Happy thanksgiving, hopefully what you’ll be thankful for this holiday season is your fantasy team getting you a win. There’s a lot of running backs this week who are set to go off, and plenty of them will come unexpectedly. However, there’s those who you know will do their job, and today we’ll look at the fifteen best for this Thanksgiving week.
15: Travis Etienne vs TEN
Nov 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) rushes during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Etienne’s carry number more than doubled that of Bhaysul Tuten’s against Arizona. He went for 86 yards but came short of scoring a touchdown. Now against Tennessee, Liam Coen may shy a bit away from running the ball as much, given the presence of Jeffrey Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat. Etienne’s still a good option this weekend, but may not be the best.
14: Ashton Jeanty vs LAC
Nov 2, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs the ball during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The last time we saw the Chargers on Sunday, they allowed Jacksonville to run all over them. Off of 47 attempts, the Jaguars ran for a whopping 192 yards. Granted, the Raiders offensive line and scheme may not be as effective as Jacksonville’s. However, with Chip Kelly gone and a higher emphasis likely to be put on getting Jeanty the ball, he could go off.
13: Jaylen Warren vs BUF
Nov 23, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) rushes the ball against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
The snap share with Kenneth Gainwell could raise some concern, but it’s likely that Warren will get some high value carries. Last week, Buffalo’s run defense allowed 4.2 yards a pop against Houston’s terrible offensive line. Additionally, Aaron Rodgers’ status is still up in the air for Sunday. With either Mason Rudolph or a still injured Rodgers at QB, Arthur Smith may dial up more runs than usual.
12: Josh Jacobs vs DET
Oct 26, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) runs for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Josh Jacobs has no injury designation and is good to go against the Lions. Against an effective Brian Flores defense, the Packers were able to pound the rock with Emmanuel Wilson. Now, they’re up against division rival Detroit, who Jacobs historically has been good against. In five career games vs the Lions, Jacobs has scored seven touchdowns. Perhaps lingering injury issues could come to bite, but Jacobs should continue being effective against the Lions.
11: Kyren Williams vs CAR
November 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Williams had his worst game rushing so far this season against the Buccaneers. 12 carries for just 46 yards was all he could muster in the blowout win. He’s going to attempt to bounce back against the Panthers, who’ve allowed 115.9 rush yards per game. The Rams are up against a very talented secondary in Carolina, so running the ball could take president.
10: Chase Brown vs BAL
Oct 26, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (30) celebrates scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the New York Jets at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
After a putrid start to the season, things seem to be looking up for Cincinnati’s RB. He’s racked up a total of 206 yards the past two games, and shows no signs of stopping. Baltimore will trot out the league’s 20th ranked defense on Thanksgiving. With Joe Burrow just coming off injury, against his division rivals Brown can continue his stretch of great games.
9: RJ Harvey vs WAS
Oct 26, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey (12) runs against the Dallas Cowboys in the second half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
JK Dobbins is still ruled out and will not be back this weekend. Rookie RJ Harvey is showing signs of effective play, especially in the PPR game. Furthermore, he’s coming off a well deserved bye, and should be rejuvenated. While Washington’s defense also had the pleasure of being on a bye, this matchup is not favorable. They allowed 214 rushing yards against Miami prior to the bye, and with no Jayden Daniels, the game script will favor Harvey.
8: Jonathan Taylor vs HOU
Nov 9, 2025; Berlin, Germany; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL Berlin Game at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Houston’s defense didn’t do much to stop James Cook against Buffalo. However, Kansas City’s successful game plan against Indianapolis could be cause for concern. Additionally, HC and play caller Shane Steichen has received criticism for his methods of running the ball. Regardless, Taylor should fair well against Houston, especially considering the fact that the Colts will want to avoid the Texans pass-rush.
7: TreVeyon Henderson vs NYG
Nov 2, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) runs the ball during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Shane Bowen’s departure can very much light a spark in the Giants defense. Nevertheless, from week eight onwards they’ve allowed the most rushing yards and rushing touchdowns against RBs. Henderson had an underwhelming game last week. That is partially due to others getting goal-line work (and failing to score). New England’s rookie continue to looks like the best option in all situations, and is a must start for this weel.
6: James Cook vs PIT
Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III (4) runs for a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Cook was a bright spot offensively among his peers against the Texans. He recorded 116 rushing yards on 17 attempts and scored on a 45 yard run. Cook is set-up particularly well against Pittsburgh, as they have surrendered touchdowns on 55% of carries from inside their 5-yard line. Passing the ball so often last week killed the Bills, so perhaps this week we’ll see some more of Cook.
5: Bijan Robinson vs NYJ
Nov 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) carries the ball during the first half New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
The Falcons will go the rest of the season with Kirk Cousins at signal caller. Because of this, it’s safe to assume Bijan Robinson will remain as the workhorse along with Tyler Allgeier. New York’s defense hasn’t been the same without Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner. As such, Robinson is a safe bet, given his talent and the way the game script for Atlanta will likely go.
4: De’Von Achane vs NO
Oct 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) runs for a gain during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Achane’s workload has been going up. He logged 22 carries against division rival Buffalo and 21 carries in Madrid against the Commanders. Additionally, In his past five games, Achane has accumulated 86.5 fantasy points (17.3 per game). Now with the Saints marching into town, it feels unlikely that his carries or his production will go down.
3: Christian McCaffrey vs CLE
Nov 24, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
The majority of McCaffrey’s production this season has come through the air. He’s been a security blanket for both Mac Jones and Brock Purdy. Now, against Myles Garret and Cleveland’s defense, his role as a safety valve is likely to remain unchanged. Furthermore, with Brock Purdy struggling to push the ball downfield last week vs the Panthers, McCaffrey will be utilized in the quick game more often.
2: Jahmyr Gibbs vs GB
Nov 23, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) runs the ball for a touchdown in overtime against the New York Giants at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
Green Bay’s run stuffing unit has been among the best the game has to offer, sitting at sixth overall in total rush yards allowed. That doesn’t change the fact that Jahmyr Gibbs is another breed. Gibbs went off last week with 264 scrimmage yards and three total touchdowns. While those numbers probably won’t be replicated, he is still going to do his thing.
1: Derrick Henry vs CIN
Nov 16, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) runs for a gain during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The Bengals are the second worst run defense in football right now. Lamar Jackson still does not look to be at a 100%, and he won’t get much rest on a short week. All this to say, it appears as if everything is building up for a big game for Derrick Henry. He’ll be getting the majority of carries as usual, and should go off against his division rivals.
