Heading into the 2025 draft season, there seem to be a few more options at the running back position. With the Detroit Lions putting the “two-back attack” scheme on full display, it looks like other NFL teams are taking notice. It also helps that both Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson graduated to head coaches this offseason and have desires to implement similar offensive styles to their respective backfields with their new teams. With all the upcoming options and the influx of talent from the NFL draft, there are a few backfields that fantasy managers should keep track of during training camp.
Training camp is where we get to see teams take shape in preparation for the new season. That means fantasy managers should keep track of what is going on during camp. While veteran backs like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry will continue to establish themselves as workhorse backs, other running backs won’t have that luxury. This is where fantasy managers can take advantage of targeting rising stars later in their draft. It always pays to have options just in case you miss out on some of the bigger names that will come off the board.
Whatever your strategy may be heading into your league’s fantasy draft this season, arm yourself with as much information as possible. Without overwhelming yourself, of course.
NFL Training Camp: Five Backfields To Watch For Fantasy Football
The Dallas Cowboys Backfield – The Four-Headed Monster
This might be one of the more frustrating situations to monitor during training camp. The Cowboys have four running backs who can become the top back. Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders were picked up during free agency. Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah were selections from the 2025 NFL Draft. With the Cowboys’ backfield wide open, it is up to one of these backs to take the reins. And the potential is there. Under Brian Schottenheimer’s offense during his days with the Seattle Seahawks from 2018 to 2020, his running backs finished inside the top 20 in total fantasy points.
Chris Carson, who was the lead back for the Seahawks, finished no lower than RB16 in fantasy points per game during that time as well. Adding former Arizona Cardinals offensive line coach to the Cowboys should also improve the running game. Adams was one of the driving forces behind the Cardinals’ rushing attack with James Conner. The Cardinals were fourth in rushing in 2023 and seventh in 2024. The Cowboys’ backfield is one of the cheaper options for fantasy football, even if the Cowboys operate a two-back tandem. Javonte Williams is the only back with an ADP above the 10th round. Any back that emerges as the RB1 would have huge upside as the Cowboys want to run the ball this season.
Chicago Bears – Roschon Johnson vs. Kyle Monangai
Roschon Johnson and Kyle Monangai are fighting for the RB2 spot behind starter D’Andre Swift. In new head coach Ben Johnson’s offense, the “bruising back” role remains to be filled. Johnson is a holdover from the previous coaching staff, but has shown glimpses of promise when he was on the field. Johnson averaged 4.3 yards per attempt during his rookie season and finished with six touchdowns in 2024. However, Johnson averaged just 2.7 yards per attempt last season despite playing in 14 games. Granted, the Bears’ offensive line was one of the worst units in football last season
Kyle Monangai is a seventh-round pick from the 2025 NFL draft, but that hasn’t stopped him from making noise during training camp. Monangai has gained praise for his speed and decision-making during training camp. His foot speed is incredible, but he does come in at a smaller size at 5’8″, 207 lbs. But thinking that he could be too small, even for a shared role, could turn out to be a mistake. Even more so when you consider how backs with similar size like Bucky Irving and De’Von Achane have already panned out. The fight for the RB2 role is apparent, and Ben Johnson’s offense has proven to yield consistent fantasy production.
Miami Dolphins – Jaylen Wright vs. Alexander Mattison vs. Ollie Gordon II
The reports coming out of the Miami Dolphins’ training camp on the potential running back battle have been solid for some. Alexander Mattison, the former Las Vegas Raider and Minnesota Viking, has been reportedly having a great camp. Mattison has been seeing breaking off big runs in practice and is stirring up debate as to who will be the next running back up behind De’Von Achane. Mattison was a starter after Dalvin Cook was released from the Vikings a few seasons ago. However, he didn’t catch on in his first starting role. That forced the Vikings to move on after that lone season to search elsewhere for a starting running back. Mattison averaged just 3.9 yards per attempt for the Vikings and followed that up with averaging 3.2 yards per attempt with the Raiders. Despite posting mediocre numbers in his last two stops, the role behind Achane is still up for grabs, and it sounds like he’s making a case to put his name on it.
Ollie Gordon II, the sixth-round selection by the Dolphins during the draft, has also been having a solid camp. Gordon’s size (6’1″, 225 lbs) seems to be a good fit for what the Dolphins want to do with the backfield. But Mattison is not going to lie down and let Gordon take the job. Jaylen Wright has also been in the mix for the rights to the number two running back spot and had an angle into the spot heading into the offseason. Right now, it is still too early to tell. Whoever ends up with the RB2 spot should have a solid path to fantasy production. Mattison, Wright, and Gordon’s ADP are all values at this point in the offseason.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Utter Chaos?
This backfield is all over the place. Speculation as to who will be the top running back continues to run rampant. Travis Etienne was thought to lock in the RB1 spot despite having a down season in 2024. Etienne even received praise from new head coach Liam Coen. But once training camp has started, Tank Bigsby has been getting starting reps, and Etienne has been used more in the passing game. The Jaguars also drafted two more running backs in Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen, who are also vying for spots on the team.
As it stands, it sounds like Tank Bigsby is the current front-runner. With Etienne seeing more work as a passer, it looks like some roles are starting to solidify. Tuten and Allen are still waiting in the wings, and the noise has been growing for the former. According to recent training camp reports, Bigsby has been the focal point of the offense while Etienne has been used more in passing situations and during two-minute drills. Tuten has made progress but looks to be right behind Bigsby and Etienne as the number three back. Unless something changes, this could be the only backfield that has a clear path to the regular season.
New York Giants – Tyrone Tracy Jr. vs. Cam Skattebo
The Giants’ lead back heading into training camp is Tyrone Tracy Jr. That doesn’t mean Cam Skattebo can’t carve out a role for himself. It sounds like the G-men could be heading into the season with a tandem backfield of their own. Tracy Jr. finished the 2024 season with over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and six total touchdowns. Now, Tracy has a running mate in Skattebo who could complement his more elusive running style. Skattebo is more of a downhill runner who plays bigger than his initial size. While Tracy can make defenders miss, Skattebo has the physicality to punish defenders with contact.
If that’s the case and the Giants head into the season using both backs, this situation would be beneficial for fantasy managers. The more options at running back, the better. Both backs continue to perform well during training camp so far. Tracy is still expected to be the main force of the backfield heading into 2025. But that doesn’t mean Skattebo cannot be useful. For now, Skattebo is the direct handcuff to Tracy should anything happen. Skattebo is currently dealing with a lower-body injury, which is slowing down his progress at camp.
Which backfield do you believe will be the best for fantasy football this season? Or is there another backfield that fantasy managers should be keeping an eye on this offseason? Leave a comment on the article and let us know what you think.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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