Top 8 RBs to avoid at ADP in fantasy football 2025 season ft. Christian McCaffrey

The NFL has a handful of running backs poised to make an impact on fantasy football teams this season. Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley and James Cook belong in the top tier, but there are plenty of others who could contribute.

In this piece, we focus on those whose average draft position (ADP) might be deceiving, considering the systems they play in, their age and the competition at their position.

These are eight running backs you should ignore at their respective ADPs.

Top 8 RBs to avoid at ADP in fantasy football 2025

#1 - Breece Hall, New York Jets (13.7 ADP)

NFL: New York Jets Minicamp - Source: Imagn

Breece Hall had a solid 2024 season, registering 209 carries for 876 yards and five touchdowns. However, the competition he might face this campaign could affect his fantasy football production.

Braelon Allen is a solid option for Aaron Glenn, too, and Isaiah Davis has made waves, too. Adding a mobile quarterback like Justin Fields changes the dynamics of the Jets and Hall could be the biggest loser in this situation.

#2 - Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers (ADP 4.8)

NFL: San Francisco 49ers Minicamp - Source: Imagn

After a magical 2023 season in which he helped the San Francisco 49ers reach another Super Bowl, Christian McCaffrey struggled with injuries in 2024. He was limited to four games last season, recording 50 carries for 202 yards and zero touchdowns.

This could have ramifications in 2025, and considering that he's 29, McCaffrey might be entering the final stretch of his career. The 49ers have Isaac Guerendo ready to step up, which could also result in CMC having fewer touches this season and reducing his production in fantasy football.

#3 - James Conner, Arizona Cardinals (ADP 19.3)

Syndication: Arizona Republic - Source: Imagn

James Conner stepped up his game in Arizona after inconsistent seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He comes off his first 16-game season in 2024, where he recorded 236 carries for 1,094 yards and eight touchdowns.

Conner is entering his age-30 season. This might be the season where he starts to slow down. Moreover, if Marvin Harrison Jr. unlocks his potential and Kyler Murray reaches the next level, Conner's chances to impact a game may reduce.

#4 - D'Andre Swift, Chicago Bears (ADP 23.0)

NFL: Chicago Bears Training Camp - Source: Imagn

Up until last season, D'Andre Swift was the clear No. 1 running back for the Chicago Bears. However, Ben Johnson's arrival may change that. Johnson's offense in Detroit consisted of a committee between David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.

Roschon Johnson could run the ball more than the 55 times he did in 2024. If Caleb Williams improves in the passing game and continues to make plays with his legs, Swift's impact could decrease, especially in fantasy football.

#5 - Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants (ADP 30.3)

NFL: New York Giants Training Camp - Source: Imagn

Tyrone Tracy Jr. was one of the biggest surprises in the NFL in 2024. The rookie recorded 192 carries for 839 yards and five touchdowns for the Giants, taking the league by storm when Devin Singletary was out.

Cam Skattebo's arrival, however, could derail Tracy's production. The rookie running back is turning heads in training camp and could have a major role to play once the season starts, consequently decreasing Tracy's touches.

#6 - J.K. Dobbins, Denver Broncos (ADP 36.3)

NFL: Denver Broncos Training Camp - Source: Imagn

J.K. Dobbins made a strong impression on the Denver Nuggets when he visited them in the offseason. They secured his services and added him to a deep running back room.

RJ Harvey's presence can make things complicated for Dobbins, while Jaleel McLaughlin could have his fair share of touches, too. The Broncos are used to giving the ball to more than one running back, which means Dobbins' impact might be limited. This is a complex situation for fantasy football managers.

#7 - Joe Mixon, Houston Texans (ADP 23.0)

NFL: AFC Wild Card Round-Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans - Source: Imagn

This is a tricky one, as Joe Mixon comes off his second-highest scoring season (11 touchdowns) in his first campaign with the Houston Texans. He will share touches with Nick Chubb, who has yet to prove his devastating 2023 knee injury is part of the past.

That said, Mixon's own injury could become an issue. He could be ready to play in Week 1 or need more time to rest and heal. Mixon's health is a big question mark and fantasy football managers should be wary about picking him.

#8 - Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys (ADP 37.0)

NFL: Dallas Cowboys Minicamp - Source: Imagn

Like many others on this list, Javonte Williams has a rookie teammate who can come in and steal his spot in Jayden Blue. However, the former Denver Bronco has an advantage.

He worked in a committee with Jaleel McLaughin in 2024, carrying the ball 139 times. He isn't the most spectacular back, but Williams can contribute to the Cowboys, albeit in a limited capacity.