Fantasy Football Running Backs Best Ball Rankings (Pre-NFL Draft)

Fantasy football running back rankings analysis for April 2025 best ball drafts for RBs in the top three tiers. Phil breaks down the best values relative to ADP.

The offseason continues to unfold at a relentless pace. The player movement that surged at the onset of free agency is nearly complete, while the NFL Draft is rapid approaching.

The fantasy landscape is also evolving, which fuels constant changes to our rankings in every format. The team at RotoBaller is providing detailed analysis of these updated rankings to help you prepare for your drafts and assemble your rosters.

This article will focus on the latest updates for running backs in Tiers 1-3 of our best ball rankings. These rankings will be refreshed as new developments create rises and declines in the stock of players throughout the offseason, and you can find the latest fantasy football rankings here.

• 2025 fantasy football rankings
• Running back (RB) rankings
• Wide receiver (WR) rankings
• Quarterback (QB) rankings
• Tight end (TE) rankings
• Defense (D/ST) rankings
• Kicker (K) rankings
• FLEX rankings
• Dynasty rankings

Running Back Best Ball Rankings

Tier 1 Running Back Rankings

Saquon Barkley, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs

Saquon Barkley is currently the first back selected during the majority of drafts in the aftermath of his historic 2024 season. Barkley stockpiled 2,005 rushing yards (125.3 per game) and became the ninth player to rush for 2,000+.

HISTORY 🔥

2K RUSHING YARDS FOR SAQUON BARKLEY 📈

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/bPbrB0Gfhf

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 29, 2024

Barkley also accumulated a league-high 345 attempts (21.6 per game) and accrued a league-best 835 explosive yards, according to Fantasy Points Data.

SAQUON BARKLEY IS GONE. 68-YARD TD.

📺: #PHIvsWAS on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/lhBWLZclYZ

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2024

Barkley secured a two-year contract extension from the Eagles in March and remains cemented atop a depth chart that contains A.J. Dillon and Will Shipley. That will sustain his role as Philadelphia’s workhorse back and solidify his status as the first back to target during your drafts.

The convergence of Bijan Robinson's exceptional talent and his unwavering versatility has entrenched him within the elite tier of running backs. Robinson soared to third in points per game (20.1) during 2024, while finishing as an RB1 in 10 of his last 12 matchups.

BIJAN ROBINSON WILL NOT BE BROUGHT DOWN 😤

37-YARD TOUCHDOWNpic.twitter.com/GMlwoexfrp

— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) November 10, 2024

He also rose to second in forced missed tackles (70), third in rushing yards (1,456/85.6 per game), and fourth in explosive runs (34) according to PFF.

Robinson also finished third in routes run (375), third in receptions (61/3.6 per game), and fourth in targets (72/4.2 per game).

Bijan Robinson with his 10th touchdown of the season!

📺: #NYGvsATL on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/xIoIiqnfaA

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2024

Robinson’s role as Atlanta’s primary back remains unquestioned, which provides your rationale for seizing him early in Round 1.

Jahmyr Gibbs's ongoing role in a rotation with David Montgomery did not prevent him from finishing among the league leaders as both a rusher and receiving weapon.

JAHMYR GIBBS TOUCHDOWN
pic.twitter.com/KppBbWQTvx

— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) January 6, 2025

Gibbs generated a league-high 16 rushing touchdowns, while rising to third in explosive runs (41), and fifth in both rushing yards (1,412/83.1 per game), and forced missed tackles (63) according to PFF.

Fun Fact: this rush by Jahmyr Gibbs was the fastest rushing attempt recorded by any player from the 2024-25 NFL season, 22.03 MPH ⚡️#OnePride pic.twitter.com/VINrLFhInh

— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔦𝔱 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 📰 (@the_det_times) February 16, 2025

Gibbs also finished third in receiving yards (517/30.4 per game), sixth in receptions (51/3.1 per game), and soared to second in points per game (21.3). The Lions’ transition to John Morton as offensive coordinator will not preclude Gibbs from delivering high-end RB1 output.

Tier 2 Running Back Rankings

De'Von Achane, Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry, Bucky Irving, Kyren Williams, Chase Brown  

De'Von Achane's favorable blend of speed, explosiveness, and versatility propelled him to RB1 production for fantasy managers in 2024.

🎥 De'Von Achane calls game with the biggest touchdown run of the season 💨 (@NFL) #GoFins https://t.co/z1QEhfhURe pic.twitter.com/oP9oHKuVu0

— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) December 23, 2024

Achane led Miami’s backfield in snap share (61.4 percent), attempts (203/11.9 per game), and rushing yards (907/53.4 per game), while pacing his position in routes run (397), receptions (78/4.6 per game), and receiving yards (592/34.8 per game). He was also sixth in points per game (17.6), and 14th in missed tackles forced (35) according to Fantasy Points Data.

.@ffvmousvon_ finds the gap for 61-yard pickup!

And peep that @AI_XLV block 👀👊 pic.twitter.com/5cR8mXyTLF

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) January 5, 2025

Raheem Mostert no longer lurks to siphon touches, and Achane is primed to excel as the Dolphins’ primary back. That makes him an enticing Round 1 option.

Christian McCaffrey was among the first three players to be selected during FFPC best ball drafts for six consecutive seasons. That includes the results from 2024, when he was the first overall selection.

49ers placing Christian McCaffrey on injured reserve, will miss at least four games. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/rGRaKGKrvC

— NFL (@NFL) September 14, 2024

His current ADP is located atop Round 2 (13/RB5) despite the disappointing season that unfolded during 2024. McCaffrey was restricted to 167 snaps/65 touches as he contended with protracted injuries (calf/Achilles/PCL).

Breaking: 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey suffered a potentially season-ending PCL injury, Kyle Shanahan announced in the team's postgame presser. pic.twitter.com/oJeUma7Zhy

— ESPN (@espn) December 2, 2024

McCaffrey will turn 29 in June. However, that should not impede Kyle Shanahan from entrusting McCaffrey with another extensive workload. Isaac Guerendo is positioned to function as McCaffrey’s backup, but the 49ers should add to their running back room during the NFL Draft.

Derrick Henry nearly led the NFL in attempts for the fifth time in his career during 2024 (325/19.1 per game) while eclipsing 300+ for the fourth time since 2019.  He also finished second in rushing yards (1,921/113 per game) and led all backs in rush yards over expected (562), according to Next Gen Stats.

DERRICK HENRY BREAKS OFF AN 81-YARD RUN.

📺: #BALvsTB on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/xXVR93t3uI

— NFL (@NFL) October 22, 2024

He also paced his position in forced missed tackles (81) according to PFF, and tied for the league lead in touchdowns (16). Henry should remain unchallenged as Baltimore’s primary back, and can be targeted early in Round 2 of your drafts.

Tampa Bay did not select Bucky Irving until Round 4 of the 2024 NFL Draft. However, Irving operated as the Buccaneers’ most effective back, while leading all rookies in rushing yards (1,122/66 per game), attempts (207/12.2 per game), and touchdowns (eight).

Screw it.. Bucky Irving highlights with Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd playing in the background pic.twitter.com/pRn73MuOdr

— Fantasy Footballers (@TheFFBallers) March 28, 2025

Irving also soared to fifth in explosive yards (400), according to Fantasy Points Data, and was ninth in forced missed tackles (57), according to PFF. Irving should remain Tampa Bay’s lead back as the Buccaneers transition from Liam Coen to Josh Grizzard at offensive coordinator. That leaves his ADP properly placed in Round 2 (19/RB9).

Kyren Williams is third among all backs in rushing yards (2,443/87.3 per game) and attempts (544/19.4 per game) since 2023. He was also fifth in both yards after contact (854) and touchdowns (14) last season.

KYREN WILLIAMS IS HYPED AFTER PUNCHING IT IN FOR SIX‼️

Rams have their first lead of the game 😤

(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/OwQ5slmGh6

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 25, 2024

However, Williams was also 29th in rush yards over expected (0.0) according to Next Gen Stats. Blake Corum’s involvement could increase during his second season, and Los Angeles could seize a back during the NFL draft. That should encourage you to avoid selecting Williams before his Round 3 ADP (26/RB12).

Chase Brown bounces off tacklers for 27!

📺: #CINvsLAC on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/WX65ZsMKYI

— NFL (@NFL) November 18, 2024

Chase Brown ascended into lead back duties for Cincinnati from Weeks 4-18 and was sixth in snap share (72.0 percent). Brown was also ninth in attempts (215/16.5 per game), 15th in rushing yards (866/68.2 per game), and sixth in points per game (18.3), and finished as an RB1 eight times. Brown also finished fourth in targets (59/4.5 per game) and receptions (49/3.8 per game).

The Bengals have now met with Henderson, Judkins, and now Kaleb Johnson…

The Chase Brown dreams are sweating bad right now

— Mike Wright (@FFHitman) April 11, 2025

However, there is a risk in targeting Brown at his Round 3 ADP (32/RB13) as the Bengals could make a significant addition to their depth chart during the NFL Draft.

Tier 3 Running Back Rankings

Josh Jacobs, Ashton Jeanty, Jonathan Taylor, Breece Hall, James Cook

Josh Jacobs was reinvigorated after signing a four-year contract with Green Bay, while flourishing as the Packers’ workhorse back. Jacobs vaulted to sixth in attempts (301/17.7 per game) and rushing yards (1,329/78.2 per game), while pacing all backs with 40 carries inside the 10-yard line.

JOSH JACOBS WENT BEAST MODE ON THIS RUN TO SET UP THE TOUCHDOWN 😳

(via @packers)pic.twitter.com/oMz5eBQMZc

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 13, 2025

Jacobs also finished fourth in forced missed tackles (67), and sixth in explosive runs (33) according to PFF, and was fifth in rush yards over expected (217) according to Next Gen Stats. Jacobs is primed to operate with another extensive workload and should be prioritized during Round 2 of your drafts.

A surging wave of anticipation has accompanied the impending arrival of Ashton Jeanty, who will enter the league with talent that is unmatched by other members of his rookie class.

ASHTON JEANTY IS UNSTOPPABLE ⚡️@BroncoSportsFB scores a third TD before the half 😤 pic.twitter.com/2Xek565tR5

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 7, 2024

Jeanty stockpiled 3,948 rushing yards (151.8 per game) and 43 touchdowns during his final two seasons at Boise State, while exploding for 2,601 yards (185.8 per game) and 29 touchdowns in 2024.

Jeanty also led all backs in carries of 15+ yards (36), missed tackles forced (152), and yards after contact (1,970), according to PFF. He will operate as a workhorse back in his eventual environment, while rewarding anyone who seizes him at his Round 2 ADP (14/RB6).

Jonathan Taylor secured the second-highest snap share among backs during 2024 (79.6 percent). He also eclipsed 1,400 rushing yards for the second time in his career (1,431/102.2 per game).

JONATHAN TAYLOR TOUCHDOWN!#Colts#ForTheShoe#Broncos#BroncosCountry#INDvsDEN pic.twitter.com/zEsEd9gWbr

— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) December 15, 2024

Taylor also accumulated 300+ carries for the second time since 2021 (303/21.6 per game), rose to fourth in explosive yards (510) according to Fantasy Points Data, and finished seventh in explosive runs (31), according to PFF.

Taylor remains entrenched atop an Indianapolis depth chart that does not contain formidable competition for touches. That provides his path toward RB1 production for fantasy managers.

Breece Hall was the first running back to be selected during the 2022 NFL Draft. However, he is only fourth among members of his rookie class in rushing yards (2,333/58.3 per game) and attempts (512/12.8 per game) since 2022.

Breece Hall is an ALIEN. WHAT A CATCH. Plays like this is why he will GET PAID PAID. pic.twitter.com/YeesVmaM6e

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 15, 2024

Hall registered career lows in yards per game (54.8) and yards per attempt (4.2) last season. He did finish among the top four in routes (379), targets (76/4.8 per game), receptions (57/3.6 per game), and receiving yards (483/30.2 per game).

#Jets HC Aaron Glenn on Breece Hall and the RB room:

• “I would say that we have three running backs on this team that we’re gonna utilize as much as possible”

• It could be a 1-2-3 punch with the guys we have

• If we can get them all on the field at one time, we’ll do that pic.twitter.com/2d3EvvEjed

— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) March 31, 2025

Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis appear destined to siphon touches in New York’s backfield rotation, which should discourage you from targeting Hall until Round 3.

James Cook led Buffalo’s backfield with a 48 percent snap share during 2024, even though Ray Davis (24.3 percent) and Ty Johnson (28.2 percent) were also utilized in the Bills’ rotation.

JAMES COOK. 41-YARD TD.

📺: #BUFvsDET on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/9aiKnkhTjr

— NFL (@NFL) December 15, 2024

Cook also tied for the league lead in touchdowns (16) and eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards for the second consecutive year. He also finished eighth in rush yards over expected per attempt (0.82) according to Next Gen Stats, and rose to 11th in points per game (16.7). Cook’s future with Buffalo beyond 2025 is uncertain as he enters the final year of his contract, but he remains capable of delivering RB1 output.

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