The NFL season got underway on Thursday with the Philadelphia Eagles edging the Dallas Cowboys 24-20. Fantasy football owners saw Javonte Williams (20.40) and Saquon Barkley (18.40) set the tone for running backs with big points. Now it’s time for the most notable running backs taken in the 2025 NFL Draft to step into the spotlight.
NFL Week 1 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em
RB – TreVeyon Henderson, RB14, New England Patriots vs. Las Vegas Raiders
The spotlight will be on Ashton Jeanty, the No. 6 overall pick in 2025 NFL Draft, but fantasy owners will value the all-purpose yards of TreVeyon Henderson. The Ohio State product, who was selected with the No. 34 overall pick in the draft, brings an explosive element to the New England Patriots’ offense. He showed that on his first touch in the preseason when he took an opening kickoff to the house. While he is RB3 on the depth chart, expect the Patriots to use him in multiple ways.
The intriguing aspect of Henderson in the Patriots’ offense is how offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will use him in both the running game and as another weapon for Drake Maye. Given his physical running style and acceleration with the ball in his hand, Henderson is destined for a hot start as a two-way threat.
RB – Omarion Hampton, RB17, Los Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Friday night football features the Los Angeles Chargers vs the Kansas City Chiefs in an AFC West showdown. In this Patrick Mahomes vs Justin Hebert battle, the emphasis will be on the Chargers running game which means a heavy dose of Omarion Hampton who rose to the second ranked running back entering the 2025 NFL Draft.
With a fantasy point projection of 14.84 entering his NFL debut, Hampton was a workhorse at North Carolina and will be valued to do the same for a Chargers’ offense looking to be more balanced in 2025. Although the Chiefs’ defense was No. 1 vs opposing running backs in 2024, expect Hampton’s combination of power, size and speed to breakthrough for some big runs.
RB – Bhayshul Tuten, RB39, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Carolina Panthers
The Jaguars have a trio of running backs the Carolina Panthers will have to contain, but the most dangerous runner is Bhayshul Tuten who was selected with the No. 104 overall pick in the NFL Draft out of Virginia Tech. Through training camp and the preseason, Tuten has been a head turning with his running style and speed.
In electrifying the NFL combine with a 4.32 in the 40-yard dash, Tuten will get involved in more ways than one against the Panthers. He’ll be involved in the run game, but also expect some passes thrown his way.
NFL Week 1 Fantasy Football Sit ‘Em
RB – Aston Jeanty, RB6, Las Vegas Raiders vs. New England Patriots
If this was 2024 against the Patriots’ defense, this is a sure Start ‘Em, but with the additions of Milton Williams and linebacker Robert Spillane, the Patriots front should be more solid against the run. With what Jeanty showed at Boise State, he is dangerous whenever and wherever he touches the ball, but the Raiders won’t start the season with a heavy dose of the explosive running back.
Pete Carroll and company will try to get him involved early, but with Geno Smith now under center, there will be emphasis to get the ball into the hands of their big target Brock Bowers. The Raiders also have veteran running back Raheem Mosert who will share the load with Jeanty. With a defensive minded coach like Mike Vrabel locked in on containing the rookie, it is poised to be a frustrating NFL debut for the 2024 Heisman Trophy runner up.
RB – RJ Harvey, RB21, Denver Broncos vs. Tennessee Titans
RJ Harvey is another AFC West rookie running back who is projected to make an impact, but it won’t come in Week 1. The Broncos signed J.K. Dobbins in free agency, and he will likely get most snaps to start the season against a tough interior Titans’ defense spearheaded by Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat. Bo Nix and the Broncos will like turn to a short, quick passing attack which may limit what Harvey does in his NFL debut. It’s likely much of his fantasy value will come in catching the ball.
NFL Week 1 Fantasy Football Sleeper
RB – Cam Skattebo, TE32, New York Giants vs Washington Commanders
The fourth-round pick out of Arizona State is third on the depth chart entering Week 1 behind Tyron Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary, but he’ll get snaps against the Commanders. As a versatile running back who can line up anywhere on the field, expect Brian Daboll to find ways to get Cam Skattebo on the field and making plays. As an all-purpose yard threat, Skattebo could have fantasy owners smiling following Week 1.
Other Sleepers:
- Dylan Sampton – Cleveland Browns
- Woody Marks – Houston Texans
- Ollie Gordon II – Miami Dolphins
- DJ Giddens – Indianapolis Colts