in 2025.

While Montgomery’s game isn’t flashy, he’s averaged over 15 touches per week while working alongside Gibbs and has scored a total of 25 touchdowns in the last two years alone. Those numbers could take a slight dip with Gibbs commanding more touches following his breakout sophomore season and the departure of brilliant offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, but it would be quite a shock if Montgomery finishes outside the top-25 at his position.

Given his weekly startability and upside to dominate this backfield should Gibbs be sidelined, Montgomery is the absolute best handcuff you can roster this season.