Top RB Rushing Yards Projections
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Saquon Barkley (PHI) – ~1,682 yards
Outlook: Coming off a dominant 2024 season, Barkley is projected to lead the NFL in rushing again as a heavy volume and high-efficiency workhorse. -
Derrick Henry (BAL) – ~1,554 yards
Outlook: Despite entering his 30s, Henry’s punishing style and consistent usage keep him among the league’s premier rushing threats. -
Bijan Robinson (ATL) – ~1,421 yards
Outlook: The focal point of Atlanta’s offense, Robinson continues to showcase three-down ability and high upside. -
Jonathan Taylor (IND) – ~1,414 yards
Outlook: Taylor’s efficiency and elite talent keep him in the upper echelon of RB1 options despite new competition. -
Kyren Williams (LAR) – ~1,249 yards
Outlook: Emerging as a consistent producer in L.A., Williams holds RB1 value in a stable offense. -
Jahmyr Gibbs (DET) – ~1,240 yards
Outlook: His dual-threat role in Detroit’s scheme maintains high rushing output expectations. -
Josh Jacobs (GB) – ~1,232 yards
Outlook: Reliable lead back in Green Bay with strong volume and efficiency—fantasy managers love the floor he brings. -
Ashton Jeanty (LV) – ~1,227 yards
Outlook: Rookie with elite collegiate production; projections reflect opportunity and upside. -
Bucky Irving (TB) – ~1,161 yards
Outlook: Expected to take on a lead role as Taysom Hill’s replacement—high upside if the volume materializes. -
Christian McCaffrey (SF) – ~1,111 yards
Outlook: Still highly productive, but shared usage in a crowded 49ers backfield caps his rushing ceiling slightly.
Projections from NFL Network’s Cynthia Frelund
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Saquon Barkley is projected to lead the NFL in rushing yards—1,548 yards.
Summary Table: 2025 Rushing Yardage Outlook
| Player | Team | Projected Rushing Yards | Outlook Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saquon Barkley | PHI | ~1,682 | Projected rushing leader with elite usage. |
| Derrick Henry | BAL | ~1,554 | Veteran bruiser still in top form. |
| Bijan Robinson | ATL | ~1,421 | Anchoring Atlanta’s rushing attack. |
| Jonathan Taylor | IND | ~1,414 | Top-tier talent with consistent volume. |
| Kyren Williams | LAR | ~1,249 | Emerging reliable RB1. |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | DET | ~1,240 | Dual-threat with high usage in passing-heavy offense. |
| Josh Jacobs | GB | ~1,232 | Steady floor-producing lead back. |
| Ashton Jeanty | LV | ~1,227 | Rookie breakout candidate with strong volume. |
| Bucky Irving | TB | ~1,161 | Potential role expansion in TB offense. |
| Christian McCaffrey | SF | ~1,111 | Still productive, usage slightly down. |
| Barkley (Frelund) | PHI | ~1,548 | Slightly more conservative NFL expert estimate. |
Fantasy Context & Analysis
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High-ceiling performers like Barkley, Henry, and Robinson are clear-cut RB1s with the highest projected upside.
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Reliable options such as Jacobs, Taylor, and Gibbs offer solid volume and consistency—fantasy-safe picks at RB.
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Upside rookies and mid-tier options like Jeanty and Irving carry breakout potential—especially in early-round drafts.
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Caveats: McCaffrey’s shared backfield role may limit his rushing potential compared to peers.