- Deep Dive Fantasy
- Posts
- š Target These Dead Zone RBs
Itās mid-July and weāve finally reached training camp season! In todayās Deep Dive Fantasy Newsletter, I navigate the RB Dead Zone and we get some insight from our friend Ryan McDowell via Dynasty League Football.
The RB Dead Zone is always a divisive area as some drafters love to scoop up the perceived value there while others avoid taking rushers in Rounds 3-7 like the plague. Before I get into my targets for 2025, I looked back at last yearās version to see how those players fared, looking for any clues for this season.
There were 16 total RBs selected between Round 3 and Round 7 in Yahoo leagues last season (down from 23 in 2023). Of those 16, eight finished the season below their ADP in terms of half-PPR points per game. When they failed, they failed big, as four of those eight ended the 2024 season 15 or more positional spots lower than where they were drafted.
There was some good news from the dead zone last season, however, as seven of the RBs taken between Rounds 3-7 finished the year above their ADP, with four of those ending five spots or more above their positional draft spot.
If youāre wondering where the 16th player fits in, DāAndre Swift ended at the exact same positional ADP where he was drafted.
2025 RB ā ļø Zone Targets
š¦¬ James Cook, Bills (Yahoo ADP: 33)
After scoring just four rushing touchdowns in his first two seasons, Cook crossed the pylon 16 times last year via the ground, translating to an RB8 finish in half-PPR formats. Cook ran well in 2024, ranking 12th in yards before contact, 14th in yards after contact, and 24th in broken tackles per attempt among 46 qualified backs. Heās still a key piece of a high-scoring Buffalo offense that should continue to give him plenty of dual-threat opportunities.
š Ken Walker, Seahawks (Yahoo ADP: 43)
He missed six contests last season, but Walker was highly productive when on the field, ending as the RB15 in half-PPR scoring on a per-game basis. He set career highs in receptions (46) and targets (54) despite missing that time with injuries. Thereās also a chance the Seattle RB could be even more involved in the passing game in 2025 with new OC Klint Kubiak in town.
š¦ David Montgomery, Lions (Yahoo ADP: 52)
I will never quit Monty, and as of now, there is no reason to. He continues to be a reliable fantasy RB in Detroitās high-octane offense, finishing as the overall RB17 last season despite missing three games (he was the RB13 on a per-game basis). Montgomeryās weekly output is somewhat TD-dependent, but his consistent workload near the goal line makes him a reliable RB2.
š» DāAndre Swift, Bears (Yahoo ADP: 62)
Chicago neglected to spend high draft capital on an RB, instead taking Rutgersā product Kyle Monongai in the seventh round, meaning Swiftās role as the RB1 is likely safe for 2025. He put up fantasy RB2 numbers last season and with the Bears offense projected to take a step forward, is a solid value at pick 6.02.
Still not a 4for4 subscriber? Use CODE JEN10 for 10% off any plan for access to award-winning rankings, highly actionable content, and tools for redraft, DFS, and betting, plus much more. Head to 4for4 and check it all out!
Some of the most valuable information DLF offers to fantasy football managers focuses on forming and completing trades in your dynasty leagues. Among the tools we offer are the Dynasty Trade Analyzer, community dynasty ADP, and actual trades to identify a playerās trade value.
Player value is constantly changing, especially this time of year as Training Camps near kickoff. DLFās Rob Willette took a look at the latest superflex player value in his Superflex Dynasty Trade Value Chart: July 2025.
Hereās Robās look at the quarterback position this monthā¦
Quarterback
Rank | Name | Team | Trade Value |
QB1 | BUF | 956.71 | |
QB2 | WAS | 930.77 | |
QB3 | BAL | 917.09 | |
QB4 | PHI | 862.59 | |
QB5 | CIN | 856.89 | |
QB6 | KC | 721.15 | |
QB7 | LAC | 657.41 | |
QB8 | CHI | 645.77 | |
QB9 | NE | 631.66 | |
QB10 | DEN | 624.98 | |
QB11 | HOU | 585.38 | |
QB12 | GB | 546.26 |
There are few surprises at quarterback. Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson have been fantasy staples ever since they entered the league, while Jayden Danielsā monster rookie season has him ascending to the top of rankings. Jalen Hurts may lack the raw passing upside of the three ahead of him, but his ability to execute the Tush Push and rack up double-digit touchdowns allows him to maintain a lofty fantasy perch. Joe Burrow does not add a ton of value with his legs, but he is the rare quarterback who can reach elite fantasy heights with just his arm.
CJ Stroud has all the momentum in the world following his strong rookie season. A disappointing year two has him towards the back-end of the QB1 ranks, though this is much more sensible given he seldom uses his legs. I expect him to rebound in 2025 and stabilize his value in this area.
Still not a 4for4 subscriber? Our new packages are out for the 2024/2025 season, so take advantage of earlyš¦ pricing for access to award-winning rankings, highly actionable content for redraft, DFS, and betting, and much more. Head to 4for4 and check it all out!
Here are the latest articles to drop. Be sure to keep stopping by as thereās always something new!