The Running Back Apocalypse: Who Can Save Us?
Okay, people, let’s be honest: the running back position is deader than disco. Teams treat these poor bastards like disposable razors, using them ’til they’re dull and then tossing ’em in the trash. Except disco’s making a comeback, and featured RBs? About as likely as me winning a marathon. But hold on, because against all odds, there’s a glimmer of hope flickering on the horizon—a new crop of guys who might actually be worth a damn. Or at least worth drafting before the last round in your fantasy league.
Last year, Saquon Barkley—remember him? Back when the Giants hadn’t completely ruined his career?—reminded us what a true workhorse can do. Turns out, he wasn’t the only one carrying his team’s offense, though not single-handedly. Now he is in Eagles. But let’s be real: the NFL is all about committees now. Which is just a fancy way of saying, “We don’t wanna pay one guy a lot of money, so we’ll spread the misery around!” Still, even in this dystopian hellscape, some RBs can shine. So, which poor souls are primed to break out and maybe, just maybe, justify their existence in 2025?
The Contenders: Risky Bets or League Winners?
De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins: The Speed Demon Unleashed?
Ah, the Miami Dolphins. A team built on speed, sunshine, and the crushing disappointment of never quite living up to the hype. But maybe, just maybe, De’Von Achane can change that. Remember when Raheem Mostert (a fossil, in RB years) was their main guy? Well, he’s gone now, leaving Achane as the presumed alpha dog. And the Dolphins’ staff claims they’re gonna give him more carries. Sure, that’s what they all say before Week 1.
But Achane is fast. Like, cheetah-on-stimulants fast. Last year, despite splitting time, he put up almost 1,500 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns. And he thinks he left yards on the table? Sweet baby Jeebus, if he’s right, we might be looking at the next Barry Sanders…if Sanders was, say, half his size. And made of glass. The dude’s tiny. But hey, tiny, fast, and on an offense that can score faster than I can empty a pizza box? I’m intrigued.
De’Von Achane tearing up the field, probably on his way to either a touchdown or the injured reserve.
Source: fffaceoff.com
Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals: The Reluctant Hero
Chase Brown. Now there’s a name that screams, “I’m gonna carry your fantasy team to glory!” Okay, maybe not. But last season, after Zack Moss went down like a wounded gazelle (neck injury, ouch!), Brown stepped up. And he wasn’t terrible! Over 1,300 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns? Not too shabby for a dude who was splitting carries with a guy whose name sounds like something you’d find growing in your fridge.
The Bengals decided to keep Moss around, probably because they like having two guys to hand the ball off to when Joe Burrow’s busy throwing touchdowns to Ja’Marr Chase. However, Brown made the lead role, racking up 1,350 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Cincinnati’s also trying to fix their offensive line, which has been about as effective as a screen door on a submarine. If they can actually block someone, Brown could be a sneaky-good pick. Just don’t expect him to be the next coming or anything.
Chase Brown running onto the field, dreaming of a world where the Bengals’ offensive line doesn’t resemble Swiss cheese.
Source: fffaceoff.com
Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders: Rookie Savior or Silver & Black Bust?
Oh, the Raiders. A team that’s consistently disappointing since I was in diapers. But maybe, just maybe, Ashton Jeanty is different. The Raiders grabbed him with the sixth overall pick this year, because apparently, they’re serious about fixing their ground game, which was flatter than my dating life. Jeanty tore it up at Boise State, racking up video game numbers that made even me raise an eyebrow, even after coach Pete Carroll said he won’t be “relying on one guy”.
Now, can a rookie running back save a franchise? Probably not. Is he gonna be handed the keys to the kingdom and expected to carry the load? Absolutely. Will he live up to the hype or crumble under the weight of Raiders’ expectations? Your guess is as good as mine. But hey, at least he’s got a punchable name. And he’s already the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. No pressure, kid.
Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers: The Mighty Mouse of the Steel City
The Steelers! So after Najee Harris decided he’d rather wear powder blue for the Chargers they now have a RB duo of Warren and Kaleb Johnson. Warren averaged a respectable 4.3 yards per carry last year, and the Steelers seem to think he can handle even more. Despite looking like he should be delivering pizzas instead of running through linebackers, Warren has been surprisingly effective in his career, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.
Jaylen Warren defying all logic and physics, somehow managing to gain yards despite his diminutive stature.
Source: fulltimefantasy.com
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys: Redemption Time in the Big D?
Ah, Javonte Williams. A guy who looked like a future superstar before his knee turned into a bowl of spaghetti. Now, he’s in Dallas, trying to resurrect his career. The Cowboys’ backfield is currently more crowded than a clown car, with Williams, Miles Sanders, and a bunch of rookies all vying for carries. But Williams has the talent, and the Cowboys need someone to step up after losing Dowdle (whoever that is).
Williams claims he feels like his old self, which is either great news or a sign that he’s delusional. But if he’s even 80% of the player he was before the injury, he could be a steal. Just don’t bet your mortgage on it. Or your car. Or even your beer money.
Analysis: What Does This Mean for the Rest of Us?
So, what does all this RB chaos mean for the NFL and our collective sanity? Well, for one thing, it means the devaluation of the running back position is complete. Teams are happy to cycle through guys, paying them peanuts and replacing them as soon as they start to show signs of wear and tear. This creates a league where RBs have to be more versatile than ever. They need to be able to run, catch, block, and maybe even moonlight as the team’s water boy. It’s a tough life, kids.
It also means that fantasy football is even more of a crapshoot than usual. Good luck trying to predict which of these guys is actually going to get the ball consistently. You’re better off just throwing darts at a board. Although, honestly, that might be a more effective strategy than anything else.
The Verdict: Embrace the Chaos
Look, the running back position is a mess. A beautiful, glorious mess. These guys are all risky bets, but that’s what makes them exciting. So, embrace the chaos! Take a flier on one of these dudes in your fantasy league. Maybe they’ll be the next Saquon Barkley. Or maybe they’ll be the next Trent Richardson. Either way, it’ll be fun to watch the carnage unfold. And hey, if all else fails, there’s always next year’s draft, where we can do this all over again!