Week 1 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings for Half-PPR: James Conner, Omarion Hampton, Tony Pollard, TreVeyon Henderson, Javonte Williams

September 4, 2025

RotoBaller's Week 1 fantasy football running back (RB) rankings for half-PPR and 2025. Win more with our RB fantasy football rankings for Week 1 lineups.

It's finally "go" time for fantasy football, and kicking off the season with a victory sets your team up for success moving forward. Having a stable of productive running backs will help, so we're finally here with our Week 1 fantasy football running back rankings for 2025. Ahead of your first start/sit calls of the season, check the rankings below to see where key RBs like James Conner, Omarion Hampton, TreVeyon Henderson, Tony Pollard, and Javonte Williams stand for Week 1.

Our running back fantasy football rankings for Week 1 are put together by Nick Mariano. Below the rankings, you will also find a summary of the important RB fantasy football news for this week. There are always key injuries and developments to keep track of, so check back throughout the week for updates.

Be sure to bookmark our fantasy football rankings portal and check back regularly for updates. Most importantly, our free mobile app is a must-have - download it and configure your push notifications. We deliver all the top NFL news, injuries, and fantasy analysis 24x7 with our free push notification alerts... all for free!

Week 1 Running Back Rankings for Fantasy Football

Bookmark our PPR rankings, Half-PPR rankings, and standard (non-PPR) rankings 

Week 1 Fantasy Football Running Back News and Outlooks

Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers don't plan to "run Chuba Hubbard dry" early in the season, per ESPN's David Newton. This shouldn't come as a surprise, as Hubbard set career highs in carries and receptions last year, averaging nearly 20 attempts per game before missing the final two contests with a calf injury. Carolina added depth to the backfield this offseason, signing 2024 1,000-yard rusher Rico Dowdle and drafting Trevor Etienne in the fourth round, signaling more of a committee approach in 2025.

Still, Hubbard enters the season as the clear lead back on what could be a breakout offense under Bryce Young. While his volume may dip slightly, his role as the top option keeps him firmly in the fantasy RB2 mix.

Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore said running back Alvin Kamara is "going to get the bulk of the work in the run game," and others will be ready to step up when there is an opportunity, according to ESPN's Erin Summers. This shouldn't come as much of a surprise, as Kamara has only Kendre Miller, who has yet to really prove anything in the NFL, and rookie Devin Neal behind him on the depth chart. Kamara is at the dreaded age of 30 for RBs, but the Saints don't really have another choice but to have the offense run through him.

The volume should be there for Kamara, but how efficient will New Orleans' offense be under second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler running the show? Kamara has always been more valuable in PPR formats, and fantasy managers will be hoping for a lot of dump-off passes in the flat from Rattler. Kamara is a high-upside RB2 heading into Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler was once again deployed as the team's RB1 during practice on Wednesday. During a QB/RB drill, JP Finaly of NBC4 reported that Ekeler was given the first opportunity, while seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt followed him. Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. followed behind him as the third and fourth running backs. Earlier in the week, Ekeler was listed first on the team's depth chart, and his usage during Wednesday's practice seems to solidify his role as the lead option.

During his debut season in Washington, Ekeler served as the primary pass-catching back, but was still very effective on the ground, posting a 4.8 YPC. Given his projected role, Ekeler carries RB2 upside in PPR leagues and strong flex value in standard formats facing the New York Giants in Week 1.

De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (calf) appeared to be limited in the portion of practice open to the media on Wednesday, according to David Furones of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. The fact that Achane is practicing at all is a good sign after he missed the final two weeks of training camp with a calf injury, and head coach Mike McDaniel said on Monday that he expects the 23-year-old to be active for Week 1 this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.

Fantasy managers would be happy to see Achane upgrade to full participation by the end of the week, but as long as he's active on game day, he should be in play as at least a high-end RB2 for fantasy lineups to kick off the season. With backup Jaylen Wright (leg) expected to miss the first couple of weeks, rookie Ollie Gordon II will have a bigger role as a change-of-pace option behind Achane.

Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams will likely lead the team in rushing attempts against the Philadelphia Eagles. Purely by volume, he warrants consideration as a mid-range RB3/FLEX option in most fantasy leagues. In addition to rushing the football, he could carve out some targets, especially as the Cowboys wait to fully phase in Jaydon Blue. While Williams' volume and receiving upside are exciting, his matchup is not as glamorous. The Eagles allowed the seventh-fewest rushing yards, second-fewest rushing touchdowns, and the fewest fantasy points to running backs in 2024.

While some of last year's Eagles defense have departed, the team also brought in new faces to stop the run, including rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell. Not only could Williams' efficiency suffer as a result, but the Cowboys might also fall into an early deficit and feel more pressure to throw the ball downfield. Purely based on volume, Williams is a fringe fantasy starter in 12-team leagues, but the matchup is nothing to get excited about.

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