Fantasy Football Running Backs: Top 15 Rankings for 2025 Redraft Leagues

“Discover the top 15 fantasy football running backs for 2025, including breakout stars, elite RB1s, and key draft strategy tips.”

The 2025 fantasy football season is fast approaching, and it’s time to lock in your draft board. With injuries, coaching changes, and breakout candidates shaking up the running back landscape, this year’s rankings demand a closer look. Whether you’re playing in a high-stakes redraft league or looking to sharpen your mid-round strategy, understanding where the value lies in fantasy football running backs is essential. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the top names to target, complete with injury insight, offensive context, and potential league-winning upside.

(This is an AI-generated article from a recently published IDP+ Betting Podcast transcript.)

Setting the Stage for Fantasy Football Running Backs Rankings

These rankings focus strictly on the 2025 redraft format. Dynasty owners should look elsewhere, as this list is all about short-term success. The ranking structure includes a few honorable mentions and then tiers of running backs grouped by upside and dependability. The goal is to identify which fantasy football running backs can truly impact your season—and when to take the right shot on them.

Honorable Mentions: Just Outside the Cut

Kenneth Walker makes this list for talent, but not durability. He’s struggled with groin and abdominal injuries going back to college. Zach Charbonnet looms large as the most important handcuff in fantasy football. Joe Mixon falls just short due to a fading 2024 season and changes to Houston’s offensive line and coaching staff.

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The addition of Nick Chubb as a possible touchdown vulture doesn’t help either. James Conner rounds out the group as a steady but aging back. He’s approaching 30, has an injury history, and plays with a touchdown-stealing QB in Kyler Murray. These backs offer floor, but not the ceiling needed for top 15 status.

Tier 3: Call Your Shot Backs

This tier contains high-upside fantasy football running backs who haven’t reached elite status. Breece Hall headlines this group with elite potential but serious risk. The Jets’ offense is in flux with Justin Fields under center, and Hall’s production dipped in 2024. James Cook showed touchdown growth and receiving skill but may lose snaps to Ray Davis.

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Chuba Hubbard has quietly posted two productive seasons for a bad team and should benefit if the Panthers improve. Christian McCaffrey comes in surprisingly low at 12 due to age and Achilles tendonitis concerns. Josh Jacobs slides in next as a volume workhorse on a Packers offense that leans run-heavy. Chase Brown rounds out the tier after an explosive finish in Cincinnati. His dual-threat ability and place in a top offense make him an exciting breakout candidate.

Tier 2: RB1 Potential You Can Draft for Value

This tier includes fantasy football running backs with legitimate shots at finishing as the top overall RB. Kyren Williams offers elite scoring upside on a trusted offense. He’s averaged over 15 touchdowns per season the last two years. Devon Achane flashed big-play ability and had a huge bump in receptions after Miami cleared out receiving targets. Ashton Jeanty, a rookie from Boise State, is a production machine with 2,600 yards and 29 touchdowns in 14 games, but he must prove it against NFL competition behind a questionable Raiders line.

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Jonathan Taylor remains a workhorse for a run-first Colts offense. He could challenge for 2,000 yards if he stays healthy. Bucky Irving impressed in limited work and looks set to command Tampa Bay’s backfield behind a solid offensive core. These backs offer a strong mix of youth, upside, and offensive opportunities.

Tier 1: League-Winning Running Backs

These are the elite fantasy football running backs you should consider drafting in the first round. Derrick Henry might be 31, but he showed no signs of decline in 2024. Running behind one of the league’s best lines and alongside Lamar Jackson, Henry is a near-lock for double-digit touchdowns. Jahmyr Gibbs enters his second season as the Lions’ lead back and should benefit from Detroit’s high-powered offense.

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Saquon Barkley is now with the Eagles and behind an elite offensive line. He had over 2,000 rushing yards last season and offers unmatched upside—if he holds up under a massive workload. Bijan Robinson tops the list. At only 23, he’s got the talent, usage, and favorable division matchups to be this year’s top back. He’s playing behind a good offensive line and should thrive with a young quarterback who will lean on him heavily.

Final Thoughts On Fantasy Football Running Backs Before Draft Day

Now is the time to finalize your board and prepare for fast-moving drafts. Every season, the top fantasy football running backs help shape the playoff picture in your league. With injury concerns, second-year leaps, and breakout rookies in play, there’s more uncertainty than ever. But with this tiered approach, you can balance risk and reward to build a dominant roster. Stay plugged into updates, trust your rankings, and be ready to pounce when the value falls to you.

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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 @thedegendoc on the X!!!