Fantasy Football Buy Low Running Backs: RB Breakout Candidates for Week 4

Buy-Low Running Backs at a Glance

• Ashton Jeanty, Raiders
• Chase Brown, Bengals
• Saquon Barkley, Eagles

Whether you're deciding who to start in season-long, who to roster in NFL DFS, or which NFL prop bets to consider via the NFL odds at FanDuel Sportsbook, there are still plenty of ways to buy low on players poised to bounce back from disappointing outings.

While looking ahead at the games across the NFL, which running backs should we buy low on ahead of this week?

All fantasy football projections via our numbers at FanDuel Research, and NFL odds references are to FanDuel Sportsbook. Statistics mentioned are via NextGenStats or Pro Football Focus unless stated otherwise.

Running Backs to Buy Low in Fantasy Football

Ashton Jeanty, Raiders

Ashton Jeanty is the clearest “buy the workload, not the efficiency” candidate. He’s topped 20 touches in all three games, and he has already amassed 206 rushing yards plus 13 catches for 97 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. The problem has been the rushing efficiency: Jeanty is sitting at just 3.3 yards per carry and still hasn’t scored a rushing touchdown.

That combination could create a buying window. Before Week 3, he had already played 81% of the snaps in Week 2 and received 28 intended touches. I’d be much more concerned if the volume were disappearing. Instead, the Las Vegas Raiders continue to use him like a true bell cow, so improved rushing efficiency and some touchdown regression could quickly push his fantasy production upward.

Chase Brown, Bengals

Chase Brown makes the list again, and I think he’s the number-one buy-low candidate in fantasy right now.

Brown is coming off just 69 scrimmage yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers, finishing with 13 carries for 61 yards and 2 catches for 8 yards. That was his lowest rushing-attempt total of the season, and he has now gone two straight games without finding the end zone.

The encouraging part is that there hasn’t been a meaningful threat to his lead-back role. Among RBs this campaign, he’s third in rush share and seventh in route share — elite numbers.

Brown is the Cincinnati Bengals‘ clear workhorse, and he already has 10 receptions through three games, giving him an additional PPR avenue even when the rushing production is mediocre.

Saquon Barkley, Eagles

Saquon Barkley makes a lot of sense as a buy-low after three relatively quiet fantasy outings.

The biggest buy-low argument is touchdown regression. Barkley scored 13 rushing touchdowns in 2024 and 7 in 2025, yet he has zero through three games this season despite remaining the Philadelphia Eagles‘ clear lead back, playing 71% and 72% of snaps in his two healthy games.

Through three games, Barkley has 34 carries for 174 yards, which works out to a strong 5.1 yards per carry. He’s playing well and just needs some better TD luck to post a big week. That should come eventually.

Fantasy Football Buy-Low Running Backs FAQ

What does buy low mean in fantasy football?

Buying low means trading for a player whose perceived fantasy value is lower than his expected value going forward. This can happen because of a slow start, difficult matchups, injuries, or concerns about workload.

When is the best time to buy low on a running back?

The best opportunities often come after a running back has produced a few disappointing fantasy performances but still has an encouraging role. Usage, carries, targets, snap rate, and goal-line opportunities can be more important than the player's recent fantasy-point totals.

What should you look for in a buy-low running back?

Look for backs with strong workloads who haven't converted their opportunities into fantasy production. Receiving usage, red-zone touches, offensive-line play, upcoming schedule, and potential changes to the backfield can also help identify undervalued players.

Should you trade for a running back who is losing touches?

It depends on why his workload is declining. A temporary reduction caused by game script or injury may create a buying opportunity, but a permanent shift toward a committee can significantly lower a running back's fantasy ceiling.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.