“Full dynasty rankings and analysis of 2025 fantasy football running backs. Breakdowns by tier, including rookies, stars, and aging veterans.”
In dynasty fantasy football, running backs remain one of the most valuable—and volatile—assets. Age, usage, health, and scheme can rapidly change a player’s outlook. The 2025 offseason introduced new opportunities for rookies while reshaping roles for several veterans. This article breaks down the top fantasy football dynasty running backs, organized by tiers, based solely on current trends and production outlook.
(This is an AI-generated article from a recently published IDP+ Betting Podcast transcript.)
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Honorable Mentions: Just Outside the Top 12 of Dynasty Running Backs
While not in the top 12, these running backs still carry dynasty relevance and upside.
Omarian Hampton – Los Angeles Chargers
Hampton lands in a great situation. He joins Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers, who will feature a run-heavy offense with a strong offensive line. He’ll split touches with Najee Harris but should get early-down and goal-line work. Hampton’s physical style fits Harbaugh’s philosophy. He may not be flashy, but the volume and system support his value.
TreVeyon Henderson – New England Patriots
Henderson is an elite athlete who fell in the draft due to landing spot. He joins a Patriots team with a poor offensive line. He’s expected to share touches with Rhamondre Stevenson. While his raw ability is impressive, the environment limits his immediate upside. He’s a strong stash in deeper leagues or rebuilds but is just outside the top 12 dynasty running backs.
Josh Jacobs – Green Bay Packers
Jacobs is coming off a massive season—over 1,300 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. But he’s entering his age-27 season. The Packers’ offensive line is declining, which could lower his efficiency. Jacobs remains a workhorse for now but may have limited long-term value. A classic “win-now” dynasty piece.
Christian McCaffrey – San Francisco 49ers
Once the most valuable dynasty back, McCaffrey now enters his age-29 season. He’s dealt with a PCL strain and Achilles tightness. Still productive, but risk is mounting. While he’s not yet done, dynasty managers should temper expectations and consider exit strategies if rebuilding. We can no longer trust him as a dynasty running back.
Tier 3: Can Tote the Rock (RBs 9–12)
These running backs provide solid production with either injury, age, or usage concerns.
RB12. Kenneth Walker – Seattle Seahawks
Walker remains one of the most explosive backs in the league. However, injury issues have limited his availability. Sam Darnold taking over at quarterback may benefit the run game under new coach Mike Macdonald. Walker’s big-play upside and touchdown potential keep him in the top 12.
RB11. Devon Achane – Miami Dolphins
Achane is a smaller back but delivers massive efficiency. He thrives in Mike McDaniel’s offense, both rushing and catching passes. Durability is his main concern. If he stays healthy, he can be an RB1 in any given week. A valuable dynasty asset, but managers must manage the risk. That’s why he’s lower on our dynasty running backs list.
RB10. James Cook – Buffalo Bills
Cook had a breakout year with 1,000 rushing yards and 16 total touchdowns. He also saw decent receiving usage. The concern is competition from the RB room behind him and potential contract uncertainty. If he keeps the lead role, he’s a strong dynasty option, but nothing is guaranteed.
RB9. Breece Hall – New York Jets
Hall is one of the league’s most talented young backs. He had 876 rushing yards and five touchdowns in a split backfield. With Justin Fields joining the team, expect an uptick in rushing attempts. Hall’s explosive ability and improving situation make him a strong hold and top-10 dynasty running back.
Tier 2: Big Trust (RBs 5–8)
These backs are secure dynasty options with high floors and weekly usage upside.
RB8. Chase Brown – Cincinnati Bengals
Brown seized control of the Bengals’ backfield in 2024. He tallied 990 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, and 54 catches. He also added four receiving touchdowns. With Joe Burrow healthy and the offense clicking, Brown is a major part of this system. His age and versatility make him a rising dynasty star.
RB7. Kyren Williams – Los Angeles Rams
Williams became a true workhorse for the Rams. He logged 1,299 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns last season. With the offense transitioning under a new quarterback, Williams may see even more volume. His durability and workload are positives, but he doesn’t offer elite speed or receiving upside.
RB6. Jonathan Taylor – Indianapolis Colts
Taylor is back to form. He ran for nearly 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns. He remains a pure runner, not a big receiver. Despite injury concerns in the past, his current form keeps him elite. With Anthony Richardson improving at quarterback, Taylor could dominate early-down and red-zone work.
RB5. Bucky Irving – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Irving has taken over the Buccaneers’ backfield. At just 22 years old, he’s already shown home-run ability on the ground and through the air. Rashad White is now an afterthought. Irving offers youth, production, and long-term upside—all key dynasty traits.
Tier 1: Elite Fantasy Football Dynasty Running Backs (Top 4)
These players are league-changers with strong youth, roles, and upside.
RB4. Ashton Jeanty – Las Vegas Raiders
Jeanty dominated college with 29 touchdowns in his final season. He joins a Raiders team that offers immediate opportunity. With minimal competition, Jeanty could be a three-down back from day one. His ceiling is massive if the team leans into his skillset.
RB3. Saquon Barkley – Philadelphia Eagles
Barkley nearly broke the NFL rushing record in 2024. He’s behind the best offensive line in football, even with Jalen Hurts siphoning goal-line carries. He remains one of the most gifted runners in the league. As long as he stays healthy, Barkley is a weekly difference-maker.
RB2. Jahmyr Gibbs – Detroit Lions
Gibbs broke out in year two. He posted over 1,300 rushing yards, 15 rushing touchdowns, and contributed as a receiver. He has fully overtaken David Montgomery in Detroit’s backfield. His youth and versatility make him an elite dynasty asset.
RB1. Bijan Robinson – Atlanta Falcons
The clear RB1 in dynasty formats. Bijan rushed for nearly 1,500 yards, added 14 touchdowns, and caught 40 passes. He hasn’t missed a game in two years. Robinson is still only 22 and the focal point of Atlanta’s offense. His upside, age, and consistency make him the top dynasty running back.
Final Thoughts on Dynasty Running Backs
The fantasy football dynasty running backs landscape is as deep as it’s ever been. Elite young talent like Robinson, Gibbs, and Jeanty headline the top tier. Veterans such as Barkley and Taylor remain reliable options, though age and usage must be monitored.
Managers must weigh production, opportunity, and age when building long-term rosters. Rookies like Irving and Brown are rising fast, while names like McCaffrey and Jacobs enter decline phases. Staying ahead of these trends will determine dynasty success in 2025 and beyond.
Thank you for reading this article by @IDP_Plus. This article was created using IDP+ AI and edited by an IDP+ Staff Member. Be sure to check out the video above, which this article is based on. Follow the host @Prof_Lock2 on the X!
