Fantasy Football RB Draft Rankings

Last update . 3 hours ago . 07:19 PM EDT


#	Player	TM	BYE	FF Pts	ADP12	ADP10	GC	DIF	RuAtt	RuYdsRushing	RuTD	Ru1D	Rec	RecYdsReceiving	RecTD	Rec1D	Fum
1	Derrick Henry Draft Note Henry rushed for nearly 2,000 yards (1,921), and scored 18 total touchdowns. He should continue to defy Father Time, at least for one more season, probably more. He looked great last year, posting the highest yards after contact per attempt (2.8), the fourth-highest yards before contact per attempt (3.1) and the most broken tackles per attempt (0.13). He also posted the highest run grade (93.5) at PFF.	BAL	7	328	2.01	2.03	5	4	233	1521	12.7	76.2	15	144	0.9	6.5	2
2	Saquon Barkley Draft Note Barkley finished as the fantasy RB1 in 2024, racking up 2,005 rushing yards, 278 receiving yards, and 15 total touchdowns while averaging 21.2 half-PPR points per game. He was the engine of the Eagles’ offense, handling a massive workload with little competition for touches. With Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith still in place, the unit remains dangerous and should continue to generate scoring opportunities. Barkley’s elite volume and goal-line role make him one of the safest picks in fantasy, and if the offense takes a step forward in 2025, he has a real shot to repeat as the overall RB1.	PHI	9	328	1.03	1.03	2	0	260	1553	9.2	77.8	35	225	1.8	10.4	2
3	Bijan Robinson Draft Note Robinson finished as the fantasy RB4 in 2024, racking up 1,456 rushing yards, 431 receiving yards, and 15 total touchdowns while averaging 17.6 half-PPR points per game. He saw a big jump in usage and efficiency with a more consistent offensive structure under Zac Robinson, and now he’ll enter 2025 with Michael Penix Jr. under center. While young quarterbacks can be volatile, Penix’s downfield ability could help open up space underneath for Robinson in both the run and pass game. The Falcons didn’t add serious backfield competition, so Bijan should once again be in line for 300+ touches. With a playcaller committed to using him as a true three-down weapon, Robinson is locked in as a top-five fantasy back with a realistic path to finish as the overall RB1.	ATL	5	304	1.02	1.02	1	-2	273	1159	12.5	58.1	48	367	1.1	16.8	2
4	Jahmyr Gibbs Draft Note Gibbs finished as the RB3 in half-PPR in 2024, piling up 1,412 rushing yards, 517 receiving yards, and 20 total touchdowns while averaging 18.3 fantasy points per game. In the three games that David Montgomery missed, Gibbs exploded for 30.4 fantasy points per game, but he still averaged a rock-solid 17.6 in the 14 games they played together—proof that he doesn't need a full workload to deliver elite production. The Lions will have a new playcaller in 2025 after Ben Johnson took a head coaching job, which introduces a bit of uncertainty, but the offense still projects to be one of the league’s best with Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and an elite offensive line in place. Gibbs is a high-floor, high-ceiling RB1 and a worthy first-round pick in all formats.	DET	8	302	1.05	1.05	3	-1	202	1107	10.8	55.5	43	400	2.7	18.2	2
5	Christian McCaffrey Draft Note McCaffrey is coming off a lost 2024 season, playing in just four games and finishing as the RB30 on a per-game basis after battling a PCL sprain and a nagging Achilles issue. Now 29 years old with 20 missed games over the last three seasons, durability is a legitimate concern. That said, his ceiling remains unmatched when he’s healthy—just two years ago, he was the overall RB1 and outscored the RB2 (Raheem Mostert) by more than 100 half-PPR points. He participated fully in 49ers minicamp and appears on track for a full workload heading into 2025. San Francisco’s offense is still loaded with playmakers and remains one of the most efficient scoring units in the league. If McCaffrey can stay on the field, he still has league-winning upside. The risk is higher than in years past, but so is the potential reward—he’s a high-variance RB1 with overall RB1 in his range of outcomes.	SF	14	297	1.10	1.10	6	1	278	1207	6.7	60.5	49	486	1.7	22.1	2
6	Ashton Jeanty Draft Note In his final collegiate season, Jeanty racked up 2,739 total yards and 30 touchdowns for Boise State. His receiving numbers (23-238-1) were modest, but he was far more utilized as a receiver in the previous season (43-569-5), so he has the receiving chops to be a dual-threat in the NFL. The Raiders struggled to run the ball last year (3.6 YPC as a team), and Jeanty should vastly improve the team's per carry and overall production. He's a dual threat and should see a bell cow workload, so he's a threat for fantasy RB1 numbers from the get-go. The only knocks on his game appear to be his shaky pass protection and suspect ball security. The former might impact his snaps if the Raiders elect to pull him out on obvious passing downs. Regardless, I’m expecting a huge workload, and that should lead to RB1 fantasy production. Follow the touches.	LV	8	294	1.11	2.01	4	-2	283	1193	7.9	59.8	54	413	2.1	18.9	3
7	Bucky Irving Draft Note Irving finished RB16 on the year, so uninformed drafters may view him as a fantasy RB2, but he’s a clear, rock-solid RB1 in my book thanks to his productivity after the first month of the season. He started seeing more touches in Week 6, and from that point on, he was the fantasy RB8. He had the fourth-highest PFF rush grade in that span, and was fifth in yards after contact per attempt on the season. HC Todd Bowles told The Athletic that he “expects greatness” and that Irving’s “opportunities are likely to increase substantially.” He’s a baller and has a great future ahead of him.	TB	9	292	2.10	3.02	10	3	235	1231	6.3	61.7	50	426	1.8	19.5	2
8	Josh Jacobs Draft Note After leading the league in rushing in 2022 with 1,653 yards, Jacobs missed four games in 2023 and ultimately signed with the Packers last spring. He finished as the fantasy RB5 overall with 337 touches for 1,671 total yards and 16 touchdowns. At 27 years old, he’s still in his prime and now entrenched as the lead back in a high-scoring Packers offense orchestrated by Matt LaFleur. He ranked just 32nd in yards before contact per attempt among 46 qualified backs, but he more than made up for it with elite tackle-breaking and post-contact production. He was 8th in yards after contact per attempt, 3rd in broken tackles per attempt, and earned the 5th-highest rushing grade at PFF. That kind of efficiency, paired with a huge workload and goal-line role in a top-tier offense, makes Jacobs a rock-solid RB1. He's a dual threat with dependable volume and a nose for the end zone.	GB	5	278	2.08	2.10	8	0	246	1203	9.3	60.3	31	270	0.9	12.3	2
9	Jonathan Taylor Draft Note Taylor enters his age-26 season still firmly in his prime, but durability remains a concern—he’s missed 16 games over the last three years. In 2024, he played 14 games and finished as the fantasy RB14, but was RB8 on a per-game basis, racking up 1,567 total yards and 12 touchdowns on 321 touches. While he hasn’t been much of a receiving threat the last two seasons (just 1.5 catches per game), he showed pass-catching upside early in his career (76 receptions across his first two seasons), and his receiving role could grow if Daniel Jones wins the starting job. Last season, Jones targeted running backs on 13.5% of his throws compared to just 7.8% for Anthony Richardson over the past two seasons. Taylor was efficient before contact (6th out of 46 qualified backs) but struggled to create after it, ranking 36th in yards after contact per attempt and 35th in broken tackle rate. That could be a function of injury, usage, or offensive design, but it’s something to monitor. Taylor is a strong bet for 300+ touches again in 2025 and remains a midrange RB1 with top-five upside if he can stay on the field and see a bump in receiving usage.	IND	11	277	2.07	2.09	9	0	256	1263	11.6	63.3	21	111	1.0	5.2	2
10	De'Von Achane Draft Note Achane followed up his electric rookie season with another strong campaign in 2024, finishing as the fantasy RB7 overall and RB11 on a per-game basis. He handled 281 touches for 1,499 total yards and 12 touchdowns, carving out a huge role in Miami’s high-powered offense. His 78 receptions on 87 targets made him one of the most valuable backs in PPR and half-PPR formats--he lead all running backs in receptions and was 10th in yards per route run (1.45) at his position. While his explosive playmaking remained a calling card, Achane's underlying rushing efficiency wasn’t elite. Among 46 running backs with at least 100 carries, he ranked 18th in yards before contact per attempt, 26th in yards after contact per attempt, and 41st in broken tackle rate. That said, Mike McDaniel continues to scheme him into space, and Achane’s game-breaking speed and pass-catching role give him one of the highest ceilings among RB1s. As long as he stays healthy, he’s a weekly difference-maker with top-five upside, especially in formats that reward receptions.	MIA	12	271	2.02	2.04	7	-3	174	801	7.5	40.1	67	538	5.1	24.7	2

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4for4 equips you with the tools to dominate any scoring format. Their rankings are renowned for accuracy and consistency, a fact underscored by John Paulsen's multiple "Most Accurate Expert" awards and consistent top finishes.

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What is the best draft position in Points Per First Down drafts?

While there isn't a single "magic" draft position in point-per-first-down (PPFD) leagues, aiming for the top half of the first round can give you a strong foundation. Securing a workhorse back who excels at churning out yards and catching passes is still a great strategy. Think dual-threat back like Christian McCaffrey, who racks up first downs consistently, or a high-volume wideout like Tyreek Hill or CeeDee Lamb. Drafting at the back end of the draft can also be helpful to be able to select two higher-volume players back to back.

What is the best draft strategy for Points Per First Down drafts?

Conquer your PPFD league with a strategy that prioritizes first-down machines! Early rounds should focus on securing a consistent running back who excels at churning out yards and catching passes. Think dual-threat backs like Christian McCaffrey or receiving threats like Alvin Kamara. Don't forget quarterbacks who lead high-volume passing attacks. Guys like Josh Allen or Jalen Hurts can rack up first downs through the ground and air.

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In point-per-first-down (PPFD) leagues, ADP (Average Draft Position) reveals the average round where fantasy managers are targeting players who consistently move the chains. Tracking PPFD ADP trends can help you predict when your first-down machines might be off the board, allowing you to strategize your picks and snag hidden gems before they're gone. It's basically a sneak peek into the minds of your fellow drafters, giving you a critical edge on draft day, especially since PPFD scoring can alter player values compared to standard leagues.

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What is the best first-round pick in Points Per First Down Drafts?

The ideal first-round pick in a PPFD draft depends on your risk tolerance. Here are two approaches to consider:

The Safe Choice: Go for a proven workhorse running back like Christian McCaffrey or an elite receiver like CeeDee Lamb. These guys are first-down machines, churning out yards and catching passes consistently. While this strategy offers a solid foundation, it might not be the most exciting.

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Ultimately, the best choice comes down to personal preference and draft board dynamics. Analyze ADP trends (if available) to see how these players are valued and draft the player who best fits your overall strategy. Remember, the key is maximizing first-down production, so be flexible and don't be afraid to break the mold if the opportunity arises.