3 Running Backs to Avoid (2025 Fantasy Football)

While the dead zone might be a thing of the past, there are still running backs that fantasy players want to pass on drafting in that range. Here are three running backs inside the dead zone that I will avoid drafting in 2025.

Running Backs to Avoid on RB Dead Zone

ADP via FantasyPros

Kyren Williams (LAR)

Last year, Williams was the RB7, averaging 17 PPR fantasy points per game. Furthermore, he was the RB10 on a points-per-game basis. However, the former Notre Dame star averaged 4.1 yards per rushing attempt, down from five yards per rush in 2023. More importantly, Williams played in every meaningful game last season after missing four contests the year before. Yet, he only had 155 more rushing yards in 2024 despite seeing 88 more rushing attempts. Unfortunately, the veteran was one of the most inefficient runners in the NFL last season.

According to Fantasy Points Data, Williams’ 1.9% explosive run rate ranked 44th out of 46 running backs with at least 100 rushing attempts last year. Furthermore, he ranked 31st among those 46 running backs in missed tackle forced per attempt rate (13%). The Rams could give Blake Corum or Jarquez Hunter more volume if Williams struggles. Yet, he could receive a massive contract extension before Week 1. While I won’t call Williams a bust, I would rather draft Kenneth Walker III and Jayden Daniels with a later ADP over him.

Omarion Hampton (LAC)

Fantasy players should have high hopes for Hampton in dynasty leagues, especially starting in 2026. While J.K. Dobbinss signed with the Denver Broncos, the Chargers did add Najee Harris earlier this offseason. Thankfully, the veteran is reportedly fine after a Fourth of July fireworks incident and should be ready for Week 1. Therefore, Hampton will have to split the backfield work with Najee to start the year at least. More importantly, Los Angeles didn’t have the dramatic run-first offense many thought in 2024 once Justin Herbert was healthy.

Unfortunately, the superstar quarterback played through a foot injury he suffered during training camp. Furthermore, he suffered a high ankle sprain early in the season. Yet, Herbert played in all 17 games. More importantly, the Chargers started to lean on the passing attack once the superstar quarterback was healthy and Ladd McConkey broke out. According to Fantasy Points Data, the team finished 23rd in pass play rate (57.7%) and 10th in run play rate (42.3%) in 2024. Yet, it was a season of two halves.

* Leading or trailing by six or fewer points

While Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman have always had a run-first offense in the past, they took advantage of Herbert’s talents in the second half of last year once he was healthy. Furthermore, Los Angeles brought back Mike Williams this offseason and used multiple picks in the NFL Draft on pass catchers, including their second-rounder on Tre Harris. Hampton is my favorite Chargers running back in 2025 and an RB2 in my rankings. Yet, I’m not drafting him as a top-15 guy and ahead of Chuba Hubbard or Alvin Kamara.

James Cook (BUF)

Many called for Cook to have a third-year breakout last season. Yet, no one expected it to happen the way it did in 2024. The former Georgia star was the RB8, averaging 16.7 PPR fantasy points per game. However, he had 30 fewer rushing attempts and 16 fewer targets than the year before. Instead, Cook had a massive uptick in touchdown production. After totaling four rushing touchdowns and five receiving scores over his first two seasons, the veteran had 16 rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns last year.

Therefore, Cook is a clear-cut touchdown regression candidate. If he had 10 rushing touchdowns last season, Cook would have finished as the RB20, averaging 12.9 fantasy points per game. More importantly, his role in the passing game declined. He had nine games with at least three receptions in 2023. By comparison, Cook had six such games last year, including only seven receptions over the final seven regular-season games. Even if he shows up to training camp with a long-term deal, I’m not drafting him as a top-15 running back.

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