FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast

Episode: Week 12 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings & Tiers: Studs, Sleepers, and Must-Starts (Ep. 1854)
Date: November 20, 2025
Hosts: Chris Welsh, Pat FitzMorrison ("Fitzy"), Andrew Erickson

Episode Overview

This episode centers on Week 12 running back (RB) rankings and tiers for fantasy football. Chris Welsh, Pat FitzMorrison (“Fitzy”), and Andrew Erickson break down the top 36 RBs, discuss start/sit conundrums, dissect backfield committees, and highlight critical injury updates. The crew debates major names like Saquon Barkley, Trayveon Henderson, and potential flex plays, offering tier-by-tier analysis that helps listeners navigate difficult lineup choices.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Overall Running Back Landscape (00:35–02:01)

• The team remarks that this week’s RB pool feels significantly more viable than recent weeks compared to the wide receiver position.

• “It sure looks better than the wide receiver position this week, Welsh. I think we're counting on running backs to carry the day…” — Pat FitzMorrison (01:07)

• The flex-tier for running backs is actually playable for Week 12, unlike recent “gross” weeks.

• This episode is a “time capsule” for ECR (Expert Consensus Ranking), so listeners are reminded to check for late updates.

2. RB1 Tier Analysis

Main Players: Christian McCaffrey, Jonathan Taylor, Jameer Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, Saquon Barkley, Trayveon Henderson, others (02:12–14:19)

Saquon Barkley Debate

• Pat is higher (RB5) on Saquon, citing matchup data and pass-catching involvement. Notes Dallas’s defense gives up the third-most receiving yards to RBs.
  • “Our RB5 does feel too high. I'm not going to lie. Like, you're starting him this week, but maybe Erickson has a point here with where he is ranking him.” — Pat FitzMorrison (05:04)
• Andrew is lower (RB11), citing Philadelphia’s offensive struggles, injuries to the offensive line (Lane Johnson out), Saquon’s lack of explosive plays, and Dallas’s improved run defense.
  • “It's like, yeah, Saquon, he's facing the Cowboys. You got to start him. He's a top 12 running back, which is how I feel… But I just think it's kind of eye-opening that The Raiders rushed eight carries for 13 yards with their running backs.” — Andrew Erickson (06:07)

Trayveon Henderson vs. Rhamondre Stevenson Usage

• Consensus: Henderson is a smash play due to Bengals’ vulnerability (“You do not necessarily need a 20 touch game out of Travion Henderson to smash here.” — Pat, 10:57).
• Debate centers on touch share with Stevenson returning. Pat is slightly more cautious; Andrew thinks Henderson will remain above 60% snap share.
  • “I think that they want to make sure that he's kept in a role where he can remain efficient. And against the Bengals... I don't know if he's going to need 18 touches to get it done.” — Andrew Erickson (10:12)
• If Rhamondre is active, both could be flex plays but Henderson’s RB1 upside keeps him top 8.

3. Key RB2 Tier Debates

RB13–24: Travis Etienne, Ashton Genty, Quinshon Judkins, Woody Marks, Breece Hall, DeAndre Swift, Aaron Jones, Ken Walker, Jalen Warren, Emmanuel Wilson, David Montgomery, Kareem Hunt
(15:57–29:16)

Travis Etienne's Value Hinges on Tootin’s Health

• Usage and rank highly dependent on Bashal Tootin’s injury.
  • “If Tootin does play, (ETN) goes…down like five spots and I will have Travis Etienne behind Woody Marks, probably behind DeAndre Swift...” — Pat (18:23)
• Etienne has been “pretty touchdown dependent” and suffers if Tootin and possibly La’Quint Allen are active.

Ashton Genty vs. Browns Defense

• Fitzy is lower (RB18) due to O-line woes and poor recent efficiency.
  • “He’s averaged 3.1 yards per carry over his last five games. It’s just, it’s depressing man. The Raiders offensive line was not opening up holes for Genty…” — Fitz (19:59)
• Andrew sees safe floor through passing game volume (RB14).
  • “…volume is enough for a guy to finish as a mid-range RB2. Again…he’ll be fine.” — Andrew Erickson (20:56)

Quinshon Judkins: Volume vs. Ceiling

• Both hosts note Judkins is volume-dependent behind a failing O-line with little pass game work.
  • “It’s just been empty volume and he has averaged 3.2 yards per carry over his last five games. He has just eight receiving yards over that stretch.” — Pat (24:11)
• Neutral matchup, very little upside if Browns offense is ineffective.

Emmanuel Wilson/Josh Jacobs Dilemma (RB22)

• Placeholder rank for Wilson (RB22–23) is based on Jacobs being out.
• Fitzy warns Chris Brooks could share touches: “It’s possible Brooks could split carries… might be a little more vague with the usage than we think…” (25:25)
• Andrew: Wilson is just a grinder, not a dynamic playmaker. “He’s more of that kind of like grinder type of running back…He’s not like making guys miss in terms of like breaking ankles.” (27:18)

4. RB3 and Flex Options

RB25–36: Alvin Kamara, Tyrone Tracy, Zach Charbonnet, Sean Tucker, Kenny Gainwell, Bam Knight, Rashad White, Tyjae Spears, Tony Pollard, Kyle Manungai, Devin Singletary, Tyler Allgeier
(29:16–40:26)

Alvin Kamara: Cautious Optimism

• Fitzy: “He’s maybe not back in the circle of trust yet, Welsh, but he’s ringing the doorbell…” (30:33)
• Still some concern over Saints’ O-line, possibility of Taysom Hill and Devin Neal siphoning touches; improved situation compared to two weeks ago.

Sean Tucker (Bucs Backfield Mess)

• Both see Tampa Bay’s backfield as a risk-laden committee, especially if Bucky Irving returns.
  • “As good as Tucker was last week…he still played 11 fewer snaps than Rashad White…we’re probably not getting another 140 yards out of him.” — Pat (34:23)
  • Andrew is particularly down if three RBs are active: “I think we could have a three-headed mess in a terrible matchup against the Rams.” (35:32)

Bam Knight: Usable Floor Flex

• Both agree Knight is a fine RB3 with touchdown upside if he’s the sole back.
  • “I think Bam is fine. He’s got touchdown equity on an offense that can score points…he should get goal line touchdowns. So, yeah, he’s a strong RB3…” — Andrew (38:26)
  • Fitzy is less bullish: “I’m more with the ‘fine in a pinch’…I kind of have him in a tier…I don’t see a big ceiling for Bam Knight. But maybe he can at least give you a decent floor.” (39:19)

Other Notable RB3 Mentions

• Tyler Allgeier: Seen as a potentially interesting flex play in run-heavy game scripts.
• Tony Pollard/Tyjae Spears: Avoid if possible due to bad matchups.
• Zach Charbonnet, Kenny Gainwell: Only advisable as injury or desperation fill-ins.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On RB Landscape:

  • “This does feel like a flex running back week.” — Andrew Erickson (01:37)

• Barkley Skepticism:

  • “Did not sound like your tone was–not oh, wheels up. We're like, usually we're like top five running back, let's go.” — Chris Welsh (06:05)

• Trayveon Henderson vs. Stevenson:

  • “You do not necessarily need a 20-touch game out of Trayveon Henderson to smash here.” — Pat FitzMorrison (10:57)

• Genty vs. Judkins:

  • “It's just who—which rookie running back can break more tackles?” — Andrew (23:03)

• Bucs RB Chaos:

  • “I, I don’t know...All these Buccaneers running backs ranks are going to change by the time we get the full news on Friday.” — Andrew (36:35)

• Funniest/Most Relatable:

  • “Erickson’s ranking of Sean Tucker has turned into a who’s on first?” — Pat (37:32)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• RB1/Top Tier Rankings Start: 02:12
• Saquon Barkley Debate: 04:12–07:40
• Trayveon Henderson Usage (w/ Stevenson): 07:40–12:24
• Running Back 2s Begin: 15:57
• Travis Etienne Discussion (re: Tootin injury): 16:35–19:29
• Ashton Genty vs. Browns: 19:29–22:25
• Quinshon Judkins Volume: 22:25–24:55
• Emmanuel Wilson/Josh Jacobs Placeholder: 24:55–29:16
• Running Back 3s/Alvin Kamara: 29:16–33:39
• Sean Tucker Bucs Mess: 33:39–37:31
• Bam Knight Flex Value: 37:44–40:26

Conclusion

This episode delivers actionable RB insight for Week 12, emphasizing context: injury news, game script, usage trends, and matchup difficulty. While consensus shines on clear studs (McCaffrey, Taylor), the flex and RB2/3 area is rife with risk, especially amid injury uncertainty and backfield committees. The episode blends data, banter, and in-season nuance to help fantasy managers optimize their lineups—even if the league’s running back pool is “gross,” as the hosts frequently joke.

For the latest rankings, check FantasyPros.com/rankings as news and injury statuses will considerably alter RB outlooks leading up to kickoff.