As you gear up for your **fantasy football drafts**, it’s crucial to identify which running backs to **target** and which to **avoid**. With an overwhelming amount of information available, you can simplify your research with our expert consensus fantasy football rankings alongside the latest average draft position (ADP). This approach helps you pinpoint players experts are eager to draft compared to those left lingering until later rounds. Let’s dive into some standout running backs for the upcoming 2025 season and see how they fit into your draft strategy. Want to compare expert opinions? Check out our Fantasy Football Rankings Comparison Tools.
Your Ultimate Fantasy Football Draft Guide
Let’s explore some players who are worth your attention as well as those who might become pitfalls in your draft.
🔍 Players to Target
| Derek Brown’s Rank | Player | ECR | Diff. |
| 8 | Kenneth Walker III SEA – RB | 16 | 8 |
| 14 | RJ Harvey DEN – RB | 24 | 10 |
| 17 | Tony Pollard TEN – RB | 23 | 6 |
| 22 | Kaleb Johnson PIT – RB | 30 | 8 |
| 30 | Cam Skattebo NYG – RB | 41 | 11 |
🌟 Tony Pollard (TEN)
Pollard emerged as the Titans’ **workhorse** in 2024, boasting impressive statistics. He ranked **ninth** in snap share, opportunity, and weighted opportunities, finishing as the **RB22** in fantasy points per game. Although he struggled with the underwhelming Titans offense, he managed to find success when given opportunities. Notably, Pollard was **sixth** in yards after contact per attempt and **eighteenth** in explosive run rate. If quarterback Cam Ward can breathe life into this offense, Pollard has the potential to ascend to a high-end RB2 this season. Don’t miss out on him in your drafts!
🚫 Players to Avoid
| Expert Consensus’s Rank | Player | Derek Brown’s Rank | Diff. |
| 11 | Kyren Williams LAR – RB | 18 | 7 |
| 13 | Breece Hall NYJ – RB | 20 | 7 |
| 38 | Tyjae Spears TEN – RB | 45 | 7 |
| 44 | Ray Davis BUF – RB | 51 | 7 |
| 45 | Austin Ekeler WAS – RB | 53 | 8 |
⏳ Kyren Williams (LAR)
Last season, Williams amassed an impressive **350 touches**, tallying **1,481 total yards** and finishing as an RB1 (RB10). However, despite these numbers, he faced criticism for his inefficiency. He ranked **44th** in explosive run rate and showed signs of inconsistency that could jeopardize his volume. Even though he holds a substantial share of opportunities, the potential emergence of competitors like Blake Corum or Jarquez Hunter could limit his effectiveness. Williams is a **top 15-20 running back** this season, but caveat emptor: his rise could be fleeting.
