Running Back Matchups to Target in Week 2 (2025) - James Conner, Jahmyr Gibbs, Breece Hall, more

September 13, 2025

Thunder Dan's favorite RB matchups to exploit for Week 2 of 2025 - DFS running backs to target on DraftKings and FanDuel. These RB matchups are GPP and cash game opportunities.

Certain running backs are what we call "game-script independent" - meaning they are likely to get their 15 to 20 touches regardless of how the game unfolds. If their team is leading and running the football, they will see plenty of rushes, while they can still pile up touches as a pass-catcher if their team is playing from behind.

For those backs, the matchup matters a little less. But those types of running backs have become very rare in today's NFL, and so finding the best matchups where running backs can thrive becomes more and more important each week.

My goal in this weekly article will be to highlight the absolute best matchups for running backs on Sunday's main slate, with a primary focus on DFS. However, these are also running backs that you should smash into your season-long lineups and great candidates for prop bets, too. Let's get to it. Here are my top five matchups for Week 2.

Jahmyr Gibbs ($7,400 DK, $8,300 FD)

Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears

Gibbs was stonewalled by an improved Packers front in Week 1, but still caught all 10 of his targets to salvage a little value. I did predict he would be utilized more in the passing game, but many of those catches were dump-offs from Jared Goff, who was under constant pressure.

Jahmyr Gibbs had 31 receiving yards in week 1, which was the fewest in #NFL history while also having 10 receptions. pic.twitter.com/9fZyOKleb3

— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) September 11, 2025

The Lions will look to regroup and reestablish the run this week at home against the Bears. The good news for Gibbs and fellow running back David Montgomery is that the Bears' front seven isn't nearly as formidable as the Packers'. After one week, the Bears check in at 22nd out of 32 teams in rushing DVOA rankings.

Jordan Mason found some running room last week, going 15-68 on the ground, and Minnesota was able to wear down the Bears up front as the game went along. We will see if Detroit's offensive line, which was its greatest strength last season, can bounce back and create some open lanes for Gibbs to operate.

The last time Gibbs saw the Bears, he went 23-109 on the ground and added another 4-45 as a receiver. I think it's a great spot for him to bounce back this week.

Christian McCaffrey ($7,500 DK, $8,900 FD)

San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints

CMC led all players in Week 1 with a whopping 32 opportunities (rushes + targets), with the next closest players at just 23. He looked good, with some burst on his runs and receptions, reminding us of what a talented freak athlete he is, even at this stage of his career.

As long as his body holds up, the Niners are going to have to ride him hard, as San Francisco is banged up everywhere. They'll start backup quarterback Mac Jones on Sunday and will be without starting tight end George Kittle. The offense will run through McCaffrey, and I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up with 25 to 30 touches again this week.

The Saints' run defense was able to slow down James Conner last week, but they still allowed 146 yards on the ground to the trio of Kyler Murray, Conner, and Trey Benson.

Expect McCaffrey to find some success as a runner, handle the goal-line carries, and continue to be leaned on heavily as a pass-catcher, too. He's a tough fade this week in any DFS format.

James Conner ($6,600 DK, $7,700 FD)

Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers

As I just mentioned, Conner was a bit of a letdown last week in a very good spot against the Saints; however, he still found the end zone on this hard-nosed catch and run, saving his fantasy output for the day.

Kyler Murray with another touchdown pass, this time to James Conner! pic.twitter.com/Ivk8lGWGMX

— PHNX Cardinals (@PHNX_Cardinals) September 7, 2025

It's impossible not to love Conner and the Arizona rushing attack this week against the Panthers. We knew coming into Week 1 that Carolina had been the worst run defense in the league last season, and they didn't look much better against Jacksonville. The Panthers allowed 200 yards rushing to the Jags in their week one loss, with Travis Etienne Jr. leading the way with 143 yards rushing on 16 carries.

Arizona is a touchdown favorite at home, the perfect situation for Conner, who could benefit from a run-heavy game script if Arizona jumps out to an early lead. We know that Conner is a weapon in the passing game, too, adding to his reliability as a fantasy producer.

The last time Conner faced the Panthers, he piled up 166 yards from scrimmage on 19 total touches. This is the best spot for any back on the slate. Let's hope Conner takes full advantage this week.

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Breece Hall ($6,200 DK, $7,300 FD)

New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills

I have been getting more excited for this matchup with each passing day. I keep checking projections to see if the public is coming around on Hall this week, but I still see him projected to be more lightly rostered than at least seven or eight other running backs this week.

That means Hall could be a slate-breaking GPP play for Week 2. I watched the entire Steelers-Jets game and came away very impressed with Hall and the Jets offense. I was wrong in the offseason to assume that Braelon Allen had earned a bigger share of the touches. While Allen is a beast, Hall showed explosiveness as a runner and a receiver, racking up big plays one after another against the Steelers' defense.

Breece Hall looks like 2022 Breece pic.twitter.com/IaSb2Y9cOT

— NYJ MIKE (@NyjMike) September 8, 2025

Now Hall will face a Buffalo defense that was run over by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. I know Henry can do that to any defense, but he's done it to the Bills now several times, and Buffalo enters Week 2 with the second-worst-rated run defense.

It's not like Hall hasn't had success in this spot before, either. The last two times that the Jets hosted the Bills, Hall has gone for 142 and 169 scrimmage yards in those contests. With the Jets using him creatively as a receiver, not just pounding him between the tackles, look for Hall to have another big day at the office.

Javonte Williams ($5,800 DK, $6,300 FD)

Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants

Williams turned in a surprising performance in Week 1 when he handled 17 touches and produced 64 yards and two touchdowns. That was against a very stout Eagles defense, and Williams delivered two impressive touchdown runs while battling for yards between the tackles.

Yards should be a little easier to come by this week as the Cowboys host the Giants and their run defense, which ranks last in the NFL after one week. Meanwhile, Dallas's offensive line looked improved, and so the Cowboys could have a big advantage up front.

We weren't sure how the touches would be allocated in Dallas this season, but rookie Jaydon Blue was inactive for the opener, and Miles Sanders coughed up a costly fumble and was run down on a breakaway run by Eagles linebacker Zack Baun. I think it's safe to say that Williams has the upper hand in this position battle and should continue to dominate the touches while also being the goal-line back.

He's too cheap for this matchup if his role this week is the same as it was against Philadelphia.

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