Welcome to the 2025 PPR running back rankings. Last season we watched as Saquon Barkley and Jahmyr Gibbs dominated fantasy football. Gibbs led all running backs in total PPR points, while Barkley led on a per game basis. Gibbs was much more efficient, as he had just 17.8 touches per game to Barkley’s 23.6. Both are of course contenders to lead their position again this season, but they will have competition. Bijan Robinson and De’Von Achane look like the likeliest usurpers coming into the season, while rookie Ashton Jeanty and old man Christian McCaffrey both could make a run. Jonathon Taylor remains in the hunt and of course Derrick Henry could walk in 30 touchdowns and nobody would be too surprised.
Saquon Barkley’s monster workload
When we look at total touches for Barkley, including their Super Bowl run, he had a whopping 482. That is a tremendous amount of work for one human. The Eagles probably aren’t going to be able to limit his work this year either, so I expect more of the same. That is of course good, but also worrisome. He could easily roll through another season behind the best offensive line in the game and rack up huge numbers, or his body could say, hey buddy, we might need a rest. I plan on only grabbing him if he drops past Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs this year.
There were 13 running backs with over 200 rushing attempts and 50 targets. The number narrows to seven when you up the ante to 50 receptions instead of targets. This is the kind of usage we need. If your running back is coming off the field, he’s not scoring you fantasy points. I like to give myself at least one starting back who doesn’t come off the field in the early rounds. That anchor can keep your team together while your later round backs earn more touches throughout the season through play or injuries.
Running back lottery tickets
If you are in a league with deep benches, there are a few running backs who would likely blow up if the starting back went down with an injury. Below are my two favorites.
The Falcons have a good offensive line and a strong play-action, zone rushing scheme that fits Allgeier well. He won’t have much standalone value, as Bijan Robinson has finally taken over the every down role, but that’s why Allgeier would step into a great spot for fantasy production. You don’t need to roster Robinson to stash one of the best backups in the league.
Guerendo played well when he got a chance last season and he is now the main backup to Christian McCaffrey. I don’t always advise rostering “handcuff” backs, but in CMC’s case, it makes a lot of sense. We know McCaffrey’s body has started to breakdown, with the addition of an Achilles tweak that appears to have been bothering him for a while now. Any back in the 49ers offense is going to find some success and be worth rostering, but Guerendo looks like he could lead your team to a championship.
