Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) rushes the ball against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter in the NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Fantasy managers concerned about Saquon Barkley’s upside with Jalen Hurts stealing all the one-yard touchdowns were right. It just didn’t matter. Barkley only ran for 13 TDs, but still finished as the overall RB1, averaging 22.21 ppg, on the heels of 2,0005 yards rushing.
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) makes a catch for a touchdown against Green Bay Packers during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.
If we ever got a full season of Jahmyr Gibbs without David Montgomery in the Lions offense, we’re talking 2006 LaDainian Tomlinson level upside. On fewer than 300 touches, Gibbs still managed 21.35 ppg.
The debate between Bijan Robinson and Breece Hall as the overall RB2 in 2024 fantasy drafts was decisively decided in favor of the Falcon. Freed from the shackles of Arthur Smith, Robinson was actually used like a true RB1. He averaged 20.1 ppg.
Has there ever been a more perfect marriage than Derrick Henry and the Ravens offense? At 30 years old, Henry posted the most efficient season of his career, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. On the heels of 16 rushing touchdowns, Henry averaged 19.79 ppg.
It was the year of the old running back. At 29 years old, Alvin Kamara bounced back off an inefficient season to averaged 18.95 ppg, despite failing to reach 1,000 yards rushing and scoring just six times on the ground.
Dec 15, 2024; Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (28) runs onto the field before the game against the Miami Dolphins at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Fade old running backs changing teams they said. Not this year. Joe Mixon left what turned out to be an incredibly explosive Bengals offense. Yet, he had one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 18.21 ppg.
Dec 29, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) scoring a 2nd quarter touchdown against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
One of the best pure runners in the league, Jonathan Taylor is like a younger Nick Chubb, doing it all on the ground. With only 18 receptions, Taylor’s 17.48 ppg average came largely from rushing and scoring.
After a historically efficient rookie season, De’Von Achane was always going to regress. Fortunately, with decreased efficiency came an increase in volume. Achane completely took over the Dolphins backfield and was able to average 17.64 ppg, largely on the back of his 78 receptions.
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) runs for a first down against the New Orleans Saints during their football game Monday, December 23, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Yet another veteran running back changing teams, Josh Jacobs thrived with an improved offense. He scored 15 rushing touchdowns en route to averaging 17.24 ppg.
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) rushes the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half in an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The verdict is in: not a fluke. Kyren Williams bucked historical trends by proving his out of nowhere breakout was legitimate. While not quite as good as in 2023, Williams still finished as an RB1, averaging 17.01 ppg.
Dec 22, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) runs with the ball for a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Josh Allen steals goal line carries. It’s what he does. Yet, James Cook was so efficient that he still managed to rush for 16 touchdowns. That helped him finish inside the top 12 RBs, averaging 16.67 ppg.
It was a challenging, injury plagued season for Kenneth Walker III. But when he was on the field, he was productive, averaging 16.47 ppg.
