Eric Karabell Reveals 2025 Fantasy Football RB Rankings

As fantasy football season approaches, ESPN analyst Eric Karabell has unveiled his rankings for running backs (RBs) for the 2025 season. The tiered system he employs provides a broader perspective for fantasy managers, helping to evaluate positional value more effectively. This method accounts for significant variations in perceived value among players, crucial for drafting strategies in both standard and salary cap leagues.

Karabell’s rankings, designed for 10-team leagues with standard PPR scoring, highlight the importance of understanding where talent diminishes within the position. His tiered approach reveals that while top players may seem obvious, the context of their rankings can offer surprises that challenge conventional thinking. As he advises, fantasy managers should prepare their own rankings rather than completely relying on others, blending statistical analysis with intuition.

Top Tier Talent

In the first tier, Karabell identifies three standout players: Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons, Jahmyr Gibbs from the Detroit Lions, and Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles. Each of these RBs has the potential to be selected as the No. 1 overall pick. While Robinson and Gibbs are viewed as safer options, Barkley’s durability raises questions after he accumulated an impressive 482 touches in the previous season, the second highest since 2001, including playoffs.

As Karabell notes, his choice for the top overall pick leans towards Ja’Marr Chase, a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals. He emphasizes that understanding risk versus reward is critical during draft decisions.

Building the Middle Rounds

The second tier includes notable names such as Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens and Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts. This group is characterized by reliable statistical production, which is essential for fantasy managers looking to build a strong roster. Karabell highlights that while rushing backs can be vital, many managers still favor wide receivers in the early rounds.

As the rankings progress to the third tier, Christian McCaffrey, the San Francisco 49ers’ star, stands out. Despite his previous success, Karabell places him on his “Do Not Draft” list due to concerns over his durability. He suggests that McCaffrey should not be considered until at least the third round, despite his potential to dominate, making it a calculated risk for prospective drafters.

The fourth and fifth tiers introduce players like Chase Brown from the Cincinnati Bengals and Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints. These players, while talented, present varying levels of uncertainty regarding their production and health. For instance, Kamara finished as the No. 9 fantasy RB last season, but his future performance hinges on the team’s dynamics and his role in the offense.

Karabell’s rankings extend to late-round options, where players such as Joe Mixon and Tony Pollard are included. These selections often come with injury concerns and potential timeshare situations, making them riskier choices for fantasy managers.

As August approaches, Karabell plans to update these rankings based on emerging news from training camps and pre-season performances. He encourages fantasy enthusiasts to engage in mock drafts to better understand how player value shifts throughout the season.

Ultimately, preparation is key in fantasy football. Understanding player tiers and recognizing where talent drops off can significantly impact a manager’s chance of success. With the right planning and a touch of intuition, fantasy football managers can navigate the complexities of this year’s draft and build winning teams.