Running Backs Experts Draft (2025 Fantasy Football)

It’s important to know who to target as you prepare for your fantasy football drafts. Of course we want to let value come to us in places, but sometimes you have to reach a bit to get your must-have fantasy football players in drafts. Our analysts provide players they are targeting wherever possible. Here are a few of their must-have fantasy football players for 2025 drafts.

You can find all of their must-have players here: Fitz | DBro | Erickson | Joe

Must-Have Fantasy Football Draft Targets

Here are a few must-have fantasy football draft targets our analysts love.

Fitz’s Must-Have Draft Targets

Jordan Mason (RB – MIN)

The Vikings traded for Mason this spring and immediately gave him a two-year deal that includes more than $7 million in guaranteed money. They have plans for him.

We’ve seen what Mason can do if he gets substantial carry volume. In the 49ers’ first five games of 2024, with Christian McCaffrey out, Mason averaged 107 rushing yards per game, 120 scrimmage yards per game, and 5.1 yards per carry.

Mason is a terrific fit for a Minnesota running game that’s heavy on outside-zone runs. The Vikings improved their offensive line in free agency, and head coach Kevin O’Connell is one of the best playcallers in the league.

Mason could have stand-alone value even if 30-year-old Aaron Jones stays healthy. If Jones were to miss time, Mason could deliver RB1 value.

Grab Mason if his draft cost is anywhere near his ADP of RB35.

Check out all of Fitz’s must-have fantasy football draft targets

DBro’s Must-Have Draft Targets

Christian McCaffrey (RB – SF)

Christian McCaffrey’s 2024 season was derailed by bilateral Achilles tendonitis. Yes, I know it crushed many fantasy teams. Yes, I know that if you drafted him last year, you’re probably saying, “hell no… I won’t be walking down that road again.” I’ll get this out of the way quickly. I’m back in.

George Kittle had similar issues with his Achilles, but after he received stem cell infusions, it hasn’t remained a problem. McCaffrey had a similar treatment last year and enters this season fully healthy from all reports. In the small sample we got from McCaffrey last year, his numbers remained strong.

In the three full games McCaffrey played, he averaged 18.6 touches and 93.7 total yards, all while playing 81-94% of the snaps. McCaffrey’s 22% missed tackle forced rate and his 1.80 yards per route run were strong, per Fantasy Points Data. Among those two statistical categories, McCaffrey ranked eighth-best (70 qualifying backs) and sixth-best (53 qualifying backs). McCaffrey has at least one more big season left. I’ll be investing heavily in him for 2025.

Check out all of DBro’s must-have fantasy football draft targets