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First up, let's examine some currently ambiguous backfields across the NFL and see what we can see for fantasy.
Dallas Cowboys: Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, Jaydon Blue
Living in Dallas, it’s only right I kick this off with the Cowboys — and their backfield is one of the most ambiguous in the NFL.
There’s never an offseason without drama in Dallas. Since Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard’s departures in 2023 and 2024, respectively, fantasy managers have been chasing clarity in a backfield that once anchored championship rosters. Unfortunately, it’s been anything but clear, and 2025 doesn’t look much different.
The Cowboys brought in veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, then used mid-round draft capital on the electric Jaydon Blue out of Texas — who, by the way, clocked over 22 MPH on the ground in college. That kind of burst doesn’t exist anywhere else in this RB room, and it won’t be long before fans, coaches and fantasy gamers recognize it.
Let’s first talk about Javonte Williams. He has experience with 606 career carries and 158 receptions — but the big-play juice just isn’t there. According to TruMedia, among RBs with at least 130 carries last year, he tied for dead last in 20+ yard runs (1) and ranked fourth-worst in 10+ yard runs (13). He was fifth among RBs in targets, but those opportunities didn’t lead to much: he ranked 32nd in first downs per target and had the fourth-worst receiving success rate among RBs with 20+ receptions.
Sanders might get early-down work, but the arrow isn’t pointing up there either after he stunk it up in 11 games, doing virtually nothing for the Panthers.
Blue gives this offense a gear it doesn’t currently have. With Dak Prescott leading a pass-heavy attack featuring CeeDee Lamb, Jake Ferguson and the newly acquired George Pickens, there’s space to exploit — and Blue has the skillset to capitalize. Last season, he was just as electric in the receiving game for the University of Texas; he hauled in 42 passes for 368 yards and six touchdowns. He’s already getting first-team reps in camp and has the profile of a player who can force the issue quickly.
I always say there’s a difference between a running back who can catch the ball and one who can be deployed as a pass-catching weapon. Blue is the latter.
If you’re looking for the safest bet to get touches early, it might be Williams. But the best bet to matter in fantasy by midseason? That’s Blue.
Minnesota Vikings: Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason
The Vikings enter 2025 with the spotlight on second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy and a retooled passing game, but the real value might come from how you navigate the backfield split between Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason.
This offense was elite last season and just got better. The Vikings retooled their offensive line with Ryan Kelly, Will Fries and first-round pick Donovan Jackson — one of my favorite linemen from the draft. Pair them with Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, and you’re looking at a top-five unit in the league.
Jones is coming off a top-10 finish in both rushing attempts and yards, but he’s 30 years old, missed six games last year and has some wear showing. Inside the five-yard line in 2024? Thirteen carries for -2 yards. That’s not going to cut it.
Meanwhile, Mason did nothing but produce when given the chance. He averaged 106 rushing yards per game as a starter — second only to Saquon Barkley. He was 14th in first downs per carry (24.2%) compared to Jones’ 19.2%.
The advanced metrics back it all up. Mason forced a league-best 37.3% missed tackles, according to Next Gen Stats, and racked up 207 rush yards over expected — seventh-most among qualified backs. TruMedia clocked his adjusted yards after contact per attempt at 4.10, trailing only Barkley, Henry, Bucky Irving and Jahmyr Gibbs.
Jones will still get touches, but if you’re chasing upside and a potential weekly difference-maker, Mason is the bet to make. This is a backfield where both could have value, but Mason is the one who could smash his ADP.
Houston Texans: Joe Mixon, Nick Chubb, Woody Marks
Now, let’s head to Houston, where the running back room is a puzzle and right now, no piece seems to fit.
Joe Mixon is sidelined with no timeline to return. Nick Chubb is trying to work back from multiple injuries and has played in just 10 games over the last two seasons. And while Head Coach DeMeco Ryans is praising Chubb’s leadership and preparation, even he admitted that “it’s not always gonna be the same as his early years.”
Camp reports haven’t helped. The burst just isn’t there, and some are already wondering aloud if starting Chubb is a long-term liability. The Texans desperately need someone to step up and take pressure off C.J. Stroud, who’s now trying to lead a reworked offense without Laremy Tunsil or Kenyon Green on the offensive line, and with two rookie wideouts expected to play big roles.
Enter fourth-round rookie RB Woody Marks.
The Texans traded up to draft Marks, and he brings a very specific skill set to the table: he catches passes and creates explosive plays. With over 250 receptions in college, Marks was one of the best pass-catching backs in the entire draft class. He’s coming off a breakout year that included 1,000+ rushing yards and has been getting rave reviews in camp for his ability to win in space.
Houston didn’t draft Marks to replace Mixon — it drafted him as a complement. The problem? Right now, he might be the only healthy and explosive back it has. He’s not a between-the-tackles banger, but he doesn’t need to be. In an offense that’s likely going to struggle up front and lean on short-area efficiency, Marks is built for that role.
If Mixon gets healthy, this backfield could settle into a true committee. But, if Mixon stays sidelined and Chubb can’t regain form, Marks could find himself in a valuable role early. He’s free in Yahoo drafts right now, but that won’t last long.
Scoop him while you still can.
The Final Word
Fantasy football is about more than just depth charts — it’s about identifying value before your leaguemates do.
Blue. Mason. Marks. All three are in ambiguous backfields with wide-open opportunity, and each has a clear path to fantasy relevance — even dominance — this season.
The key is timing. These aren’t players you’ll need to reach for in drafts right now. But they’re absolutely players you want exposure to before injuries or preseason hype make them pricier.
In a game that rewards early conviction and upside chasing, those are three names I’m targeting everywhere.
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