Running backs frequently make or break fantasy seasons. Drafting one bargain improves playoff odds. Drafting two improves title odds. Here are three of the biggest RB fantasy bargains in the NFC South based on average draft position (ADP).
When it comes to fantasy backfields, few are more fascinating than New Orleans’ foursome. 2025 sixth-rounder Devin Neal is a grinder with a relatively low ceiling, and 2023 third-rounder Kendre Miller has been injured far more than he has been healthy as he (presumably) enters his final season in a Saints uniform. Both have played backup roles and been spot starters. But neither seems poised to make noise as long as the Saints’ other two running backs are healthy.
That makes Travis Etienne a fairly straightforward bargain at his RB17 ADP. He’s a solid bet for 250+ touches and realistically could exceed last year’s 296, when he was fantasy’s overall RB10. No one is challenging him as the alpha. His experience and talent will take care of the rest.
But wait a second: where does that leave Alvin Kamara? This is where bold managers can take a shot on a fading legend. Kamara’s RB53 / overall-170 ADP places him on the fringes of draftability. He is clearly not happy playing a subordinate role after being the primary ball carrier for eight straight seasons.
The fantasy market has factored this into his value. There’s a buying opportunity for someone who’s only two years removed from a 68-catch campaign. Essentially, if Kamara locks down — and embraces — a 1B role, he would be a near lock for top-50 production and a decent bet for top 40 if he’s catching at least three balls per game.
Finally, Bucs newcomer Kenneth Gainwell was last year’s RB16, thanks in large part to a massive workload through the air. While Bucky Irving also commands plenty of targets, he took a big step back in 2025 in efficiency while also missing a majority of the season. Sean Tucker appears to be locked in as the #3 RB. There’s a clear path for Gainwell to remain his team’s primary backfield receiver, making him a bargain at his RB32 ADP.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Shockingly, Alvin Kamara among 3 biggest NFC South RB fantasy bargains
