The best fantasy schedule series continues. We last covered quarterbacks, and now we move to the running back position. Getting a boost at this position could be the difference between winning the league and missing the playoffs. Some backfields have yet to be fully sorted out, including some that will be mentioned in this article. Drafting those right will be the biggest possible advantage heading into the 2025 season. And some of these ambiguous backfields will have some of the best schedules. Below are some of the best running back schedules for fantasy in 2025.
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Bijan Robinson & Bucky Irving
I am grouping these two players, considering they both see Carolina and New Orleans twice a season. Both teams were in the bottom three in rushing defense in 2025, and neither significantly improved their run defense. The Saints will probably be the better of the two defenses, considering the talent they will be getting back from injury. However, opposing teams will likely find themselves in the lead more often than not. It wouldn’t surprise me to see the Saints pick number one overall. So Bucky and Bijan will likely see four easy matchups in 2025.
Bucky gets the nod for having the more manageable playoff schedule. Irving will play Carolina in the semifinals and Miami in the finals. Bijan has the harder schedule in the playoffs with the Los Angeles Rams in the finals and Tampa Bay in the first round.
Due to his volume and ridiculous talent, Bijan will be fine regardless of his schedule. It is worth noting that during the fantasy playoff push from weeks 9 to 12, he faces four bottom-run defenses from 2024: the Saints, Panthers, Colts, and Patriots.
Both running backs are worth their respective ADPs in the first and second rounds due partially to having some of the best fantasy schedules at the position. Expect both of these running backs to finish as RB1s. Bijan’s ceiling is as high as the overall RB1, while Bucky’s is likely capped as a mid RB1.
Breece Hall
If Breece Hall can survive all of the Braleon Allen training camp hype, he could be a league winner. Hall has the best schedule for running backs in the fantasy playoffs. Hall will play the Jaguars, Saints, and Patriots in a three-week span from week 15 to 17. The week 15 matchup against the Jaguars is best for someone like Breece Hall. The Jaguars gave up the most receiving yards to running backs in 2024. They replaced only two defensive starters and are essentially returning the same group.
Aaron Glenn has already talked up Hall’s receiving ability, and Justin Fields has the highest checkdown rate in the past two years, making this a matchup to target. The only problem is that this backfield may see a committee approach, with even reports of a 1A-1B situation potentially forming. Hall will be one of the worst picks in 2025 if this happens. However, the risk could be worth it with Hall potentially being Justin Fields’ second favorite pass catcher. Hall is a proven pass catcher, but may lose the goal-line work to a bigger back like Allen. So, proceed with caution, but the best possible outcome for Hall is a high-end RB1 season where he leads the league in targets at the running back position.
Hall’s ADP, as it currently stands, might be a tad too rich. As drafts get closer, his ADP will continue to decrease. Hall will be a must-draft if his ADP somehow reaches round four.
Jacksonville’s Backfield
Speaking of ambiguous backfields, the Jaguars fit that list and then some. All three rushers in that backfield have received hype at some point this offseason. The leader in the clubhouse right now looks to be Tank Bigsby. The third year back out of Auburn has impressed this far and has been named an unofficial co-starter on the depth chart with Travis Etienne. In this scenario, Bigsby would be the presumed early down back with Etienne taking the receiving work.
This backfield made it on here due to having one of the best midseason schedules, which also includes the Colts in weeks 14 and 17. They allowed the tenth-most rushing yards to opponents in 2024. This backfield will come down to whether the training camp hype is real or if Etienne can retain form after an injury hampered his 2024.
Right now, Bigsby is the clear value going later in drafts. It is safe to assume he will take most of the goal linework in what should be a good offense with Trevor Lawrence and Liam Coen at the helm. However, with how late all three of these running backs are going, I want a piece of this backfield in some way.
Conclusion
These are just some of the best running back schedules for 2025. Playing in the NFC or AFC South seems to have its clear advantages. Those divisions have some of the weakest run defenses in football. Now, a schedule is not everything, but a matchup against the Panthers in the playoffs for someone like Bucky Irving could turn a ceiling week into a sure-fire advancement to the next round. Keep these schedules in mind when drafting, and it may just make the difference in your league.
Comment with your favorite running back targets below!
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