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Fantasy Football Rankings: Top 10 Backup Running Backs Going Into Week 7

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 7 — based on their fantasy potential in 2025.

1. David Montgomery, Lions

While some people get bothered to see Montgomery featured on a list of top backups, there’s just no denying he’s behind Jahmyr Gibbs in the Lions’ pecking order. Montgomery has played under 40% of the snaps in five of his six games this year and continues to be a TD-or-bust, low-end RB2/RB3 for fantasy. However, he would immediately vault back into RB1 territory if Gibbs were ever sidelined.

2. Rico Dowdle, Panthers

Dowdle has filled in for an injured Chuba Hubbard and taken advantage of incredibly easy matchups with the Dolphins and Cowboys the past two weeks. However, he’s produced so well in those games (389 rushing yards, 84 receiving yards, two TDs) that it’s impossible to just send him back to a complementary role. While many are calling for Dowdle to assume the starting job, that seems unlikely since Hubbard is a captain who the team values very highly. What will likely occur is something closer to a 50-50 split, which would be unfortunate news for the fantasy ceiling of both players. For now, we know Dowdle is capable of being a fantasy RB1 when starting, but I’d expect him to fall into the upside RB3 range once Hubbard is healthy.

3. Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks

The Seahawks’ backfield has been one of the stranger groups to sort out early in the season, with Kenneth Walker III being the far more productive back with 425 yards and three scores on 86 touches, while Charbonnet has earned just 186 yards and three TDs on his 64 touches. However, it’s Charbonnet who’s had the edge in playing time in four of the five games they’ve suited up together. Hopefully, Seattle’s coaches lean more into Walker’s efficiency moving forward, but for the time being Charbonnet remains a TD-or-bust fantasy RB3 who would be a top-12 back if Walker missed time.

4. RJ Harvey, Broncos

Harvey has played less than a third of Denver’s snaps in every game other than the blowout of the Bengals in Week 4, when he set career highs in snaps (41%), touches (18), scrimmage yards (98) and touchdowns (one). The rookie is about to get two more very positive matchups where he could see his usage rise against the Giants and Cowboys, but he’s just a flex option unless starter J.K. Dobbins gets hurt. The veteran has one of the most extensive injury histories of any player in the league and has to play a full season in the NFL. It feels like only a matter of time before Harvey is starting for the Broncos.

5. Rachaad White, Bucs

White has done a great job replacing an injured Bucky Irving and it sounds like he’ll get at least one more start this week. Over the past two games, White has racked up 106 rushing yards, 51 receiving yards and three scores — finishing as a top-10 fantasy RB both times. He’s also the clear lead back in Irving’s absence, playing 80% of the snaps in Week 5 and 77% in Week 6. White is an underrated fantasy asset who will be a must-start fantasy option until Irving is healthy and an RB3/flex upon his return.

6. Kendre Miller, Saints

Miller’s fantasy outlook got a bit of cold water poured on it when reports came out over the weekend that Alvin Kamara wants to stay in New Orleans and is unlikely to be traded. Miller has still worked his way into being a flex option and remains one of the most valuable fantasy stashes. You can even argue that the 23-year-old has appeared to be the more explosive back in New Orleans this year. If Kamara were hurt or if the team falls out of the playoff hunt and elects to give their young players more snaps, Miller would become a potential RB2 for fantasy.

7. Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars

After emerging as the clear No. 2 back in Jacksonville following the Tank Bigsby trade, Tuten’s role hasn’t grown over the last month. With Travis Etienne Jr. playing as well as he is, it’s not leaving the door open for Tuten to steal the job. The rookie has looked the part as an impact player in his limited usage, but he’s just a volatile flex option for fantasy, who is one injury away from being a fantasy starter.

8. 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 touchdowns in three of his past four outings. The former 1,000-yard rusher 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.

9. 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 Shanahan run game if Christian McCaffrey gets hurt again.

10. Blake Corum, Rams

Corum is holding onto the 10th spot thanks to being the No. 2 back in a Sean McVay offense that tends to turn any starter into a quality fantasy option. Keep a close eye on the ankle injury that Corum suffered in Week 6. Though he was able to return to the game, the team is calling him day-to-day. If he were forced to sit out, third-stringer Jarquez Hunter is an explosive runner who could bring a new element to this backfield.

Just missed the top 10