Dynasty fantasy football is arguably the best way to play fantasy because it allows players to treat their team like an NFL general manager. There is no reset every year, and fantasy players have two pathways to improve their team — rookie drafts and trades. Let’s dive into a few of the top running back dynasty trade targets.
- Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- Dynasty Rookie Draft Simulator
- DBro’s Dynasty Rookie Draft Primers
Dynasty Trade Targets: Running Backs
After an outstanding rookie year, De’Von Achane had another excellent season in 2024 despite Miami’s struggles on offense. While his rushing yards per attempt declined from 7.8 as a rookie to 4.5 last year, the former Texas A&M star became a massive weapon in the passing game. He led all running backs in receptions (78), receiving yards (592) and touchdowns (six). Achane should be the focal point of the Dolphins’ offense, with Tyreek Hill aging and Jaylen Waddle severely regressing over the past few seasons.
Many were surprised to see the Patriots draft TreVeyon Henderson after making massive contract commitments to Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson last offseason. Yet, that only helps the former Ohio State star’s dynasty value. Last year, Stevenson and Gibson were two of the least explosive runners, combining for only 14 breakaway runs (runs of 15 yards or more), accounting for 3.6% of their 390 rushing attempts. Henderson should quickly take over as the featured back because of his big-play abilities.
Unfortunately, the Browns still haven’t figured out the quarterback position. However, they do have their new franchise running back. Quinshon Judkins had an outstanding college career, leading the SEC in rushing yards (1,567) and touchdowns (16) as a freshman in 2022 at Ole Miss. More importantly, he should be the focal point of Kevin Stefanski’s offense, like Nick Chubb was for years. Judkins should have several seasons of at least 1,200 rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns in his career.
While Kaleb Johnson will split the backfield work as a rookie, Jaylen Warren is a free agent after the upcoming season and likely will find a better option on the open market, similar to Najee Harris this year. More importantly, Johnson led the Big 10 in rushing yards (1,537) and touchdowns (21) despite Iowa lacking any meaningful passing threat last season. Don’t be surprised when he is a first-round pick in redraft leagues starting in 2027, if not sooner.
Some might call Jonathan Taylor a sell candidate because of the superstar’s injury history. However, the former Wisconsin star remains one of the top running backs in the NFL and fantasy football despite a lack of consistent passing threat or volume in the receiving game. Last year, Taylor finished as the RB6 on a points-per-game basis, averaging 17.6 PPR fantasy points per contest. Furthermore, he averaged 102.2 rushing yards per game, his highest average since his breakout sophomore season.
Bijan Robinson is my clear-cut dynasty RB1 despite never finishing as a top-two running back. Last year, the former Texas star was the RB3, averaging 20.1 PPR fantasy points per game. More importantly, he was outstanding during Michael Penix Jr.‘s three-game run as the starter, averaging 118 rushing yards, two touchdowns and 26.8 fantasy points per game, totaling 24.3 or more in every outing. Don’t be surprised if Robinson has a Christian McCaffrey or LaDainian Tomlinson-like RB1 finish in 2025.
Ashton Jeanty is already one of the top running backs in dynasty fantasy football before taking an NFL snap. The former Boise State star led all of college football in rushing yards (2,601), totaling more yards after contact (1,970) than any other running back’s total rushing yardage in 2024. More importantly, he should be the focal point of the offense, with Pete Carroll and Chip Kelley running the show. Don’t be surprised if Jeanty finishes as a top-three running back as a rookie.
Running backs selected on Day 3 of the NFL Draft rarely maintain their fantasy value after impressive rookie seasons. However, Bucky Irving should be one of the few exceptions to the rule. Last year, he finished as the RB13, averaging 14.4 PPR fantasy points per game despite the slow start and splitting the backfield work with Rachaad White. However, Irving won’t have that problem moving forward after out-touching White 83-20 over the final three regular-season games and the Buccaneers’ lone playoff matchup.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
