Draft weekend has come and gone for us fantasy football degenerates, and I must say these drafts were incredible. As we approach Week 1, starting Thursday night with Dallas visiting the 2024-25 Super Bowl Champion, Philadelphia Eagles, there’s always waiver wire potential starting right at you. I will focus on some rookie RBs to add to your roster before Week 1. A few of these guys could be league winners!
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- Player: Ollie Gordon II
- Team: Miami Dolphins
The health of the RB room in Miami is allowing an opportunity for Gordon II. The assumed RB2, Jaylen Wright, is set to miss multiple weeks as he recovers from a “minor” surgery. De’Von Achane is planning to return Week 1, but is starting the season banged up with a calf injury. Gordon showcased his talent in the preseason, averaging 4.8 yards per carry on 26 carries, so I expect him to earn some meaningful touches. At the very least, he is a legitimate handcuff to Achane. Recall when Tua was healthy in ’23, the Fins had RB by committee with Raheem Mostert and Achane. They both averaged over 17 fantasy points per game and ranked as top-five RBs.
- Player: Dylan Sampson
- Team: Cleveland Browns
Sampson is going outside the top 50 RBs in most drafts, which is very surprising. He appears to have an early-season role alongside Jerome Ford as the one-two punch for the Browns. The situation surrounding Quinshon Judkins is murky since he’s still unsigned, days away from Week 1. Even if he signs this week, he might be a few weeks away from meaningful playing time. The Browns’ strength of schedule for RB is middle of the pack, but they have a slightly tough schedule to open. Cleveland’s first game is at Cincinnati, which allowed the 14th most points to RBs in 2024. Then Cleveland will face the Ravens (fourth-fewest), Packers (18th most), and Lions (seventh-fewest). You cannot put a price tag on opportunity and volume!
- Player: Woody Marks
- Team: Houston Texans
Joe Mixon might not play football this season. The listed RB1 on the depth chart, Nick Chubb, averaged a career-worst 3.3 yards per carry in ’24 after returning to the gridiron following the tears to his ACL and MCL in Week 2 in ’23. Marks, a fourth-round RB, caught 261 passes in five seasons at Mississippi State and USC, with a career-high 83 receptions in his sophomore year during SEC play. In comparison, Chubb has caught 36 passes in 27 games since 2022. I expect the Texans to pass more with a new OC, which will allow Marks to see the field more as the superior pass-catcher. Grab him now before it’s too late.
- Player: Brashard Smith
- Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Smith may be the fourth RB on the unofficial depth chart out of Kansas City, but he is the number one pass-catching RB on the roster. Smith has earned snaps with the first team offense in camp, making highlight plays out of the backfield. The Chiefs’ offense is far superior in real life and in fantasy when they have a pass-catching RB. Look back no further than the 2022 season, when Jerick McKinnon finished as the RB20, catching 56 passes for 512 yards and 10 total TDs (nine receiving). The Chiefs’ offense was number one in touchdowns and total yards in ’22. Smith could unlock the Chiefs’ offense and your fantasy team.
- Player: Tahj Brooks
- Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Chase Brown was the breakout RB a season ago and looks to continue to do so in ’25. I wonder if Brown can handle another large workload as the Bengals have postseason aspirations. The Bengals have the number one offense heading into this season, and if you miss out on a piece of them, look no further than Brooks. He’s the clear number two RB in my eyes, despite being listed as the RB3. Samaje Perine is nothing more than a depth piece. I wouldn’t be surprised if Brooks earns the short yardage and the goal line work in the NFL’s top-scoring offense by midseason.
- Player: Kyle Monangai
- Team: Chicago Bears
Perhaps my favorite RB who is going undrafted is Kyle Monangai. According to PFF, the Bears are graded as a top-five offensive line for the 2025 season. The Bears’ new head coach, Ben Johnson, has a history of utilizing two RBs. If the Bears resemble the Lions, there is significant value for Monangai, who was selected by Johnson. I discussed him in my Dynasty Rookie Rankings – Stashes and Sleepers article back in July.
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Cheers!
