Fantasy Football Rankings: Top 10 backup running backs going into Week 14

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 14 — based on their fantasy potential for the remainder of 2025.

1. Kyle Monangai, Bears

We have a new No. 1 in Monangai, who moves to the top of the list thanks to his strong play and the Bears’ overall success on the ground. The rookie has earned a significant share of Chicago’s backfield alongside D’Andre Swift, playing just under 49% of the offensive snaps over the last two weeks. Monangai has also scored a touchdown in four straight weeks and is coming off his second 100-yard game of the season.

We also saw what he’s capable of back in Week 9 when he started for an injured Swift and poured in 198 scrimmage yards on 29 touches in a favorable matchup against the Bengals. Given how well Ben Johnson’s rushing attack has been performing, Monangai will continue to offer weekly fantasy RB3 results with the chance to be a top-12 option if Swift was forced to sit out at any point.

2. David Montgomery, Lions

The Lions’ offense has gone away from Montgomery in recent weeks with Dan Campbell taking over as the play-caller. The veteran back has now seen 10 touches or less in three consecutive outings, which makes him just a TD-or-bust RB3 for fantasy. However, it doesn’t change Montgomery’s potential ceiling as a fantasy RB1 if Jahmyr Gibbs were ever sidelined.

3. Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks

Kenneth Walker III has reestablished himself as the clear lead back in Seattle, outsnapping Charbonnet in five straight games since the Seahawks’ Week 8 bye. Even in a complementary role, Charbonnet continues to be fantasy relevant and remains a TD-or-bust fantasy RB3 who would be a top-12 back if Walker were sidelined.

4. Chuba Hubbard, Panthers

After taking a backseat to Rico Dowdle following an early season calf injury, Hubbard finally appears to be getting his legs back. Hubbard was treated as the hot-hand in Week 13, gaining 124 scrimmage yards and scoring a receiving touchdown in an upset of the Rams. Dowdle was less efficient, with just 79 yards on 20 touches.

This presents a difficult situation for fantasy managers, since either back could take the lead in a given week depending on their in-game performance. For now, I’ll keep Dowdle in the RB2 range and Hubbard as an upside RB3, but don’t be surprised if Hubbard is the more valuable fantasy asset down the stretch. He definitely appeared to have more juice in that last outing.

5. Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars

Tuten has been held to 30 yards or less in nine of his past 10 games, but he’s found the end zone four times during that span. More importantly, the rookie looks the part of an impact player when he gets opportunities. If it weren’t for Travis Etienne Jr. playing as well as he has, Tuten would have a chance to earn more work. Instead, Tuten remains an RB3/flex option who is one injury away from being a fantasy league-winner.

6. Blake Corum, Rams

When Kyren Williams left last week’s game with an ankle injury, it seemed for a moment like Corum’s fantasy stock was about to skyrocket. However, Williams returned and now appears to be fine for Week 14. Regardless, Corum has gone over 55 yards in three of his last five appearances while playing in a complementary role. The 25-year-old also carries more fantasy value thanks to being the No. 2 back in a Sean McVay system that tends to turn any starter into a quality fantasy option. Bottom line, Corum should be rostered in all fantasy leagues.

7. Tyler Allgeier, Falcons

Allgeier is a mainstay on this list as the unquestioned backup to superstar Bijan Robinson. Even in a supporting role, Allgeier has found a way to be productive for fantasy with seven touchdowns this season. The former 1,000-yard rusher continues to be a premier 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

Unlike a lot of the other names on this list, Robinson doesn’t offer much in terms of flex value. However, he’s just one year removed from posting 1,101 scrimmage yards and nine total touchdowns, while finishing as the RB21 in fantasy points per game. Robinson would definitely produce as a top-20 fantasy RB in the Kyle Shanahan run game if Christian McCaffrey gets banged up. Take advantage of the 49ers being on bye this week and stash Robinson before the fantasy playoffs.

9. Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots

We could waste our time debating whether Stevenson is the starter or the backup in New England, but for the moment I’m still treating the veteran as his team’s No. 2 option. That became more difficult to do after he outsnapped and out-touched TreVeyon Henderson in Stevenson’s second game back after recovering from a toe injury. I’d like to think the team leaned on Stevenson in a favorable matchup, which they won easily, but it’s possible we see a more even split continue. In this role, Stevenson is an RB3 with RB2 upside when he finds the end zone.

10. Kenneth Gainwell, Steelers

Gainwell has seen his snaps decline each of the last three weeks, which likely coincides with Jaylen Warren getting healthier. The veteran backup continues to offer RB3/flex value in his current role. If Warren were ever sidelined, Gainwell would be a fantasy RB2 with RB1 upside, which he’s already displayed earlier this season.

Just missed the top 10

Backups turned temporary starters with RB2/RB3 value

Backups with RB3/Flex potential

Rachaad White, Buccaneers
Michael Carter, Cardinals

Backups with Flex potential

Jaleel McLaughlin, Broncos
Ollie Gordon II, Dolphins
Jeremy McNichols, Commanders

Backups to stash

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Commanders

Backups with injuries

Emari Demercado, Cardinals

Backups to stash in deep leagues

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