Running Back Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Picks for Fantasy Football Week 2 (2025)

September 13, 2025

Andy's running back start 'em, sit 'em picks for fantasy football Week 2 lineups (2025). Read his expert RB start/sit advice for J.K. Dobbins, TreVeyon Henderson, Jaylen Warren, others.

In the opening week, fantasy managers saw several high-level running backs post mediocre performances. In addition, several fringe running backs made a strong claim to take over their backfield, one of which we will highlight in this piece.

Even though we are early in the season, it is essential to take all the data we have into consideration when building our lineups. Even if a player was viewed as the starter in the preseason, their role could change very quickly.

In this weekly piece, we don't look at those must-start options because if you have them, you start them. Instead, we look at those low-range RB2/flex options that are on the verge of starting territory. Let's take a look at which running backs we should lock into our fantasy lineups and which ones are better off on our bench. Don't see the running back you're looking for? Be sure to check out more running back start 'em sit 'em content, and our Week 2 RB rankings on RotoBaller. Let's dive in!

Week 2 Starts - Potential Fantasy Football Booms

Jaylen Warren - Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Seattle Seahawks

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was expected to serve as the lead back in their season opener, but his usage was quite disappointing. Despite leading the team with 11 carries, Warren conceded seven attempts to the No. 2 option, Kenneth Gainwell. In addition, Warren saw only two targets in the passing game. Rookie Kaleb Johnson was the clear No. 3 option.

However, Warren was still able to enjoy a productive showing, gaining 37 yards on the ground with two receptions for 22 yards and a touchdown.

Even though it appears he may be in a slight timeshare with Gainwell, managers should not be overly concerned with him. Warren logged 46% of the team's snaps while Gainwell saw 52% of the team's snaps. However, Gainwell was extremely inefficient with the ball in his hands, posting a low 2.7 YPC and a 1.3 YPR.

If Gainwell's efficiency continues to limit the offense, the Steelers will look to give Warren more opportunities. In 2024, Warren averaged 4.3 yards per carry while posting a staggering 8.2 yards per reception.

This weekend, he will face the Seahawks, who were unable to contain Christian McCaffrey in the passing game. Even though McCaffrey is on a different level as a passer, Warren could see immediate success as McCaffrey caught nine of his 10 targets for 73 yards. Managers should not expect a nine-catch game for Warren, but this could be the game in which Warren takes control of the backfield.

He is a solid RB2 in PPR leagues and a high-floor flex in half-PPR formats.

J.K. Dobbins - Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts

While many expected R.J. Harvey to take control of this backfield early in the season, managers may have to wait until the second half for the rookie breakout. In the team's opener, veteran J.K. Dobbins dominated the backfield as he saw 16 rushing attempts and two targets, while Harvey ran the ball just six times with one target.

More importantly, Tyler Badie was able to carve out a role in the passing game, seeing six targets, which significantly hindered Harvey's opportunities. In this game, Dobbins led the way, seeing 52% of the team's snaps, while Harvey and Badie logged 32% and 17% respectively. Dobbins also saw all of the rushing attempts in the red zone.

He will face an Indianapolis defense that did not have much of a challenge, as they dominated the Dolphins in Week 1. Despite this, running back De'Von Achane had a productive day on the ground, posting an elite 7.9 YPC with a receiving score.

Dobbins may not hold this job for the entire season, but for now, he is the clear leader and carries RB2 upside this weekend. If the Broncos gain an early lead on Indianapolis, expect Dobbins to run the rock in the second half.

J.K. Dobbins turns on the jets for the Broncos TD 🚀

📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/MICnbDSpY3

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 7, 2025

Jordan Mason - Minnesota Vikings vs. Atlanta Falcons

When the Vikings added Jordan Mason to their running back room in the offseason, many expected it to be close to a 50/50 split with the veteran Jones taking the slight lead. However, in training camp, the coaching staff constantly spoke highly of Mason and viewed him as a "co-RB1"

In their season-opening victory, these words rang true as Mason not only took a large share of work but was given a starter's workload. Facing the Bears, Mason ran the ball 15 times while Jones took just eight carries. Mason posted a strong 4.5 YPC, totaling 68 yards, while Jones was very ineffective, posting a 2.9 YPC.

However, in the air, Jones took the lead as he caught all three of his targets for 44 yards and scored, while Mason saw just one target his way.

Given that Mason is seeing the early-down and goal-line work while Jones is typically the passing-down back, it bodes very well for his fantasy outlook. In 2024, Mason was very effective taking over for the injured McCaffrey in San Francisco, and the Vikings' coaching staff appears to trust him in a lead role already.

Even though he has a tougher task against the Atlanta Falcons, the Vikings will likely opt to lean on Mason as quarterback J.J. McCarthy grows accustomed to the NFL. He started off slow in this game, and if that were to happen again, expect a heavy workload for Mason. Like Dobbins, even though Mason is in a "timeshare," do not be afraid to view him as an RB2 in deep formats and a top flex option in standard formats.

He will be given the valuable red zone/goal line touches over Jones, which is most important when looking at a running back committee.

Jordan Mason Leads the Vikings in Carries https://t.co/ARgCSlOs16

— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) September 9, 2025

Week 2 Concerns - Potential Fantasy Football Busts

David Montgomery - Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery has found great success in the Dan Campbell system. However, with former OC Ben Johnson now in Chicago, this newly designed offense may take some time to find its footing. In Week 1, the Lions stumbled against the Packers, scoring just 13 points. They scored only six points (all on field goals) through the first three quarters.

More importantly, Montgomery had a much smaller role in this game. While he and Jahmyr Gibbs typically split carries and snap share in their time together, this season may be different. In this contest, Gibbs logged 65% of the team's snaps, while Montgomery saw just 38%. Montgomery ran the ball only 11 times and saw four targets, while Gibbs saw nine attempts and an eye-catching 10 targets.

While Montgomery will likely still have a role as the team's bruiser when they are in the lead, it is hard to expect this Lions team to dominate games like they did last fall. For now, Montgomery projects to be a touchdown-dependent flex that is best to sit. If the Lions struggle again, expect them to lean on their passing game, which will benefit Gibbs, not Montgomery.

Tyrone Tracy Jr. - New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys

Tyrone Tracy has trouble finding room against the Commanders in Week 1. The entire Giants offense struggled, which did not benefit the young running back. Despite logging 73% of the running back snaps, Tracy tallied just 24 yards on 10 attempts and a modest 11 yards on two receptions (five targets).

While his volume appears to be safe, as rookie Cam Skattebo is still being worked into the game plan, Tracy has another tough match ahead of him. In Week 1, the Cowboys were able to contain Saquon Barkley as he only ran 60 yards. While he did find the back of the end zone, this was a rather quiet showing for him.

Tracy was able to fund success despite being poor in offensive usage last season, but given that the Giants will likely be playing from behind multiple scores, Tracy may be in for another rough showing. The Giants' secondary was unable to contain Deebo Samuel Sr., and now they face George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb.

TreVeyon Henderson - New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins

The final player may be a bit of a hot take. While many drafted Henderson to be their RB2, as of now, the Ohio State product is not being given the volume needed to be a viable fantasy contributor. In Week 1, Henderson took the clear backseat to Rhamondre Stevenson as Henderson ran the ball just five times for 27 yards. While he did catch all six of his targets, he only tallied 24 yards in the air.

Stevenson took nine carries and saw three targets in the air. More importantly, Stevenson logged 66% of the team's snaps while Henderson saw only 34%. Similar to Dobbins in the start 'em section, the rookie behind him will eventually carve out a role, but in the early weeks of the season, the coaching staff will favor the veteran.

There is a reason why the Patriots looked to keep Stevenson on the roster, despite spending a second-round pick on Henderson.

Even though he has a favorable matchup on paper against a Dolphins team that looks lost in Week 1, his volume is quite concerning for fantasy purposes. While his pass-catching upside puts him into low-range flex territory in PPR leagues, his low volume makes him a high-risk/high-reward play and is best left on the bench if you have options with more guaranteed volume.

TreVeyon Henderson to remain a "Big Part of What Patriots Do" https://t.co/z7JXZtuZr8

— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) September 8, 2025

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