X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

NFL Running Back Power Rankings (Post-NFL Draft): All 32 Starters For 2025

Ashton Jeanty - College Football Rankings, NCAA CFB DFS Lineup Picks

Quincy Milton projects and ranks all 32 starting NFL running backs for the 2025 season. From Saquon Barkley to Rhamondre Stevenson, see where each running back falls.

The 2025 NFL Draft produced several quality running backs. The draft board did not fall in such a way that every rookie will enter a timeshare situation, but several rookies have a chance to climb their depth charts by the end of the season. Teams will often bring running backs along slowly with a more trusted veteran in front of them. However, talent always wins out.

Despite the crop of rookies entering the league, there are still several high-end incumbent starting running backs in the NFL. Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry take the cake as the cream of the crop. Others, such as Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson, will be here to stay. The running back market is back.

Now that the bulk of team-altering offseason events are behind us, it is time to look ahead to 2025. Which running backs are due to start in Week 1? Who deserves such a position? Let's dive in and examine where everyone stands in the power rankings as we head toward NFL training camps and offseason programs.

 

32. Rhamondre Stevenson - New England Patriots

Rhamondre Stevenson is still the starter in New England, but that may not be for long. The Patriots spent a high second-round draft pick on TreVeyon Henderson. Henderson is a talented running back with a chance to take this backfield by storm earlier rather than later.

 

31. Tyrone Tracy Jr. - New York Giants

Tyrone Tracy Jr. watched the Giants add Cam Skattebo to the backfield in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Skattebo will not immediately challenge Tracy's role as the starting running back, but he figures to quickly steal a lot of early down work. It is a good pickup for the Giants, but Tracy will need to continue performing to keep his job.

 

30. Jerome Ford - Cleveland Browns

Jerome Ford is still listed as Cleveland's starter, but he now has legitimate competition. The Browns added running backs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson in the second and fourth rounds of the NFL Draft, respectively. Judkins, in particular, was a highly touted prospect, and he could reasonably win the starting job by Week 1 and force Ford into a secondary role.

 

29. Javonte Williams - Dallas Cowboys

Perhaps the Cowboys have not watched Javonte Williams or Miles Sanders play football over the last couple of seasons because their actions in the draft suggest the team is ready to enter this season with those players atop the depth chart.

To be fair, the Cowboys had a solid draft overall. However, running back was a significant need, and a year in which you do not need to pay a premium for a rookie running back would have been the time to address the position.

 

28. Travis Etienne Jr./Tank Bigsby - Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Etienne Jr. should have a chance to recement himself as the unquestioned starter in Jacksonville after Tank Bigsby ate into that role in 2024. Still, the Jaguars made some noise by adding Bhayshul Tuten during the NFL Draft. Etienne is in a contract year, and it would behoove him to return to his early career form to earn a payday.

 

27. Isiah Pacheco - Kansas City Chiefs

Isiah Pacheco will have a chance to prove that he is the future of the running back position for the Chiefs but he is likely going to have to do so in a committee. The Chiefs retained Kareem Hunt and added Elijah Mitchell this offseason. With Pacheco having suffered a serious leg injury early in 2024, the team will want to keep him healthy for the stretch run when it matters most.

 

26. Brian Robinson Jr. - Washington Commanders

Brian Robinson Jr. was one of the league's biggest winners at running back on draft night. The Commanders appear prepared to enter the season with Robinson as their main back opposite Austin Ekeler. Robinson is a quality player who has earned that right.

 

25. Jaylen Warren - Pittsburgh Steelers

Jaylen Warren will be the starting running back in Pittsburgh, with rookie Kaleb Johnson assuming the Najee Harris role. I mocked Johnson to the Steelers during the predraft process, and he is a perfect fit for this team. Johnson could feasibly absorb more than 50 percent of the offensive snaps in this offense, given how the Steelers like to play smashmouth football. Warren may be better suited in a complementary role.

 

24. RJ Harvey - Denver Broncos

The Broncos had a chance to add a player like Omarion Hampton in the first round of the NFL Draft. However, the team had targeted RJ Harvey throughout the draft process and landed him toward the back of the second round. Harvey is not currently listed as the starter for the team, but expect him to ascend the depth chart by the time Week 1 rolls around.

 

23. D'Andre Swift - Chicago Bears

Many people thought the Bears would be the landing spot of Ashton Jeanty. However, Jeanty was drafted by the Raiders four selections earlier. The board did not seem to fall how the Bears would have liked, and they will roll into the season with D'Andre Swift as their starter. Perhaps Swift and Roschon Johnson can give head coach Ben Johnson the "Sonic and Knuckles" pairing he had in Detroit.

 

22. Najee Harris - Los Angeles Chargers

Najee Harris is listed as the starting running back for the Chargers, but that may be short-lived with rookie Omarion Hampton in the fold. Hampton is supremely talented with a unique blend of size and speed. Harris is a talented back in his own right, but he is not nearly as explosive. Harris will have a significant role in this offense, but the Chargers are going to be hard-pressed to keep Hampton off the field.

 

21. Tony Pollard - Tennessee Titans

Tony Pollard is entering a season in which he received a hopeful upgrade at quarterback with Cam Ward. The Titans have flown under the radar with a solid offseason, and Pollard could have a solid season in his own right in 2025.

 

20. Joe Mixon - Houston Texans

After riding Joe Mixon hard in 2024, the Texans seem inclined to attempt to keep him healthy in 2025. The team has three solid options behind him, including rookie running back Woody Marks and recently acquired veteran Nick Chubb. Mixon appeared to wear down as the season progressed. Hopefully, a rotation of backs will prevent that from happening in 2025.

Additionally, the Texans' offensive line situation is dicey at best. Time will tell how well Mixon will produce this season anyway.

 

19. Breece Hall - New York Jets

Breece Hall is entering a contract year on a team that should have an improved running game. However, the new coaching regime likes backup running backs Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, which could leave Hall in a timeshare. Hopefully, Hall can reach his potential, but the clock is ticking.

 

18. Alvin Kamara - New Orleans Saints

Alvin Kamara is entering his age-30 season and should continue to be a huge part of the Saints offense. The team would certainly like to get Kendre Miller going behind Kamara, but Miller's inability to stay healthy has curbed those plans. Expect Kamara to continue being a high-volume player even as he runs over the running back age cliff.

 

17. Kenneth Walker III - Seattle Seahawks

Kenneth Walker III is in a prove-it year. His talent has never been a question, but his durability continues to be a serious concern. Walker will perform when healthy, but the emergence of third-year back Zach Charbonnet in his stead last season will make it easier to turn the reins over if durability continues to be an issue.

 

16. Aaron Jones - Minnesota Vikings

Aaron Jones turned back the clock in 2024 and had one of his best seasons in years. Most importantly, he stayed healthy. The Vikings added former 49ers running back Jordan Mason to the fold this offseason, suggesting that they would like these backs to split time. Given the fact that Jones has crossed the 30-year-old threshold, the committee approach could play to his favor.

 

15. De'Von Achane - Miami Dolphins

De'Von Achane is a difficult player to assess. He had a hard time staying on the field as a rookie, but he was incredibly efficient at 7.8 yards per carry. Last season, his efficiency plummeted as he received a heftier workload and played several games without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. He is talented, but the question remains as to whether or not he can be a true lead back.

 

14. Chase Brown - Cincinnati Bengals

Chase Brown did not see the Bengals add any meaningful competition in the NFL Draft. As such, Brown figures to continue to receive a hefty workload. Given all the talent in the Bengals offense, the touchdowns should continue to flow for Brown.

 

13. Chuba Hubbard - Carolina Panthers

Chuba Hubbard saw the Panthers add running back help throughout the offseason. Rico Dowdle and rookie Trevor Etienne will rotate in the backfield and keep Hubbard fresh. Hubbard has demonstrated for two straight years that he is a reliable and talented player. The Panthers' offensive ascension could produce a career year for Hubbard in 2025.

 

12. James Conner - Arizona Cardinals

James Conner continues to be a reliable running back in this league. He seems to be aging like fine wine as he has produced two straight career years. The Cardinals continue to improve their roster, which will only help Conner.

 

11. Ashton Jeanty - Las Vegas Raiders

The Ashton Jeanty domino fell early in the NFL Draft when the Raiders selected him at No. 6. Jeanty is a can't-miss prospect. He is going to perform at a high level in the NFL.

The question is whether this iteration of the Raiders offense will allow him to reach next-level heights. The offense will certainly take a step forward this season, but time will tell how many offensive line shortcomings Jeanty's talent will overcome.

 

10. Bucky Irving - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bucky Irving surprised many around the league as a fourth-round rookie running back last season. Irving earned himself the role as the unquestioned starter in Tampa Bay as a result. He has a chance to take a huge leap forward in 2025 in a high-powered Bucs offense.

 

9. Kyren Williams - Los Angeles Rams

Kyren Williams is entering a contract year and has performed well enough to be deserving of a solid extension. He is a touchdown machine. As long as quarterback Matthew Stafford is healthy, the touchdowns should continue to flow for Williams. He should be a key cog in a turbocharged Rams offense in 2025.

 

8. James Cook - Buffalo Bills

James Cook is looking for a contract extension and finds himself in a bit of a stalemate with the Bills. The Bills have adopted a running back rotation approach and do not seem keen on tying up a lot of money in one running back. However, Cook has performed as well as some of the best running backs in the league and is deserving of an extension.

 

7. Josh Jacobs - Green Bay Packers

Josh Jacobs should lead the Packers' excellent rushing attack once again in 2025. This team's offseason additions could propel the running game and the offense as a whole to another level. Jacobs should continue to perform like a top-10 running back.

 

6. Jonathan Taylor - Indianapolis Colts

Jonathan Taylor should have another solid season in 2025. The team added Khalil Herbert and rookie DJ Giddens this offseason, but those moves were made to keep Taylor fresh. With quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones both providing threats as runners, there should be plenty of lanes for Taylor this season.

 

5. Christian McCaffrey - San Francisco 49ers

Christian McCaffrey has received a lot of volume throughout his career, which has caused him to experience injury-marred seasons on a few occasions. Now that he is coming off a variety of leg injuries suffered in 2024, McCaffrey will need to prove that he is still a top running back in the NFL.

 

4. Bijan Robinson - Atlanta Falcons

Bijan Robinson entered the conversation as a top running back in the league after a stellar 2024 season. Now that he is entering Year 3 at the prime age of 23 years old, Robinson could take the mantle as the top back by the end of the 2025 season. The Falcons offense should be stellar this season, further lending to the possibility that Robinson will take another huge step forward.

 

3. Jahmyr Gibbs/David Montgomery - Detroit Lions

Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery will continue to be a package deal in 2025. These two players play off each other better than any rotation in the league. Although they lost their offensive coordinator in Ben Johnson, the talent of Gibbs and Montgomery should continue to shine through this season.

 

2. Derrick Henry - Baltimore Ravens

One day, the wheels have to fall off, right? Derrick Henry continues to defy every model about running back longevity in the league. He showed no signs of slowing down in 2024, and he should be a wrecking ball again in 2025. The Ravens offense is built for Henry, and it should support high production from him until he retires.

 

1. Saquon Barkley - Philadelphia Eagles

There is not much to say about Saquon Barkley. We all saw what he just did in 2024, and although he is unlikely to repeat in 2025, even two-thirds of the production would be a stellar season. With such a great offensive line in front of him, Barkley should continue to hold his top spot in the power rankings.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Rafael Devers

Expected to Play First Base in San Francisco
Will Warren

Strikes Out 11 in Quality Start
Los Angeles Chargers

Elijah Ellis Signs with Chargers
Jashaun Corbin

Heading to Atlanta
Kyren Williams

Rams Progressing Toward Extension
Jaxson Dart

Showing Well Early
Max Scherzer

Could Rejoin Blue Jays Next Week
John Klingberg

Rejoins Oilers Lineup Tuesday
Tylor Megill

Placed on 15-Day Injured List, Out 4-5 Weeks With Elbow Sprain
Kasperi Kapanen

Returns to Oilers Lineup for Game 6
Stuart Skinner

Back in Oilers Crease Tuesday
Gabriel Moreno

Scratched on Tuesday With Sore Hand
Rory McIlroy

a Good Course Horse at TPC River Highlands
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend Title at Travelers Championship
Viktor Hovland

a Strong Play at Travelers Championship
Deebo Samuel Sr.

Dan Quinn Says Deebo Samuel Sr. Still Has Plenty of Speed
Sam Burns

' Near Miss at Oakmont May Not Mean Big Things at Travelers
Jalen Coker

Not a Roster Lock?
Ludvig Aberg

Looks to Rebound at Travelers Championship
Ryan Fitzgerald

Favored to Win Panthers Kicking Job?
Efton Chism III

Mixing in with First-Team Offense
Jurickson Profar

Starting Rehab Assignment on Tuesday
Derion Kendrick

Rams Bring Back Derion Kendrick
Jalin Hyatt

Leaves Tuesday's Practice Early with Leg Injury
Will Vest

Likely to Avoid Injured List
Travis Kelce

Expected to Attend Mandatory Minicamp
Travis Hunter

Jaguars Think Travis Hunter Can Play Both Ways in Full Games
Rafael Devers

Expected to Make Giants Debut on Tuesday
Aaron Rodgers

a Perfect Fit for Steelers?
Sam Howell

Could be Front-Runner for No. 2 QB Job
J.J. McCarthy

has Shown Plenty of Arm Strength
Chet Holmgren

Has Tough Shooting Night in Game 5 Against Pacers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Outstanding at Both Ends Monday
Jalen Williams

Erupts for 40 Points in Game 5 Win
Pascal Siakam

Has Best Game of Finals Monday
Tyrese Haliburton

Determined to Battle Through Calf Injury
LeBron James

Progressing Well From Knee Injury
Lucas Giolito

Strikes Out Season-High 10 in Monday's Win
Logan Gilbert

Fans 10 in Return on Monday
Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers, DeShon Elliott Agree to Two-Year Extension
Ryan Pepiot

Strikes Out 11 in Win
Hunter Goodman

Homers Twice, Drives in Three
Stephen Curry

"Not Even Close" to Retirement
Jonathan Kuminga

Linked to Bulls, Heat
Kevin Durant

Has "No Desire" to be Traded to Minnesota
Isaac Paredes

Returns as DH on Monday
New York Giants

Mike Kafka Expected to Reclaim Play-Calling Duties
Jon Runyan

Limited During Minicamp
Saquon Barkley

Feels Great Physically
Justin Simmons

Panthers Have Talked With Justin Simmons
Jordan Addison

Trial Date Set for July 15
Jarace Walker

Remains Sidelined for Game 5
Justin Verlander

Returning to the Rotation on Wednesday
Tony Finau

Finishes Tied For 38th at U.S. Open
Bud Cauley

Misses The Cut at U.S. Open
Cameron Young

Finishes Tied For Fourth at U.S. Open
J.J. Spaun

Wins U.S. Open
Xander Schauffele

Finishes Tied For 12th at U.S. Open
Robert MacIntyre

Finishes Second at U.S. Open
Si Woo Kim

Finishes Tied For 42nd at U.S. Open
Luke Clanton

Misses The Cut at RBC Canadian Open
Giancarlo Stanton

to Make Season Debut on Monday
Kamaru Usman

Gets Back In The Win Column
Joaquin Buckley

Winning Streak Comes To An End
Miranda Maverick

Drops Decision At UFC Atlanta
Rose Namajunas

Wins Decision At UFC Atlanta
Andre Petroski

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Edmen Shahbazyan

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Raoni Barcelos

Wins Third Fight In A Row
Chase Elliott

Ends Mexico City with A Great Finish of Third
Christopher Bell

has A Strong Runner-Up Performance At Mexico City
Chase Briscoe

Wild Day Ends with A Top-10 Finish
Michael McDowell

Leaves Mexico City with A Top-Five Finish
Cody Garbrandt

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Cody Brundage

Defeated After Accidental Clash Of Heads
Cody Brundage

Mansur Abdul-Malik Defeats Cody Brundage By Technical Decision
Oumar Sy

Suffers His First Loss
Alonzo Menifield

Scores Upset Win
Alex Bowman

Delivers Bravura Performance After Michigan Injury
Tyler Reddick

Inexplicably Mediocre on his Once-Best Track Type
John Hunter Nemechek

Canny Strategy Gives John Hunter Nemechek Best Career Road-Course Finish
Cole Custer

Earns Best Finish Since Cup-Series Comeback at Mexico City
Grant Holmes

Punches Out 15 in Loss
Elly De La Cruz

Goes Yard in Fourth Straight Game
Will Vest

Dealing With Finger Injury
Jackson Merrill

Placed on Seven-Day Concussion Injured List
Shohei Ohtani

Will Be Dodgers' Starting Pitcher Monday
Roki Sasaki

Shut Down From Throwing
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

on the Move to Memphis
Cole Anthony

Dealt to the Grizzlies
Desmond Bane

Traded to Orlando
Steven Adams

Rockets Agree to Three-Year Contract Extension
Ty Dillon

Is a Respectable Cap Flexiblity-Focused DFS Option For Mexico City
Corey Perry

Produces 10th Postseason Goal
Connor McDavid

Scores First Finals Goal
John Hunter Nemechek

Is John Hunter Nemechek Worth Rostering In Mexico City DFS Lineups?
Sam Bennett

Nets Another Road Goal in Game 5 Win
Eetu Luostarinen

Earns Two Points Saturday
Brad Marchand

Pots Two Goals in Game 5 Victory
Sergei Bobrovsky

Ties NHL Record with 10th Road Win
Ross Chastain

Trackhouse Racing's Mexico Focus Makes Ross Chastain a Leading Contender for the Win
Kyle Busch

One of Two Past Mexico City Winners in the Field
Ryan Preece

Earns Surprising Front-Row Start
Austin Cindric

Not as Strong of a Road Racer as People Think
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Stronger on Infield Road Courses Than Purpose-Built Ones
Joey Logano

Seemingly Alternating Between Good and Mediocre Races
Brad Keselowski

One of the Few Drivers with Mexico City Experience
Denny Hamlin

Ryan Truex Makes First Cup Series Start Since 2014
Erik Jones

Mexico City Will Likely be a Struggle for Erik Jones
Noah Gragson

Front Row Motorsports' Speed May Make Noah Gragson a Decent DFS Option
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Road Courses Are Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s Worst Track Type
Evander Kane

Drops to Fourth Line Saturday
Kasperi Kapanen

Won't Play on Saturday
Calvin Pickard

Starts Game 5 for Oilers
Tyrese Haliburton

Struggles in Friday's Loss to OKC
Chet Holmgren

Dominates the Glass in Game 4
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Leads the Way in Game 4
Jalen Williams

Has a Quality Showing on Friday Night
Russell Westbrook

to Decline Player Option
Kevin Durant

Trade Could Happen in the "Next Few Days"
Joaquin Buckley

Set For Main Event
Kamaru Usman

An Underdog At UFC Atlanta
Miranda Maverick

Set For Co-Main Event
Rose Namajunas

Looks To Bounce Back
Andre Petroski

Looks To Extend His Win Streak To Four
Edmen Shahbazyan

A Favorite At UFC Atlanta
Raoni Barcelos

Set To Take On Former Champion
Cody Garbrandt

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Mansur Abdul-Malik

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Connor Hellebuyck

Wins Vezina And Hart Trophies
Aleksander Barkov

Records Two Power-Play Assists Thursday
Sam Reinhart

Collects Three Points in Thursday's Loss
Matthew Tkachuk

Notches Three Points in Losing Effort
Calvin Pickard

Joins Exclusive List with Thursday's Win
Mattias Ekholm

Logs Two Assists in Comeback Victory
Leon Draisaitl

Delivers Victory in Overtime Thursday
Myles Turner

Playing Through Illness
Anze Kopitar

Wins Third Lady Byng Trophy
Sergei Bobrovsky

Heading Out for Win No. 15