Best Running Backs for Fantasy Football 2025: Week 5 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Guide Ft. Breece Hall

September 28, 2025 | 1:33 PM EDT

The 2025 fantasy football season is starting to settle in, but backfields remain one of the most unpredictable spots in the game. From injuries to taking advantage of poor run defenses, fantasy mangers have to weigh everything. Here are the best fantasy players to start this week.

Start ‘Em Running Backs

Breece Hall, Jets

Hall looks fully healthy and has gotten his burst back, averaging over five yards per carry through four weeks. The Jets are giving him steady touches, and his big-play ability keeps him dangerous on any snap. Against a Dolphins defense that has already given up multiple breakout RB performances, Hall has a chance to put up another highlight day.

J.K. Dobbins, Broncos

Dobbins’ Denver stint is starting to click. He’s averaging more than five yards a rush, and the Broncos are finally giving him consistent volume near the goal line. With Cincinnati struggling to contain backs in space, Dobbins should have a path to double-digit fantasy points once again.

Cam Skattebo, Giants

Skattebo has scored 38 fantasy points in his last two games. He is a must start while the Giants continue to feed him a heavy amount of touches while Tyrone Tracy is dealing with an injured shoulder. With a rookie quarterback starting his first game, Skattebo should be leaned on.

Sit ‘Em Running Backs

Travis Etienne, Jaguars

Etienne is still handling plenty of touches, but his efficiency has slipped, and now he draws the 49ers’ front, which is one of the toughest units in football. That combination makes him a risky RB1 start.

Najee Harris, Steelers

Harris’ workload has trended down, and the Ravens aren’t exactly the defense to bounce back against. Baltimore is holding opponents under 3.5 yards per carry, leaving Harris as more of a desperation flex.

D’Andre Swift, Eagles

Swift’s numbers haven’t been bad, but they haven’t been game-changing either. With Philadelphia facing a Raiders defense that’s been particularly tough against the run, Swift carries more downside than upside this week.

Bottom Line

In Week 5, it’s less about name value and more about context. Mason and Hall both have great matchups, while players like Etienne and Swift are likely going to have their hands full. Fantasy managers who adjust could get an edge in their matchup in what could be an interesting weekend in the NFL.