I explored my first 6 of my Preseason Top 12 RBs for fantasy football yesterday and I was surprised there was not much push back with some of my Top 6.
With my second six, it was tough to squeeze in all the players who I believe could have RB1-type years.
But that’s what these lists are for – starting points for the 2025 fantasy football season.
No. 7: Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco
If CMC could stay healthy … How many managers have muttered those words in three of the last five years. When he’s on the field, he has the talent to be the overall RB1 in any given week of the season and the top guy at the end of the season.
But … he’s averaged less than 10 games played a season for the during the last five years. However, during the two years he played 16 and 17 games, he averaged 24.45 and 20.96 fantasy points a game. The upside potential is there but his health is the biggest concern for the 49ers RB1.
No. 8: Josh Jacobs, Green Bay
It’s hard to believe Jacobs scored three TDs twice in games last season but still couldn’t crack the overall RB1 in either of those weeks. It’s because of the depth the Green Bay receiving corps. He only saw 1 target in those two games. This hampers his upside in my opinion.
But it is hard to keep a workhorse RB out of the Top 12 RBs for the 2025 fantasy football season. He rushed for more than 1,300 yards and 15 TDs, while adding 36 receptions for 342 yards and another TD. I believe without a proven back-up for the upcoming season Jacobs should see 300-plus touches again this season.
No. 9: Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis
It was a weird season in 2024 for Taylor. Played well for the first four games for the Colts before getting injured, returned and was mediocre in the first 6 games after returning from injury and then there was the final four games. He averaged 25.63 fantasy points a game in those final four games, including twice as the No. 1 overall RB.
But two things are a concern – his injuries and who is going to be his QB at the start of the season? He has missed three or more games in his past three seasons, limiting his overall RB1 upside. And the Colts still don’t know what to do with Anthony Richardson at QB. The team brought in Daniel Jones during free agency to compete with Richardson, but either option can limit Taylor’s upside.
No. 10: Kyren Williams, LA Rams
He may not be flashy but Williams may be the best short yardage runner in the NFL despite his size. He’s not your prototypical RB but he does all the little things well for the Rams – a great runner in tight spaces, scores TDs (31 in the last two seasons) and an adequate receiver out of the backfield (66 receptions the last two season).
But does he have Top 6 upside – maybe? If he reaches 20-plus TDs in a season. And he’s practically healthy, missing only 4 games in this two seasons as a starter. But his health is not the key to this success. WR Puka Nucua and new signed WR Davante Adams must stay healthy to keep teams from stacking the box vs. Williams.
No. 11: James Cook, Buffalo
The scary thing about Cook is that Josh Allen is his quarterback. Cook rushed for 16 TDs last season for the Bills but had to compete with Allen for rushing TDs. Allen has rushed for 27 TDs during the last two seasons or Cook’s TD totals could be higher.
But Cook took advantage of his opportunities in 2024 as he had a 1,000-yard rushing season and added 32 catches for 258 yards receiving. Cook will need another big season in the TD column to keep his status as one of the Top 12 RBs.
No. 12: Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay
Irving still has to deal with running back mate Rachaad White, but White saw less than 40 percent of the snaps in the Buccaneers’ final three games. Irving established himself as the go-to back when the Bucs made their final playoff push.
Irving averaged 90 yards rushing and 29.1 yards receiving in his final seven games of season, and also saw 52 percent or more of the snap counts in five of seven those games. During the Bucs’ playoff loss to the Washington Commanders, Irving saw 69 percent of snap count and carried for the ball 17 out of 18 running back touches. He’s clearly entrenched as Tampa Bay’s No. 1 for the 2025 fantasy football season.
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