High-level running backs seem like a dime a dozen… until you get to fantasy football and realize there aren’t as many as you think. Having elite rushers in your dynasty leagues can be a major difference maker. Below are three dynasty running back values heading into 2025.
Last Word on Sports’ own Mike Kashuba put together his list of dynasty quarterback rankings which will be the basis of where the value comes from with these three quarterbacks.
Read More: 2025 Dynasty Running Back Rankings
J.K. Dobbins, Free Agent
J.K. Dobbins is listed in the “Honorable Mentions and Big Concerns Group” which is simply way too low. His ability to stay healthy is a major red flag, but the Los Angeles Chargers now know how to manage his workload. He set a career-high with 905 rushing yards while tying a career-high nine touchdowns on the ground.
He’s been in the league for a few seasons, but Dobbins is still only 26 years old. With as many games as he’s missed from injuries, his shelf life in the NFL should last for a handful of years. The Chargers weren’t the same team without him in 2024, so expect Jim Harbaugh to do anything to bring him back in 2025.
It’s risky to rely on Dobbins, but he’s a great addition to your team at the right value. You can never have too much running back depth.
Omarion Hampton, Rookie
Omarion Hampton has the talent to be the RB1 in almost any draft class. He just so happens to be in a draft class with Ashton Jeanty, so he gets overshadowed. Hampton is in the “RB1s” category and rightfully so. His explosiveness on the ball gives him great potential. Hampton is a dynamic player and can catch some passes out of the backfield as well.
“Yes, three rookies in the top ten,” wrote Kashuba. “That’s how good the class is, and why early firsts will be extremely valuable for RB-needy teams.”
Jeanty and TreVeyon Henderson are the other two he’s referencing, but Hampton’s potential is through the roof. He’s coming off of a season at North Carolina with over 1,600 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. If you don’t have the 1.01 in your league’s draft, chances are pretty high you won’t get Jeanty. However, Hampton should be there on your radar to grab and kick back as he blossoms into a star.
Joe Mixon, Houston Texans
Joe Mixon is 28 years old, but he proved his move to the Houston Texans ahead of the 2024 season was the best thing for his career. He once again ran for over 1,000 yards but finished with 11 rushing touchdowns. That’s the second-highest total in his career, just two shy of his personal best. Mixon still averaged 4.1 yards per carry and showed no signs of slowing down yet in Houston.
“Kamara, Conner, McCaffrey and Mixon are all fantasy legends from the 2017 running back class, but how much do they have left in the tank?” wrote Kashuba. Clearly, Mixon still has enough in him that the Texans felt confident to sign him to a three-year deal.
Sure, the Texans could draft a running back on Day 2 or Day 3 of the NFL Draft, but they have much bigger needs right now. Mixon is still cooking in their offense and should be a serviceable RB2 for the rest of his career until the wheels fall off. Dynasty managers may be trying to move on from him, and this is the time to grab him.
Main Photo Courtesy of Bob Donnan – Imagn Images
