2025 Fantasy Season Review: The Year of the Renaissance

The Year of the Running Back

For years, the "Zero RB" strategy has dominated fantasy football discourse. In 2025, the Running Backs struck back.

The Renaissance Men

• Derrick Henry (Ravens): At age 31, Henry didn't just defy the age curve; he stiff-armed it into oblivion. Finishing as the overall RB2, "King Henry" was a league-winner, consistently putting up 20+ points and capping it with a 4-TD championship week.
• Saquon Barkley (Eagles): Fully healthy and operating behind a dominant O-line, Barkley returned to his rookie year form, finishing as a top-5 RB.

The Coronation

• Bijan Robinson (Falcons): The undisputed RB1. Robinson was everything we were promised. 2,000+ scrimmage yards, 18 TDs, and a floor that made him the safest asset in fantasy. He is the clear 1.01 for 2026 drafts.

The Rookie QB Revolution

• Drake Maye (Patriots): After taking over in Week 3, Maye never looked back. His rushing ability provided a safe floor, and his arm talent unlocked the Patriots' receivers. He finished as a QB1.
• Jayden Daniels (Commanders): Volatile but explosive. His 40-point weeks were week-winners.

Bust of the Year

• Kyren Williams (Rams): Regression hit hard. Efficiency dropped, and injuries cost him 6 games. Drafted in the first round, he finished outside the top 24 RBs.

Waiver Wire Gem

• Bucky Irving (Bucs): Took over the backfield mid-season and provided RB2 value for free.

Dynasty Trade Market

• Sell High: Derrick Henry. This hurts to write, but the process dictates it. Henry just had a historic age-31 season. He will be 32 next year. His value will literally never be higher than it is today. Move him to a contender for a haul of picks or young WRs.
• Buy Low: Kyren Williams. Recency bias is a drug. Yes, 2025 was rough. But he is still the lead back for Sean McVay. His value has plummeted to RB3 territory. Buy him for a late 2nd round pick and bet on the bounce-back.
• Hold: Drake Maye. You might be tempted to "tier up" from Maye, but hold firm. His rushing floor gives him Konami Code upside, and the Patriots are likely to draft a WR1. His value is only going up.

As we look ahead to 2026, the bellcow RB is back in vogue. Draft accordingly.