time for the top 10 RB in Fantasy Football

By Martin Richardson

With running backs 20 down to 11 ranked, we’ve seen some rookies make the list of top players to look for in your fantasy draft. There are still some big names on the list that will be making an appearance, as well as some names that have crept into the top 10 based on their fantastic end to the 2024 season.

Without anymore delay, let’s see who are the top ten running backs to aim for in your Fantasy Football season.

10. JonathAn Taylor

The measure of a good Fantasy player is this: when the offense went bad, they stay good. Enter Jonathan Taylor. Irrespective of the trainwreck at QB, he was steady away, getting points for Fantasy players week after week. He’s definitely a second round pick up that you can feel comfortable taking, knowing he will get you some vital wins.

9. Bucky Irving

I get it, there is a Bucs fan tax here, I think he’s great. So do a lot of people. I want him to be fantastic. So do a lot of people. His rookie season was nothing short of sensational and he’s projected to be RB9 in some leagues. I can see him being higher in some leagues too as the summer moves on. A new offensive coordinator (again) is one to watch however, but with a consistent O line and Baker being Baker, this makes Irving in line for another good season.

8. De'Von Achane

When Tua and Achane connected in the air, he’s very good. Those yardage numbers were great for Fantasy players. Add a touchdown on the end, exceptional. However, his run blocking, not as good. Now, good news: it cannot get worse. They have drafted well with a good guard in round 2 of the draft in Jonah Savaiinaea, which will help massively. If it clicks, he’s got a massive potential to be a top 10 RB in Fantasy Football. If Tua and the offense don’t get hot this season, he’s one to worry about.

7. Ashton Jeanty

Dynasty Football 1.01 right here. The Raiders have a new QB with Geno Smith; a fairly decent O line that will make spaces; which means that Jeanty will get fed the ball a lot. Projected to have over 1000 yards and 8+ touchdowns, which seems reasonable. Some people are projecting him as RB4 and potentially a first round selection. I suppose you have to consider that better teams score more touchdowns, that’s why CMC and Henry are ahead of him. For now.  

6. Josh JAcobs

When putting this list together, Jacobs was a bit lower, but when you look at the stats: over 1600 total yards, 16 touchdowns and over 300 rushing attempts, Jacob did the business for the Packers, and I don’t think that changes in 2025. Does the offense look better now going into this year? There are still question marks over Jordan Love’s fitness, so it makes total sense to draft the player who led the league for carries inside the 5 yard line. Is he someone to have a top, top year in Fantasy? I wouldn’t be surprised.

5. Christian McCaffrey

This time last year, he was the no brainer, the homerun, the instant success. But what a difference a year makes. I’ve got him here as RB5 in my Fantasy rankings, which is still decent, but when you factor in Fantasy Football positional play, he could well slip the bottom of the first round or even in round 2. Some Fantasy outlets have him going as 13th overall, so if you’re picking on the turn, you could benefit massively. What I will say is that he has no Deebo Samuel or Jordan Mason, so that can only be a good thing. However, just remember why he has dropped down the rankings… just how injury free is he?

4. Derrick Henry

A new deal for someone over 30, what a world we live in. Henry is the proof that there should not have been any regression when dealing with 30+ running backs. He has been an electric addition to the Ravens offense and makes a compelling case to be a first round draft pick in fantasy football. He is as dependable as they come and will score you points very week. There is little doubt in the minds of fantasy players when it comes to Derrick Henry, if he is there in round one for you, take the leap and reap the rewards.

3. Bijan Robinson

It’s very difficult as a Bucs fan to write positive things about a Falcons player. But Bijan is very much a player that could be a top 5 pick in Fantasy leagues. With a QB that isn’t a broken wreck, he could be even better. 15 touchdowns in a mediocre team was not a bad showing at all and I think his production could well increase in this familiar offense. 

2. Jahmyr Gibbs

Gibbs is an excellent talent and has shown as such since he was drafted in 2023. His dual threat makes him a no brainer when it comes selection in the top 5 of a Fantasy draft. The only note of caution is the dreaded ‘committee’ back situation with David Montgomery, who has proven to be a factor in the red zone when Ben Johnson was calling the shots; does this change now that there is new OC calling the plays? 

1. Saquon Barkley

He will absolutely be the top running back off the Fantasy Football board when people start drafting properly in August. He has simply been an elite level option and will continue to be so in this Eagles offense. Let’s just hope that the Madden curse isn’t a thing and doesn’t have an impact on what could be another top season.

MARTIN RICHARDSON

NFL/FANTASY FOOTBALL ANALYST

A Yorkshireman living in Lancashire, Martin is a massive NFL fan but his heart belongs to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Also a huge Fantasy Football enthusiast and spends far too long crunching the numbers! Follow him at @MRBucsFan31

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