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

https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/article/fantasy-football-rankings-top-10-backup-running-backs-going-into-week-10-190850612.html

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.

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.

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Here’s how I’m ranking the top backup running backs heading into Week 10 — based on their fantasy football potential in 2025.

1. David Montgomery, Lions

Montgomery has taken even more of a backseat to Jahmyr Gibbs this season, with the veteran only playing more than 45% of the Lions’ snaps in one game. Even on the reduced snap count, Montgomery 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. Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks

Charbonnet hasn’t been particularly productive with his carries this season, but he’s remained fantasy relevant by scoring touchdowns. After playing more than 50% of the Seahawks’ snaps in five of his first six games this season, he dropped down to 35% in Week 9, so we can safely keep him on the backups list. Charbonnet remains a TD-or-bust fantasy RB3 who would be a top-12 back if Walker were sidelined.

3. RJ Harvey, Broncos

Despite only seeing double-digit targets in one game this season, Harvey has topped 50 scrimmage yards in four different contests. The rookie has also become a regular in the end zone with five touchdowns over the last three weeks while playing a very clear change-of-pace role behind J.K. Dobbins. With Dobbins’ extensive injury history, it might just be a matter of time before Harvey gets a chance in a bigger role. Until then, he’s an RB3/flex option.

4. Kyle Monangai, Bears

Monangai broke out in Week 7 with 94 yards and a score on 15 touches, but he was still playing a backup role behind D’Andre Swift in that game. With Swift sidelined due to a groin injury in Week 9, we were treated to the full Monangai experience — and it was glorious. The rookie turned 29 touches into 198 scrimmage yards in a favorable matchup with the Bengals. We don’t know when Swift will return to action, but the Bears have another generous opponent on tap in the Giants in Week 10. Monangai will be a borderline fantasy RB1 in that contest if Swift remains out, or he’ll be an upside RB3/flex if the veteran is back.

5. Chuba Hubbard, Panthers

After Hubbard struggled in his first two games back from injury, the Panthers made it clear they were going with Rico Dowdle as the lead back in Week 9. Based on the results, Dowdle isn’t giving that job up any time soon. He played 72% of the snaps and delivered 141 yards and two touchdowns in a tough spot versus the Packers. Hubbard was limited to just 22% of the snaps. While it’s possible Hubbard regains his form the further removed he is from the injury, he’s the clear backup moving forward.

6. Rachaad White, Buccaneers

White has done a solid job replacing an injured Bucky Irving, and it’s still unclear when the Bucs’ starter will return to action. Though his efficiency has waned over the last two weeks, some of that can be attributed to the Buccaneers’ offense struggling due to mounting receiver injuries. White is an underrated fantasy asset who will be a must-start option until Irving is healthy, and a flex play upon his return.

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. holding down the starting job, it’s not leaving the door open for Tuten to carve out a bigger role. 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. Blake Corum, Rams

Corum continues to be productive with his touches, but he’s only played more than 30% of the Rams’ snaps in one game. Even so, the success of this offense makes him a borderline RB3/flex option in good matchups. He 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. While he’s not a threat to Kyren Williams’ top spot, Corum should be rostered in all fantasy leagues.

9. Tank Bigsby, Eagles

After a slow ramp-up following his trade to Philadelphia, Bigsby has emerged as the immediate backup behind Saquon Barkley. With Barkley banged up in their last game before the bye, Bigsby erupted with 104 yards on nine carries. If Barkley were ever to be sidelined, Bigsby is the back to roster for fantasy and would vault up into the top-24 running backs.

10. 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 four of his past seven outings. 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.

Just missed the top 10