NFL Fantasy 2025 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Running backs for Week 1

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You have lineup questions, we have lineup answers — at least we hope so. Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em is here to help fantasy managers make difficult roster decisions. And you know what is a good move? Starting Ja’Marr Chase. But that’s too obvious, so you won’t see such simple analysis here. Instead, we’re exploring more debatable situations. And if you can’t find a player you are looking for, please check out the latest NFL Fantasy lineup rankings.

NOTE: Unless otherwise indicated, all stats come from NFL Pro, Next Gen Stats or NFL Research.

Start ‘Em

VS.

No one has hyped up Henderson more this summer than I have. I know it became the trendy thing to do in August, but I have been here since March; I was calling him an RB1 when you were able to draft him in Round 8. There is no possible way I am not starting him Week 1 in every league in which I have him (which is a ton!). You drafted Henderson early, you expected big things, so why sit him? I get some will have usage concerns, but Henderson is a home run hitter, so he can put up a ton of yards on limited touches. He is also a fantastic receiver out of the backfield. The 2024 Raiders were middle of the pack in fantasy PPG, rushing and receiving yards allowed to backs. Still, this should be a game with a favorable script. The leader of the Henderson hype train says START HIM!

VS.

Last year, I pounded the table for Pacheco as a top-five fantasy RB. Kansas City’s top back only played two games before suffering a fractured fibula, but he was on pace for 1,600 scrimmage yards, 60 catches and nine total touchdowns. He never looked the same after returning from the injury. However, in this year’s preseason, he looked like himself again. Consequently, I’ve been pounding the table for Pacheco once again, but he’s being drafted much later in 2025. I believe he will see the bulk of ground work and a good bit of action through the air. Being a three-down back in an Andy Reid/Patrick Mahomes offense brings a ton of fantasy upside. The Chargers are not a slam-dunk matchup, but the combination of talent, touches and the offense Pacheco is tied to is enough for me to trust him in Week 1.

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