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Andrew analyzes the top fantasy football running back committees, looking for fantasy football RB breakouts heading into Week 2. Read his key takeaways about 7 running back committees.
We entered Week 1 with running back committee questions across the NFL landscape. We left Week 1 with running back committee questions across the NFL landscape.
There was clarity in some cities, though. We know who Jacksonville's lead running back is now, and Washington took one player out of the equation. However, other split backfields we weren't necessarily projecting (Seattle) popped up.
What did we learn from Week 1, and how does it change our projections going forward? Below are breakdowns of the backfields in Seattle, Kansas City, Jacksonville, Washington, New England, Cleveland, and Denver.
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Seattle's RB Split: Walker vs. Charbonnet
One week down, and it's panic time for fantasy managers who drafted Kenneth Walker III.
13 touches is a respectable number, especially when three are in the passing game. That's not the problem. The 24 total yards are part of the larger issue. Bad games happen, and the San Francisco defense is very familiar with the Seahawks. But when it pales in comparison to his backup, Zach Charbonnet, it's worrisome.
Charbonnet took his 12 touches (all carries) for 47 yards and a touchdown. Again, nothing terribly impressive (3.9 yards per attempt) and a long of seven yards. Compared to Walker, however, he looked like prime Shaun Alexander.
Ok, that's an exaggeration. But the Seattle coaching staff saw what we all did: Charbonnet was clearly the better of the two running backs, and it rewarded him with the bulk of the snaps. Walker got the start and first drive. Charbonnet got all but one rush on the second drive and scored. Walker didn't get positive yardage on an attempt until the end of the third quarter.
When the final whistle blew, Charbonnet was on the field for nine more plays, all goal-line situations, all but two third-down snaps, and tripled his counterpart on third-down snaps. A reminder now that Walker cost fantasy managers a third- or fourth-round pick. Charbonnet was, at best, an eighth-rounder.
There are glimmers of hope for Walker's fantasy managers. The 24-year-old battled a foot injury throughout training camp. The coaching staff may be letting Charbonnet take more than originally planned off Walker's plate as he ramps back up. It's a dangerous game, as the longer Charbonnet outplays him, the longer he'll siphon touches.
The new offensive coaching staff in Seattle is also committed to running the football. It was talked about throughout the offseason, and they walked the walk in Week 1. The Seahawks called a pass play at the seventh-lowest rate on opening weekend, trailing three teams dedicated to the ground game (Jets, Ravens, Eagles), two teams who enjoyed a blowout victory (Colts, Packers), and the Minnesota Vikings.
If that continues, there will be enough touches for both Walker and Charbonnet to be successful, but fantasy managers will still feel sour about Walker's draft cost.
#Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald on @SeattleSports on RBs Kenneth Walker, Zach Charbonnet vs 49ers: Walker, Charbonnet:
“Both played well...Both guys are playing well. Protected our quarterback...
"There’s going to be more opportunities for both of them moving forward."
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) September 8, 2025
The Steelers were just gashed by the Jets, and the Saints aren't fielding a competitive defense. If Walker doesn't show burst in the next two games and continues his year-over-year trend of lowering his yards per carry, then we'll move to DEFCON 1. Even if he does improve, Charbonnet isn't going away.
Kansas City RB Committee: Hunt and Smith Steal Snaps
The 2024 Week 2 injury to Isiah Pacheco may have changed the entire trajectory of his career. He dominated touches in the two games before he broke his leg. Understandably, he didn't have the same juice when he returned in Week 13 through the end of the season.
One week into 2025, and we aren't even sure how the former seventh-rounder looks. The Chiefs followed the Super Bowl blueprint, utilizing multiple running backs, primarily veteran Kareem Hunt. Rookie and converted wide receiver Brashard Smith also stole some snaps.
The two backups combined to match Pacheco's snap count (31), but the breakdown isn't as dire as it initially seems. Pacheco was on the field for the majority of the early down snaps and, more importantly, played in the two-minute drill (as evidenced by his two late fourth-quarter receptions). Hunt took over the short-yardage role and nearly all of the third-down snaps.
The Chiefs didn't lead Friday night in Brazil, which contributed to Pacheco's low opportunity count (eight). Kansas City is still a Super Bowl-caliber team and should be leading more games than not. Hunt will steal a touchdown now and then, but don't panic about Pacheco yet. There's a long season ahead to see him potentially return to early 2024 form.
Etienne Established: A Clear RB1 In Jacksonville
I was ready to write about how Travis Etienne Jr. established himself as the clear RB1 for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Then, the ultra-rare Week 1 trade was completed, sending Tank Bigsby to Philadelphia. And, ultimately, it changed nothing.
We have agreed to acquire RB/KR Tank Bigsby from the Jaguars in exchange for a 2026 5th-round pick and a 2026 6th-round pick. pic.twitter.com/mzHcrvbchN
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 9, 2025
The new Eagle didn't get his first offensive touch until deep into the third quarter, with the Jaguars ahead by 17 points. The early down work, initially projected to be Bigsby's role, went to Etienne. LeQuint Allen Jr., originally fourth on the depth chart, played eight of 10 third-down snaps. Bhayshul Tuten and Bigsby filled the gaps, with the rookie getting the first opportunity.
Etienne revived a fantasy football career that was on life support, becoming one of three running backs across the league to top 100 rushing yards. His 143 only trailed Derrick Henry, who dominated the Bills on Sunday night. He added three catches for 13 yards to boot.
One of the most ambiguous backfields entering Week 1 is immediately clear as day. Etienne is the bell cow and a fantasy football RB2 for the foreseeable future. Tuten is now the insurance plan and a bench stash. Allen, who could continue to see third-down work, will make a minimal impact.
The Seventh-Round RB Wonder In Washington
If you're anywhere near fantasy football X, then you know Jacory Croskey-Merritt has taken the title of your favorite fantasy analyst's favorite player from Bucky Irving.
To put it simply, the man they call "Bill" is taking control of the Brian Robinson Jr. role in Washington. It's a work in progress still: he only saw 10 touches on less than a third of the Commanders' offensive snaps. But it's coming.
When the front office traded Robinson to San Francisco, an early down opportunity opened. There were talks of Chris Rodriguez Jr., which were quickly put to bed with a healthy scratch on Sunday. Jeremy McNichols is primarily a special teams contributor. Austin Ekeler's contributions aren't changing, as we saw against the Giants, but head coach Dan Quinn limits the 30-year-old to about 10 touches. JCM is the only other option.
He took advantage of his initial chance, scoring from six yards out in the second quarter and later breaking off a 42-yard scamper to put the game on ice.
BILL GOES 42 YARDS!
NYGvsWAS on FOXhttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/Y9N9HtYMFw
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025
The Robinson role isn't a world-beater for fantasy football. Jayden Daniels, the run-heavy quarterback, isn't often checking it down to his running backs. When he does, it's usually to Ekeler. Robinson was an RB3 in PPR leagues (11.4 PPG) and an RB2 in standard formats (10). JCM will be in the weekly flex conversation, just like the man he's replaced, this season.
The New RB In New England
Every offseason, the fantasy community gets hyped about an up-and-coming rookie. Omarion Hampton also fits the bill, but the running back with the meteoric rise was New England's TreVeyon Henderson.
The excitement often leads to astronomical expectations, and the first game of their professional career can be a letdown. Coaching staffs across the league lean on veterans early, and that was evident in New England on Sunday, when Rhamondre Stevenson got the start and more carries than his younger counterpart.
Just like the situation in Seattle, the backup was the superior running back. Head coach Mike Vrabel said this week that the Patriots needed to run the ball better moving forward. Henderson averaged 5.4 yards per carry versus Stevenson's 2.1. Shifting more responsibilities to the rookie could be a start to achieving that goal.
Henderson also caught all six of his targets for 24 yards. Practice patience with the rookie. He'll take over the RB1 role soon and be, at worst, a middle-tier RB2 for fantasy football.
Quinshon Question Marks In Cleveland
As quickly as we can erase Jerome Ford from the equation in the Cleveland backfield, the potential addition of second-round pick Quinshon Judkins complicates matters. The rookie, who didn't sign a contract until last week due to legal issues, could play as soon as Week 2. Or, the NFL could hand down a suspension, and he won't make his debut until much later.
Let's run through the scenarios: Judkins is suspended four to six games, and the Browns roll with the running back depth chart we saw against Cincinnati.
Ford, the veteran of the group, started the game and totaled five yards on seven touches. Undrafted rookie Raheim Sanders, who camped with the Chargers, scored on a one-yard touchdown plunge. But, as the game wore on, rookie Dylan Sampson, the second back drafted by Cleveland in April, earned more touches.
A large chunk of it came through the air. Eight of his 20 touches were receptions, and 64 of his 93 total yards were of the receiving variety. It's fantastic for PPR leagues, and Joe Flacco has shown a tendency in his twilight years to target the checkdown.
RB targets/gm in Joe Flacco’s starts since 2022:
2025 (CLE) - 9.0 in 1 gm
2024 (IND) - 6.8 in 6 gms
2023 (CLE) - 6.7 in 6 gms
2022 (NYJ) - 13.3 in 4 gmsDylan Sampson had eight of the nine RB targets in Week 1
Next up, Baltimore, who allowed the 6th-most targets to RBs in 2024 https://t.co/daBNFxFWY5
— Adam Koffler (@AdamKoffler) September 8, 2025
The second scenario: Judkins doesn't have to be sidelined any longer and is in uniform against the Ravens. It'll take time to get him up to speed. He missed all of training camp and hasn't been with the team. Eventually, he'll replace Ford (and likely be far more efficient).
Regardless, Sampson seems to have carved out a role. He's one of the hottest waiver-wire names and should be rostered in all leagues, especially with uncertainty still looming around Judkins.
Denver's Dobbins Dominance
Which Denver running back would you most like to roster in fantasy football? Is the answer still RJ Harvey?
Just like in New England, fantasy managers are playing the waiting game for the second-round rookie to earn more playing time. However, there are more variables in Denver, complicating the situation.
Dobbins effectively did his job, totaling 68 yards on 18 touches (16 carries, two receptions), and a 19-yard touchdown run in the middle of the fourth quarter pushed Denver's lead to eight points. That's no Rhamondre Stevenson.
Harvey exploded for a 50-yard dash to set up Dobbins' late touchdown, which could help him earn playing time. Ultimately, he had about the same YPC as Dobbins if that run is removed. He caught one pass and lost a yard on it.
The rook breaks free! 💨
📺: FOX | @rjharvey07 pic.twitter.com/FBJEim1x47
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 7, 2025
The rookie's seven touches were less than half of what Dobbins got. The veteran got more work on early downs, short-yardage situations, and during the two-minute drill.
The maddening part of it all, however, was the realization that this isn't a two-man backfield; rather, it's a three-headed monster with Tyler Badie playing as many third-down snaps as Dobbins and Harvey combined.
This backfield has the most room to change, and it would benefit fantasy managers if the three were whittled to two. Harvey and Dobbins could both be in flex consideration if that's the case. For now, however, Harvey is a bench stash until his opportunities increase. Dobbins can be flexed in all formats.
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