When judging the value of players from the perspective of a fantasy football owner, there is value associated with players who display versatility. If a player can excel at the statistical area most related to their position and also excel in a different location, then the value of those players increases dramatically. This effect is evident in our recent Top 30 Quarterback rankings, where dual-threat quarterbacks consistently rank well above pocket-passing quarterbacks. Similarly, running backs who can excel at both running the ball and catching the ball out of the backfield are the most valuable fantasy players. In a standard draft fantasy league, most teams will need at least three running backs; most likely, each team can get a high-value player plus two players who are excellent running backs.
RB 30: Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs
There is no argument that the Kansas City Chiefs are one of the best teams in the NFL during the last five seasons. From a fantasy owner’s perspective, the Chiefs’ large number of options on offense diminishes Pacheco’s value because he could be the third or fourth option to get the ball on any given play. With that in mind, projections show that Pacheco will produce approximately 140 fantasy points this season. Pacheco will run for an estimated 750 yards and score five rushing touchdowns. In the passing game, Pacheco will get a smaller number of targets and, therefore, will catch approximately 15 passes for 100 receiving yards. It is worth noting that the Chiefs face a demanding schedule, and their bye week will be during Week 10 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 29: Kaleb Johnson, Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson is another back whose production will be reduced because of the quality of talent around him. The Steelers’ off-season moves, including the signings of DK Metcalf and Aaron Rodgers, indicate a commitment to the passing game. That will reduce Johnson’s impact on the Steelers’ game plan and his production for fantasy owners. Projections show that Johnson will produce approximately 145 total fantasy points with 850 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. Johnson will also see a limited number of touches in the passing game, with an estimated 10 receptions for 50 receiving yards. Pittsburgh has a weak schedule in 2025, making Johnson a good bench option. Additionally, the Steelers’ bye week will occur during week 5 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 28: Quinshon Judkins, Browns
Coming into the 2025 NFL draft, Quinshon Judkins’s evaluations indicated that he would be a strong candidate to fill a role as a “ground and pound” style running back. Being drafted by the Cleveland Browns is an excellent situation for Judkins because, due to Brown’s current lack of depth at the position, Judkins should have his number called early and often. Our projections for Judkins are that he will produce an estimated 150 total fantasy points during his rookie season with around 900 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns, and five receptions for 30 receiving yards. The Browns are playing against a relatively weak schedule, which should provide several opportunities for Judkins. Additionally, Cleveland’s bye week will be during Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 27: RJ Harvey, Broncos
Another rookie running back who should make a fantasy impact in 2025 is RJ Harvey with the Denver Broncos. Harvey will be splitting time with the Bronco’s recent running back addition, JK Dobbins, but he may outshine the veteran with his elite athleticism. Projections for Harvey’s rookie season are an estimated 165 total fantasy points with 850 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. Harvey should also see a few targets as a receiver out of the backfield, catching an estimated 10 passes for 50 yards. Following a playoff season, the Broncos will face a demanding schedule, which will require them to manage the reps of their running backs so that Harvey can secure his opportunities. Denver’s bye week is during Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 26: Brian Robinson Jr., Commanders
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. is another back whose fantasy output will be negatively affected by the impressive weapons joining him on the offensive side of the ball. The Commander’s offense will depend on quarterback Jayden Daniels’s development, but the running game is crucial for protecting the Commander’s play-action and RPO schemes. Disputes with wide receiver Terry McLaurin could shift the workload towards Robinson Jr. The projected ceiling for Robinson Jr. is 170 total fantasy points with 800 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. Robinson Jr. will also be targeted out of the backfield for approximately 20 receptions for 160 receiving yards. The Commanders will face a challenging schedule in a highly competitive NFC East, and Washington’s bye week will be during Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 25: TreVeyon Henderson, Patriots
Another rookie running back in 2025 that should make a significant impact for fantasy football owners is TreVeyon Henderson with the New England Patriots. During mini-camp, Henderson has made a positive impact on the Patriots’ coaching staff and will likely share the load in the running game with Rhamondre Stevenson. Projections show that Henderson should produce approximately 170 total fantasy points in 2025 with 850 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. Henderson will also catch the ball out of the backfield an estimated 30 times for 250 receiving yards. New England faces a relatively easy schedule in 2025, and the Patriots’ bye week is on Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 24: Tony Pollard, Titans
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard should benefit from the Titan’s focus on re-building their roster for the 2025 season. Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward will depend on an effective running game for Tennessee, and Pollard should carry the majority of the load for the Titans offense. Projections for Pollard are approximately 180 total fantasy points with 970 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. Pollard will also be a popular passing threat on hot routes against NFL blitz schemes, which should result in an estimated 40 receptions for 230 passing yards. Tennessee will face a challenging schedule for a team that was the worst in the NFL in 2024, and the Titans bye week is during Week 10 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 23: Omarion Hampton, Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers 2025 1st-round draft pick Omarion Hampton is in a great position to make a big splash during the 2025 season. Hampton is a perfect fit for Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh’s offense, which will feature a balanced attack between the Charger’s passing and running game. Projections for Hampton indicate that he will produce approximately 190 total fantasy points, with 830 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. Hampton will also catch the ball out of the backfield an estimated 30 times for 170 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. The Chargers will face a challenging schedule in the AFC West, and they have their bye week on Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 22: Chuba Hubbard, Panthers
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard will be the feature back of a Panthers offense that is looking to have a breakout season in 2025. Hubbard is heads and shoulders above backup running back Rico Dowdle, and that should lead to Hubbard producing approximately 205 total fantasy points. During the 2025 season, Hubbard will rush for an estimated 1,050 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. In addition, Hubbard will catch roughly 45 passes for 200 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. The Panthers will face a manageable schedule in the NFC South, and Carolina’s bye week will be on Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 21: D’Andre Swift, Bears
The Chicago Bears spent a significant portion of their salary cap during the 2025 offseason upgrading their offensive line for second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. D’Andre Swift will also benefit from the upgraded line and new Bears head coach Ben Johnson’s emphasis on having a balanced offense. During the 2025 season, projections are that Swift will produce approximately 220 total fantasy points while gaining 1,010 rushing yards and scoring six rushing touchdowns. Swift is also an excellent receiver out of the backfield, likely to catch approximately 40 passes for 370 receiving yards. The Bears face a challenging schedule in the NFC North, and Chicago’s bye week is on Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season..
RB 20: David Montgomery, Lions
While David Montgomery will be splitting the Lion’s workload in the running game with Jahmyr Gibbs, the nature of Detroit’s offense will lean heavily on their running game. Projections for Montgomery are 215 total fantasy points with 880 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. Montgomery will also catch approximately 40 passes out of the backfield for an estimated 370 receiving yards. The Lions face a challenging schedule in a competitive division, but they will need to run the ball effectively. Detroit’s bye week is on Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 19: Christian McCaffrey, 49ers
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is historically rated as one of the top fantasy running backs before each NFL season. After several injuries during the last several seasons, including an early season-ending injury in 2024, McCaffrey’s fantasy value has fallen. McCaffrey is a high-quality secondary option and running back for most fantasy owners, with a projection of 220 total fantasy points. Assuming that McCaffrey stays healthy, it is realistic to estimate that McCaffrey will rush for 1000 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. At times, McCaffrey can be an explosive receiver out of the backfield, but coming off an injury, estimates show that he will have 15 receptions for an impressive 150 receiving yards. The 49ers face a more manageable schedule than usual after a losing season in 2024, and their bye week falls in Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 18: Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III should be a productive option as a second running back for most fantasy owners in 2025. There will be some transition time early in the season as the Seahawks move forward with quarterback Sam Darnold. Projections for Kenneth Walker III are 230 total fantasy points with nearly 950 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. Walker will also catch several passes out of the backfield, with an estimated 50 receptions for 310 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. The Seahawk’s schedule is manageable in 2025, and Seattle’s bye week falls on Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 17: Aaron Jones Sr., Vikings
Following a strong string of victories during the 2024 NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings enter 2025 with high expectations. There will be a brief transition period initially as the Vikings’ offense undergoes leadership changes, with quarterback JJ McCarthy leading the way. McCarthy and the Vikings’ offense will need to lean on their running game during those early-season games, which will provide numerous opportunities for Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. Projections for Aaron Jones are approximately 230 total fantasy points, with an estimated 950 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. Jones will also be a viable receiving threat and will catch 50 passes out of the backfield for 400 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. The Vikings play a moderately challenging schedule in 2025, and Minnesota has an early bye week in Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 16: Joe Mixon, Texans
Historically, Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon has been a workhorse for fantasy owners during the NFL season. The Texans have recently signed running back Nick Chubb, but Mixon should still get the majority of the carries for the Houston running game. Projections are for Mixon to produce approximately 240 total fantasy points with 920 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. Mixon will also catch several passes out of the backfield with an estimated 40 receptions and 330 receiving yards, along with one receiving touchdown in 2025. As the 2024 AFC South champions, the Texans will face a challenging schedule, and Houston also has an early bye week during Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 15: James Conner, Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals running back James Connor has established himself as a consistent force in the Cardinal’s offense. In 2025, Conner expects to be a multi-dimensional playmaker for the Cardinals. The projections are that Conner will produce approximately 240 total fantasy points with 1,010 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. Conner will also be a dynamic receiver out of the offensive backfield, with an estimated 50 catches for 420 receiving yards during the 2025 NFL season. The Cardinals will face a manageable schedule in 2025, and Arizona’s bye week will fall in Week 11 of the NFL season.
RB 14: Alvin Kamara, Saints
Throughout the last several seasons, New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara has had a fantastic run as a fantasy running back. During the 2025 season, Kamara is an established fantasy point producer. Projections are for Kamara to produce 260 total fantasy points with 930 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. Kamara’s actual value is based on his ability to be a dynamic playmaker catching passes out of the backfield. In 2025, Kamara should see approximately 70 pass receptions for 550 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. The Saints will play one of the more manageable schedules in the NFC South, and New Orleans’ bye week will fall in Week 11 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 13: Chase Brown, Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals have recently announced that they are committed to Chase Brown being their feature back during the 2025 season. Brown will provide elite athleticism out of the offensive backfield, allowing him to produce 260 total fantasy points. While the Bengals utilize a pass-heavy offense, Brown will run for approximately 840 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. As a receiver out of the backfield, Brown caught an estimated 55 receptions for 400 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns. The Bengals face one of the easier schedules in the AFC North, and Cincinnati’s bye week falls on Week 10 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 12: James Cook, Bills
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook had stacked several outstanding seasons as an effective running back for a run-heavy Bills offense. Due to Cook’s exceptional performances in recent seasons, Cook is looking for a contract extension. For fantasy owners, Cook should be a consistent performer with projections of scoring 260 total fantasy points with 1,050 rushing yards and eleven rushing touchdowns. In addition, projections show that Cook will catch 35 passes out for the backfield for 290 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. Surprisingly, the Bills play a relatively easy schedule during the 2025 season, and Buffalo has an early bye week during Week 7 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 11: Bucky Irving, Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving has consistently produced several outstanding seasons for the Buccaneers’ offense, which has seen many changes over the last several seasons. Once again, the Buccaneers have undergone changes in their offensive coordinator position, but Irving should remain Tampa Bay’s featured back in the running game. Projections for Irving are 245 total fantasy points with 1,140 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. When you add in an estimated 50 pass receptions for 400 receiving yards, Irving will be an outstanding and consistent running back for fantasy owners. Despite winning the last four NFC South championships, the Buccaneers face a moderately challenging schedule, and Tampa Bay’s bye week falls in Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 10: Kyren Williams, Rams
Since Sean McVay has served as the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, McVay’s offense has developed a reputation for being an explosive multi-dimensional offensive assault on NFL defensive units. Running back Kyren Williams is a crucial part of the Rams’ offense due to the need for balance between the passing and running game in McVay’s offensive game plans. Due to that balance, projections are for Williams to produce 265 total fantasy points, including 1,250 rushing yards along with 11 rushing touchdowns. In the passing game, Williams will contribute 35 receptions for approximately 200 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. The Rams face a moderately challenging schedule in 2025, and their bye week falls in Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 9: Breece Hall, Jets
After a couple of difficult seasons with quarterback Aaron Rodgers with the New York Jets, running back Breece Hall expects to have a big comeback season in 2025. Early in the off-season, Hall requested a trade away from the Jets, but instead, the Jets moved on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers while doubling down on Hall at the running back position. Projections for Hall’s 2025 season are 270 total fantasy points with 1,020 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. New Jets quarterback Justin Fields will lean on Hall as a check-down option, allowing Hall to catch 60 passes for 500 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in 2025. The Jets face one of the easiest schedules in the NFL, and their bye week falls on Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 8: Josh Jacobs, Packers
After a down season in 2024, the Green Bay Packers find themselves in a position to return to the top of the NFC North division. Running back Josh Jacobs will be a significant contributor during the Packers offensive resurgence in 2025. Projections for Jacobs are approximately 280 total fantasy points with 1,250 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. In the passing game, 40 catches for 390 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown are likely for Jacobs. After struggling in 2024, the Packers face a more manageable schedule in 2025, with an early bye week during Week 5 of the NFL season.
RB 7: Johnathan Taylor, Colts
Turmoil at the quarterback position in Indianapolis means that running back Jonathan Taylor will need to play a significant role in the Colts’ offense. That translates to a heavy workload in 2025, with Taylor projected to produce approximately 240 total fantasy points with 1,300 rushing yards along with nine rushing touchdowns. While Taylor is viewed primarily as a running threat, Taylor still projects to catch 20 passes out of the backfield for 140 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. The Colts face a challenging schedule in 2025, and their bye week falls in Week 11 of the 2025 NFL season.F
RB 6: Ashton Jeanty, Raiders
As a first-round draft pick, Jeanty has received a large amount of attention as a potentially franchise-changing draft prospect. New Raiders head coach Pete Carroll has a reputation for emphasizing the running game, and under new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, the former Boise State running back should have numerous opportunities to make explosive plays in 2025. During his rookie season, projections are for Jeanty to produce 265 total fantasy points with 1,100 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. In the passing game, Jeanty could transcend projections with a floor of 40 receptions for 350 receiving yards, along with two receiving touchdowns. The Raiders face a challenging schedule in 2025, and their bye week falls in Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 5: Derrick Henry, Ravens
Very few running backs are capable of living up to the hype that Derrick Henry received when he signed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2024. Henry is not disappointed, having a big season during his first year with Baltimore. In 2025, Henry once again expects to have a big season, and that leads to a projection of 295 total fantasy points for the Ravens running back, including 1,500 rushing yards for 13 rushing touchdowns. While Henry is known as a power runner, Henry will also contribute to the passing game with approximately 20 receiving touchdowns for 200 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. Despite being the defending AFC North champions, the Ravens face a relatively easy schedule in 2025, with an early bye week during Week 7 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 4: Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions
NFL experts consider Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs to be the top producer in the NFL for the next several seasons. Even though the Lions are going through changes on the offensive side of the ball, Gibbs should still be a focal point of their offensive game plan. Projections for Gibbs show that the young running back will produce approximately 335 total fantasy points with 1,200 rushing yards along with 11 rushing touchdowns. In the passing game, Gibbs is likely to catch 55 passes for 500 receiving yards, along with four receiving touchdowns. The Lions will face a very challenging schedule during the 2025 season, and Detroit has an early bye week during Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 3: De’Von Achane, Dolphins
Similar to Christian McCaffrey, Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane is a player who has established a reputation as one of the top players in the NFL in the last several seasons. Unfortunately, he has struggled with injuries. During the 2024 season, Achane began to change that reputation, and he became a weekly starter for fantasy owners. Assuming Achane stays healthy, projections for Achane are approximately 340 total fantasy points while only rushing for 910 yards and seven rushing touchdowns. Beyond the running game, Achane separates himself from the pack with the potential to catch an estimated 80 passes for 600 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. The Dolphins face a more manageable schedule than most teams in the AFC, and Miami’s bye week falls on Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 2: Bijan Robinson, Falcons
Few NFL players have the expected upside of Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. Robinson has failed to live up to those expectations due to inconsistency at the offensive coordinator and quarterback positions. In 2025, the Falcons offense should be in a more stable position, which sets the stage for Robinson to exceed expectations for the first time in his short NFL career. Projections for Robinson establish a floor for approximately 300 total fantasy points with 1,300 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. Robinson also will contribute to the Falcons passing game with an estimated 70 receptions for 440 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. The Falcons have the advantage of an easy schedule, and Atlanta has an early bye week in Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season.
RB 1: Saquon Barkley, Eagles
After having a career season in 2024, Saquan Barkley comes into the 2025 season looking to stack together two outstanding seasons. Due to Barkley’s success in 2025 and helping the Eagles win another Super Bowl, Barkley has received the honor of being on the cover of the Madden 26 video game. In previous seasons, Barkley experienced limitations due to multiple injuries. That was not the case in 2024, and expectations are for Barkley to once again reach new heights in 2025. Projections show that Barkley will produce approximately 310 total fantasy points while gaining 1,600 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. In the passing game, Barkley will again catch at least 30 passes for 280 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. The Eagles face a moderately challenging schedule in 2025, and Philadelphia has a relatively early Week 9 bye week during the 2025 NFL season.
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