2025 Fantasy Football RB Start/Sit: Week 2

RB Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants

Williams thoroughly dominated the backfield's utilization last week, and he didn't disappoint. The Cowboys incorporated Miles Sanders, who ripped off a 49-yard run but also lost a pivotal fumble. Williams delivered a pair of scores on 15 carries and ended the opener with 20.4 points in PPR scoring. New York faced Washington in its opener, allowing 133 rushing yards and a score on 20 attempts, plus a 3-31-0 line through the air, which created the sixth-highest PPR output. Williams should be good for no worse than RB2/flex returns at home vs. a powerful offensive line as New York tries to keep a dangerous passing game in check.

RB Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders

The dynamic rookie first-rounder faced a daunting matchup in Week 1, and it was understandable that the fantasy returns were underwhelming. This time around, however, he needs to be in lineups vs. Las Vegas, even though its defense yielded only 16.1 PPR points in Week 1. The Raiders lucked out in a sense by facing a New England backfield that is still finding its way with a rookie rusher and new coordinator. Los Angeles should be able to contain Vegas and keep the score close enough to run the ball like the coaching staff prefers.

RB Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens

On the surface, it's easily understandable how someone may avoid Sampson. Baltimore's defense invokes imagery that sends shivers down the spine of running backs. The impetus behind including him is that Baltimore is poised to put a whoopin' on the Browns, and that will lead to more passing. It's tough to run on this front, and many teams opt to use the passing game as an extended handoff. The Ravens surrendered top-11 stats for receptions to running backs in Week 1 and last year as a whole. There's the inroad to Sampson sneaking into RB2/flex territory.

Week 2 Fantasy Football Sit 'em: Running Backs

RB Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Now, you shouldn't outright bench Jeanty, and you probably won't since he was a top-12 pick in nearly every league. Los Angeles was lethal vs. RBs in 2024 and continued that trend into the opening week by smothering Kansas City. Fifty-four total yards were generated by the Chiefs, and only Washington proved tougher. Despite finishing fourth in Week 1 running back snaps (54), Jeanty struggled his way to an RB24 finish. He rushed 19 times to gain just 38 yards vs. the Patriots, and the ground score accounted for half of his total fantasy production. Jeanty will struggle to matter without punching in a short TD, so tread carefully.

RB Nick Chubb, Houston Texans vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

If not for Bijan Robinson embarrassing Tampa through the air last week, he would have been an unmitigated fantasy disaster. The Bucs held Atlanta's entire backfield to 48 rushing yards on 22 carries. That is ridiculous. Chubb has a one-trick-pony profile, and it's not that of a pass-catching back. Barring a fluky TD -- because, look, no team will go all year without allowing one -- he will be a lineup anchor.