Football <\/p>\n
Backup Running Backs Who Could Become Fantasy Starters: Jordan Mason, Bhayshul Tuten, Tyjae Spears, and More<\/p>\n
The most valuable fantasy football<\/a> picks often come from identifying backup running backs positioned to seize starting roles.<\/p>\n While injuries frequently create opportunities, savvy managers target handcuffs who could earn increased touches through performance alone. These five players represent the best value among backup running backs heading into 2025 drafts.<\/p>\n Jordan Mason\u2019s move to Minnesota represents one of the most intriguing storylines for backup running backs in 2025. The Vikings didn\u2019t just sign Mason; they traded draft capital to acquire him from San Francisco. Then, they rewarded him with a two-year, $10.5 million contract\u00a0that signals genuine starter potential.<\/span><\/p>\n Mason\u2019s 2024 campaign with the 49ers showcased elite efficiency that places him among the NFL\u2019s premier runners. According to PFSN\u2019s RB+ metric, Mason earned a score of 77.9 in 2024, ranking 193rd overall since 2013.<\/span> However, his per-touch production tells a different story.<\/p>\n Jordan Mason \u2b06\ufe0f<\/p>\n \u2014 Fantasy Football Commish (@AskTheFFC) October 18, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Mason averaged 5.2 yards per carry\u00a0while posting 9.6 fantasy points per game<\/a> across 12 appearances. His potential was on further display over the first month of the season when he averaged 18.6 PPG.<\/span><\/p>\n The 26-year-old\u2019s advanced metrics reveal why Minnesota invested heavily in his services. Mason\u2019s 25.6% evaded tackles per touch rate\u00a0demonstrates the elusiveness that made him effective behind San Francisco\u2019s zone-blocking scheme.<\/p>\n Minnesota\u2019s offensive line represents a significant upgrade from Mason\u2019s previous situation. The Vikings\u2019 commitment to acquiring him suggests they view Mason as more than depth, potentially creating a timeshare with the 31-year-old Aaron Jones. Mason\u2019s current ADP of 12\u00a0makes him an ideal \u201cZero RB\u201d target<\/a> with legitimate upside if he earns the starting role.<\/span><\/p>\n Tyjae Spears emerged as a fantasy darling during the 2024 playoffs, averaging 20.7 PPR points from Weeks 15-17 while finishing as the RB5 during the fantasy postseason.<\/span> His late-season surge came as Tony Pollard battled through injuries, providing a glimpse of Spears\u2019 ceiling when given expanded opportunities.<\/p>\n The third-year back possesses the skill set to challenge Pollard for touches even when healthy. Spears finished 2024 with impressive efficiency metrics, ranking 11th in yards created per touch (4.11) and 16th in both fantasy points per opportunity (0.95) and evaded tackles per touch rate (22.8%).<\/span><\/p>\n His PFSN RB+ score of 76.2 in 2023 ranked 243rd overall, but his limited sample size doesn\u2019t fully capture his potential.<\/span><\/p>\n RELATED: Tyjae Spears Fantasy Profile \u2014 Can the Titans RB Overtake Tony Pollard?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Spears\u2019 receiving ability represents his greatest asset in PPR formats. He totaled 52 receptions for 385 yards in 2023\u00a0while operating primarily in passing situations.<\/span> Tennessee\u2019s coaching staff has hinted at manufacturing more touches for Spears, recognizing his explosive playmaking ability when given opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n Currently being drafted as RB41 in the 10th round and falling due to his high ankle sprain, Spears offers exceptional value four rounds after Pollard.<\/span> His combination of receiving skills and late-season production makes him a compelling target for managers seeking high-upside players in later rounds.<\/p>\n The Chiefs signed Kareem Hunt off the street last season following Isiah Pacheco\u2019s Week 2 leg fracture. His performance earned him another one-year deal with the team in 2025. During Pacheco\u2019s injury absence, the 30-year-old veteran proved his worth, posting 200 carries for 728 yards and seven touchdowns across 13 appearances.<\/span><\/p>\n Hunt\u2019s PFSN RB+ scores tell the story of a player who has maintained effectiveness throughout his career. His 2024 campaign earned a 73.4 RB+ score, while his peak 2017 season with Kansas City produced a remarkable 91.7 score, ranking fourth overall since 2013.<\/span><\/p>\n Though his efficiency has declined with age, Hunt\u2019s 3.6 yards per carry in 2024\u00a0could be more indicative of the challenging circumstances rather than diminished ability.<\/span><\/p>\n Kareem Hunt highlights from last year\u2026 because why not? ???? pic.twitter.com\/JVgbENYjSs<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Daily Chiefs (@Daily_Chiefs_) July 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The Chiefs\u2019 backfield situation remains fluid heading into 2025. While Pacheco is expected to reclaim the lead role when healthy, Hunt\u2019s solid 2024 performance positions him for continued involvement. Kansas City also added Elijah Mitchell in free agency, as well as selected Brashard Smith in the seventh round of the NFL Draft.<\/p>\n Those moves could signal some concern that Pacheco doesn\u2019t return to his pre-injury form. Hunt\u2019s current RB67 ADP\u00a0makes him a late-round flier with proven upside.<\/span> His goal-line prowess and pass-catching ability (23 receptions in 2024)\u00a0provide multiple avenues for fantasy production.<\/p>\n Managers seeking veteran reliability in deeper rounds should consider Hunt\u2019s track record and favorable situation.<\/p>\n Bhayshul Tuten represents one of the most intriguing rookie prospects who could earn a starting role without injury. The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Tuten in the fourth round despite his impressive credentials, including a blazing 4.32-second 40-yard dash and two productive seasons at Virginia Tech.<\/span><\/p>\n Tuten\u2019s college production demonstrates his ability to handle a featured workload. After transferring from North Carolina A&T, he posted 1,159 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024 while adding 23 receptions.<\/span><\/p>\n His 6.3 yards per carry efficiency\u00a0ranked among the best in the ACC, showcasing the explosive playmaking ability that made him attractive to NFL scouts.<\/p>\n Bhayshul Tuten 2024 Regular Season Highlights | Virginia Tech RB https:\/\/t.co\/arvkRv0PG1<\/a> via @YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 DKitt (@dkit177) January 18, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The Jaguars\u2019 backfield situation creates an immediate opportunity for Tuten. Travis Etienne struggled with consistency in 2024, while Tank Bigsby remains unproven as a feature back.<\/span> Jacksonville\u2019s new coaching staff may view Tuten as their long-term solution, especially given his draft pedigree and measurables that rank in the 88th percentile or better among running backs.<\/span><\/p>\n Fantasy managers should target Tuten as a potential league-winner in later rounds. It will require patience, as he will likely open the season playing minimal snaps. This is a second-half play.<\/p>\n RELATED: How Did Bhayshul Tuten Play in Preseason Week 2? A Look at the Jaguars RB\u2019s Stats and Highlights vs. Saints<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Tuten\u2019s combination of speed, college production, and opportunity makes him an ideal candidate to follow the Bucky Irving blueprint from last season.<\/span> If Tuten can secure 12-15 touches per game\u00a0in Jacksonville\u2019s potentially improved offense, he offers RB2 upside at a fraction of the cost.<\/p>\n Jaydon Blue enters the NFL with perhaps the clearest path to a starting role among Day 3 rookie running backs. The Dallas Cowboys selected Blue in the fifth round, but their current depth chart features two aging veterans in Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, both of whom signed minimal one-year contracts.<\/span><\/p>\n Blue\u2019s college profile suggests he\u2019s built for immediate NFL success. His 42 receptions for 368 yards and six touchdowns\u00a0in 2024 demonstrate the pass-catching ability that modern NFL offenses demand.<\/span><\/p>\n The former Texas star averaged 8.8 yards per reception\u00a0while showing the versatility to line up wide or in the slot, skills that translate directly to fantasy production in PPR formats.<\/p>\n JAYDON BLUE. 77 YARDS. Texas with a huge answer and takes a 14-point lead over Clemson. #HookEm<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/2L02Lu3owo<\/a><\/p>\nJordan Mason Could Challenge Aaron Jones in Minnesota<\/h2>\n
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Football Tyjae Spears Ready to Capitalize on Tony Pollard\u2019s Struggles<\/h2>\n
Kareem Hunt\u2019s Veteran Presence Could Earn Expanded Role<\/h2>\n
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Rookie Bhayshul Tuten Poised to Disrupt Jacksonville\u2019s Backfield<\/h2>\n
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Rookie Jaydon Blue\u2019s Path to Dallas\u2019s Starting Role<\/h2>\n
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