Fantasy Football Today: Backfield Chaos Rankings – 5 Most Unclear RB Situations!

Release Date: May 10, 2025

In this episode of Fantasy Football Today, hosted by CBS Sports' Adam Aizer alongside analysts Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, and Heath Cummings, the team delves into the most perplexing running back (RB) situations heading into the 2025 NFL season. Focusing on five teams with uncertain backfield dynamics—New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Dallas Cowboys—the analysts provide in-depth rankings, insights, and projections to aid fantasy football enthusiasts in making informed decisions.

1. New York Giants – Tyrone Tracy vs. Cam Scatterboo

Featured at 01:17

The New York Giants' RB situation lands at Number 5 on the chaos rankings. Adam Aizer discusses the complexities surrounding late draft pick Tyrone Tracy and the recently drafted Cam Scatterboo.

Adam Aizer [01:17]: "Tyrone Tracy, a late draft pick from 2024, had some good performances but struggled with fumbles. We drafted Cam Scatterboo, who might outperform Tracy both as a rusher and a passer."

He highlights Tracy's initial promise marred by inconsistencies and Scatterboo's potential to surpass expectations. Heath Cummings weighs in, suggesting that caution might be warranted when drafting either player.

Heath Cummings [02:02]: "Obviously no one's drafting Singletary but you'd still take Tracy ahead of Scatterboo."

However, Adam Aizer counters by presenting his projections, indicating a close competition between the two.

Adam Aizer [02:08]: "I've got Tracy projected at 178 carries and 49 targets versus Scatterboo's 183 carries and 22 targets. It’s a tough call, but I might lean towards Scatterboo."

2. Kansas City Chiefs – Isaiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell, & Brashard Smith

Featured at 03:08

Securing the Number 4 spot, the Kansas City Chiefs' RB backfield is described as a "full-blown committee." Adam Aizer breaks down the roles of Isaiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell, and Brashard Smith.

Adam Aizer [03:08]: "Pacheco is the lead back, Hunt handles short yardage, and Smith is poised to become the pass-catching back by midseason."

He emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding each player's role, especially with Pacheco's recovery from a leg injury affecting his performance.

Heath Cummings [04:23]: "Last season, Pacheco averaged 16.2 carries per game and had significant involvement in the passing game. If he stays healthy, he could be a workhorse RB."

Adam Aizer challenges Heath's negative view of Kareem Hunt, highlighting his specialized skill set.

Adam Aizer [05:28]: "Hunt has a great skill set for pass protection and short yardage. I’m not concerned about his role, but how he integrates with Mitchell and Smith."

The Chiefs' dynamic creates unpredictability, making their RB situation a critical point of analysis for fantasy managers.

3. New England Patriots – Ramandre Stevenson vs. Trevion Henderson

Featured at 07:20

At Number 3, the New England Patriots' RB duo of Ramandre Stevenson and Trevion Henderson presents a strategic dilemma. Adam Aizer posits two potential scenarios for their usage.

Adam Aizer [06:35]: "Stevenson could lead in rush attempts while Henderson dominates passing downs and targets. Alternatively, Henderson might take over the entire load if he proves superior."

Heath Cummings expresses optimism about Henderson's versatility and Henderson’s ability as a pass protector.

Heath Cummings [07:20]: "Henderson was a major competition in college and has the skills to be a three-down back, potentially taking over the backfield if Stevenson doesn't dominate."

The Patriots' approach to balancing both runners could significantly impact their fantasy football value, depending on how roles are ultimately defined.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars – Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby, & Basil Tootin

Featured at 07:30

The Number 2 rank is awarded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, where the RB carousel includes Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby, and Basil Tootin. Adam Aizer expresses skepticism about the likelihood of any one player securing a dominant role.

Adam Aizer [07:30]: "None of these guys are clear favorites. I’m planning on moving Etienne down in my rankings next time because the new coaching staff doesn’t seem to favor him as much."

He discusses the potential for Basil Tootin to emerge as a key asset midseason, though noting the risks associated with rookie RBs.

Adam Aizer [08:18]: "Tootin was a day three pick and might not live up to expectations, but there's still upside if he can outperform in the latter half of the season."

Heath Cummings concurs, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the Jaguars' RB depth chart.

Heath Cummings [08:27]: "Scatterboo were early round four on day three, similar uncertainty persists here."

The Jaguars' evolving RB situation underscores the volatility and potential high-reward scenarios valuable in fantasy strategies.

5. Dallas Cowboys – Javante Williams, Miles Sanders, Jadon Blue, & Phil Is It

Featured at 08:44

Topping the list at Number 1, the Dallas Cowboys' RB lineup is the most enigmatic. Adam Aizer outlines the extensive depth with five RBs, none of whom have firmly established themselves as starters.

Adam Aizer [08:44]: "We have Javante Williams, Miles Sanders, Jadon Blue, Phil Isit, and Deuce Vaughn. None stand out as starting-caliber RBs currently."

He points out that while these players might not be primary options, their potential for touches keeps them relevant in fantasy leagues.

Adam Aizer [09:00]: "You don’t need a starting RB to be fantasy relevant if they get enough touches. However, these players are all available and very cheap, so you can take a gamble without much risk."

Heath Cummings summarizes the Cowboys' situation, indicating caution but acknowledging the potential for value picks.

Heath Cummings [09:45]: "These RBs are at the lower range but could provide depth without heavy investment in your draft."

The Cowboys' RB uncertainty presents a high-risk, high-reward scenario, ideal for fantasy managers looking to exploit low-cost, high-potential options.

Conclusion

Featured at 09:45

As the NFL season approaches, the Fantasy Football Today team emphasizes the importance of monitoring these unclear RB situations. Each featured team presents unique challenges and opportunities:

• Giants: Balancing between Tracy and Scatterboo.
• Chiefs: Navigating a multi-faceted RB committee.
• Patriots: Determining the primary back between Stevenson and Henderson.
• Jaguars: Assessing the potential of Etienne, Bigsby, and Tootin.
• Cowboys: Exploring depth and opportunities among five RBs.

By understanding these complexities, fantasy managers can make strategic decisions to gain an edge in their leagues.

Heath Cummings [09:45]: "Those are the five most unclear running back situations as of May 8th. Have a wonderful weekend and a great Mother's Day and we'll talk to you next week on Fantasy Football Today."

Note: This summary excludes advertisement segments and focuses solely on the content discussed by the hosts and analysts.