TOP 10 RUNNING BACKS FOR 2025-26 SEASON
By Bryon Powell / Fantasy Football Stock Market / 8/12/25
Let’s take a look at the best of the best when it comes to fantasy football running backs for the upcoming season.
The top of the list is undisputed with Saquon Barkley taking the number one spot. Last season he finished the year with 2005 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns, mind blowing stats. Barkley returns to the same situation in Philly with the core of his offensive line returning, and they also used some draft picks on the offensive line. Barring an injury, I see no reason why Barkley would not repeat as the number 1 running back!
The number two running back is Jahmyr Gibbs is a solid second pick. With two NFL seasons under his belt this running back posted impressive numbers last season with 1412 yards on the ground, 517 receiving yards and 20 total touchdowns. Even though Detroit had a change at the offensive coordinator position, they should continue to lean on the powerful rushing attack of Gibbs and Montgomery to set up the passing game with Goff.
The third player on this list is Bijan Robinson who posted similar numbers to Gibbs. Robinson is also coming off his second season and did so with some strong numbers. Posting 1456 rushing yards, 431 receiving yards and 15 total touchdowns in his second NFL season. The Falcons transitioned to Michael Penix with 3 games to go in the season and during that stretch Robinson finished as the RB8, RB3 and RB2 on those weeks. Penix is set to start the season as the QB1 and that should translate to a big season for Robinson!
At the number four spot we have another seasoned veteran with Derrick Henry. Now I know that some of you will say that he is too old, and due to break down. However last season he posted his second-best rushing yardage total of his career with 1921 rushing yards. The Ravens one-two punch of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry proved to be too much for most defenses. This tandem will look to keep things rolling for the 2025-26 season.
The fifth player is rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, this first round pick has very high expectations. The Raiders had one of the worst run games last year, so it would not take much to improve on those stats. New head coach Pete Caroll, and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly look to light the fire with lots of new pieces. After his first preseason outing the expectations are simmering, but I think when the season rolls around Jeanty will light up the scoreboard.
Our sixth player on the board is De’Von Achane who finished as the #5 PPR fantasy running back last season. Keep in mind that Tua missed 4 games last season, and even after his return never really found the spark to propel the offense. Achane put up good numbers with 907 rushing yards, and 592 receiving yards with 12 total touchdowns. I think the receiving yards keep Achane in the top 10 for another season.
The seventh running back on the list is Josh Jacobs entering his seventh season and his second year in Green Bay. Last year Jacobs continued his dominance finishing as the #6 running back in PPR on the year. Since Jacobs has entered the league, he has finished in the top eleven fantasy running backs four times. The two seasons that he did not finish in the top eleven were seasons that he did not play a full season of games. Josh Jacobs will continue this path with a young strong Green Bay team.
Our eighth running back is Kyren Williams, with 3 seasons under his belt in LA. Since Williams has taken over the starting role in 2023, he has finished RB7 both seasons. When your have Matthew Stafford at the helm the defense always must respect his arm and that makes room for Williams to run the ball. I expect Williams to continue racking up top 10 finishes for the foreseeable future.
The ninth running back is James Cook, this is expecting that cook gets his contract matter resolved before the season begins. Cook just finished his 3rd NFL season, and each year he has been creeping up the RB big board. Last year he took the leap due to his touchdown production. In his first two seasons he finished with 6 and 3 touchdowns on the year. Last year he exploded with 18 total touchdowns, propelling him to the number 8 running back in PPR formats. While there are some questions, with the contract and can he repeat that kind of touchdown production. I believe that Cook will continue to improve as a running back!
The final running back on the list at the ten spot could be too low, with Chase Brown. I honestly think that he could finish in the top 5 RBs for the 2025 season. He has an elite QB, and elite WR1, coming into his 3rd season I believe that he is primed to take off! Last season was the first year that he took over after the departure of Joe Mixon, and he finished as the RB10 in PPR leagues, with 990 rushing yards, 360 receiving yards and 11 total touchdowns. The situation is just too good, to pass up on I am drafting Chase early and often!
RB player data, Sleeper Fantasy Football, retrieved on 08/05/25, www.sleeper.com
