The Path To RB-1

Chew picks four Running Backs in the hunt to finish as the RB-1 in fantasy in 2025.

There can only be one RB-1! But for the sake of this article I will make the case for four RB’s that have what it takes to finish as THE RB-1 in 2025. Since it’s no fun to just pick the usual suspects, I will pick two RB’s in the 1-12 range of redraft rankings and two from the 13-24 range. My selections are based on FantasyPros redraft rankings.

*Fantasy scoring settings include PPR with no additional bonuses. And RB-1 for this article is based on total points and not points per game unless otherwise noted.

RUNNING BACKS IN THE 1-12 RANGE

Bijan Robinson (ADP: RB-1)

I get it, having the chalky pick first is no fun but I’m only human. Despite not having yet finished as THE RB-1, Bijan Robinson has been top-10 in each of his two first NFL seasons. Even ascending to the RB-3 in 2024 with Robinson finishing top-5 in both rushing attempts and receptions. There is zero doubt that Robinson is the leader of the Falcons’ backfield and with Michael Penix Jr. as the starting quarterback this offense looks to be on an upward trajectory.

The Falcons focused, almost exclusively, their entire offseason on improving their defense. And an improved defense, as well as an ascending offense and one of the easiest schedules in the NFL is a recipe for Robinson to finish as the RB-1. But for the sake of argument let’s take a look at the next selection.

Christian McCaffrey (ADP: RB-6)

As a Panthers’ fan CMC has a special place in my heart and as a fantasy footballer it is much the same. A healthy season from McCaffrey means the opportunity to finish as THE RB-1, make no bones about it. CMC has finished as the RB-1 twice in his career (most recently 2023) and as the RB-2 twice.

The San Francisco offense is poised to be at worst in the top half of the league in scoring, if not the top-10. This projection is further enforced by the 49ers having one of the easiest schedules. Kyle Shanahan knows what he has in McCaffrey and I have him slated to be the RB-1 in fantasy football for 2025. The running back position is a volatile one, but I am willing to bet on CMC’s talent and opportunity.

RUNNING BACKS IN THE 13-24 RANGE

Kyren Williams (ADP: RB-13)

There are two camps when it comes to Kyren Williams: 1) He is a staple in the Rams offense and is poised to be resigned; or 2) He is expendable and will finish out his contract year with the expectation of donning a new jersey come 2026. I am in the former camp, as Williams has finished top-10 in both overall points and points per game in each of his last two seasons.

The resigning of Matthew Stafford and addition of Davante Adams should do nothing but aid Williams in the pursuit of another top-10 season. Williams is not likely to become the RB-1 leading the position in targets, but his modest work as a receiver coupled with capitalizing on touchdown opportunities could just do it. If Williams can get to at least 18 total touchdowns I think with the rest of his production he can reach the status of RB-1.

James Conner (ADP: RB-19)

James Conner is another touchdown upside play, akin to Kyren Williams, but in a different stage in his career. The 30-year old back does not become a free agent until after the 2026 season, although there is an out for the Cardinals if they are okay eating some dead cap. But Arizona resigned him for a reason and the leadership and production of Conner coupled with the underwhelming results from Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter have led to this prediction.

Conner’s best season from a touchdown standpoint is 18 where he finished as the RB-5. It is not crazy to think Conner has it in him as he is coming off a season where he saw the most rushing attempts of his career coupled with the second-most receptions. If the Cardinals’ offense takes a step forward and Conner remains in good health I do think that he is a safe bet as a top-10 RB if not THE RB-1.

So you made it this long and hopefully you enjoyed it (that’s what she said). If you wouldn’t mind sharing this in your group message with your fellow dynasty degenerates I would greatly appreciate it!