Running back is one of the most important positions in fantasy football. Simply, the supply and demand of the position and injuries really force you to consistently look at the position to navigate your way through the season.
Finding value, especially in those middle and late rounds, is key to your fantasy outlook for the season.
Running Backs to Target in Fantasy Football Drafts
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys’ backfield has been a consistent source of fantasy production since Ezekiel Elliott was leading the backfield. However, in recent years, there hasn’t been a consistent workhorse that has been able to really take the reins.
First, there was Tony Pollard, who struggled to maintain the efficiency he had previously achieved with increased volume. Then Rico Dowdle struggled (although it should be noted that Dak Prescott missed significant time during that season).
Williams himself has struggled in recent seasons as part of the Denver Broncos offense, with an average of 3.6 yards per carry. However, early in his career, he has shown that he can be an effective dual-threat runner. And while it might only be without pads, he is looking like he can still move.
Javonte Williams up the middle
@JonMachota pic.twitter.com/cqzammy9bn
— SleeperCowboys (@SleeperCowboys) August 12, 2025
The recent struggles of the Cowboys’ backfield and Williams’ own have impacted his ADP. But if he is given the opportunity, he should be a solid running back this season.
Austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders
My love of Ekeler for fantasy might come from a few seasons ago, when he was dominating for the Chargers. But it’s hard to rule him out completely with his ability as a receiver. Last season, despite missing multiple weeks, he finished with 41 targets (5th on the team).
The worst-case scenario for Ekeler is that he remains a third-down or change-of-pace back. In that case, Ekeler should be able to be that flex-worthy back that he was early in his career when Melvin Gordon was the early-down back.
MORE: Free Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator
In those early seasons, he had just under 200 targets (196) and got 285 carries. Washington enters the 2025 season with Brian Robinson as the starter, especially when it comes to early down work. If Robinson were to suffer another injury and spend time on the sidelines, Ekeler would be a very capable plug-in play.
Half-PPR Fantasy Football RB Rankings for 2025
Heading into draft season, it’s now time to start thinking about ranking positions and finding targets for your 2025 redraft leagues.
1) Bijan Robinson | Atlanta Falcons
2) Saquon Barkley | Philadelphia Eagles
3) Christian McCaffrey | San Francisco 49ers
4) Jahmyr Gibbs | Detroit Lions
5) De’Von Achane | Miami Dolphins
6) Josh Jacobs | Green Bay Packers
7) Ashton Jeanty | Las Vegas Raiders
8) Jonathan Taylor | Indianapolis Colts
9) Derrick Henry | Baltimore Ravens
10) James Conner | Arizona Cardinals
11) Bucky Irving | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
12) Alvin Kamara | New Orleans Saints
13) Kyren Williams | Los Angeles Rams
14) Chase Brown | Cincinnati Bengals
15) James Cook | Buffalo Bills
16) Kenneth Walker III | Seattle Seahawks
17) Omarion Hampton | Los Angeles Chargers
18) Chuba Hubbard | Carolina Panthers
19) Breece Hall | New York Jets
20) Joe Mixon | Houston Texans
21) D’Andre Swift | Chicago Bears
22) Isiah Pacheco | Kansas City Chiefs
23) TreVeyon Henderson | New England Patriots
24) Javonte Williams | Dallas Cowboys
25) Aaron Jones Sr. | Minnesota Vikings
26) Tony Pollard | Tennessee Titans
27) Brian Robinson Jr. | Washington Commanders
28) Austin Ekeler | Washington Commanders
29) Tyrone Tracy Jr. | New York Giants
30) David Montgomery | Detroit Lions
31) J.K. Dobbins | Denver Broncos
32) RJ Harvey | Denver Broncos
33) Rhamondre Stevenson | New England Patriots
34) Kaleb Johnson | Pittsburgh Steelers
35) Tank Bigsby | Jacksonville Jaguars
36) Cam Skattebo | New York Giants
37) Travis Etienne Jr. | Jacksonville Jaguars
38) Tyjae Spears | Tennessee Titans
39) Jordan Mason | Minnesota Vikings
40) Rachaad White | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
41) Trey Benson | Arizona Cardinals
42) Najee Harris | Los Angeles Chargers
43) Jaylen Warren | Pittsburgh Steelers
44) Roschon Johnson | Chicago Bears
45) Zach Charbonnet | Seattle Seahawks
46) Quinshon Judkins | Cleveland Browns
47) Tyler Allgeier | Atlanta Falcons
48) Ray Davis | Buffalo Bills
49) Jerome Ford | Cleveland Browns
50) Dylan Sampson | Cleveland Browns
51) Jaylen Wright | Miami Dolphins
52) Nick Chubb | Houston Texans
53) Jaydon Blue | Dallas Cowboys
54) Isaac Guerendo | San Francisco 49ers
55) MarShawn Lloyd | Green Bay Packers
56) Kendre Miller | New Orleans Saints
57) Rico Dowdle | Carolina Panthers
58) Blake Corum | Los Angeles Rams
59) Braelon Allen | New York Jets
60) Kareem Hunt | Kansas City Chiefs
61) Justice Hill | Baltimore Ravens
62) Miles Sanders | Dallas Cowboys
63) Bhayshul Tuten | Jacksonville Jaguars
64) Will Shipley | Philadelphia Eagles
65) Ty Johnson | Buffalo Bills
