Running back remains one of the most volatile positions in fantasy football, well known for its unpredictability due to injury risks and sudden drop-offs in production. For the 2025 season, fantasy owners must be cautious, especially when targeting these running backs who have significant red flags that could lead to them busting their draft. This analysis focuses on key backs ranked as RB1 through RB4, highlighting why James Cook and three others may underperform expectations.
Christian McCaffrey’s Injury Concerns Cloud His Value
Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers is a polarizing figure in fantasy circles given his high draft price as an elite RB1 option. At 29 years old, McCaffrey’s worth hinges on his ability to stay healthy, which is a serious concern after his recent Achilles and knee injuries. Since 2020, he has missed 37 games and appeared in just 47, showing a troubling pattern of limited availability. His production is closely tied to his health, and with his injury history, expecting full durability this season is unrealistic, making him a dangerous pick despite his upside.
James Cook Faces Multiple Challenges That Threaten His Output
James Cook’s fantasy outlook is clouded by off-field and on-field issues that could cause him to fail as an RB2. Currently, a contract dispute has sidelined Cook from practices, and he even sat out Buffalo’s preseason opener while suited up. This lack of participation threatens a slow start and increases the chance of soft-tissue injury. Adding to that, Cook’s touchdown numbers from last season represent an outlier, as he scored 16 rushing touchdowns compared to a career high of two previously. Regression is expected, and even a middle ground of nine touchdowns falls short of the value of his RB13 draft status.
Competition within the Bills’ backfield complicates Cook’s situation further. Ray Davis and Ty Johnson are expected to see meaningful snaps, potentially reducing Cook’s involvement. With quarterback Josh Allen often taking goal-line carries in the Bills’ offense, Cook’s opportunities near the end zone will likely be limited, making it challenging for him to finish as a top-20 fantasy running back.
Cam Skattebo’s Injured Rookie Status Limits His Fantasy Appeal
The New York Giants’ Cam Skattebo entered this year as a risky RB3 option due to missing all of training camp with an injury. Drafting a rookie in this situation is inadvisable, especially one expected to share playing time once healthy. Tyrone Tracy Jr. is the back to target in New York for redraft leagues, as he has a more secure role.
Skattebo will face significant obstacles in catching up after his absence and is best regarded as a bench stash or speculative pick. Even if he eventually wins the lead role, the Giants’ offense does not offer the upside needed to justify holding him in a prominent fantasy position.
Jerome Ford’s Limited Ceiling Makes Him a Risky Investment
The Cleveland Browns’ backfield remains uncertain due to veteran Quinshon Judkins’ unresolved legal issues, creating openings that fantasy owners might expect <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/tag/jerome-ford/”>Jerome Ford to fill. However, Ford’s playing style and production ceiling offer little cause for excitement. He is known to be a plodding, steady back with limited upside. Considering the Browns are projected to perform near the bottom of the NFL offensively, Ford’s potential as more than a flex option is questionable.
Fantasy managers looking to invest in Cleveland’s backfield would be better served gambling on a rookie like Judkins, if he returns, or taking a flyer on Dylan Sampson, both of whom could offer some upside. Ford’s role lacks dynamism, making him a likely bust this season if drafted too highly.
Implications for Fantasy Owners and Draft Strategies
These four running backs represent significant risks in 2025 fantasy football drafts. Injury histories, contract disputes, offensive competition, and limited upside create volatile situations that can derail fantasy teams relying on these players. Fantasy owners seeking stability should reconsider high investment in James Cook and the other backs discussed, given the strong indicators for underperformance.
Monitoring team news closely, avoiding injury-prone or conflict-plagued players, and targeting backs with clearer roles and safer floors will be essential strategies moving forward. As the season unfolds, early-season observations about these players’ health and usage patterns will be critical in adjusting lineups and trade moves to avoid serious damage to fantasy rosters.