The running back position wasn’t hit as hard by injuries last season, but we know how quickly things can change at one of the most physical positions in football. Fantasy football managers who stay prepared and know which defenders are next to touch the ball will always have an edge over the competition.
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It’s also important to understand which backups have a chance to move up the depth chart based on talent, which backups will take the lead if injuries strike, and which backups will make the most of a less attractive backup committee.
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Here are my rankings of the top backup running backs entering Week 14 – based on their fantasy potential through the remainder of 2025.
1. Kyle Monangay, Bears
We have a new No. 1 in Monangay, and he rises to the top thanks to his stellar play and the Bears’ overall success on the field. The rookie has occupied a sizable share of Chicago’s backfield alongside D’Andre Swift, playing just under 49 percent of the offensive snaps over the past two weeks. Monangay also scored a touchdown for his fourth straight game, his second 100-yard game of the season.
We also saw what he’s capable of in Week 9, when he started for an injured Swift and had 29 touches for 198 yards in a favorable game against the Bengals. Given how well Ben Johnson’s rushing attack has performed, Monangai will continue to provide weekly fantasy RB3 production and has a chance to be a top-12 option if Swift is forced to sit out at any point.
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2. David Montgomery, Lions
The Lions offense has moved away from Montgomery in recent weeks, with Dan Campbell taking over as playmaker. The veteran back has now had three straight games with 10 or fewer touches, making him a TD or half-RB3 in fantasy. However, if Jahmyr Gibbs is out, that doesn’t change Montgomery’s potential ceiling as a fantasy RB1.
3. Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks
Kenneth Walker III reestablished his lead in Seattle, passing Charbonnet in five straight games since the Seahawks’ Week 8 bye. Even in a complementary role, Charbonnet remains relevant in fantasy and remains a TD or half fantasy RB3 who would be a top-12 back if Walker is sidelined.
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4. Chuba Hubbard, Panthers
Hubbard finally appears to have his legs back after suffering a calf injury early in the season. Hubbard was viewed as a hot prospect in Week 13, rushing for 124 yards and a receiving touchdown in a win over the Rams. Dowdell was less efficient, gaining just 79 yards on 20 touches.
This creates a difficult situation for fantasy managers, as any one back could take the lead on a given week depending on how they perform in the game. For now, I’ll keep Dowdle in the RB2 range and Hubbard as the upside RB3, but don’t be surprised if Hubbard is a more valuable fantasy asset down the road. He was noticeably more energetic in his last outing.
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5. Bashur Tuten, Jaguars
Tuten has been held to 30 yards or less in nine of his last 10 games, but he has reached the end zone four times during that span. More importantly, when the rookie gets his chance, he looks like an impact player. If not for Travis Etienne Jr. playing so well, Taten would have had a chance to get more work. Instead, Tuten remains the RB3/Flex option, and he’s one injury away from becoming a fantasy league champion.
6. Blake Colum, Rams
Corum’s fantasy stock looked set to soar when Kyren Williams left last week’s game with an ankle injury. However, Williams is back and now looks to be doing well in Week 14. Regardless, Colum has gained more than 55 yards in a complementary role in three of the past five games. The 25-year-old also has more fantasy value as he is the No. 2 back in Sean McVay’s system, which tends to turn any starter into a quality fantasy option. Most importantly, Corum should be in every fantasy league.
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7. Tyler Allgaier, Falcons
Allgaier is a mainstay on this list, the unquestionable backup to superstar Bijan Robinson. Even in a supporting role, Allgaier has found a way to be efficient, scoring seven touchdowns this season. The former 1,000-yard rusher remains a solid backup who provides flexible value and would be a top-20 fantasy running back if Robinson is unavailable for any reason.
8. Brian Robinson Jr., 49ers
Unlike many other names on this list, Robinson doesn’t offer much in the way of flex value. However, he is just one year away from recording 1,101 yards from scrimmage, totaling touchdowns and averaging RB21. If Christian McCaffrey is injured, Robinson will certainly be a top-20 fantasy RB in the running game against Kyle Shanahan. Take advantage of the 49ers’ bye this week to stash Robinson ahead of the fantasy playoffs.
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9. Lamond Stevenson, Patriots
We could waste time debating whether Stevenson should be New England’s starter or backup, but for now I still view the veteran as the team’s second option. Doing that became even more difficult after Stevenson passed TreVeyon Henderson in his second game back from a toe injury. I think the team relies on Stevenson in a favorable matchup that they win easily, but there’s a chance we’ll see a more even split continue. In this role, Stevenson is a RB3 with RB2 upside when he finds the end zone.
10. Kenneth Gamwell, Steelers
Gainwell’s shooting percentage has declined over the past three weeks, which likely coincides with Jaylen Warren’s health. The veteran backup continues to provide RB3/flex value in his current role. If Warren is out, Gainwell becomes a fantasy RB2 with RB1 upside, which he already showed earlier in the season.
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Just missed the top 10
backup Convert to temporary starter using RB2/RB3 values
backup and RB3/Flex potential
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Rashard White, Buccaneers
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Michael Carter, Cardinals
backup and Resilience potential
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Jaleel McLaughlin, Broncos
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Ollie Gordon II, Dolphins
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Jeremy McNichols, Commander
Backup to storage
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Jakoli Crosskey-Merritt, Commander
Broken backup
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Emari DeMercado, Cardinals
Backups are hidden in deep leagues
