The preseason constantly shifts the running back landscape in fantasy football, and 2025 has been no exception. August action provided plenty of clues about which backfields are primed for opportunity and which carry more risk than reward. Usage patterns, injuries, and roster moves have already shaken up draft boards in a big way.
With the final weekend of drafts here, managers must quickly sort out which backs are gaining steam and which are sliding in the wrong direction.
Preseason Fantasy Football Risers
TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots
TreVeyond Henderson has absolutely torched defenses throughout August, looking like the explosive back New England Patriots fans hoped they were getting. His preseason usage patterns suggest he is their RB1 of the future. Henderson’s combination of speed and vision has been on full display, consistently breaking off chunk plays that translate directly to fantasy gold.
TreVeyon Henderson
4 rushes
20 rushing yards
1 TDpic.twitter.com/ITRNXZOjfn— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) August 16, 2025
The Patriots’ commitment to establishing the run game under their new offensive system creates a massive opportunity for Henderson to accumulate touches. His preseason snap count distribution indicates he’s already the clear RB2, and it’s only a matter of time before he overtakes Rhamondre Stevenson.
Henderson went from a 5/6 turn pick to going at the 3/4 turn. Arguably, no player increased his fantasy value more in August.
RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos
RJ Harvey has been the most pleasant surprise of Denver’s preseason, showcasing the receiving skills that make him a perfect fit for Sean Payton’s offense. His route-running precision and reliable hands have created clear separation from the competition, and Payton’s history of maximizing the performance of receiving backs should have Harvey drafters feeling vindicated.
The rookie’s preseason target share suggests he’ll carve out immediate playing time in an offense that loves to utilize multiple back sets.
Denver’s offensive line improvements and Payton’s track record with pass-catching backs create the perfect environment for Harvey to produce immediately. His preseason usage suggests a heavy early down role, and there is enough receiving volume to go around to keep his upside incredibly high.
Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs
Isiah Pacheco has looked completely healthy and explosive throughout Kansas City’s preseason action, erasing any lingering concerns about his recovery from his broken leg. His preseason workload distribution suggests the Chiefs view him as their clear lead back, and his chemistry with Patrick Mahomes in the backfield has been seamless.
“Describe Isiah Pacheco with one play”
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) August 23, 2025
Pacheco’s preseason efficiency metrics and ability to create explosive plays behind an improved offensive line should have fantasy managers feeling confident about his bounce-back potential.
The Chiefs’ offensive system remains perfectly-suited for Pacheco’s skill set, and his preseason usage in goal-line situations indicates he’ll maintain his touchdown upside. Consider him a rock-solid RB2 with weekly RB1 upside in one of the league’s best offenses.
Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans
Tony Pollard has been everything Tennessee hoped for and more, showcasing the explosive playmaking ability that made him a fantasy star in Dallas. His preseason usage as the clear lead back has been encouraging.
Pollard’s efficiency behind Tennessee’s improved offensive line suggests he’s positioned for a massive workload increase, which should translate to consistent fantasy production.
The Titans’ commitment to establishing the run game creates significant opportunity for Pollard to accumulate touches, and the injury to Tyjae Spears suggests he’ll handle a three-down role. Pollard’s receiving ability adds valuable PPR upside, and his proven track record of explosive plays makes him an excellent draft target. Grab him as a solid RB2 with legitimate upside.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has been a revelation this offseason. The seventh-round rookie has worked his way up the depth chart and compelled the Washington Commanders to jettison Brian Robinson Jr.
JCM’s preseason efficiency between the tackles and ability to fall forward for extra yards have impressed the coaching staff and fantasy managers alike. The Commanders’ offensive system appears well-suited for Croskey-Merritt’s bruising running style, and his preseason usage has been very encouraging.
Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt goes by “Bill”
Bill just went 27 yards to the 🏠
Watch on ESPN
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/UD9tot9Iau— NFL (@NFL) August 19, 2025
Bill has been rocketing up draft boards from a complete afterthought into the single-digit rounds.
Preseason Fantasy Football Fallers
Breece Hall, New York Jets
Throughout the offseason, new head coach Aaron Glenn has maintained he intends to use Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis in tandem with Breece Hall. It appears this is not just coachspeak.
Hall’s preseason usage suggests the Jets are serious about this split. His reduced snap count and limited touches raise serious questions about his upside over a full season. Once considered a 3/4 turn pick with RB1 upside, Hall’s ADP is sinking like a rock.
The emergence of other backfield options has created unexpected competition for touches, and Hall’s inability to separate himself during August action is troubling. Consider him a risky RB2 rather than the sure-fire RB1 many anticipated.
Joe Mixon, Houston Texans
The vibes surrounding Joe Mixon have been quite literally 100% negative. We have not gotten a single positive report on the Houston Texans RB1 the entire Summer. The only saving grace is that the other backs have not been impressive at all, suggesting Mixon will walk into his feature back role the instant he is physically capable of doing so. Unfortunately, that moment may never come.
Mixon has a history of ankle and foot injuries. He’s now been sidelined for months with an offseason foot issue and has no timetable for a return. At this point, fantasy managers have to assume Mixon is missing a huge chunk of the season, if he plays at all. This concern has sent Mixon from a fourth-round pick into the double-digit rounds.
Kaleb Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers
Kaleb Johnson’s preseason has been a massive disappointment, as he has failed to showcase the college production that made him an intriguing prospect. His preseason usage suggests he has a way to go before he earns a fantasy-relevant role.
Johnson has been a mixed bag as a rusher and looks very uncomfortable as a receiver. He is a pure two-down back who is currently third on the depth chart.
Kaleb Johnson – every rush/target – preseason game three https://t.co/Bty1X9TzTE pic.twitter.com/3NLonAJoFZ
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) August 24, 2025
There is still second-half upside here, but the fact that he couldn’t immediately displace Kenneth Gainwell is not an encouraging sign. If you draft Johnson, be prepared not to be able to start him for several weeks.
Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rachaad White suffered a groin strain in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ first preseason game and hasn’t practiced since. While he’s expected to be ready for Week 1, his absence has allowed Sean Tucker to further ingratiate himself into the rotation.
Tucker is a far superior runner to White. With Bucky Irving entrenched as the lead back, White’s only role is as the clear passing-down back. At best, he has some PPR value in games where the Bucs trail. At worst, he is completely phased out of the offense. The combination of the injury and White’s middling ability has sent him crashing down draft boards. He has no upside and should not be drafted in any round.
Cam Skattebo, New York Giants
Cam Skattebo was supposed to challenge Tyrone Tracy Jr. for the RB1 role. Instead, the rookie has battled injuries and lost valuable camp reps.
Tracy is now the clear RB1, and it’s not even a certainty that Skattebo will be the RB2 ahead of Devin Singletary. As a result, fantasy managers are drafting him later and later.
Skattebo could still emerge as the back to roster later in the season. Right now, though, there’s no denying his fantasy value has taken a hit.
Brian Robinson Jr., San Francisco 49ers
Two weeks ago, Brian Robinson Jr. was a seventh or eighth-round pick as the clear lead runner for the Washington Commanders. Now, he’s Christian McCaffrey’s handcuff.
The good news is that Kyle Shanahan was kind enough to let us know that Isaac Guerendo is no longer the backup we want.
“We brought him here to be our two back. Always been a big fan of Brian, loved him coming out of college… We were pumped that he was available and we were pumped that we were able to get him.”
Kyle Shanahan on the 49ers acquisition of Brian Robinson Jr. pic.twitter.com/XjMaQkZapl
— KNBR (@KNBR) August 24, 2025
While this makes Robinson draftable, there is absolutely no path to standalone value. He needs a CMC injury. As a result, he’s gone from a viable RB3/Flex to a late-round dart.
Najee Harris, Los Angeles Chargers
We finally got some good news on Najee Harris. The team is hopeful he will be ready for Week 1. That’s fantastic, but it doesn’t change the fact that he hasn’t practiced at all during training camp due to the eye injury he sustained on the Fourth of July.
#Chargers GM Joe Hortiz gives an update on Najee Harris: “He’s on track and you know, I think he should be able to go, hopefully, week one”.
Seems like a good indication that Harris won’t start the first 4 weeks of the season on IR. pic.twitter.com/oLw48rWWZR
— Powder Blue Blood (@pwdrblueblood) August 24, 2025
Fantasy managers initially viewed this backfield as one where Harris would open the season as the 1a before Omarion Hampton eventually overtook him. Now, Hampton is entrenched as the starter, and Harris may just be a handcuff, which has sent him plummeting down draft boards.
Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins
Jalyen Wright’s preseason has been a major disappointment, failing to build on the promise that made him a late-round sleeper candidate. His inability to create consistent gains has been troubling, and he failed spectacularly at the goal line. Wright’s preseason efficiency metrics and lack of explosive plays suggest that he may not be ready for fantasy relevance.
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The Dolphins’ backfield competition has been fierce, and Wright’s preseason performance hasn’t distinguished him from other options. His receiving ability hasn’t been showcased effectively, limiting his appeal in PPR formats.
Now, he’s dealing with an injury, while rookie Ollie Gordon II has gotten a chance to shine. At this point, Gordon should go ahead of Wright in fantasy drafts.
