The running back resurgence is in full swing. Last season was a perfect indicator of this, with Ja’Marr Chase being the only non-quarterback to be more valuable than the top running back. After Chase, five backs scored more than the second-best wide receiver (Justin Jefferson) and eight scored more than the WR4 (Brian Thomas Jr.).
The icing on this fantasy point delicacy is that the 2025 NFL Draft is loaded at the position. Ashton Jeanty headlines the class as an elite prospect, but prospects RB2 through RB8 can all be great for fantasy.
Must-Have Running Backs
With the draft around the corner, which running backs are values that can be relied on in 2025? Below are four must-have ball-carriers.
Kyren Williams (RB – LAR)
We have to stop disrespecting Kyren Williams. For the last two years, he has been nothing but the ideal fantasy running back. Dominating the team’s carries, his hard-nosed rushing ability and knack for finding the end zone have gained the coaching staff’s trust in all situations.
After the team drafted Blake Corum in the third round last year, many questioned the team’s commitment to the 2022 fifth-round back. Instead, Sean McVay gave him the most red-zone carries in 2024, following the most red-zone carries per game in 2023.
This year’s draft class is loaded with talent at the position, however, the Rams have larger fish to fry than the running back position. Even if they add a back on Day 3 of the draft, it’s hard to see anyone usurping Williams, barring injury.
This offseason, the Rams have been relatively quiet. Their biggest splash was acquiring Davante Adams and losing Cooper Kupp. If there was ever a 2016 LeGarrette Blount at the wide receiver position (18 touchdowns), it could be Davante Adams with Matthew Stafford. However, high-tide lifts all boats, and I can’t see this Rams team avoiding the running game when in the red zone.
Williams is currently going as the 28th player in best ball drafts with an RB11 average draft position (ADP). Yes, you read that correctly. That is behind Ashton Jeanty, Josh Jacobs and Bucky Irving. Not that those backs aren’t great for fantasy, but give me the guaranteed workload and touchdown upside of Williams over those three in 2025.
Chase Brown (RB – CIN)
As a Bengals fan and Canadian, I am embarrassed to have missed the boat on London, Ontario’s Chase Brown. His electric playmaking ability was showcased in his rookie season, however, his between-the-tackle running was concerning.
Turns out, players in the NFL can develop and grow their skill sets. Next thing we knew, Brown’s praises were being sung by the entire organization, and his downhill running had taken a huge step forward.
Based on his athletic ability and pass-catching chops, it’s easy to think Brown would be best in a committee backfield. Although the start of last year indicated this, his size is often overlooked. Once Zack Moss was out for the season, Brown’s 209-pound frame was able to withstand a bell-cow roll while maintaining efficient production.
Last season, Brown had 990 yards on the ground and seven scores. Considering he was splitting snaps with Moss until Week 8, that’s respectable. What’s more impressive is that he was fifth at the position in receptions and tied for third in receiving touchdowns.
There is some buzz that they may draft a running back this year, which would be smart considering their depth is Brown, Moss returning from injury and special-teams player Trayveon Williams. However, unless it’s a downhill bruiser in the first three rounds, Brown should be safe for fantasy.
Even if they draft a back, it’s unlikely the Bengals magically fix their entire defense in this draft, priming them for another season of shootouts. Drafting a back or not, this team has set the table for Brown to be the pass-catching back on one of the best offenses. If they don’t draft a back highly, Brown has one of the clearest paths to top-five upside at the position.
Chuba Hubbard (RB – CAR)
Another back I am embarrassed to have missed on as a Canadian is Chuba Hubbard out of Sherwood Park, Alberta. Outside of my regret, we need to give him more respect. Despite playing on one of the worst teams in the league, he managed eight top-12 fantasy weeks, with five weeks in the top seven at the running back position. This team is still a long way from being a complete team. After taking Jonathon Brooks in the second round last year, it’s hard to see them double-dipping in this year’s draft.
Unfortunately for Brooks, his NFL debut campaign came to an abrupt end after re-tearing the same ACL he dealt with in his final year of college. This team also brought in 2020 undrafted free agent (UDFA) breakout Rico Dowdle this offseason. This addition of a steady runner such as Dowdle, and last year’s draft capital used on Brooks, makes it unlikely a first three-round selection will be used at the position.
With that in mind, Hubbard should have another dominant season. This team found its stride last year and will try to continue making strides in 2025. Hubbard had a stranglehold on this backfield with a 73% rushing attempt share and 60% of the position’s targets. Even if this team is not a top offense, this usage makes Hubbard a clear RB2 with a weekly touchdown upside.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB – NYG)
A trend in this article is lesser-known backs on teams that have too many holes to prioritize backs in the draft. Based on those criteria, Tyrone Tracy Jr. might be the perfect buy-low must-have running back.
Like Chase Brown, Tracy entered the season behind a veteran back (Devin Singletary). Without injury, Tracy managed to usurp Singletary and become the lead back down the stretch. Over the season’s final seven games, Tracy averaged 65% of the snaps and 4.23 targets per game. Although these opportunities didn’t amount to ideal fantasy production, the Giants’ offense has to get better in 2025.
With the third overall pick, the Giants are frequently mocked to select Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter. However, in Daniel Jeremiah’s most recent mock draft, they take Shedeur Sanders at the top of the draft. That leaves the Giants with one of Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston or potentially Sanders under center — all upgrades over Daniel Jones and Drew Lock from last season.
Tracy has the pass-catching ability and athleticism to be a big-play threat on any down. The team has Singletary under contract for another two years and has spoken highly of Tracy’s role this offseason. It’s always possible they take a second-day back, but if Tracy manages to only share the backfield with Singletary, he could be a very valuable RB2/Flex option in 2025.
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