As fantasy football drafts approach, identifying workhorse running backs outside the top tiers becomes crucial. With the trend shifting towards more split backfields, targeting players like Josh Jacobs of the Green Bay Packers, Kyren Williams of the Los Angeles Rams, and Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints is essential. Jacobs, after a bounce-back 2024 season, emerged as a top fantasy option, ranking among the best in rushing yards and touchdowns. Meanwhile, Williams solidified his role with a strong performance, while Kamara showcased his versatility and skill as a lead back.

Jacobs averaged an impressive 17.2 PPR points per game and maintained a high usage rate, making him a reliable pick. Williams, despite competition, is expected to remain a focal point in the Rams' offense, having proved his ability to handle a heavy workload. Kamara, consistently dominant, made a case for being a top-tier RB with significant scrimmage yards, positioning him as a valuable mid-round target.

In the 2025 fantasy football landscape, Bucky Irving, Jonathan Taylor, and Josh Jacobs find themselves in a heated competition for top running back status, typically drafted as RB8 through RB10. Each player presents a distinct mix of upside, risk, and opportunity, shaped by their respective team contexts and past performances. The evaluation hinges on key factors including injury histories and efficiency metrics, which can significantly influence draft decisions.

Irving, a burgeoning talent, has shown flashes of brilliance but remains unproven as a bell-cow back. Conversely, Taylor's track record includes standout seasons, although recent injuries have raised concerns about his durability. Jacobs, a consistent performer, brings a strong work ethic and reliability, but his usage can fluctuate based on team dynamics. Analyzing these elements is crucial to selecting the best running back to complement your fantasy roster.

In the ever-evolving landscape of NFL contracts, the discussion around the best and worst deals often hinges on context. Deshaun Watson's five-year, $230 million deal with the Browns is a glaring example of a bad contract, as it is fully guaranteed and comes with immense consequences following his 11-game suspension. In stark contrast, Jalen Hurts’ five-year, $255 million deal, while initially appearing similar, is structured to be team-friendly, allowing ongoing flexibility for the Eagles’ salary cap.

Other notable contracts include Sam Darnold's three-year, $100.5 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks, which offers minimal guarantees, reflecting a team-friendly approach, while Dak Prescott’s four-year, $240 million contract with the Cowboys is incredibly player-friendly, featuring substantial guarantees and no franchise tag clause. The Packers also secured Josh Jacobs for four years and $48 million, a decent value considering the market, while Ashton Jeanty’s rookie deal underscores the pitfalls of high draft picks for running backs, burdening teams without commensurate risk.

The Green Bay Packers are gearing up for the 2025 season with a focus on identifying their 'luxury players'—those essential yet often underrated contributors who help define a team's success. Bill Barnwell's recent analysis highlights the significance of depth across various roles in the modern NFL, especially as teams adapt to an intense 17-game schedule.

One key area of discussion centers around the offensive line, where the Packers have six starting-caliber players, with a competition brewing for the sixth spot. Meanwhile, Edgerrin Cooper is emerging as a potential star in the linebacker corps, showcasing impressive blitzing skills. The addition of Nate Hobbs in the slot adds versatility and toughness, while Brandon McManus brings solid kickoff performance. Special teams gunner Bo Melton, alongside emerging talents like Tucker Kraft and Malik Willis, rounds out a roster filled with impactful luxury players poised to make a difference in the upcoming season.

As fantasy football managers prepare for the 2025 season, targeting the right veteran players is critical. Mike Evans continues to demonstrate reliability with over 1,000 receiving yards in his 11th consecutive season, despite injury concerns. He remains a high-upside WR2 for those looking for depth. Conversely, Aaron Rodgers, now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has seen his game decline, making him a risky pick for fantasy teams. Similarly, while Davante Adams is expected to thrive as a WR2 with the Rams, Cooper Kupp's recent performance raises questions about his role in Seattle.

In the backfield, Josh Jacobs had a robust season with the Packers, making him a solid pick, while Aaron Jones, now a Viking, faces stiff competition from Jordan Mason, creating uncertainty about his fantasy value. Lastly, DeAndre Hopkins could be a surprise flex option with the Ravens after a season of adjustment, thanks to better chemistry with quarterback Lamar Jackson.