2025 Fantasy Football Running Back Battles: Sleepers & Betting Insights

As NFL preseason camps intensify, several backfield battles are reshaping fantasy football ADPs, NFL betting markets, and team outlooks. From MetLife Stadium to Minnesota, and down to Jacksonville, let’s break down three key running back competitions that fantasy players and bettors need to monitor.

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New York Giants RB Showdown: Tyrone Tracy vs. Cam Skattebo

The New York Giants boast a favorable offensive line and run-friendly schedule in 2025. But their backfield remains unsettled, with Tyrone Tracy (RB30, ADP 82) and Cam Skattebo (RB35, ADP 100) battling for early-down and goal-line roles.

Tracy’s Turnovers vs. Skattebo’s Toughness

Tracy’s 2024 campaign was marred by five fumbles and several drops. That kind of ball security issue opens the door for Skattebo, a powerful runner who’s already earned a reputation for his intensity and physicality. Despite dealing with a hamstring setback in camp, Skattebo’s ADP has been climbing, driven by buzz around his goal-line potential and ability to catch passes.

Betting & Fantasy Angle:

• Anytime TD scorer bets: Skattebo offers better red-zone upside.

• Fantasy draft strategy: Fade Tracy’s ball security concerns; target Skattebo as a late-round sleeper.

• DFS value play: Monitor Skattebo’s health in preseason—he could be a Week 1 breakout.

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Minnesota Vikings Backfield: Aaron Jones vs. Jordan Mason

The Minnesota Vikings enter 2025 with rookie QB J.J. McCarthy and a shifting backfield dynamic between Aaron Jones (RB26, ADP 66) and Jordan Mason (RB38, ADP 101).

Jordan Mason Gaining Steam

While Aaron Jones is the veteran presence, Jordan Mason is climbing fast due to positive camp reports and a clear opportunity to split touches. Mason has fewer miles, more explosiveness, and could emerge as the 1B—or even the 1A—in an offense that will likely run the ball more to ease McCarthy’s transition.

Betting & Fantasy Angle:

• Prop market alert: Mason’s rushing yards over could be a strong value if his role increases.

• Fantasy value: At nearly 40 picks cheaper, Mason offers excellent upside.

• Long-term play: Jones may start, but Mason could finish the season as the lead back.

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Jacksonville Jaguars: A Crowded Backfield with Massive Upside

The Jacksonville Jaguars present one of the most confusing and high-upside backfields in fantasy football. Travis Etienne (RB33, ADP 89) leads the room, with Tank Bigsby (RB43, ADP 128) and rookie Bhayshul Tuten (RB46, ADP 136) close behind.

Travis Etienne: Home Run Swing in 2025

Etienne is just one year removed from a top-5 fantasy season. With Liam Coen now calling plays and Etienne entering a contract year, the Jaguars could ride him hard as a last-chance feature back. That alone makes him a high-upside fantasy and betting asset.

Bigsby & Tuten: Value or Volatility?

• Tank Bigsby remains a capable rotational back, but hasn’t yet seized a bigger role.

• Bhayshul Tuten, though fast and explosive, is a rookie and may need more time to develop.

Betting & Fantasy Angle:

• Etienne for upside: Strong play for rushing props and fantasy value based on volume.

• ADP correction incoming: Bigsby and Etienne are going closer in drafts than the ADPs suggest.

• DFS & handcuff strategy: Monitor preseason usage—Tuten could emerge as a late-season threat.

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Final Word: Bet on Opportunity and Follow the Usage

As always, preseason reps and injury news will be crucial in determining who wins these backfield battles. Here are the key takeaways:

• Cam Skattebo is a better value than Tyrone Tracy due to goal-line potential and physicality.

• Jordan Mason is the smarter pick in Minnesota at current ADP, with a chance to outproduce Aaron Jones.

• Travis Etienne offers league-winning upside, while Bigsby and Tuten are wait-and-see values.

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