Week 9 Running Back Preview: New Starters, Big Opportunities

Top Fantasy RBs for Week 9

Here are the top Week 9 running backs, with usage and matchup details that drive their positioning in the Week 9 RB rankings. 

1. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers

Volume king Christian McCaffrey leads all RBs in snap share (88%), route rate (82%), target share (23%), and touches (196). That's an average of 24.5 touches per game. That elite volume locks McCaffrey into an every-week, top-3 role, but this week's matchup against a Giants' defense that yields the seventh-most fantasy points to RBs makes McCaffrey our No. 1 overall player. 

2. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

Taylor went 12-153-2 on the ground last week against the Titans and scored another time through the air. He has scored 3 TDs in four of the past six games. The Colts’ excellent blocking and threat with Daniel Jones at QB make Taylor efficient. The Steelers have been surprisingly successful against RBs, holding Josh Jacobs to only 33 yards last week. Taylor can overcome that and is locked in as a starter this week and beyond.

3. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons

Robinson comes off a shocking dud against the Dolphins for a much tougher matchup against the Patriots, who have limited opposing RBs to just 3.0 yards per carry and held Ashton Jeanty, De'Von Achane, James Cook, and Quinshon Judkins under 50 rushing yards. The good news for Robinson: New England has allowed the most catches and sixth-most receiving yards to RBs.

4. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

Two weeks ago, Gibbs broke out with 218 total yards and 2 TDs. His 18.6 touches per game rank ninth among RBs this season, and it has translated into points. The Vikings' defense has been torched by lesser backs like Kenneth Gainwell and Kimani Vidal, who both went over 100 yards. Gibbs is in a smash spot this week.

5. De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins

Played Thursday night.

6. Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens

Played Thursday night.

7. Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers

Going back to 2024, Jacobs has scored in 15 of his past 16 games. He’s been limited in practice with a calf, but it’s no reason to downgrade him against Carolina. The veteran remains one of the best TD bets league-wide. 

8. Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys

Williams went 14-49-2 last week, scoring 9 total TDs so far this season. He has five top-12 PPR RB weeks so far this season. The Cardinals are an average rush defense and are even worse against the inside zone scheme that the Cowboys run. This should be another smash spot for Williams to score a TD.  

9. Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams

This is a smash spot for Williams. His Rams are 14-point home favorites with a huge 28.75-point implied total against the Saints, who rank 17th in adjusted fantasy points allowed to RBs. New Orleans has allowed eight RB TDs through eight games, including three over the past two weeks.

10. James Cook, Buffalo Bills

Cook’s fresh off a Week 8 that included 216 yards and 2 TDs. Interestingly, he’s now gone three straight games without a catch, but he’s delivering as one of the game’s top RBs on the ground. Now he draws a Chiefs unit that’s 11th in rush yards over expected per attempt. They drop to 18th in yards before contact per attempt.

11. Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers 

Omarion Hampton remains out, putting Vidal back in the spotlight as the Chargers’ RB1. Last time we saw Vidal, he went off against Minnesota to the tune of 117 yards and 1 TD. That Thursday matchup gives him some extra rest ahead of a showdown with Tennessee. The Titans are dealing with a banged-up Jeffery Simmons, who made the injury list with a hamstring. 

12. Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers

Warren remains the clear lead back on the Steelers, going 13-62-0 on the ground and 2-11-0 through the air last week. He is averaging 74.1% of the team’s RB touches over the past two weeks. Warren offers a high floor with his usage. He only has 1 TD this season, but 3.5 expected. If the Steelers are in a goal-line position, Warren could finally score another. He is worth starting this week.

13. Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders’ offense (probably) can’t be as bad again as it was at Kansas City before the bye. That rough outing followed three straight games of more than 15 PPR points for Jeanty. So don’t let the recency bias of that outlier -- the only time he has fallen short of 14 touches this season -- push you to overrate the downside risk on the rookie RB.

14. Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears

D'Andre Swift (groin) won't play in Week 9. Monangai had showcased solid rush and pass-catching abilities in the last two weeks, growing up to a near 50/50 split with Swift. Now, he'll get the opportunity to be a three-down workhorse in a superb matchup against a Cincinnati defense that has surrendered the most fantasy points to opposing RBs. Monangai is now in must-start territory and is a borderline RB1. 

15. Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars

Etienne’s coming off three straight single-digit fantasy scores, but all came in negative matchups. The Chiefs, Seahawks, and Rams all rank top-9 in total defensive DVOA and rush DVOA. The Raiders also rate well in run D (11th in DVOA) but sport a middling defense overall that has yielded 25+ points to four of its past five opponents. They’ve also been the eighth-most friendly to RB scoring by our adjusted fantasy points allowed.

16. Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals

Like most of Cincinnati's skill-position players, Brown has seen a resurgence with Joe Flacco under center. Brown has scored 12-plus PPR points in back-to-back games and has topped double-digit scoring in four of five. Chicago allows the 10th-most fantasy points, and there's a good chance the Bengals rely more on the ground game this week with Flacco's shoulder ailing. Brown is a high-end RB2 with RB1 upside. 

17. Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs

Hunt will assume lead back duties with Isiah Pacheco (knee) likely sidelined. His usage near the goal line adds TD potential, while Buffalo’s certainly struggled to stop the run in 2025. They slot 30th in rush defense DVOA; 29th in PFF’s run defense grades.

18. Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants

With Cam Skattebo gone, Tyrone Tracy now recalaims his starting job, and that role should be good for fantasy purposes. After Skattbo's injury, Tracy was in on 78% of New York's snaps. As the starter last season, Tracy averaged 16.7 opportunities per game and put up RB23 numbers in PPR scoring. San Francisco has been decent against RBs, but Tracy's volume and pass-catching ability put him firmly in mid-range RB2 territory. 

19. Zonovan Knight, Arizona Cardinals

Knight went 17-64-1 in the Cardinals’ last game. Emari Demercado is back this week, but Knight should remain the lead back with Demercado and Michael Carter providing backup. The Cowboys' poor defense should offer an opportunity for Knight to find the end zone. The Cowboys have allowed 16.3 rushing points per game to RBs, 5th most in the NFL. Knight can be started if you don’t have better options. 

20. Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots

Stevenson has missed the first two practices of the week with a toe injury that threatens his availability for Sunday's game. If he plays, he'll be in a nice spot with his Patriots 5.5-point home favorites for a struggling Falcons run defense. Atlanta coughed up a 24-129-2 rushing line to Christian McCaffrey in Week 7 and 141 rushing yards to Dolphins RBs last week. 

21. David Montgomery, Detroit Lions

Montgomery has seen a decrease in touches from last season, going down from 16 per game to 13. But he is still incredibly efficient at 5.1 yards per touch. That should continue against the Vikings, who have been torched by lesser backs like Kenneth Gainwell and Kimani Vidal. (Both went over 100 yards). The lack of touches makes Montgomery a tough start, but if the Lions get ahead, this could be a spot for a Montgomery TD. 

22. Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers

HC Dave Canales recently indicated that Dowdle will take on a larger role following a multi-game hot streak. In fact, over the whole season, he ranks fifth in rush yards over expected. Dowdle tallied 16 runs of 10+ yards. We expect him to run clear ahead of Chuba Hubbard against the Packers, but the matchup should give you some pause. Green Bay has allowed only 3.8 yards per carry and two total TDs to RBs.

23. Woody Marks, Houston Texans

Marks should be central to Houston’s offensive plan this week against a Denver defense that ranks sixth in overall pass DVOA and third in rush DVOA but just 30th in RB-coverage DVOA. Marks trailed Nick Chubb in carries and total touches last time out, but easily beat him in efficiency. Marks has caught 3+ passes in three of his past four games.

24. J.K. Dobbins, Denver Broncos

Despite RJ Harvey’s 3-TD blowup against the Cowboys, Dobbins remains the clear backfield leader. He beat the rookie 17-8 in touches in that contest and has garnered at least 14 carries in seven of eight contests for the season. This week finds a tougher matchup vs. Houston, which ranks fourth in total defensive DVOA and first in scoring defense. But the Texans’ softest area lies against the run. So there’s some chance Dobbins delivers a solid fantasy line.

25. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints

RB Kendre Miller's absence didn't help Kamara's role last week. In fact, his 51% snap rate and eight touches were both season lows. Kamara has now finished outside the top-24 RBs in PPR points in five of his last six games. He's no better than an RB3 in a tough Week 9 matchup against the Rams' second-ranked RB defense. The Saints are implied for a week-low 14.75 points.

26. Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks

Charbonnet has played more snaps than Kenneth Walker and is taking the more valuable short-yardage and 2-minute snaps. Charbonnet has out-scored Walker 5-3, including a pair of short TDs last week against the Texans. Seattle's split backfield remains frustrating, but there's enough of a role for Charbonnet to be considered a decent RB3/flex option with plus TD upside against the Commanders. 

27. Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks

The Commanders are middle of the pack, allowing 21.8 PPR points per game to RBs. That's a solid matchup for Seattle's backfield, but their usage remains frustrating. Walker leads the team with a 50% backfield carry share, but he's not being utilized much in the passing game and cedes most 2-minute and short-yardage work to Zach Charbonnet. Walker still offers the ability to break off long runs, but Charbonnet's presence caps his upside. That puts Walker in RB3/flex territory in Week 9. 

28. Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans

Spears beat Tony Pollard in snaps (51% to 48%) and routes (47% to 40%) in last week’s blowout loss. The backfield could continue tilting in Spears’ favor, especially with the Titans entering the weekend as huge road underdogs at Green Bay. The Packers have also allowed the seventh-most catches to enemy RBs.

29. Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings

Jones came back and led the Vikings’ RBs with 53% of snaps but only had 7 touches. Jordan Mason had 5 touches. The split makes both pretty much unusable. Jones offers a bit more receiving upside, and if the Vikings get behind, that makes him the better PPR start. With the Lions' stout run defense, it is advised to bench Jones.

30. Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans

Pollard hasn’t scored since Week 5, while blowouts have limited him to 96 rushing yards in his past three. Another blowout is in play this week against a Packers unit allowing the fewest fantasy points to RBs. Treat Pollard as a low-ceiling Flex.

31. Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals cut Michael Carter only to bring him back, so he should figure into his old role. Emari Demercado coming back could cut into Carter’s potential production, so don’t expect much fantasy relevance. The Cowboys have allowed 16.3 rushing points per game to RBs, 5th most in the NFL, so the best hope is a TD.

32. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders

Over the last four games, Croskey-Merritt has taken over as Washington's lead back. Since Week 5, Croskey-Merritt has commanded 67% of Washington's RB carries, but he's not being used much in the passing game. The rookie has only caught 7 passes all season and hasn't scored since Week 5. This week, Washington hosts a Seattle defense that has allowed the 13th-fewest PPR points to RBs, who have only scored 2 rushing TDs against this defense all season. As the starter, Croskey-Merritt is on the RB3/flex radar, but his ceiling is rather limited. 

33. Brashard Smith, Kansas City Chiefs

Smith landed on the injury report with a toe injury, but he’s fully expected to play against Buffalo. He projects for a few targets and change-of-pace rushing work with Isiah Pacheco (knee) likely out. Smith is a PPR flex option against Buffalo.

34. R.J. Harvey, Denver Broncos

Harvey’s 3 TDs in the win over Dallas came on just eight touches. And even that marked his second-largest workload of the season (and largest since Week 4). Expect another light load against a tough Houston defense that won’t allow nearly the scoring upside that Dallas presents. No team has allowed fewer points than the Texans.

35. TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots

Henderson is coming off a season-high 75 rushing yards on 10 carries last week. His playing time remained underwhelming, though, and he went target-less in a second straight game. Henderson still isn't in a big enough role to be a reliable fantasy play. But that could change if Rhamondre Stevenson's toe injury keeps him out of Sunday's game vs. Atlanta. Keep an eye on Shark Bites for updates. The Falcons rank 13th in adjusted fantasy points allowed to RBs and have particularly struggled the last two weeks against the 49ers and Dolphins.

36. Nick Chubb, Houston Texans

Chubb led Woody Marks 17-11 in carries last week but trailed him in yardage and fell short of 4 yards per carry for the third time in four games. That came against a much softer defense than the Denver unit he’ll face this week. The Broncos rank third in run-defense DVOA.

37. Jordan Mason, Minnesota Vikings

Aaron Jones came back and led the Vikings’ RBs with 53% of snaps, but only had 7 touches. Jordan Mason had 5 touches. The split makes both pretty much unusable. Mason also doesn’t offer much receiving upside in PPR leagues. With the Lions' stout run defense, it is advised to bench Mason. 

38. Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals

Over Cincinnati's last four games, Perine has been in on 43% of the Bengals' snaps, ran a route on 39% of his snaps, and commanded 37% of the team's backfield carries. That's solid usage for a change-of-pace back on an offense that is rolling. This week, the Bears face a Chicago defense that allows the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing runners, and Joe Flacco is dealing with a banged-up throwing shoulder. That could lead to decent fantasy output for Perine, who is on the flex radar. 

39. Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers

Gainwell has only played 37% of snaps since his Week 4 breakout without Jaylen Warren. Gainwell has stepped back into the backup role, averaging only 8 touches per game over these last three games. At this point, he isn’t startable and will only be fantasy relevant with a Warren injury.

40. Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens

Played Thursday night.

41. Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers

In two games post-calf injury, Hubbard’s been severely outplayed by Rico Dowdle. Over that stretch, Dowdle tops his teammate in yards per carry (5.3 to 2.4), yards after contact (3.52 to 1.96), and runs of 10+ yards (5 to 1). Hubbard out-carried Dowdle by two over the small sample. But HC Dave Canales has expressed a desire to shift more work to the former Cowboy. That leaves Hubbard as a benchable fantasy player against a strong Green Bay defense.

42. Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams

Corum remains the clear No. 2 RB behind Kyren Williams. But there could be enough to go around for both guys this week. The Rams are huge 14-point home favorites against the Saints. If this game goes according to script, Corum could see plenty of action in the second half. You could do worse if you're looking for a bye-week fill in.

43. Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers

Wilson had his best game of the season last week, playing a season-high 41% of Green Bay's snaps and earning 14 touches. Josh Jacobs (calf) has been limited, which opens the door for Wilson to have a solid role in Week 9 against a Carolina Panthers' defense that just allowed 245 rushing yards and 4 TDs on the ground to Buffalo last week. 

44. Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons

This is not a good spot for Allgeier. The Falcons are 5.5-point road underdogs to a Patriots run defense that's limited enemy backs to just 3.0 yards per carry. Not a single RB has reached 50 rushing yards against New England this season.

45. Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars

Perhaps the Jaguars decide to send more work the rookie’s way coming out of the bye. But there’s currently little reason to bet on production from a guy who hasn’t logged more than five touches in a game since Week 3.

46. Ollie Gordon, Miami Dolphins

Played Thursday night.

47. Jeremy McNichols, Washington Commanders

While Jacory Croskey-Merritt has established himself as Washington's main ball-carrier, Jeremy McNicols has moved into the change-of-pace role. In the last four weeks, McNichols has taken 93% of Washington's passing-down work and ranks third overall on the team with a 14% target share. He's averaged 6.9 PPR points per game in that stretch, but has only carried the ball 6 times. McNichols is a one-dimensional pass-catching back with limited upside, but the Seahawks have allowed the most receptions to RBs. 

48. Devin Neal, New Orleans Saints

Although he didn't record a carry last week, Neal played 46% of New Orleans' offensive snaps alongside a fading Alvin Kamara. We'll continue to keep a close eye on the rookie's role. But he's not yet a viable fantasy starter, especially this week against the Rams' second-ranked RB defense.

49. Devin Singletary, New York Giants

Singletary only drew 8 snaps last week and is well behind Tyrone Tracy. But Singletary should see a handful of opportunities as both a change-of-pace runner and receiver. Consider Singletary a desperation RB4/flex option in deeper leagues that have been impacted by injuries or the Week 9 byes.

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Jody Smith, Analyst

Jody Smith has been playing fantasy football for over 30 years, the last 15 as an analyst, writer, and editor. Jody's rankings have been among the most consistent, placing him inside the top-10 in multi-year accuracy.