Elite running backs are worth their weight in gold. Fantasy players who drafted Todd Gurley during his best years were all but guaranteed to play for a fantasy championship. While not every RB1 in fantasy football will be a superstar and borderline cheat code, finding guys who finish in the top 12 at a discount can be the difference between winning it all and finishing in second place.
Last year, the top 12 running backs in PPR scoring were Christian McCaffrey, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jonathan Taylor, De’Von Achane, James Cook, Chase Brown, Derrick Henry, Kyren Williams, Travis Etienne Jr., Ashton Jeanty, and Javonte Williams. Eight of those 12 running backs finished as an RB1 in 2024 and 2025.
Unfortunately, injuries limited McCaffrey to four games two years ago, while Etienne played on a highly dysfunctional offense. Meanwhile, Jeanty finished in the top 12 as a rookie despite playing on a horrific offense, while Williams had his first RB1 finish after dealing with a massive injury earlier in his career.
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Identifying the Next RB1s
Which running back has a chance to finish as an RB1 for the first time in their career this season? Let’s look at six potential candidates to finish the year as a top-12 running back.
Omarion Hampton (RB – LAC)
Everyone is excited for the Chargers’ offense this season with Mike McDaniel taking over as the offensive coordinator. Hampton should be the biggest benefactor of the hire, as De’Von Achane was a fantasy superstar with McDaniel in Miami. More importantly, the second-year pro was outstanding as a rookie despite missing half the season with an injury, averaging 15.1 PPR fantasy points per game despite playing behind arguably the most injury-plagued offensive line. Furthermore, Hampton was the RB13 on a points-per-game basis as a rookie despite totaling only four rushing touchdowns.
Kenneth Walker III (RB – KC)
Unfortunately, Walker has never finished higher than the RB18 in any year of his career. Despite splitting the workload with Zach Charbonnet for most of his career, he has averaged 13.4 PPR fantasy points per game, totaling 13.3 or more in all but one season. Meanwhile, the Chiefs faced a two-high safety look at the third-highest rate in the NFL last year, according to Fantasy Points Data. Don’t be surprised if Walker takes advantage of a light box and dominates as the featured guy in a dangerous Kansas City offense.
Jeremiyah Love (RB – ARI)
While fantasy players are split on him, Love was outstanding in college, averaging 6.9 yards per rushing attempt in back-to-back years, totaling at least 17 rushing touchdowns in both seasons. According to PFF, he averaged 4.5 yards after contact and a 32.7% forced missed tackle rate during his two years as the starter. More importantly, the former Notre Dame star can be a factor in the passing game. Love can easily finish as an RB1 on a bad offense like Ashton Jeanty did last season based on expected volume alone.
Cam Skattebo (RB – NYG)
Hopefully, Skattebo can stay healthy after missing over half is rookie season with a gruesome ankle injury. The former Arizona State star was outstanding for fantasy players when playing over 21% of the snaps. He was the RB6 from Week 2 through Week 7, averaging 18.8 touches for 96.3 scrimmage yards, a touchdown, and 19.1 PPR fantasy points per game, despite playing an average of only 64.2% of the snaps during the stretch. Skattebo could have a sophomore-year breakout, especially if Malik Nabers isn’t ready to start the season.
Quinshon Judkins (RB – CLE)
An off-the-field issue hovered over Judkins this time last year, leaving fantasy players unsure what to do with him. However, he quickly became an RB2 for fantasy players after missing Week 1. Judkins had at least 18 rushing attempts for 110 yards or a touchdown in three consecutive games after making his career debut. Furthermore, he averaged 17.4 PPR fantasy points per game in the six contests with 18 or more rushing attempts. Judkins could be a top-12 running back this year, assuming he is 100% healthy for Week 1.
Jadarian Price (RB – SEA)
Price is a long shot to finish this season as an RB1. However, the Seahawks lost Kenneth Walker in free agency, while Zach Charbonnet is coming off a torn ACL and likely won’t play until Thanksgiving, if not later. Last year, Seattle had a run-first offense, ranking third in rushing attempts, averaging 25.8 per game from their running backs. While Emanuel Wilson and George Holani will have a role early in the season, Price should be a second-half breakout star as a featured guy and push for a top-12 finish.
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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.
