Fantasy Football Draft: Top 5 Running Backs
Fantasy football draft season is here… and every NFL pick matters. If you’ve been grinding mock drafts, scrolling through rankings, or arguing with friends about who’s going to be RB1 in NFL 2025 season, you’re not alone. The running back position might not dominate first rounds the way it once did, but make no mistake: a strong RB can still make or break your season.
With only 32 starting running backs in the league, and a majority of those running backs in committees, snagging a top option will help ensure success every week. The following running backs are my favorites to finish in the top 5 in 2025.
#1: Bijan Robinson Lives Up to the Hype
Falcons running back Bijan Robinson comes into the 2025 season poised to finish as the No. 1 in fantasy football. Robinson came into the league with high hopes and has finished in the top 10 in his first two seasons. Most notably, Robinson finished last season as the third-best fantasy football running back.
Now, Robinson joins second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the Falcons backfield. In Penix’s three starts in 2024, Robinson averaged 26.8 PPR points per game. For reference, Saquon Barkley led all running backs in points per game last season with 22.2 PPR points.
So make sure to jump on the Robinson train before it is too late!
#2: Jahmyr Gibbs Picks Up Where He Left Off
Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has found himself in a committee backfield during his first two NFL seasons. Even in a committee, Gibbs finished as the RB1 in total points in PPR leagues last season.
We saw the elite upside of Gibbs when fellow running back David Montgomery battled injury towards the end of the season. Gibbs scored an incredible 31.5 PPR points per game in the final four games of 2024.
If Gibbs can pick up where he left off, he is in store for an incredible NFL 2025 season.
#3: Christian McCaffrey Returns from Injury with Vengeance
49ers running back Christian McCaffrey disappointed fantasy football owners last season. McCaffrey finished as the RB69 overall in PPR leagues. His low finish was due to only playing four games all season.
In 2025, McCaffrey hopefully will have recovered from lower-body injuries that hampered him throughout last season. The 49ers are struggling at the wide receiver position, with Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings expected to miss time due to injuries.
My expectations steer me to think McCaffrey will be used heavily in the run and pass game!
#4: Ashton Jeanty Takes Over the Run Game in Las Vegas
The Raiders selected Ashton Jeanty with the sixth overall pick in April’s NFL Draft. Jeanty, the Heisman runner-up in his final college season, looks to be the workhorse running back in a Raiders offense that desperately needs someone to fill that role.
While Jeanty has no NFL experience, he dominated college football last season, rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns. If Jeanty can produce at half that level, he will be an easy pick to finish in the top 5.
#5: King Henry Continues His Dominance
Derrick Henry joined the Ravens’ explosive offense last offseason. Henry finished as the RB4 overall in PPR leagues in his first season in Baltimore. The Ravens have shown confidence in Henry during the offseason, as they haven’t added any competition in the running back room.
Henry has been one of the most dominant fantasy football players for nearly a decade, and even at age 31, there are no signs of slowing down.
It is safe to say you can choose Henry with confidence in the NFL draft picks.
Top 5 Running Back Positions? Make Your Call in NFL Survivor
The 2024 season reminded us just how important elite running backs still are. Whether it’s a rookie with upside or a veteran powerhouse, the right RB can tilt a matchup in your favor every single week. Draft wisely, and you’ll have a foundation that can carry you through injuries, bye weeks, and those inevitable “what just happened?” fantasy moments.
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Fantasy Football Drafts: FAQs
Q: Should I draft a running back in the first round?
It depends on your draft slot and league scoring format. In PPR leagues, wide receivers often go early, but if one of the elite RBs (like Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs) falls to you, it’s still a great pick.
Q: Is it risky to draft rookies like Ashton Jeanty?
Rookies always carry some risk, but high draft capital plus a clear path to touches makes Jeanty a strong upside play. If you draft him, balance your roster with safer, proven players.
Q: Who is the safest RB pick in 2025?
Derrick Henry continues to show remarkable consistency, and Bijan Robinson has one of the highest floors in fantasy football. Both should deliver week-to-week production you can trust.
Q: How important is handcuffing running backs?
Very. Injuries are common at RB, so drafting the backup (or “handcuff”) to your starter protects your roster. For example, if you draft Christian McCaffrey, consider rostering Elijah Mitchell.
Q: What’s the difference between fantasy football and NFL Survivor?
Fantasy football is about managing your team all season long, while BullRush’s NFL Survivor is a weekly elimination contest. Instead of managing rosters, you’re making survival picks, and the prizes keep stacking up.
