Introduction

As fantasy football enthusiasts gear up for the 2025 season, the quest for glory often comes with pitfalls. With injuries and fluctuating performances, the pursuit of that coveted league championship can quickly turn nightmarish for many managers. With only a handful of running backs expected to cross the 300-touch threshold, teams face daunting decisions as they evaluate this year's crop of muddied backfields.

Cleveland's Struggling Backfield

Starting in Cleveland, the Browns, who finished 29th in rushing yards last season, made efforts to revitalize their offense by drafting two promising prospects: Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson. However, Judkins faces a troubling offseason arrest, resulting in a delay in signing, while the team explores options for a veteran addition. Consequently, Jerome Ford is projected to start the season as the lead back, creating uncertainty for fantasy managers proceeding with the Browns' running game.

Dallas Dilemma

In Dallas, the situation looks conflicted for running back Javonte Williams, who has seemingly claimed the top job by default. Despite lackluster metrics last season in Denver, Williams steps into a less-than-ideal scenario as injuries plague the depth chart. With uncertainty looming over the ground game, expect Dak Prescott to take to the air more frequently, leaving fantasy managers wary of Dallas’ running potential.

Jacksonville's RBBC Conundrum

The Jacksonville Jaguars present another complex landscape. Travis Etienne, often viewed as the top back, officially shares the spotlight with rookie Tank Bigsby, who has demonstrated commendable performance in training camp. The question remains: how will the distribution of touches work, and can fantasy managers trust the backfield decisions of head coach Liam Coen?

Washington's Rookie Expectations

Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders are creating buzz around rookie Jacory 'Bill' Croskey-Merritt, who has garnered attention following the trade of former starter Brian Robinson Jr. While expectations run high, head coach Dan Quinn's remarks indicate a multi-back approach, which could limit Croskey-Merritt's fantasy value in an RBBC situation.

Uncertain Futures in Other Backfields

Across the league, other teams are grappling with similar uncertainty. The Houston Texans lack clarity with Joe Mixon’s health and the performance of rookie Woody Marks, while Kenneth Walker III’s injury history complicates his starting role in Seattle, making Zach Charbonnet a name to watch. Fantasy managers must carefully weigh these factors when drafting among the chaos of running back committees.

Conclusion

As the 2025 fantasy football season approaches, being mindful of these backfield dilemmas is crucial. Drafting strategies will vary, but the volatility of running backs should prompt managers to prioritize players with stable roles, avoiding those teams poised for nightmare scenarios.