Fantasy RB Rankings - 2025's Top Fantasy Football Running Backs

This year we are tweaking the Dynamic Tier Running Back a bit. Last year’s set up might have been confusing for some - it could have discouraged people from drafting Jahmyr Gibbs or De’Vone Achane based on the setup. This year we’re slightly changing the look while keeping the same concept.

The concept is fairly simple. In the vast majority of leagues, you need two starting running backs. But there’s aren’t always 24 great backs out there. So we are going to highlight the top 20 running backs to draft that we truly believe in and then break down the next group by their usage. That way you can assess your team after the first couple rounds and make a call on what you need.

The end goal here is to give yourself the floor you need to make the playoffs and the ceiling you need to steamroll your friends and frienemies in fantasy football. This RB Dynamic Tiers have some differences from RB, TE, and QB so pay attention below. And, keep in mind - this is a concept to help you grow and think more about how to play this game. You don’t have to follow the rankings exactly but keep the concept in mind when you are drafting.

Dynamic Tier Fantasy Football RB Strategy

Top 20 Fantasy Football Running Backs

Pretty simple here. These guys in the top 20 have the best mix of floor and upside. Many of them have the starting job locked up and operate on both run and pass downs. The more of those guys you can have, the better. 

Dynamic Tier

In this next group you need to do some thinking. How many guys did you get from the top 20? How many do you need to start? Is your league PPR or standard? How conservative or aggressive are you trying to be? From there you can make your decisions on who to take to give yourself the right mix in your RB room. 

Run Heavy RB3

Here’s the truth that many folks like to ignore, especially in PPR. Starting running backs are simply more consistent from week to week. They get more carries, they get more goal line opportunities. That said, they might not have the highest ceiling if another back is splitting the work. If you have multiple guys from the top 20, maybe you pass over this group and try to shoot the moon with upside. If you only get one guy from the top group, these guys could easily be your RB2 every single week, keeping your team alive. 

Pass Heavy RB3

The path to ultimate upside from the later rounds at the RB3 position often comes from here. Guys like Alvin Kamara and Austin Ekeler that transcend their pass-catching role into every down backs. Unfortunately, when you are just a pass-catching back, you can be fairly inconsistent from week to week. Some of these guys are going to be pretty rough this year (unless the starting back gets hurt). You want to make sure you have at least some safety if possible then go crazy pulling guys from here. And, if you play in full PPR, these guys can certainly be more helpful.

Handcuff+

For the most part, these guys are not the starters. There are a few names in here that have a shot at starting for sure (like the Cowboys, for instance). But mostly these are backups. They do have enough of a defined role that you can start them in a pinch. And, if the starter gets hurt, now they have big upside. Hence the handcuff plus.

Pure Handcuff

Unlike the guys above, these fellas don’t have much value on a standalone basis. They could carve out a bigger role but they most likely don’t have much standalone value unless the starter gets hurt. That doesn’t mean they don’t have upside though if the starter does go down - especially in some of the better offenses. 

Upside Darts

At the end of drafts you just need to shoot the moon. I personally like picking some of these players over the handcuffs at times if my roster is solid enough. Some of these guys might not even have a team this year. Some might be the RB3 or 4. But I’ve identified some unique path to upside that gives them appeal. Keep them in mind late or off the early waivers. 

Color Code

Green players we are drafting at or above their ADP

Yellow players we will consider at ADP

Red players are ones we’re only considering if they slide past ADP

2025 Dynamic Tier Fantasy Football RB Rankings

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