🏈

Fantasy Football RB Rankings Overview

Aug 9, 2025

Overview

The speaker provides an updated ranking of fantasy football running backs for the upcoming season, analyzing tiers, expected performance, and key factors affecting each player's outlook. They also highlight several players just outside the top 24 and outline potential sleeper picks.

Top Tier Running Backs (Tier 1)

  • Jir Gibbs is now ranked number one due to increased usage in training camp and higher receiving upside.
  • Bejian Robinson is second; both Gibbs and Robinson offer top-tier ceilings.
  • Saquon Barkley is third, considered a safe option but with anticipated regression compared to the top two.

Tier Two Running Backs and Upside Candidates

  • Derrick Henry leads tier two, expected to remain a top-five back due to volume.
  • Bucky Irving has high upside based on rookie performance and increased workload potential.
  • Ashton Gentry is considered underrated and poised for success in a run-heavy offense.

Notable Running Backs in Tiers Two and Three

  • Josh Jacobs is ranked seventh, expected to benefit from more goal-line carries and increased offensive production.
  • Devon Achan offers significant upside if he remains healthy, though concerns focus on quarterback play.
  • Jonathan Taylor’s ranking is tempered by uncertainty at quarterback and inconsistent early-season performance.
  • Kyren Williams offers a high floor if Matthew Stafford remains healthy, but upside is limited by potential offensive struggles.
  • Chase Brown is a solid pick but limited by competition for touches within a pass-heavy Cincinnati offense.
  • Breece Hall is projected to rebound due to improved offensive strategy despite previous inefficiency.

Later Tier Running Backs and Risks (Tiers Three and Four)

  • Christian McCaffrey is risky at first-round ADP due to injury concerns but has high ceiling if healthy.
  • James Cook could become an RB1 if volume increases, but touchdown regression is likely.
  • Kenneth Walker remains highly efficient but has persistent injury risk.
  • Alvin Kamara’s value lies in receiving work; rushing efficiency is less reliable.
  • James Conner is aging and injury-prone, though productive when healthy.
  • Chuba Hubbard is a safe, low-ceiling flex option.
  • DeAndre Swift’s opportunity depends on team commitment and quarterback development.

Emerging Players and Depth Options

  • Omari and Hampton has high ceiling but will need Najee Harris to miss time for larger workload.
  • David Montgomery’s value may decline due to offensive line changes but remains a strong goal-line back.
  • Tank Bigsby is touted as a breakout candidate after an impressive second year.
  • RJ Harvey is explosive but shares workload with JK Dobbins.
  • Tony Pollard is a must-draft for steady RB2 production if Tennessee’s offense improves.

Players on the Outside Looking In

  • Nick Chubb's value depends on Joe Mixon's health status.
  • Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason could both be top-24 backs depending on usage and health.
  • Caleb Johnson may surpass Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh due to offensive scheme.
  • Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Samson’s outlook is uncertain due to legal concerns and contract status.
  • Jerome Ford unlikely to be a primary option in Cleveland.
  • Cam Scatabo, Trey Benson, Isaac Guerendo, Alexander Mattison, Jaylen Wright, and Trayvon Henderson are sleeper picks if injuries occur ahead of them.
  • Rhamondre Stevenson is projected to start in New England, delaying Henderson’s breakout.

Decisions

  • Jir Gibbs ranked as new RB1 over Bejian Robinson and Saquon Barkley
  • Tank Bigsby elevated as top Jacksonville RB for 2025
  • Quinshon Judkins dropped from top 24 due to legal uncertainty

Action Items

  • TBD – Speaker: Monitor Joe Mixon’s status to adjust Nick Chubb’s ranking.
  • TBD – Speaker: Track Matthew Stafford’s health for impact on Kyren Williams.
  • TBD – Speaker: Watch preseason performance for updates on depth chart battles.

Full transcript