Christian McCaffrey named cover athlete of Madden 2025
49ers running back Christian McCaffrey talks about being the next athlete to grace the cover of the Madden video game.
Sport in Seriousness
Running back is the ultimate position in fantasy football. Although the NFL has put a heavy focus on receivers lately, a strong running back is essential to winning a fantasy championship. These days, it’s a rarity to find a three-down back who can catch passes and has good volume at the goal line.
It’s impossible to imagine a running back like that who isn’t named Christian McCaffrey. It’s a myth, a story we tell kids to avoid exposing them to the harsh reality of fantasy football at such a young age.
That’s not to say other running backs can’t win championships, though. In fact, there seems to be a ton of RB2-level talent this year that can help you win your fantasy league. Here are the best running backs in fantasy football this year.
NFL News: Bills LB Matt Milano out indefinitely with torn biceps
Ranking of running backs in fantasy football 2024:
1. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
- Statistics for 2023: 272 attempts, 1,459 yards, 14 TDs | 67 receptions, 564 yards, 7 TDs
McCaffrey is as sure-footed as running backs get. He’s a leader in an efficient offense, and he finished second in the NFL in total rushing last season. He’s also used frequently in the passing game.
2. Breece Hall, New York Jets
- Statistics for 2023: 223 attempts, 994 yards, 5 TDs | 76 receptions, 591 yards, 4 TDs
Breece Hall was a star last season, even though opposing defenses packed the box with Zach Wilson at quarterback. As long as Aaron Rodgers stays healthy, Hall should have another great year.
3. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
- Statistics for 2023: 214 attempts, 976 yards, 4 TDs | 58 receptions, 487 yards, 4 TDs
Robinson was notable as a rookie but was limited by former coach Arthur Smith, who insisted on using Tyler Allgeier in key situations. Now Smith is out, and the Falcons have reshaped their offense with the signing of Kirk Cousins at quarterback. Although reports from camp suggest Allgeier will still play a role in this offense, it’s hard to imagine a world where Robinson isn’t used in every key situation.
4. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
- Statistics for 2023: 169 attempts, 741 yards, 7 TDs | 19 receptions, 153 yards, 1 TD
Taylor is one of the best pure runners in football and is incredibly efficient on the field. The only problem is that he has been plagued by lingering injuries over the past two seasons, preventing him from returning to his 2021 form. Still, Taylor was great when he played last year, starting only seven games and still managing more than 700 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.
5. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
- Statistics for 2023: 182 attempts, 945 yards, 10 TDs | 52 receptions, 316 yards, 1 TD
Gibbs is expected to be used more at the goal line in year two, but if not, Gibbs is still a solid option. He will be used frequently in the passing attack and could score even more touchdowns this year.
6. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
- Statistics for 2023: 247 attempts, 962 yards, 6 TDs | 41 receptions, 280 yards, 4 TDs
Barkley will have some of his touchdowns intercepted by Jalen Hurts, but Barkley is still a remarkably talented running back. There are a lot of mouths to feed in Philadelphia, however, and that could affect Barkley’s work in the passing game.
7. Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars
- Statistics for 2023: 267 attempts, 1,008 yards, 11 TDs | 58 receptions, 476 yards, 1 TD
Etienne is clearly the lead back in Jacksonville. He will be used in every situation and his use in the passing game should lead to more touchdowns. Of course, Etienne’s poor efficiency on the ground is something to keep an eye on all season.
8. Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams
- Statistics for 2023: 228 attempts, 1,144 yards, 12 TDs | 32 receptions, 206 yards, 3 TDs
No running back was more efficient than Kyren Williams last season. He was a true three-down back and couldn’t be stopped by even the best defenses. However, Los Angeles just drafted Blake Corum in the third round of the 2024 draft. Corum is a highly touted prospect, but this was likely just a pick to find a replacement for Williams considering the team was atrocious on the floor last year when he was out.
9. Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs
Statistics for 2023: 205 attempts, 935 yards, 7 TDs | 44 receptions, 244 yards, 2 TDs
Isiah Pacheco is a pretty safe bet with 200 touches, solid efficiency, and nearly double-digit touchdowns. Pacheco isn’t a running back that’s going to win leagues, but he’ll keep you in the running all season long.
10. Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens
Statistics for 2023: 280 attempts, 1,167 yards, 12 TDs | 28 receptions, 214 yards
In his 30th season, Henry has lost efficiency in recent years. Now, however, he joins a much better offense in Baltimore. That could help his efficiency, but quarterback Lamar Jackson will likely take away some of Henry’s touchdowns — and some of his workhorse appearances, too. Still, this is a Baltimore team that even made Gus Edwards relevant. If anyone can be a fantasy RB1, even though Jackson gets a good amount of appearances, it’s Henry.
FANTASY FOOTBALL: 160 Team Names From Every NFL Team You Can Use In 2024
2024 Fantasy Football RB Rankings
| name | ESPN | Yahoo! | CBS Sports | NFL.com |
| Christian McCaffrey, SF | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Breece Hall, NYC | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Bijan Robinson, ATL | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Jonathan Taylor, IND | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Saquon Barkley, PhD | 5 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs, DET | 6 | 6 | 7 | 10 |
| Kyren Williams, LAR | 7 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Isiah Pacheco, KC | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
| Travis Etienne Jr., JAX | 9 | 11 | 8 | 9 |
| Derrick Henry, BAL | 10 | 5 | 13 | 7 |
| Alvin Kamara, NO | 11 | 17 | 15 | 20 |
| James Cook, BUF | 12 | 13 | 10 | 12 |
| Rachaad White, TB | 13 | 14 | 12 | 13 |
| Joe Mixon, HOU | 14 | 15 | 17 | 17 |
| Josh Jacobs, UK | 15 | 12 | 11 | 18 |
| De’Von Achane, MIA | 16 | 10 | 14 | 11 |
| Kenneth Walker III, SEA | 17 | 16 | 16 | 15 |
| Aaron Jones, MIN | 18 | 19 | 26 | 24 |
| Rhamondre Stevenson, NE | 19 | 20 | 20 | 25 |
| James Conner, ARI | 20 | 21 | 23 | 14 |
| David Montgomery, DET | 21 | 18 | 19 | 16 |
| D’Andre Swift, CHI | 22 | 25 | 24 | 22 |
| Zamir White, LV | 23 | 24 | 18 | 23 |
| Brian Robinson Jr., WSH | 24 | 27 | 28 | 36 |
| Jaylen Warren, PIT | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| Javonte Williams, DEN | 26 | 30 | 25 | 26 |
| Najee Harris, PIT | 27 | 23 | 22 | 29 |
| Zack Moss, CIN | 28 | 32 | 33 | 34 |
| Tyjae Spears, TEN | 29 | 29 | 31 | 32 |
| Tony Pollard, TEN | 30 | 28 | 21 | 31 |
| Austin Ekeler, WSH | 31 | 34 | 35 | 28 |
| Jonathon Brooks, CAR | 32 | 35 | 29 | 21 |
| Raheem Mostert, missing | 33 | 22 | 30 | 19 |
| Devin Singletary, NYC | 34 | 31 | 34 | 30 |
| Ezekiel Elliott, DAL | 35 | 37 | 43 | 37 |
