The fantasy football season is always a thrilling race, and if there's one position that truly dictates the pace, it's the running back. Nailing those early draft picks, especially at RB, can set the tone for your entire championship run. Looking ahead to 2025, the landscape is buzzing with talent, and a few names are already standing out.
Leading the charge is Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons. He's not just a safe bet; he's the kind of bell-cow back who offers immense upside. It's hard to argue with his position at the top – he’s the kind of player you build your team around.
Close behind, we have Saquon Barkley, now with the Philadelphia Eagles. We've all seen what he can do when healthy, and being on an elite team with a top-tier offensive line is a huge advantage. The only real hesitation, and it's a significant one, is his massive workload last season – 436 carries is a lot, and history shows that kind of usage can lead to a dip the following year. Still, his talent is undeniable.
Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions is another back with sky-high potential. The question mark here is volume. With David Montgomery still in the mix, Gibbs' touches aren't as locked in as some might hope. Plus, the departure of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson adds a slight layer of uncertainty.
Derrick Henry, now with the Baltimore Ravens, is a name synonymous with consistent fantasy production. He’s a workhorse, and the Ravens are known for their commitment to the run. Expect him to rack up yards and find the end zone week after week, just as he did when he surpassed 2,000 scrimmage yards and scored 18 touchdowns in 2024.
As a rookie projection, Ashton Jeanty of the Las Vegas Raiders is an intriguing prospect. He possesses all the tools to be a star, both running and catching the ball, and the Raiders are expected to lean on him heavily. The main concern might be touchdown upside in what could be a less explosive offense.
De'Von Achane of the Miami Dolphins seems to have put his calf injury behind him. His ability to make big plays, combined with expected heavy usage on the ground and a significant target share, gives him legitimate overall RB1 upside.
Chase Brown of the Cincinnati Bengals is surprisingly overlooked by many fantasy managers. He’s a high-end talent who should see substantial volume both rushing and receiving, and the Bengals are poised to be one of the league's highest-scoring offenses. He could easily be ranked higher.
Jonathan Taylor, with the Indianapolis Colts, still carries concerns, but Daniel Jones taking the starting quarterback job should stabilize the offense and boost Taylor's PPR value. He's incredibly talented and versatile, and his recent stretch of 142 carries for 723 yards and seven touchdowns in his last five games speaks volumes about his potential.
Omarion Hampton, a rookie with the Los Angeles Chargers, is an elite prospect stepping into what projects to be a run-heavy system. He has the potential to be an overall RB1, and it would be surprising if he finished outside the top 12 at his position.
Rounding out the top 10 is Bucky Irving of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He's poised to take that next step into fantasy superstardom, edging out other strong contenders for this final spot. It's a testament to his potential to become a true fantasy force.
