6 Breakout RBs Your Clueless Leaguemates Are Overlooking In 2025

Fantasy sports news, analysis, and waiver wire advice.

By Fantasy Roundup · August 29, 2025

In 2025, there are several hidden gems at the RB position your league mates are ignoring—and that’s your edge.

The first four names in this list are drawn from research featured in my Surprising League Winning RBs video. That deep dive helped me draft Chuba Hubbard more than any other player in 2024—and it paid off.

Let’s break down the top six undervalued breakout RBs for 2025, along with key data, trends, and why these players could help you dominate your fantasy league.

1. Tyjae Spears – Tennessee Titans Yahoo ADP: 129.3

ESPN ADP: 127.8

Tyjae Spears didn’t meet fantasy expectations in 2024, but the underlying numbers tell a different story. His efficiency jumped from 3.5 YPC (Weeks 1–9) to 3.9 YPC (Weeks 10–18) behind one of the league’s worst offensive lines.

He lit up the fantasy playoffs last season and enters 2025 healthy—unlike last year. That alone makes him an excellent value at his current ADP.

Spears fits perfectly into the Surprising League Winning RBs mold: rising volume, rising efficiency, and underpriced due to backfield uncertainty. If he starts hot (after the injury), he could become the Titans’ RB1 faster than expected.

2. Tyrone Tracy Jr. – New York Giants Yahoo ADP: 95.0

ESPN ADP: 105.4

After the Giants drafted Cam Skattebo, ESPN drafters (and the Dynasty Fantasy Football community) panicked and faded Tyrone Tracy Jr.—despite Skattebo being a day 3 NFL Draft pick.

What many forget: Tracy was a college wide receiver, and his pass-catching prowess is elite. The only concern is ball security, which he says he’s worked on addressing this offseason.

If that holds true, Tracy offers three-down potential in a better offense with a stronger O-line. He fits the breakout mold and is one of the best mid-round RB values in all formats.

3. Jaylen Warren – Pittsburgh Steelers Yahoo ADP: 100.6

ESPN ADP: 103.5

With all the offseason hype around Kaleb Johnson, many have forgotten about Jaylen Warren—and that’s a mistake.

His YPC rose from 3.7 to 4.6 in the second half of 2024, and he remains one of the NFL’s most efficient pass-catching backs. With Aaron Rodgers now under center, Warren could easily see 4–6 targets per game (just like Breece Hall did in 2024).

As a lifelong Steelers fan, I’ll say we haven’t had a real fantasy stud since Big Ben retired. Warren may be the exception in 2025.

4. Trey Benson – Arizona Cardinals Yahoo ADP: 131.7

ESPN ADP: 158.6

Trey Benson is my most drafted RB in best ball for a reason.

Ignore the critics who isolate his poor first six weeks—his efficiency exploded to 5.7 YPC from Week 10 onward (up from 3.9). The Cardinals have talked all offseason about a 1A/1B split with James Conner, and Conner's durability remains questionable.

Benson is basically free in drafts, and his upside is massive. If he earns 12–15 touches, he could be this year’s most surprising breakout back.

And the best thing is, he costs you close to nothing. If he doesn’t hit, simply drop him and pick up a waiver wire stud using our waiver wire tool!

5. Jordan Mason – Minnesota Vikings Yahoo ADP: 110.2

ESPN ADP: 138.7

Mason doesn’t fit the same mold as the others but was a top-5 fantasy RB from Weeks 1–6 last season before an injury derailed his year.

He averaged 20.3 touches per game during that stretch, and though the Vikings still have Aaron Jones, Mason could carve out goal-line work and early-down carries.

This likely becomes a true split backfield, but Mason offers goal-line equity in a potential top-5 offense. He may not have top-5 upside, but RB15–20 is well within reach at a discount.

6. Ollie Gordon – Miami Dolphins Yahoo ADP: Undrafted

ESPN ADP: Undrafted

Ollie Gordon is the ultimate low-risk/high-reward stash.

I expect the Dolphins to return to a two-RB system (or try to). De’Von Achane’s efficiency decline last season, coupled with his and Jaylen Wright’s injury, opens the door for Gordon.

The best part? You can cut bait quickly. His price tag allows for a two-week audition. If it doesn’t work, drop him for someone else on the waiver wire. But if Miami lets Ollie take a Raheem Mostert-esque role, you may have this year’s late-round league-winner.

All six of these breakout running backs share one thing in common: they’re being overlooked by casual drafters. Each fits a proven breakout profile—late-round value and backfield ambiguity. Here’s a quick summary of why they deserve your attention in 2025 drafts:

🔑 Pro Tip: Want to track breakout signals like these all season long? Subscribe to our weekly Waiver Wire Tool and stay one step ahead of your leaguemates.

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