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We went live with 2025 projections the day after the Super Bowl, putting us in a rare position of being among the first in the industry to have public numbers for you to reference, assess, question, and comment. It should go without saying that many of these projections and rankings will change significantly as rosters take shape and we get a clearer picture of each team's talent and skill profiles.

That said, we thought it would be helpful to compare my rankings (which are driven by my projections) against early industry consensus. I'm going to highlight some of the larger initial disparities, both to spark discussion and to help frame things as you all begin working on your rankings for the season.

Running Back Rankings: Players I'm High On

There are five running backs I have rated significantly higher than the industry consensus.

Rhamondre Stevenson, New England

• My Ranking: RB23
• Industry Ranking: RB30

I'm open to moving closer to the industry consensus on this one, as Stevenson is coming off a disappointing 2024. However, as I evaluate the Patriots' situation, I expect a much-improved offense thanks to better coaching, the natural maturation of quarterback Drake Maye, and significant upgrades to the offensive line with $110 million in cap space. Running back rankings will be more volatile than any other position based on how depth charts fill out. But if the Patriots enter training camp without adding a high-profile rookie or veteran free agent, Stevenson warrants RB2 consideration.  

Zach Charbonnet, Seattle 

• My Ranking: RB27
• Industry Ranking: RB36

I'm a bit surprised to see Charbonnet on this list, and this isn't meant as a knock on Ken Walker III. However, Walker ended the 2024 season on injured reserve and missed multiple stretches of the season. Charbonnet played well in his absence, which should lead the coaching staff to view them as a legitimate one-two punch—largely interchangeable. I still expect Walker to be the No. 1 if he's healthy in the preseason, but Charbonnet belongs in a higher tier than other quality handcuffs who have no value unless the starter gets hurt. 

Omarion Hampton, Undrafted Rookie

• My Ranking: RB29
• Industry Ranking: RB42

This year's rookie class is loaded at running back, and we must be open to four or five backs becoming immediate fantasy contributors, depending on their landing spots. Hampton is the clear-cut No. 2 rookie behind Ashton Jeanty, which positions him well to be an immediate starter if he lands with a team in need of a new workhorse. 

Kaleb Johnson, Undrafted Rookie

• My Ranking: RB42
• Industry Ranking: RB75

While Omarion Hampton as the No. 2 rookie back isn't controversial, I appear to be significantly higher on Kaleb Johnson than the industry. His ranking will be almost entirely determined by his landing spot, but given his talent profile, I expect him to be drafted as at least a high-value handcuff—much higher than the current consensus. 

Will Shipley, Philadelphia

• My Ranking: RB60
• Industry Ranking: RB94

Shipley is an afterthought among my industry peers right now, which is a mistake. Kenneth Gainwell is a free agent, and I'm not sure the Eagles will prioritize retaining him, given that they invested a fourth-round pick in Shipley and have other pressing needs as they look to keep their Super Bowl-winning core intact. If Shipley enters the season as the No. 2, he should be ranked significantly higher than consensus—he's just a Saquon Barkley injury away from a heavy workload behind the NFL's best offensive line. 

Running Back Rankings: Players I'm Low On

There are five running backs I have rated significantly lower than the industry consensus.

Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City

• My Ranking: RB28
• Industry Ranking: RB21

Pacheco battled injuries for much of 2024, so I understand the impulse to slot him back into the fantasy starter tier, assuming he's fully healthy. But why are we assuming he's a lock to be the Chiefs' lead back? The team has no meaningful financial commitment to Pacheco, and last season, Kareem Hunt—signed off the street—was just as effective, if not better, in the same role. We can't rule out the Chiefs adding another option in what is a strong rookie class. Until we see how the depth chart shakes out, I'm not giving the former Rutgers back the benefit of the doubt. 

J.K. Dobbins, Free Agent

• My Ranking: RB38
• Industry Ranking: RB26

If the Chargers re-sign Dobbins, my ranking will look ridiculous, and frankly, he'll likely end up with an ADP even higher than the industry consensus. But my initial projections are treating free-agent running backs more conservatively than my peers, and I'm fine with that. If Dobbins doesn't stay in L.A., we can't rule out the possibility that he lands as a No. 2 or even No. 3 option. Given his extensive injury history—arguably the most concerning at the position—he's a tough player to bet on. 

Jaylen Warren, Free Agent

• My Ranking: RB39
• Industry Ranking: RB33

Both Warren and Najee Harris are free agents, and I'm not comfortable ranking Warren as a fantasy RB3 until we know his landing spot. He's never been a full-time contributor, and fantasy football is littered with examples of complementary backs who were overvalued when projected into larger roles. That said, his ranking could rise significantly if he signs with a team that intends to make him a starter for the first time in his career. 

Nick Chubb, Free Agent

• My Ranking: RB62
• Industry Ranking: RB37

While I'm open to J.K. Dobbins and Jaylen Warren climbing my rankings, I'm far less confident Nick Chubb can make the same ascent. Chubb was an outstanding lead back in Cleveland, but devastating injuries make it hard to project him as anything more than a backup on a contending team entering 2025. I hope I'm wrong, but I won't bet on it until he lands in a great situation and proves in the preseason that he still has explosiveness. 

Javonte Williams, Free Agent

• My Ranking: RB44
• Industry Ranking: RB38

Neither the industry nor I are particularly high on Williams entering free agency. He never fully recovered from his early-career injuries and was in and out of the Broncos' lineup last year as Sean Payton searched for a running back rotation he could trust. Like all free agents on this list, his ranking will depend on his landing spot and depth chart situation. Could he end up on a team with a strong offensive line and a clear path to playing time? Sure. But I'm not comfortable projecting that until we see it unfold. 

Running Back Rankings: It Is Early in the Process

Please remember this is an incredibly early look at the 2025 fantasy landscape. We haven't had free agency or the pre-draft evaluation process yet, much less the draft, training camp, and the preseason. Suffice it to say that our opinions about these players and many others will evolve in the coming months.