Top 100 fantasy football standard running backs for 2025

It’s time to get back to the essence of fantasy football and that involves running backs taking handoffs and cutting upfield into the gaping maw of the rabid defensive line. No need to tiptoe out to the flat and catch a pass like a scared rabbit! Get in there! Bite some kneecaps! This is what you get with standard (non-PPR) leagues. You won’t get out of the draft room without at least one torn meniscus. Get that trimmed and get back out there!

Running backs that move up in standard scoring are those that don’t rely on receiving numbers to boost their total fantasy stats. All running backs catch passes, but some catch passes to the detriment of their rushing attempts. Of course, receptions still give you yards and a chance at scoring. In the end, players who put up the most yards and touchdowns are going to lead in standard fantasy points even if they catch a lot of passes. But, as you move down the rankings, you realize your player pool shrinks, as passing down specialist backs have very little value in this format. That means you want bench players who have a shot at early down and goal line work. Those types of running backs are usually backups, but not all backups are created equal. Below, we’ll take a look at my favorite backup running backs for standard scoring.

James Cook scored 16 rushing touchdowns last season behind the Bills’ Josh Allen led offense. Allen’s ability keeps the team in scoring position, while also keeping defenses worried about his rushing ability near the goal line. That’s great for Cook’s touchdown upside again this season, which in turn is good for Ray Davis, who would take over Cooks’ early down role if he were to miss time.

Guerendo showed last season he could take over Christian McCaffrey’s lead back role, but injuries cut his time short. We could in a similar situation this season, giving Guerendo a lot of upside if CMC were to miss time again this year.

The former 49er also showed his ability to lead the 49ers with McCaffrey out and he also did a great job. The Vikings should again be a good offense with Kevin O’Connell scheming up plays. Aaron Jones is the ripe old age of 30, and if he were to get injured, Mason could be a league winner. Mason also has a real chance to have value even if Jones stays healthy, but his ceiling would be capped.

Allgeier is a good back, but just doesn’t have quite the high end skill set of Bijan Robinson. I expect the Falcons to be better offensively with Michael Penix Jr. at the helm and if Robinson were to miss time, Allgeier would be the no doubt lead back and goal line back.