Fantasy football 2025 dynasty running back rankings, from Bijan Robinson to Ty Chandler

In the first article of this series, I ranked dynasty quarterbacks, categorizing them by tier. Now, I’m turning my attention to running backs.

With nearly two decades of experience as a fantasy analyst, I’ve learned that discussing rankings is best done with deep breaths, understanding that I’m going to receive more impassioned responses. You didn’t let me down in that regard with my QB rankings, and that’s a good thing!

You have a choice to make when determining how you’ll build your dynasty roster. Unless you’re playing within a SuperFlex format, how you value running backs and wide receivers will determine the character of your team. In recent years, the NFL has deemphasized the running back position, with most teams opting for a role-based committee approach. Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry have done their part to help reestablish some of that lost value.

For reference, you can find my full rankings on FantasyPros.

RB Tier 1

While I now value a receiver-focused build strategy, that does not mean I don’t value running backs. I also don’t believe in the Zero RB approach. I fall into the camp of the Low RB approach, favoring mid- or late-career backs with proven production. As for the Tier 1 backs below, there’s no arguing their consistent impact when healthy.

Biggest risk: Ashton Jeanty, LV
Biggest lock: Saquon Barkley, PHI
Highest ceiling: Ashton Jeanty, LV

Few will argue the names on this list, though I do struggle putting Jeanty in the first tier before he’s played a down of NFL football. As Barkley’s time in New York showed us, running backs do not operate within a vacuum. The Raiders’ offensive line leaves much to be desired, and the team has struggled for years with offensive consistency and a clear identity. Jeanty provides a new identity, but new quarterback Geno Smith will have to establish the pass to keep defenders out of the box. I believe in Jeanty’s upside, as well as his ceiling, but risk is present.

At the top of the list, Bijan Robinson is a production lock at the position and an easy selection for me, followed closely by Jahmyr Gibbs, who does share the workload with David Montgomery. Referencing workload, I think Robinson has a chance to be materially better in 2026, after Tyler Allgeier departs in free agency. If age is of no concern, Barkley looks like a good bet to run it back in 2025.

---

RB Tier 2

My rankings start to diverge slightly from those of other rankers in Tier 2. Before rage-commenting on these names, just remember my “known over unknown” mantra.

Most upside: Omarion Hampton, LAC
Most underappreciated: Josh Jacobs, GB
Biggest risk: De’Von Achane, MIA

Those who follow my work are aware of my excitement surrounding Hampton. While I was hoping for a slightly better drafted situation, patience will be rewarded. He’s built for the NFL, and it won’t surprise me if he has a better career than Jeanty.

I’ve been acquiring Jonathan Taylor in a sea of sell-side theses floated last season and into this offseason. Just look at his last few games in 2024 to see what a healthy JT can do. I’m cautiously optimistic about Breece Hall in 2025 as well. He’s in a contract year, is certain to want out of New York and will be very motivated to establish good tape. I’m buying, and I’ve seen some bizarrely low trade values for Hall this offseason.

I roster Achane in multiple leagues but remain cautious. His size is a concern, but when healthy, he produces. He needs to prove to me he can remain healthy across a full season. There’s nothing wrong with Kyren Williams here either, and I have acquired him due to value. The dynasty herd appears to be shifting away from the 2024 RB7 (PPR). I’ve been saying for years that Jacobs remains, arguably, the most underappreciated dynasty running back, and I still believe it. He finished as the RB5 for 2024.

---

RB Tier 3

The third tier of running backs remains extremely viable. In many cases, a back will drop a tier simply based on age. While the lower tier may seem suspect, it is here that I target backs for their present value. In some cases, you’ll find potential Top 5 finishers in the lower tiers due to remaining playing years, which is an arbitrage I’m willing to take if I’m a competing team.

Best value: Derrick Henry, BAL
Most underappreciated: Chase Brown, CIN
Biggest risk: Kenneth Walker, SEA
Best sleeper: Bucky Irving, TB

James Cook’s contract issue is a material event, though I don’t expect it will impact his 2025 production. The RB9 of 2024 will likely not be returning to Buffalo beyond this year if he sticks to his $15M desire. Second contracts with the same team are a rarity.

I’m not sure what Chase Brown needs to do to raise his stock. He finished as last year’s RB10, has little competition for touches once again, and, in the Cincy offense, he’ll be productive. He was a mere 30 fantasy points away from being the RB5. Irving eyes Year 2 after wresting the starting role away from Rachaad White in Tampa, and he’s been quickly climbing the dynasty ranks. I’m lower than most in my ranking of Irving, primarily due to size, but I admit that he has opportunity.

If competing, it’s hard not to be excited about Henry and Christian McCaffrey. Both are now down in value, but they have massive, league-winning potential in 2025. I’d be buying anywhere in the very late first or beyond. As for Kenneth Walker, he’s entering a prove-it season and needs to remain healthy. OSU rookies TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins fell to so-so situations, but I’d have no qualms taking either at/near 1.05 in rookie drafts.

---

RB Tier 4

Things begin thinning out in Tier 4, but value remains for those willing to assume a bit more risk than the tier above.

Best value: Travis Etienne, JAC
Most underappreciated: Chuba Hubbard, CAR
Most upside: Alvin Kamara, NO
Biggest risk: Tyrone Tracy Jr., NYG
Best sleeper: Tony Pollard, TEN

Travis Etienne is in a contract year and, for the cost involved, I’d be acquiring the 26-year-old ahead of his expected change of team. Much of this tier is filled with quality names, but with some role/volume risk, as is the case with Kaleb Johnson, Montgomery, D’Andre Swift, Tyrone Tracy and maybe even Tony Pollard. Role risk does not equate to non-production. It all depends on cost!

I love the upside-to-cost of Hubbard, Swift and Kamara. Kamara turns 30 in July but finished as the RB8 in 2024, despite missing his final two games. Tracy may have to fend off rookie Cam Skattebo for touches. The dynasty community is betting on Skattebo, though I think that is premature. Tracy didn’t look bad as a rookie.

Finally, Pollard is as vanilla as they come at the position, but he eclipsed 1,000 yards for the third time in three seasons, while reeling in 42 receptions. You could do worse.

---

RB Tier 5

We still find difference-makers in Tier 5, although we now encounter far more role risk, along with players on the precipice of aging out.

Biggest risk: RJ Harvey, DEN
Best value: Trey Benson, ARI
Best sleeper: Trey Benson, ARI
Most upside: Aaron Jones, MIN

My gut feeling was that Denver would sign one of Nick Chubb or J.K. Dobbins, and I haven’t been shy about saying Harvey now has a significant age issue. With a split role in 2025, his best chance for volume is now 2026, his age-25 season. The Dobbins signing is in no way a positive for Harvey’s stock. Run away from anyone suggesting otherwise or those unwilling to admit the downside.

James Conner is now on the wrong side of 30, and his injury history is uninspiring. I’ve been acquiring Benson on the chance he becomes the full-time starter in 2025. Should Conner remain healthy this season, Benson should unquestionably get his big shot in 2026. I fully believe Benson should be acquired now, prior to the kick-off of the 2025 season. As for Jones, he’s on the wrong side of 30 but has shown no signs of letting up. I’ll ride him one more year.

---

RB Tier 6

Best sleeper: Jordan Mason, MIN
Best value: J.K. Dobbins, DEN
Most overvalued: Cam Skattebo, NYG
Most underrated: Tyler Allgeier, ATL
Highest ceiling: Jaylen Wright, MIA

I can already feel the Skattebo truthers commenting!

RB Tier 7

Best long-term hold: Jordan James, SF
Highest ceiling: MarShawn Lloyd, GB
Most intriguing: Jaydon Blue, DAL

If you have questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out — I look forward to interacting with my readers. You can also follow on X and Threads: @DLF_Jeff.

(Top photo of Bijan Robinson: Todd Kirkland / Getty Images)

This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.