FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast
Week 3 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings & Tiers: Studs, Sleepers, and Must-Starts
Date: September 18, 2025
Hosts: Chris Welsh, Andrew Erickson, Pat Fitzmaurice
Episode Overview
This episode is dedicated to breaking down the expert consensus rankings (ECR) for fantasy football running backs heading into Week 3. The hosts—Chris Welsh, Andrew Erickson, and Pat Fitzmaurice—debate the shifting landscape at the position, explain risers/fallers in the rankings, and offer insight into uncertainties and key matchups. They provide context for rookie running backs, RB committee developments, and clarify which backs are surging into must-start territory and which are trending downward.
The episode features a combination of data-driven analysis and practical advice to help fantasy managers make crucial start/sit decisions at running back.
Main Topics & Key Discussion Points
The Running Back Landscape: Confidence & Clarity (00:38)
- The hosts discuss whether the RB position is getting easier to project with some clarity emerging in crowded backfields.
- Andrew Erickson: Notes Aaron Jones is out, which clarifies the Vikings backfield—Jordan Mason becomes the lead (01:51).
- Still, some backfields remain murky, notably the Seahawks.
Quote:
“I think we do feel better about some of these particular backfields...although the Seahawks backfield still—it just continues to look like a headache.” – Andrew Erickson (01:51)
Rookie Running Back Rollercoaster (02:38)
- The class is off to a slow start; listeners are questioning if the 2025 rookie class was “overhyped.”
- Pat Fitzmaurice defends the class’s upside and advises patience.
Quote:
“I think it’s a really good class and I think some of these guys are going to hit before long.” – Pat Fitzmaurice (03:28)
Top 12 Running Backs: Big Movers and Jordan Mason’s Breakout (04:16)
RB1s as of Week 3 ECR:
- Bijan Robinson
- Christian McCaffrey
- Saquon Barkley
- Derrick Henry
- Jonathan Taylor
- James Cook
- Jameer Gibbs
- Bucky Irving
- Josh Jacobs
- Devon Achane
- Chase Brown
- Jordan Mason (huge jump following Aaron Jones news)
Deep Dive: Jordan Mason’s Week 3 Value (05:09)
- Pat Fitzmaurice (the highest on Mason, RB7): Outlines why Mason is set up for a big-volume, run-heavy game.
- Aaron Jones is on IR; Cam Akers may not be active or involved.
- Offensive line injuries mean the Vikings will lean on the run.
Quote: “There’s a good chance Jordan Mason gets 20 or more carries this week, and you can run on the Cincinnati Bengals.” – Pat Fitzmaurice (05:09)
- Andrew Erickson: Highlights Mason’s efficiency and breakout metrics, expects a three-down role.
- Mason is top 10 in rushing yards above expectation through two weeks.
- Bengals' run defense is last in NFL vs. inside runs.
Quote: “Efficiency-wise, he’s been top 10 in rushing yards above expectation…This is the reason I went out and got him.” – Andrew Erickson (06:51)
Week 3 RB2 Tier: Volume, Trends & Concerns (12:49)
RB13–24 (Select Highlights):
- Ashton Jeanty, Travis Etienne, James Conner, Kyren Williams, Breece Hall, Alvin Kamara, Javonte Williams, Ken Walker, Chuba Hubbard, Tony Pollard, Marion Hampton, Jalen Warren
Ashton Jeanty: Floor Play, Not Ceiling (13:48)
- Struggling with pass protection and rookie mistakes, but excels at breaking tackles.
- Raiders’ O-line performance is a limiting factor.
- Jeanty is a volume-based “floor play,” not a tournament-winner this week.
- Pat Fitzmaurice: Buy into the talent, not the results just yet.
Quote: “The Raiders run blocking has been pretty shabby…do not doubt Ashton Jeanty’s talent. He really is terrific.” – Pat Fitzmaurice (16:13)
James Conner: Downward Trend (17:01)
- Losing work and snaps to Trey Benson.
- Not the workhorse of old; trending toward a committee.
- Tough matchup vs. 49ers, only RB2 range.
Quotes: “This might be more of a split backfield. … Seems like things are starting to tilt a little bit in Benson’s favor.” – Pat Fitzmaurice (17:23)
“Connor needs to be viewed more as a RB2 than an RB1 because the last two weeks he’s been RB20 and RB25…he’s just been kind of okay.” – Andrew Erickson (18:28)
Ken Walker: Hard to Project, Still a Start (20:51)
- Split snaps with Charbonnet, but Walker's explosive plays keep him startable.
- Scheme fits him, team wants to run more outside zone.
- Both analysts are higher than consensus this week; expect a 50/50 committee.
Quote: “I think you’ve got to trust the talent with Ken Walker…if one of them is efficient, that player will be a good play in this particular week.” – Andrew Erickson (20:51)
Marion Hampton: Losing Ground, Stash Mode (24:23)
- Snap share and stats declining, fumble issue last week.
- Najee Harris snap share increased.
- Hosts suggest keeping patience but lowering expectations. Bench recommended if you have alternatives.
Quote: “My circle of trust with running backs in week three goes about 22 running backs deep, and I’ve got Marion Hampton ranked RB23. … Fair to be concerned about his Week 3 outlook.” – Pat Fitzmaurice (24:51)
RB3s and Deep League Starters: Key Notes (27:50)
Notable Names RB25–36:
- J.K. Dobbins, DeAndre Swift, David Montgomery, Bill Crosby Merritt, Nick Chubb, Isaiah Pacheco, Ramondre Stevenson, Travion Henderson, Quinshon Judkins, Zach Charbonnet, Bashal Tutin, Cam Scadaboo
Isaiah Pacheco: Last Chance in a Plus Matchup (29:03)
- Chiefs’ run game struggling, but faces the Giants (worst run defense so far).
- Hosts call this a “get right spot,” but agree Pacheco may be droppable if he fails.
Quote: “If Pacheco is ever going to turn back the clock…it’s got to be when…Patrick Mahomes leads the team in rushing like they need answers and Pacheco has to be that guy.” – Andrew Erickson (30:28)
“It’s a get right spot for Pacheco. If he does not get right, you have reasons to be concerned.” – Pat Fitzmaurice (31:29)
Travion Henderson vs. Ramondre Stevenson: Chasing Explosiveness vs. Snap Share (32:02)
- Henderson is explosive but struggles in pass pro; Stevenson gets more snaps/touches.
- Pat Fitzmaurice: Cautious—workload not secure for Henderson.
- Andrew Erickson: Upside play based on Steelers’ susceptibility to explosive RBs.
Quote: “Until we feel more confident about workload for Travion Henderson, it’s real hard to just keep throwing him into your lineup.” – Pat Fitzmaurice (32:50)
Cam Scadaboo: The Giants Backfield’s New Hot Hand? (36:30)
- Out-touched and out-snapped Tyrone Tracy last week.
- Both hosts see Scadaboo as the top Giants back, viable as a deep flex—especially given red zone usage.
- Tough matchup limits upside, but role looks secure moving forward.
Quote: “I think the hostile takeover of the Giants’ backfield began last week. Scadaboo led the backfield in snap share, carries, and routes, and he looked really good.” – Pat Fitzmaurice (37:47)
Notable/Quotable Moments
- “This was not the board…12 hours ago. The news of Aaron Jones…pushed Jordan Mason as an RB1 this week.” – Chris Welsh (04:16)
- “He’s been one of the few bright spots in the Vikings offense over the last two weeks.” – Andrew Erickson, on Mason (06:51)
- “Efficiency wise, he’s been top 10 in rushing yards above expectation through two weeks.” – Andrew Erickson, on Mason (06:51)
- “Don’t doubt Ashton Jeanty’s talent…There are big days coming.” – Pat Fitzmaurice (16:13)
- “Connor definitely a more of an RB2 play.” – Andrew Erickson (19:41)
- “I think Walker is a must start this week. The Kubiak running game—like, I’m a big believer in it.” – Pat Fitzmaurice (22:52)
- “He was teed up…as the guy. And now I think we have to go back to what we thought before the injury happened with Najee Harris and his eye. So yeah, I think [Hampton’s] going to be a frustrating start the next couple weeks.” – Andrew Erickson (27:50)
- “If Pacheco fails this week, I think you just…cut him.” – Andrew Erickson (31:06)
Key Timestamps
- 00:38 – Show introduction, RB position trends, and injury impact (Aaron Jones out)
- 03:09 – Rookie RBs discussion; class reputation vs. results
- 04:16 – Top 12 running backs week 3 ECR and the impact of Aaron Jones’ injury
- 05:09–06:51 – Jordan Mason’s week 3 outlook (deep dive)
- 12:49 – RB2s for the week: major themes (Ashton Jeanty, Ken Walker, James Conner, Marion Hampton)
- 20:51 – Ken Walker vs. Zach Charbonnet and Seahawks committee
- 24:23 – Marion Hampton’s stagnation and Najee Harris’ role
- 29:03 – Isaiah Pacheco’s make-or-break week and analysis
- 32:02 – Trevion Henderson vs. Ramondre Stevenson analysis
- 36:30 – Cam Scadaboo as Giants RB1 moving forward
Summary Table: Analysts’ Notable Takes
| Player | Fitzmaurice’s Take | Erickson’s Take | |------------------|---------------------------------------------|-------------------------| | Jordan Mason | Top 7 RB, huge volume, all-in | Top 12 RB, bellcow | | Ashton Jeanty | Keep starting, buy low, talent is real | Volume floor, needs O-line/passwork improvement| | James Conner | Trending toward committee, RB2 | Just an RB2, efficiency/usage concerns| | Ken Walker | Must start, Kubiak run game beneficiary | Trust talent, upside on touches| | Marion Hampton | Cautious, patience required, stash not start| Bench if possible, trend is bad| | Isaiah Pacheco | Must deliver or droppable, matchup is gold | Last chance, needs to deliver| | Travion Henderson| Bench, workload concerns | Start for upside vs. Steelers| | Cam Scadaboo | Giants RB1 emerging, tough matchup | Flex starter, gaining role|
Conclusion
The hosts provided actionable insight into the rapidly changing RB landscape for Week 3, mixing analytics, film study, and matchup stats. Listeners receive clear start/sit guidelines, context for rookies and backfield committees, and advice on which waiver pickups and depth RBs could blossom into fantasy starters.
For more specific advice:
- Visit www.fantasypros.com/rankings for up-to-date RB ranks.
- Join the FantasyPros YouTube live "Start/Sit" show every Thursday at 3pm ET for interactive Q&A.
For those who missed the episode:
This summary covers all the vital analysis and commentary, including hot takes, must-starts, risky fades, and clarity on the most volatile RB situations entering Week 3.