Chase Brown has quietly positioned himself as one of the most compelling running back options heading into the 2025 fantasy football season.
The Cincinnati Bengals’ second-year back has generated significant interest among fantasy managers, with trade-for rates climbing steadily throughout the summer as savvy players recognize his emerging value.
Brown’s Ascension to Featured Role
The numbers tell a compelling story about Brown’s trajectory. His trade-for rate among PFSN users jumped from 58% in July to over 60% in August, according to PFSN’s Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, reflecting growing confidence in his expanded role within Cincinnati’s offense.
This surge in interest stems from his impressive finish to the 2024 campaign, where he seized control of the backfield during the team’s late-season push.
CHASE BROWN. SIDELINE. TOUCHDOWN!
pic.twitter.com/A8JOImMkkv— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) December 10, 2024
Brown’s emergence became undeniable after Week 9, when he assumed primary rushing duties. During crunch time, the Bengals leaned heavily on their young back, giving him 63 carries across his final three games. This workload demonstrated the coaching staff’s trust in Brown as a feature back capable of handling significant volume when games mattered most.
The Illinois product has also proven himself as a reliable receiving threat, catching multiple passes in 14 consecutive games dating back to last season. This consistency in the passing game adds another dimension to his fantasy value, particularly in PPR formats where receiving production from running backs carries premium scoring.
Red Zone Dominance Sets Him Apart
Perhaps most impressive was Brown’s red zone usage during his stretch as the primary back. After taking over the lead role, he averaged a league-leading 5.3 red zone touches per game. To put this production in perspective, only Bijan Robinson and Jonathan Taylor managed even 4.5 red zone touches per game during that same timeframe, highlighting just how central Brown became to Cincinnati’s scoring opportunities.
This red zone involvement directly translates to touchdown potential, making Brown attractive for fantasy purposes. Goal-line carries and short-yardage situations often differentiate between good and great fantasy performances. Brown’s heavy usage in these high-value scenarios suggests consistent scoring opportunities ahead.
Why the Opportunity Remains Strong
Cincinnati’s offensive system under head coach Zac Taylor has historically supported productive fantasy running backs when given a clear lead option. Brown established himself as the primary option late last season, laying the foundation for sustained success. His combination of between-the-tackles running ability and pass-catching skills aligns perfectly with modern NFL offenses that demand versatility from their backfield weapons.
Fantasy managers who secured Brown through trades or waiver claims last season positioned themselves well for 2025. His steady climb in trade interest reflects a growing recognition that Cincinnati may have found their long-term solution at running back, making Brown a valuable asset for the upcoming campaign.
