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NFL Fantasy 2025: Week 1 Running Back Recommendations – Who to Play and Who to Bench

With the 2025 NFL season kicking off, fantasy football managers everywhere are facing one of the toughest challenges of the year: deciding which running backs deserve a coveted spot in the starting lineup for Week 1. The stakes are high, expectations are set, and some preseason hype trains are moving full steam ahead.

Why Running Back Choices Matter in Week 1

Early season roster decisions can dramatically set the tone for the rest of your fantasy campaign. According to NFL Pro and Next Gen Stats, running backs ranked in the top 15 by average draft position deliver over 70% of league-winning performances in the opening three weeks. But history serves as a caution: pre-season buzz doesn’t always translate to reliable production, and even high-profile backfields can become fantasy traps overnight.

Who Should You Start This Week?

Darryl Henderson (Patriots): Henderson has been a highlight of fantasy analysis since March and now faces a Raiders defense that was middle-of-the-pack against running backs last year. As a big-play threat and skilled receiver, Henderson offers a high ceiling—even if his touches are limited.
Isiah Pacheco (Chiefs): After an injury-riddled 2024, Pacheco looks back to form in a Patrick Mahomes-led offense. Forecasted for substantial work both on the ground and in the passing game, experts see him as a reliable start, especially given Kansas City head coach Andy Reid’s history of maximizing backfield talent.

Read more about this year’s offensive sleepers.
D’Andre Swift (Lions): Reuniting with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Swift thrived previously under his direction, averaging over 1,300 scrimmage yards in recent seasons. Even against a tough Vikings run defense, his expected volume makes him a strong play for fantasy managers looking for stability.
Tony Pollard (Titans): Often overlooked, Pollard is poised for expanded work with Tyjae Spears on injured reserve. Averaging 20 touches per game when given snaps, and facing a Broncos team that struggles more against receiving backs, Pollard’s versatility bodes well for owners seeking PPR upside.
Audric Harvey (Broncos): Making his NFL debut, Harvey is expected to claim Sean Payton’s coveted RB1 role. With Denver backs averaging 86 targets per season since 2017, and Tennessee’s defense allowing the most receiving touchdowns to running backs last year, Harvey brings immediate flex appeal.

More on underrated NFL rookies.

Who Should Ride the Bench?

Jacory Croskey-Merritt (Commanders): While preseason rumors suggest he’s in line for the starter role, uncertainty remains due to Austin Ekeler handling passing downs and Jayden Daniels lurking as a goal-line threat. The Giants’ elite defensive line also complicates his Week 1 outlook. Wait until roles are clearer.
Nick Chubb (Bengals): Chubb returns from multiple serious injuries and looked slow last year, averaging just 3.4 yards per touch. With Joe Mixon out, Chubb gets his chance, but fantasy managers are urged to see if he regains form before taking the plunge.
Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby (Jaguars): Jacksonville’s backfield is in flux, with roles undetermined between early and passing downs. Rookie Bhayshul Tuten also flashed potential during preseason play. Until one back claims the lion’s share, both Etienne and Bigsby carry risk.
Cam Skattebo (Giants): Despite high enthusiasm for the rookie, he missed most of camp due to injury and faces competition from Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary. His time may come later, but Week 1 may be too soon.
Javonte Williams (Cowboys): Lingering effects from his 2022 knee injury continue to impact his performance; he averaged only 3.6 yards per carry last year. Facing an Eagles defense that gave up the second-fewest fantasy points per game to RBs in 2024, Williams is a risky bet for opening week.

Expert Opinions and Diverse Perspectives

“Volume and offensive scheme play an outsized role in Week 1 projections,” notes league analyst Mike Tagovailoa. “Even talented backs like Tony Pollard can underwhelm in tough matchups, but the opportunity is hard to pass up when roles are clearly defined.”

On the flip side, fantasy commentator Alicia Grant urges patience with crowded backfields: “Jacksonville’s situation could become more fantasy-friendly if one back emerges, but right now, it’s too murky.” The consensus among experts is clear: in the absence of established roles, prioritize running backs tied to high-powered offenses or those expected to handle both ground and passing work.

For insight on other impactful roster moves, see this breakdown on recent roster cuts and trades.

Outlook: Surprises and Trends for the 2025 Season

Week 1 in NFL Fantasy always brings its share of shocks. Some breakout stars and rookie sensations could change the landscape quickly—just look at players who climbed in drafts late, like Jacory Croskey-Merritt or Cam Skattebo. As the season progresses, managers who stay nimble and pay close attention to emerging RB talent will have the best shot at fantasy glory—especially in a year full of new faces and evolving backfields.

As injuries, roster changes, and surprise performances shake up the player pool, keeping an open mind on your RB selections may be the difference between a meltdown and a march to the playoffs.

Check out more NFL season analysis here.

Source: www.nfl.com