Super Bowl LIX has come and gone, marking not just the end of the NFL season but the dawn of an exhilarating offseason. With free agency and trades on the horizon, the excitement is palpable! As we gear up for what promises to be an action-packed 2025 season, I’ve put together my second edition of the Way-Too-Early Running Back Rankings 2.0. Let’s dive in!
2024 Running Back Breakouts
Last season was a rollercoaster for running backs, with some emerging as fantasy powerhouses. Chase Brown burst onto the scene, claiming a spot in the top 10 for running backs. Meanwhile, Bucky Irving transformed into a reliable fantasy starter with the Buccaneers, making waves in the fantasy community. Not to be overlooked, Chuba Hubbard surprised everyone with a top-15 finish, while Rico Dowdle went from being a fantasy afterthought to a top-25 running back. These breakout performances remind us that anything can happen in the NFL!
Disappointments in 2024
However, not every running back had a season to remember. The fantasy world was left scratching its head over the underwhelming performances of Christian McCaffrey and Travis Etienne Jr. Both were drafted as top-10 running backs, yet neither managed to crack the top 30. Other players like Rashaad White, Rhamondre Stevenson, Javonte Williams, and Zamir White also fell short of expectations. What went wrong for these players? Was it injuries, poor offensive line play, or simply bad luck? The questions linger as we look ahead.
What to Expect This Offseason
As we transition into the offseason, the landscape is set to change dramatically. Key players like Aaron Jones, J.K. Dobbins, and Najee Harris could be donning new jerseys as free agents. Additionally, the influx of young talent from college football is on the horizon. One name to keep an eye on is Ashton Jeanty from Boise State, who could make a significant impact and potentially break into the top 20 running backs.
Fabs’ Way-Too-Early Running Back Rankings 2.0
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter! Here’s a look at my second way-too-early rankings for fantasy running backs heading into next season:
| RK | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bijan Robinson | ATL |
| 2 | Saquon Barkley | PHI |
| 3 | Jahmyr Gibbs | DET |
| 4 | De’Von Achane | MIA |
| 5 | Derrick Henry | BAL |
| 6 | Breece Hall | NYJ |
| 7 | Kyren Williams | LAR |
| 8 | Jonathan Taylor | IND |
| 9 | Josh Jacobs | GB |
| 10 | James Cook | BUF |
| 11 | Chase Brown | CIN |
| 12 | Bucky Irving | TB |
| 13 | Christian McCaffrey | SF |
| 14 | Alvin Kamara | NO |
| 15 | Joe Mixon | HOU |
| 16 | Kenneth Walker III | SEA |
| 17 | Chuba Hubbard | CAR |
| 18 | Isiah Pacheco | KC |
| 19 | James Conner | ARI |
| 20 | David Montgomery | DET |
| 21 | Tony Pollard | TEN |
| 22 | J.K. Dobbins | LAC |
| 23 | Aaron Jones | MIN |
| 24 | Tyrone Tracy Jr. | NYG |
| 25 | Brian Robinson Jr. | WAS |
| 26 | D’Andre Swift | CHI |
| 27 | Najee Harris | PIT |
| 28 | Rico Dowdle | DAL |
| 29 | Rhamondre Stevenson | NE |
| 30 | Rachaad White | TB |
| 31 | Travis Etienne Jr. | JAC |
| 32 | Jaylen Warren | PIT |
| 33 | Nick Chubb | CLE |
| 34 | Javonte Williams | DEN |
| 35 | Tyjae Spears | TEN |
| 36 | Tank Bigsby | JAC |
| 37 | Zach Charbonnet | SEA |
| 38 | Isaac Guerendo | SF |
| 39 | Jerome Ford | CLE |
| 40 | Trey Benson | ARI |
| 41 | Jaylen Wright | MIA |
| 42 | Blake Corum | LAR |
| 43 | Tyler Allgeier | ATL |
| 44 | Jaleel McLaughlin | DEN |
| 45 | Jordan Mason | SF |
| 46 | Audric Estime | DEN |
| 47 | Roschon Johnson | CHI |
| 48 | Alexander Mattison | LV |
| 49 | Ray Davis | BUF |
| 50 | Zack Moss | CIN |
As we look ahead to the 2025 season, these rankings will undoubtedly evolve. Who will rise to the occasion, and who will falter? The drama of the NFL never ceases to amaze, and the offseason is just the beginning. Stay tuned as we continue to analyze player movements, draft picks, and potential trades that will shape the upcoming season. The excitement is just getting started!
