As the top-tier running backs come off the board in 2025 fantasy drafts, drafters are faced with a critical decision with the tiers that follow. We broke down the third tier in July; however, with the final waves of drafts taking place and big decisions looming, we wanted to take another look at these critical player vs. player battles.
These backs are coming off the board as RB8 through RB10 in most drafts, including on our mock draft simulator, and each offers a unique mix of upside, risk and usage. Let's dig into team context, injury history and efficiency metrics to help you pick the right back for your build.
Who wins the 2025 fantasy football ADP battle and who should you draft: Josh Jacobs or Jonathan Taylor?
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Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts (RB10)
Jonathan Taylor made a convincing case that he's back to his old self by closing 2024 with a four-game rampage. During that stretch, he averaged 29 carries, 157 rushing yards and 1.5 touchdowns per game. Despite missing three games last season, he still posted 1,431 rushing yards and 4.7 yards per carry, the second highest of his career.
That production masked some red flags. Taylor ranked just 29th percentile in yards after
As the top-tier running backs come off the board in 2025 fantasy drafts, drafters are faced with a critical decision with the tiers that follow. We broke down the third tier in July; however, with the final waves of drafts taking place and big decisions looming, we wanted to take another look at these critical player vs. player battles.
These backs are coming off the board as RB8 through RB10 in most drafts, including on our mock draft simulator, and each offers a unique mix of upside, risk and usage. Let's dig into team context, injury history and efficiency metrics to help you pick the right back for your build.
Who wins the 2025 fantasy football ADP battle and who should you draft: Josh Jacobs or Jonathan Taylor?
Check out the complete RotoWire draft kit as you prep for your draft and the season. And for up-to-the-minute updates on injuries, news and everything going on around the NFL, head to RotoWire's NFL Fantasy Football News Today or follow @RotoWireNFL on X.
Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts (RB10)
Jonathan Taylor made a convincing case that he's back to his old self by closing 2024 with a four-game rampage. During that stretch, he averaged 29 carries, 157 rushing yards and 1.5 touchdowns per game. Despite missing three games last season, he still posted 1,431 rushing yards and 4.7 yards per carry, the second highest of his career.
That production masked some red flags. Taylor ranked just 29th percentile in yards after contact and 26th in broken tackle rate. He benefited from an elite run-blocking line, but that unit will be reshuffled in 2025 with a new center and right guard. The question is whether Taylor can remain efficient if the line takes a step back.
Durability is also a major concern. Taylor has averaged just 12 games per season the last three years. If he's fully healthy again, there's no question he can return to elite form. He could also benefit from Daniel Jones being named starting QB, as Jones, though he is mobile, is less likely to poach Taylor at the goal line than Anthony Richardson.
The bottom line: Taylor brings top-three RB upside but comes with risk. If you're chasing ceiling, he's a smart pick. If you're looking for safety in Round 2, consider a different back.
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Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers (RB8)
Josh Jacobs didn't reach his 2022 peak last season but still produced 1,671 scrimmage yards and 16 total touchdowns — his second-best fantasy season to date. He showed strong durability and efficiency, ranking in the 83rd percentile in broken tackles and 80th percentile in yards after contact.
Green Bay leaned on Jacobs heavily down the stretch. From Week 7 on, he posted 20 or more PPR points in eight of his final 11 games. His receiving work fluctuated, with seven games with less than two catches and six with four or more. Even with inconsistent volume, he topped 38 receiving yards four times late in the season.
After QB Jordan Love looked more like a game manager than a playmaker, the Packers appear committed to a power-run identity. Jacobs proved that he is up to the task. With two 17-game seasons in the last three years, Jacobs is also one of the more durable RBs on the board.
The bottom line: Jacobs is the safest RB1 in this tier. He offers a high floor, red-zone usage and proven volume. At RB8, he's a rock-solid option for drafters who want reliability.
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Final Thoughts on ADP Fantasy Football RB Values
Each back has legitimate RB1 potential, but the risk profiles vary. Jonathan Taylor is the most dynamic runner in the group, but his durability and offensive line changes make him a gamble. Josh Jacobs may not be flashy, but he checks every box for workload, scoring and consistency.
- Safest pick at cost: Josh Jacobs
- Most upside: Jonathan Taylor
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