NFL Fantasy Football 2025 Mid-Round Value Picks: Running Backs

Last week we kicked off our running backs piece with the best early round NFL fantasy value RB’s. This came after the best wide receivers in the first four rounds, the best value picks in the mid-rounds, and the late-round value picks of upcoming fantasy football drafts, kicking off our Betting News Fantasy Football series. Today, we will begin part two of our running back value picks. This position has become more and more scarce to find true bell-cow’s, so let’s find the best in the first four rounds.

I know, I know. I’m the hockey guy at Betting News. I go by Gretzky Betzky, I host PUCK IT and I eat, breathe and sleep puck. But I’m also an AVID fantasy football nerd who is in two dynasty leagues, partaking in 5+ leagues annually and been addicted to being a fake GM for over 15 years now. In fact, I won the Betting News staff fantasy league last season and came in second place in two other leagues. From draft day on I will watch player ADP like they are stock tickers, hunting down value. And while the NHL is snoozing, I’ll be contributing my NFL expertise in the fantasy football realm.

This will become an ongoing series where I highlight players who REEK of value in fantasy drafts. We aren’t talking about grabbing Ja’Marr Chase with the first overall pick, but instead we are going to be finding gems and value. Each article will feature a position within a range of draft rounds (we will always skip the first round). We will assume that these picks are for 12-team leagues with .5 PPR and will not be discussing in terms of Superflex. On top of that, I’ll highlight a futures bet that corresponds with each player, all of whose odds can be found on BetOnline.

So without further ado, let’s kick it off with NFL fantasy football 2025 mid-round value picks: the running backs. It’s mock draft season baby!!!

1. NFL Fantasy Round 6 Value Running Backs: Isiah Pacheco

Do I really have to state it again? BUY. THE. DIP. Kansas City has always exploited matchups with a strong run game, under head coach Andy Reid. And it’s easy to forget that Pacheco is just one season removed from a top 15 finish for his position. He missed most of last season due to injury, only playing 7 games. And while the Chief reunited with Kareem Hunt, I believe Pacheco is going to sit on top of his throne as the top running back in KC, making him a sneaky good NFL fantasy pick this late.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed that Pacheco has regained his pre‑injury playing weight—about 216 lbs—and looks “tremendous” this offseason. That bodes well for recovering his explosive style from 2022 when he ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash. In his 2023 breakout year, Pacheco was phenomenal: 19.8 touches per game, 265.80 PPR points over his final 16 games, and RB15 finish in PPR formats. Pacheco thrives in short-yardage and goal-line situations—positions that generate consistent TD opportunities. While his leg injuries dampened short-yard performance in 2024, his regained weight and restored explosiveness set him back on the right trajectory

Drafting Isiah Pacheco in the 5th – 6th as a high-upside RB2/flex target. He offers a proven fantasy ceiling at a fraction of what he cost before injury and still holds the lead role in one of the most dominant offenses in the NFL. His physical recovery and usage suggest he could easily outperform his low draft cost.

Keep an eye on training camp snaps—if Pacheco reclaims ~60% of early RB reps over Hunt or Mitchell, he becomes an obvious value grab and a top NFL fantasy value pick.

Isiah Pacheco 8+ Rushing TD’s for +185 on BetOnline:

While Pacheco has never hit this in his three year NFL career, he came close in 2024. With 7 rushing touchdowns in 14 games, Pacheco has the chance to set a new career record by reaching 8 touchdowns. If his health holds up he could smash this line and at almost double your money there is nice value to this season long prop. With an aging Kelce and questionable receiving core, the Chief may rely on the run.

Get 50% up to $750 Deposit on BetOnline for this pick

2. NFL Fantasy Round 7 Value Running Backs: TreVeyon Henderson

There are not many options to grab a lead running back this late in NFL fantasy drafts. But this year’s NFL Draft was littered with talented RB’s who got prime destinations. And Henderson may have the most open backfield to take over out of all of them. Henderson ranked among the top-20 fastest FBS players over the past eight seasons and posted a 4.43-second 40-yard dash at the combine. His tape at Ohio State showcased game-breaking burst on gap runs and receiving plays in space. This is the exact player that can keep defenses on their toes and allow young QB Drake Maye more time and space to make plays.

In PPR leagues Henderson will have even more NFL fantasy value. Henderson logged 27 receptions for 284 yards in 2024, establishing himself as a refined route runner with hands and vision. FantasyPros notes he may be the best pass-catching back in his class. This is especially true due to Henderson being drafted by the Patriots in Round 2 (Pick #38). He joins a team that lacks receiving threats but emphasizes quick passes and RB involvement in the passing game—ideal for his strengths.

Draft TreVeyon Henderson in the 6th to 7th round as a mid-to-late-round RB with elite upside. His combination of speed, receiving skill, and situational opportunity makes him an ideal FLEX or future RB2 in 2025 fantasy formats. If the Patriots lean into his playmaking ability, he could quickly emerge as a weekly featured piece.

Drake Maybe o19.5 Passing TDs for -125  on BetOnline:

We don’t have Henderson props, so let’s pivot to the man who will be throwing to him. Maye will be in his first full season in the NFL. But in the 13 games he played in last season, he had 15 touchdowns. Maye was known for his arm in college and crafty playmaking. His ability to seek out sneaky reads and keep defenses guessing will help separate him in the NFL. He only needs five more TDs on this prop than he had last season. And with a solid top WR to throw to with Diggs, this line feels very likely to hit as long as both stay healthy.

Get 50% up to $750 Deposit on BetOnline for this pick

3. NFL Fantasy Round 8 Value Running Backs: Kaleb Johnson

If you miss out on Henderson, do not fret. There is another rookie running back that can be snatched in the 8th round who may also take the reigns as their teams lead running back. Kaleb Johnson, much like Henderson, went to a team where he has little competition and fit their needs like a glove. In fact, if you were to draft these two RB’s as your RB2 and RB3 you could find yourself with a stacked team.

What Kaleb Johnson brings is size, something that the Pittsburgh Steelers have coveted in their running backs. At 6′1″ and 224 lbs, Johnson blends size with patience. PFF rated him highly in 2024 with over 1,060 yards after contact and 43 explosive runs, demonstrating mismatch potential at the next level. He projects he’ll take over early-down carries for Pittsburgh as Najee Harris’ successor, fitting perfectly into offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s zone-run scheme.

Rookie running backs can cause headaches for NFL fantasy if they do not receive their coaches trust. Luckily Johnson had zero fumbles on 262 touches in 2024—a rare mark of reliability in the fumble-prone fantasy RB class. He combines patience with downhill finishes, reminiscent of RBs who consistently produce 1,000+ scrimmage yards and double-digit TDs.

Kaleb Johnson is a smart target in rookie drafts and late-round legacy formats. Backed by elite college efficiency, RB1 upside, and a clear opportunity to lead an NFL backfield in Year One, he profiles as a high-floor, high-ceiling asset. With his draft position providing exceptional value, Johnson could easily emerge as a league-winning pick if he takes over that early-down role and produces near his college pace.

Get 50% up to $750 Deposit on BetOnline for this pick

Interested in More Content?

More NFL Content on Betting News:

• NFL Expert Betting Guide
• Top 3 Wide Receiver Picks for Fantasy Football
• Mid-Round Value Picks for Fantasy Football: Wide Receivers
• Late-Round Value Picks for Fantasy Football: Running Backs
• Early-Round Running Back Picks for Fantasy Football

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