Fantasy Football Rankings: Top 10 backup running backs going into Week 5

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 backs are next in line for touches will always have an edge on the competition.

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It’s also important to understand which backups have a chance to rise up the depth chart based on talent, which ones are poised for a leading role when injuries strike and those who would max out as part of a less-appealing replacement committee.

Here’s how I’m ranking the top backup running backs heading into Week 5 — based on their fantasy potential in 2025.

1. David Montgomery, Lions

Montgomery might only be playing around 37% of the Lions’ snaps, but he continues to find ways to produce for fantasy. He’s back to being a borderline low-end RB2, who would vault back into RB1 territory if Jahmyr Gibbs were ever sidelined.

2. Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks

Charbonnet returned after missing Week 3 with a foot injury and immediately went back into a near even snap share with Kenneth Walker III. Though Charbonnet found the end zone, Walker continues to be far more productive with his touches. Regardless, Charbonnet is a TD-or-bust flex option who would instantly be a top-12 fantasy back if Walker missed time.

3. TreVeyon Henderson, Patriots

Despite the fumbling issues that plagued Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson in Week 3, the Patriots continued to roll out a three-man committee led by Stevenson last weekend. The positive takeaway for Henderson managers is that the rookie tied for the team lead in touches and was the most productive back on the roster with 46 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. For now, we’ll keep Henderson on the list as a talented backup with high draft capital, who could take over as the lead back as the season progresses.

4. RJ Harvey, Broncos

Harvey is coming off his best day as a pro, setting career highs in snaps (41%), touches (18), scrimmage yards (98) and finding the end zone for the first time. For the time being, Harvey is not threatening Dobbins’ spot atop the depth chart, but with the veteran’s extensive injury history, it feels like only a matter of time before Harvey is starting for the Broncos.

5. Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars

Tuten has emerged as the clear No. 2 back behind Travis Etienne Jr. With the veteran playing as well as he is, it’s not leaving the door open for Tuten to steal the job. However, the rookie has looked the part as an impact player in his limited usage. Tuten is a volatile RB3/flex for fantasy, who remains one injury away from being a fantasy star.

6. Blake Corum, Rams

Corum has fought off rookie Jarquez Hunter and taken a firm grip on the Rams’ backup job behind Kyren Williams. The sophomore runner has turned the backfield into a 70-30 split this season. He’s now joined the flex option range, while also being a potential league-winner if Williams gets injured.

7. Tyler Allgeier, Falcons

It seems like a lifetime ago when Allgeier was rushing for over 1,000 yards as a rookie. Then along came Bijan Robinson and away went Allgeier’s fantasy value as a starter. However, Allgeier continues to be an overqualified backup who offers flex value and would crush as a top-20 fantasy RB — if Robinson wasn’t able to play for any reason.

8. Brian Robinson Jr., 49ers

With injuries affecting the younger backs on San Francisco’s depth chart, the front office acquired a proven veteran as the backup for Christian McCaffrey. Robinson is just one year removed from posting 1,101 scrimmage yards and nine total touchdowns, while finishing as the RB21 in fantasy points per game. Though he’s not the most exciting back on this list, Robinson would definitely produce in the Shanahan run game if CMC gets hurt again.

9. Kendre Miller, Saints

Miller has finally stayed healthy this season and is playing well behind Alvin Kamara. His latest outing was his best yet, with 11 carries for 65 yards and a highlight-reel touchdown run where he broke multiple tackles on the way to the goal line. If Kamara were sidelined or traded, Miller would step into the starting job in an uptempo and scrappy Saints offense.

10. Ray Davis, Bills

Davis is splitting backup duties with Ty Johnson, but if James Cook were to go down it would be Davis leading the backfield like we saw last year. In the two games where Davis played more than 50% of the offensive snaps in 2024, he finished as a top-15 fantasy RB both weeks.

Just missed the top 10

Backups with Flex potential

Rachaad White, Buccaneers
Kenneth Gainwell, Steelers
Chris Rodriguez Jr., Commanders

Quality backups with injuries

Rookie backups to stash

Intriguing backups with question marks

Emari Demercado, Cardinals
Jeremy McNichols, Commanders

Backups to stash in deep leagues

LeQuint Allen Jr., Jaguars

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