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Week 9 Running Back (RB) Rankings & Matchups Analysis

Below you will find our Week 9 running back rankings, to help determine your RB starts/sits for this week, brought to you by Bill Dubiel (@Roto_Dubs), Nick Mariano (@NMariano53) and Ben Ruppert (@Ben_Ruppert_21).

Featured writer Ben Ruppert also highlights some RB rankings and matchups analysis for Week 9, and draws some matchup conclusions. He tells you who he likes, who he doesn't, and most importantly who he thinks you should be starting in Week 9. You can also check out RotoBaller's overall player rankings here.

Editor's Note: New users that sign up on FantasyAces, make a $20 deposit, and enter any game will receive our full season NFL (or NBA) Premium Pass for free, a $59.99 value. Just email [email protected] with your new FantasyAces username - and boom, that's it! We will email you with your Premium pass.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Week 9 Running Backs - Rankings & Matchups Analysis

LeSean McCoy is looking like he is going to play on Monday night for the Bills, which gives him an immediate boost in our rankings. Not too much higher up given Seattle’s defense is excellent against the run, however. Over the past five weeks there has been no tougher run defense to face. Shady is an exceptional talent, but Seattle has already had to stop Devonta Freeman, David Johnson, and Matt Forte over the past few weeks. Last time Shady came in to play after saying he was OK, he barely made it through a half. I would cautiously sit McCoy through his bye week, and hope he is heathy for the stretch run of your playoffs. This defense on the road in prime time will be too much to handle for Shady and the Bills run game.

It will be interesting to see how things shake out in the Saints backfield, as they enter a juicy matchup with the 49ers this Sunday. After Mark Ingram was benched last week due to fumbling the football, Tim Hightower came in and rushed 26 times 102 yards against the tough Seahawks defense. Since 2011, Ingram has received 25 carries only twice, and has no games this season with over 20 rushing attempts. Heading into this week, word on the street is the two will (brace yourselves) be in a committee moving forward. Ingram went from a solo backfield to the back-end a two-man committee in no time, leaving fantasy owners in the dust. Even in this primes matchup, I would sit both options until we see how this plays out.

The only things the Panthers defense has been good at stopping this season is the running game; they have given up the eighth fewest fantasy points to the RB position this season. Todd Gurley certainly sees enough volume to still have a productive day, but this is the team that just held David Johnson to only 24 rushing yards on 10 carries. His 3.0 YPC leaves much to be desired, but over the past few weeks the Rams have gotten him more involved in the passing game, averaging 4.5 receptions for 40 yards per game. Over the past two weeks we’ve seen the highs and lows of QB Case Keenum, leaving the defense free to stack the box and take out the Rams most threating offensive player. You’re likely starting Gurley if you own him, but this matchup will be far from an easy one for Gurley.

Those of you lucky enough to grab Charcandrick West will have yourselves a very nice week or two of production. It’s tough to predict exactly how much or how long a concussion affects someone, but here’s to hoping for a speedy return for RB Spencer Ware. In the meantime, West will carry the rock much like he did for the stretch of games he played last season when Jamaal Charles went down with n injury. Last season from Weeks 7-to-10 (before West hurt his hamstring and Ware earned playing time), West averaged 22 carries for 92 yards and a TD per game. West makes for a solid option this week against a Jaguars defense that was just torn apart by DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry last week. He is a strong play until Ware makes his return from injury.

Can Jay Ajayi keep his 200-yard game streak going? He is among 4 players in league history to hit that mark for two straight games, but no one has ever done it in three straight. He will have an uphill battle this week with the Jets coming to town. The Jets have given up the 17th most fantasy points to opposing RBs this season, but have only allowed opposing RBs to rush for 68.5 yards per game on average. Miami’s healthy offensive line has made all the difference for Ajayi, when at the beginning of the year no RB on the roster (including Arian Foster) could find room to run. This will be a great game to watch as Ajayi chases history. Regardless of the matchup, you must start him if you own him.

My favorite matchup for RBs this week comes in the Titans vs. Chargers matchup in San Diego. DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry formed a lethal 1-2 punch last week, as the pair bowled over the Jaguars last week in prime time. Both RBs played and looked dominant, and should play similar roles this week with Henry earning some more touches, per HC Mike Mularkey. Murray is still the lead back, but Henry also looked amazing last week. San Diego has been bad against opposing RBs all season long, and has seen their pass defense improve with the arrival of QB disrupter Joey Bosa. Meaning, that well see a heavy dose of these backs on Sunday. On the other side we have Melvin Gordon, who has been a TD machine all season long. Tennessee has limited RBs to only 69 yards rushing per game, but also 41 yards receiving this season. Gordon excels in both aspects of the game, so with no competition for touches he gets the buffet all to himself. Expect a ton of rushing attempts on both sides of the ball.

 

Week 9 Fantasy Football Rankings - Running Backs

Rank Player Name Pos
3 Le'Veon Bell RB
4 Ezekiel Elliott RB
8 DeMarco Murray RB
11 Devonta Freeman RB
12 Devontae Booker RB
15 Melvin Gordon RB
17 Matt Forte RB
19 Theo Riddick RB
22 Carlos Hyde RB
25 Jay Ajayi RB
30 Christine Michael RB
39 Frank Gore RB
41 Charcandrick West RB
43 Matt Asiata RB
45 Jonathan Stewart RB
48 Terrance West RB
49 Mark Ingram RB
50 Darren Sproles RB
52 Todd Gurley RB
57 Isaiah Crowell RB
59 Tim Hightower RB
62 Duke Johnson RB
64 Latavius Murray RB
68 Rashad Jennings RB
70 Bilal Powell RB
74 C.J. Prosise RB
77 Mike Gillislee RB
78 Spencer Ware RB
80 Derrick Henry RB
85 LeSean McCoy RB
86 Ryan Mathews RB
88 T.J. Yeldon RB
96 Jerick McKinnon RB
97 DeAndre Washington RB
99 Antone Smith RB
101 Chris Ivory RB
105 Shaun Draughn RB
107 Kenneth Dixon RB
115 Terron Ward RB
118 Paul Perkins RB
119 Aaron Ripkowski RB
121 Alfred Morris RB
125 Jalen Richard RB
126 Bobby Rainey RB
130 Mike Davis RB
133 Peyton Barber RB
138 Zach Zenner RB
142 Damien Williams RB
143 DuJuan Harris RB
146 Kapri Bibbs RB
150 Reggie Bush RB
159 Fozzy Whittaker RB
160 DeAngelo Williams RB
167 Benny Cunningham RB
168 Don Jackson RB
169 Ronnie Hillman RB
172 Robert Turbin RB
174 James Starks RB
180 Jonathan Williams RB
185 Travaris Cadet RB
188 Wendell Smallwood RB
189 Dwayne Washington RB
190 Lance Dunbar RB
192 Daniel Lasco RB

 


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Junior Caminero

Day-to-Day With Back Tightness
Will Smith

Won't Return When First Eligible
Tyler Soderstrom

Returns to A's Lineup
Tyler Warren

Sidelined on Wednesday with Toe Injury
Jaylen Waddle

Questionable for Week 3 Against Buffalo
Joe Burrow

Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Play Against Missouri?
Kyle Tucker

Progress has "Plateaued"
Isaac Paredes

has "Outside Chance" to Return This Weekend
CFB

Kaidon Salter Expected To Start for Colorado on Saturday
Willson Contreras

Goes on 10-Day Injured List, Done for Season
Justin Fields

Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Jayden Reed

Out Indefinitely After Foot and Shoulder Surgery
Washington Commanders

Preston Smith Signs With Commanders
Trey Jemison III

Joins Knicks on Two-Way Contract
Kevin McCullar Jr.

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Knicks
Matt Ryan

Returns to Knicks on Exhibit 10 Contract
New York Knicks

Alex Len Signs Exhibit 9 Deal With Knicks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Expected to Take on Larger Offensive Role With Hawks
Thomas Sorber

Undergoes Surgery
Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
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Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

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Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
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Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
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CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
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David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
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Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks

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