Which rookie running backs will make an impact in Week 7 of the NFL season?
With Omarion Hampton out until at least Week 13, all eyes are on some of the other top rookie running backs to make their mark on the league in 2025. For fantasy football owners, there will be some top performers who will have a chance at big games this week.
Some of the big storylines when it comes to running backs selected in the 2025 NFL Draft starts with Cam Skattebo who had his coming out party against the Philadelphia Eagles last Thursday night. Can he find the same success against a stout Broncos’ defense? Can former Ohio State running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson have impact games in the same week?
Another intriguing matchup in Week 7 will be Ashton Jeanty vs the Kansas City Chiefs. The top running back selected in the draft is starting to look like the No. 6 overall pick. Can he help the Raiders go into Arrowhead and upset the Chiefs in an AFC West matchup?
NFL Week 7 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em
RB– Quinshon Judkins, RB9, Cleveland Browns (1-5) vs. Miami Dolphins (1-5)
It should be a big week for Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins against the Miami Dolphins in Week 7. Against a defense that ranks 31st in yards after contact allowed per rush, this is primed to be a big showing for the second-round pick who has been a force running the ball for the Browns. Judkins has rushed for over 90 yards in two of his last four games with his best game coming against the Vikings in rushing for 110 yards. He may be in for a bigger game against the Dolpins.
RB – Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB13, Washington Commanders (3-3) vs. Dallas Cowboys (2-3)
The NFC East rivalry matchup between the Washington Commanders and the Dallas Cowboys may just be an offensive track meet given both defenses have given up yards and points. On the side of the Commanders, running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has been one of the stories of the 2025 NFL Draft. So far this season, he has rushed for 344 yards on 60 attempts with 4 rushing touchdowns. He’s a start ‘em going against the Cowboys defense in Week 7, a defense ranked 27th in yards before contact allowed to running backs. When it comes to finding open rushing lanes, Croskey-Merritt has been one of the best in 2025.
RB – Cam Skattebo, RB14, New York Giants (2-4) vs. Denver Broncos (4-2)
Another story from the 2025 NFL Draft has been New York Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo who has been captivating fans with his aggressive running style and personality off the field. Going up against a tough Broncos defense, it would be tempting to sit him for fantasy owners, but the Broncos have a tough time defending pass-catching running backs and that is where Skattebo can earn fantasy points. In all, a big test for the fourth-round pick, but he’ll find a way to impact the Giants’ offense.
NFL Week 7 Fantasy Football Sit ‘Em
RB – Ashton Jeanty, RB13, Las Vegas Raiders (2-4) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (3-3)
This was a tough sit ‘em this week because it would be entertaining if Ashton Jeanty had one of his best games against the Kansas City Chiefs. That may still happen this season, but it will be a tall task for a rookie to go into Arrowhead and have a great game. With 424 rushing yards on the season, the Boise State product is well on his way to a 1,000-yard season, but in a division game Jeanty will be put to the test. Can he be effective on the ground and help the Raiders control the clock against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense? If he does, it will be a big moment and statement for the rookie in his young career.
RB– TreVeyon Henderson, RB29, New England Patriots (4-2) vs. Tennessee Titans (1-5)
TreVeyon Henderson is a sit ‘em until he proves otherwise at this point. As a rookie running back projected to make an impact in the Patriots’ offense, Henderson has been a bit of a disappointment. If you are a fantasy owner, hold on to him because he will eventually make an impact, but with the way the Patriots’ running game has been nonexistent, its best to sit the rookie this week, especially going up against a tough Titans defensive front. While the fantasy points won’t come on the ground, there is a chance Henderson breaks out in the passing game. So far, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has not used him in a way that plays to his strength and speed.
NFL Week 7 Fantasy Football Sleepers
RB– Kyle Monangai, RB50, Chicago Bears (3-2) vs. New Orleans Saints (1-5)
Monangai is a sleeper this week going up against a Saints defense that is giving up 114.0 yards per game. The reason the Bears rookie is not a start ‘em against the Saints is that Ben Johnson may try to attack the Saints defense down the field in this game. The pass could set up the run in this game as the Bears can get both Monangai and D’Andre Swift going in the game in some fashion. Following a big game vs the Commanders in Week 6, Swift will get most of the touches, but don’t be surprised if the seventh-round pick has his biggest game of the season.
RB– Kaleb Johnson, RB62, Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)
The Steelers rookie hasn’t had the impact he was expected to have so far this season, but his opportunity is coming. With just 36 rushing yards this season, Kaleb Johnson hasn’t really been on the radar when it comes to rookie running backs, but on a first place Steelers team, he is primed to contribute at some point. Going up against a Bengals run defense near last in the league in rushing yards allowed, the Steelers will attack, attack, attack with Jaylen Warren leading the way and perhaps Week 7 will be the week the Iowa State product emerges.