Fantasy Football Rankings: Top 10 backup running backs going into Week 9

The running back position wasn't hit as hard by injuries last season, but we know how quickly things can change at one of the most physical positions in football. Fantasy football managers who stay prepared and know which backs are next in line for touches will always have an edge on the competition.

It's also important to understand which backups have a chance to rise up the depth chart based on talent, which ones are poised for a leading role when injuries strike and those who would max out as part of a less-appealing replacement committee.

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Here's how I'm ranking the top backup running backs heading into Week 9 - based on their fantasy potential in 2025.

1. David Montgomery, Lions

The Lions were on bye this week, so nothing changes for Montgomery. While some people get bothered to see Montgomery featured on a list of top backups, there's just no denying he's behind Jahmyr Gibbs in the Lions' pecking order. Montgomery has played under 45% of the snaps in six of his seven games this year and continues to be a TD-or-bust, low-end RB2/RB3 for fantasy. However, he would immediately vault back into RB1 territory if Gibbs were ever sidelined.

2. Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks

Unlike Montgomery, Charbonnet has a legitimate case to be removed from this list, since he's outsnapped Kenneth Walker III in each of the past three games and has been the more productive fantasy back during that time, thanks to his touchdown scoring.

Even though he missed one game, Charbonnet already has five TDs on the season despite putting up less than half of Walker's yardage. For the time being, Charbonnet remains a TD-or-bust fantasy RB3 who would be a top-12 back if Walker were sidelined.

However, if this playing time trend continues, it might be Walker on this list in the coming weeks.

3. RJ Harvey, Broncos

While he's still stuck well behind J.K. Dobbins, Harvey popped up for his second big game of the season in Week 8. The rookie turned eight touches into 51 yards and three touchdowns en route to his best fantasy performance yet. With Dobbins' extensive injury history, it might just be a matter of time before Harvey gets a chance in a bigger role. Until then, he's a RB3/flex option.

4. Chuba Hubbard, Panthers

Hubbard is a new addition to this list, replacing Rico Dowdle - who appears to be moving into the lead back role in Carolina moving forward. It's not a surprising change considering Hubbard hasn't been the same back since returning from injury.

Over the last two contests, Hubbard is averaging less than three yards per carry, with 28 touches for 89 scrimmage yards and a score. In that same span, Dowdle turned 26 touches into 150 yards. Hubbard isn't going away and it's possible he regains his form the further removed he is from the injury. But for now, we're treating Dowdle as the starter and Hubbard as the backup.

5. Rachaad White, Buccaneers

White has done a solid job replacing an injured Bucky Irving and it's still unclear when the Bucs' starter will return to action. Though his efficiency has waned over the last two weeks, some of that can be attributed to the Buccaneers' offense struggling due to mounting receiver injuries. White is an underrated fantasy asset who will be a must-start option until Irving is healthy, and a flex play upon his return.

6. Tyler Allgeier, Falcons

Allgeier is a mainstay on this list as the unquestioned backup to superstar Bijan Robinson. Even in a supporting role, Allgeier has found a way to be productive for fantasy with touchdowns in three of his past five outings. The former 1,000-yard rusher continues to be a premier backup who offers flex value and would crush as a top-20 fantasy RB - if Robinson wasn't able to play for any reason.

7. Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars

After emerging as the clear No. 2 back in Jacksonville following the Tank Bigsby trade, Tuten's role hasn't grown over the last month. With Travis Etienne Jr. holding down the starting job, it's not leaving the door open for Tuten to carve out a bigger role. The rookie has looked the part as an impact player in his limited usage, but he's just a volatile flex option for fantasy who is one injury away from being a fantasy starter.

8. Brian Robinson Jr., 49ers

Unlike a lot of the other names on this list, Robinson doesn't offer much in terms of flex value. However, he's just one year removed from posting 1,101 scrimmage yards and nine total touchdowns, while finishing as the RB21 in fantasy points per game. Robinson would definitely produce as a top-20 fantasy RB in the Kyle Shanahan run game if Christian McCaffrey gets hurt again.

9. Blake Corum, Rams

Prior to the Rams' bye, Corum played a season-high 34% of the snaps in Week 7 and is a borderline flex option in good matchups. He also carries more fantasy value thanks to being the No. 2 back in a Sean McVay offense that tends to turn any starter into a quality fantasy option. While he's not a threat to Kyren Williams' starting spot, Corum should be rostered in all fantasy leagues.

10. Tyjae Spears, Titans

Investing in the Titans' offense doesn't seem like the smartest move for fantasy at the moment, but Tony Pollard's name has been mentioned as a possible trade candidate. If Pollard were moved, Spears has shown he can excel in the starting role. During the fantasy playoffs last season, Spears posted 92 yards and two TDs in Week 15, 66 yards and two TDs in Week 16 and 103 yards in Week 17. If Pollard remains with Tennessee, then Spears will just be a risky flex option the rest of the way.

Just missed the top 10

• TreVeyon Henderson, Patriots

• Tank Bigsby, Eagles

• Ray Davis, Bills

Backupsturned temporary starters with RB2 value

• Kimani Vidal, Chargers

• Kareem Hunt, Chiefs

Backupsturned temporary starters with RB3/Flex value

• Bam Knight, Cardinals

Exciting backupswithFlex potential

• Kyle Monangai, Bears

• Aaron Jones Sr., Vikings

• Isaiah Davis, Jets

• Brashard Smith, Chiefs

• Ollie Gordon II, Dolphins

• Kenneth Gainwell, Steelers

Rookie backups to stash

• Dylan Sampson, Browns

• Jaydon Blue, Cowboys

• Devin Neal, Saints

• Kaleb Johnson, Steelers

Boring backupswithFlex potential

• Nick Chubb, Texans

• Samaje Perine, Bengals

• Justice Hill, Ravens

• Devin Singletary, Giants

• Jeremy McNichols, Commanders

Intriguing backups with question marks

• Sean Tucker, Buccaneers

• Emanuel Wilson, Packers

• Keaton Mitchell, Ravens

• Ameer Abdullah, Colts

• Emari Demercado, Cardinals

Backups who could get traded

• Jerome Ford, Browns

• Dameon Pierce, Texans

Upside backups with injuries

• MarShawn Lloyd, Packers

• Braelon Allen, Jets

Backups to stash in deep leagues

• Will Shipley, Eagles

• DJ Giddens, Colts

• Chris Rodriguez Jr., Commanders

• Hassan Haskins, Chargers

• Isaac Guerendo, 49ers

• Jarquez Hunter, Rams

• Trevor Etienne, Panthers

• Tahj Brooks, Bengals

• Raheem Mostert, Raiders

• Ty Johnson, BIlls

• LeQuint Allen Jr., Jaguars

• Elijah Mitchell, Chiefs

• Phil Mafah, Cowboys