Backup Running Backs Who Could Become Fantasy Starters: Jordan Mason, Bhayshul Tuten, Tyjae Spears, and More

The most valuable fantasy football picks often come from identifying backup running backs positioned to seize starting roles.

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.

Jordan Mason Could Challenge Aaron Jones in Minnesota
Jordan Mason’s move to Minnesota represents one of the most intriguing storylines for backup running backs in 2025. The Vikings didn’t 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 that signals genuine starter potential.

Mason’s 2024 campaign with the 49ers showcased elite efficiency that places him among the NFL’s premier runners. According to PFSN’s RB+ metric, Mason earned a score of 77.9 in 2024, ranking 193rd overall since 2013. However, his per-touch production tells a different story.

Jordan Mason ⬆️

— Fantasy Football Commish (@AskTheFFC) October 18, 2024

Mason averaged 5.2 yards per carry while posting 9.6 fantasy points per game across 12 appearances. His potential was on further display over the first month of the season when he averaged 18.6 PPG.

The 26-year-old’s advanced metrics reveal why Minnesota invested heavily in his services. Mason’s 25.6% evaded tackles per touch rate demonstrates the elusiveness that made him effective behind San Francisco’s zone-blocking scheme.

Minnesota’s offensive line represents a significant upgrade from Mason’s previous situation. The Vikings’ commitment to acquiring him suggests they view Mason as more than depth, potentially creating a timeshare with the 31-year-old Aaron Jones. Mason’s current ADP of 12 makes him an ideal “Zero RB” target with legitimate upside if he earns the starting role.

Tyjae Spears Ready to Capitalize on Tony Pollard’s Struggles
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. His late-season surge came as Tony Pollard battled through injuries, providing a glimpse of Spears’ ceiling when given expanded opportunities.

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%).

His PFSN RB+ score of 76.2 in 2023 ranked 243rd overall, but his limited sample size doesn’t fully capture his potential.

RELATED: Tyjae Spears Fantasy Profile — Can the Titans RB Overtake Tony Pollard?

Spears’ receiving ability represents his greatest asset in PPR formats. He totaled 52 receptions for 385 yards in 2023 while operating primarily in passing situations. Tennessee’s coaching staff has hinted at manufacturing more touches for Spears, recognizing his explosive playmaking ability when given opportunities.

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. His combination of receiving skills and late-season production makes him a compelling target for managers seeking high-upside players in later rounds.

Kareem Hunt’s Veteran Presence Could Earn Expanded Role
The Chiefs signed Kareem Hunt off the street last season following Isiah Pacheco’s Week 2 leg fracture. His performance earned him another one-year deal with the team in 2025. During Pacheco’s injury absence, the 30-year-old veteran proved his worth, posting 200 carries for 728 yards and seven touchdowns across 13 appearances.

Hunt’s 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.

Though his efficiency has declined with age, Hunt’s 3.6 yards per carry in 2024 could be more indicative of the challenging circumstances rather than diminished ability.

Kareem Hunt highlights from last year… because why not? 🔥 pic.twitter.com/JVgbENYjSs

— Daily Chiefs (@Daily_Chiefs_) July 12, 2025

The Chiefs’ backfield situation remains fluid heading into 2025. While Pacheco is expected to reclaim the lead role when healthy, Hunt’s 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.

Those moves could signal some concern that Pacheco doesn’t return to his pre-injury form. Hunt’s current RB67 ADP makes him a late-round flier with proven upside. His goal-line prowess and pass-catching ability (23 receptions in 2024) provide multiple avenues for fantasy production.

Managers seeking veteran reliability in deeper rounds should consider Hunt’s track record and favorable situation.

Rookie Bhayshul Tuten Poised to Disrupt Jacksonville’s Backfield
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.

Tuten’s 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.

His 6.3 yards per carry efficiency ranked among the best in the ACC, showcasing the explosive playmaking ability that made him attractive to NFL scouts.

Bhayshul Tuten 2024 Regular Season Highlights | Virginia Tech RB https://t.co/arvkRv0PG1 via @YouTube

— DKitt (@dkit177) January 18, 2025

The Jaguars’ backfield situation creates an immediate opportunity for Tuten. Travis Etienne struggled with consistency in 2024, while Tank Bigsby remains unproven as a feature back. Jacksonville’s 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.

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.

RELATED: How Did Bhayshul Tuten Play in Preseason Week 2? A Look at the Jaguars RB’s Stats and Highlights vs. Saints

Tuten’s combination of speed, college production, and opportunity makes him an ideal candidate to follow the Bucky Irving blueprint from last season. If Tuten can secure 12-15 touches per game in Jacksonville’s potentially improved offense, he offers RB2 upside at a fraction of the cost.

Rookie Jaydon Blue’s Path to Dallas’s Starting Role
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.

Blue’s college profile suggests he’s built for immediate NFL success. His 42 receptions for 368 yards and six touchdowns in 2024 demonstrate the pass-catching ability that modern NFL offenses demand.

The former Texas star averaged 8.8 yards per reception while showing the versatility to line up wide or in the slot, skills that translate directly to fantasy production in PPR formats.

JAYDON BLUE. 77 YARDS. Texas with a huge answer and takes a 14-point lead over Clemson. #HookEm pic.twitter.com/2L02Lu3owo

— Always College Football (@AlwaysCFB) December 22, 2024

Cowboys beat writers have already suggested Blue could finish 2025 as the team’s leading rusher. His 4.38-second NFL Scouting Combine speed and 40-inch vertical provide the explosive element missing from the Cowboys’ current backfield. Williams and Sanders combined for just 2.51 yards per carry in 2024, creating a low bar for Blue to surpass.

The Cowboys’ offensive infrastructure supports Blue’s fantasy upside. With Dak Prescott healthy and an improved receiving corps featuring George Pickens, opposing defenses won’t be able to stack the box against Blue. His current ADP around pick 149 makes him one of the best values in fantasy drafts, offering potential RB2 production at a late-round cost.