NFL Fantasy Football Week 17 2025 Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em: Running Back

Fantasy football championships are rarely won by playing it safe. Week 17 is where season-long analysis meets gut instinct. Managers must decide whether to trust proven volume, ride hot streaks, or avoid name-brand traps that no longer deliver. Running back remains the most decisive position in fantasy football. This is especially true in playoff weeks when game scripts tighten and workloads become more predictable.

Below is a breakdown of which backs you should confidently start and which ones you should think twice about heading into Week 17 of the season.

Start ’Em

James Cook, BUF (vs. PHI)

James Cook continues to look like the engine of Buffalo’s offense at exactly the right time. In Week 16, Cook shredded Cleveland for 117 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 16 carries. He also added another 17 yards through the air. It marked his second straight 100-yard rushing performance and the fourth time in his last five games he’s reached that mark.

What’s most encouraging for fantasy football managers is how Buffalo is deploying Cook. He’s not just a complementary back. He’s the focal point. His explosive 44-yard touchdown run early against the Browns showcased his home-run ability. Meanwhile, his short-yardage score later in the half confirmed the Bills’ trust near the goal line. Even against a strong Eagles defensive front, Cook’s workload and big-play upside make him a locked-in RB1 for Week 17.

Jahmyr Gibbs, DET (@ MIN)

Jahmyr Gibbs’ rushing line from Week 16 looks ugly at first glance. He had only seven carries for two yards. However, the fantasy football story is far more encouraging. Detroit leaned entirely into the passing game. Gibbs was the primary beneficiary. He hauled in 10 receptions on 13 targets for 66 yards and a touchdown. That actually saved his fantasy day with elite receiving volume.

Gibbs has now recorded double-digit catches three times this season. That reinforces his value in any format that rewards receptions. Even when Detroit abandons the run, Gibbs remains heavily involved. That receiving role gives him one of the safest floors among running backs this week. On a condensed holiday slate, Gibbs is clearly among the top backs to build around.

Chase Brown, CIN (vs. ARI)

Chase Brown delivered one of the most dominant single-quarter performances of the season in Week 16. He scored three touchdowns, all in the third quarter, against Miami. He finished with 66 rushing yards, 43 receiving yards, and three total scores on just 16 touches. That reminded fantasy football managers how lethal he can be when Cincinnati leans into him.

Brown’s role as both a runner and receiver gives him matchup-proof appeal. Arizona presents another soft landing spot. Sure, his touchdown rate has fluctuated this season. However, the usage trend and matchup combine to make him a strong RB2 with RB1 upside in championship week.

RJ Harvey, DEN (@ KC)

Few backs are hotter right now than RJ Harvey. He’s scored at least 21.2 PPR points in three of his last four games and continues to rack up touchdowns at an impressive rate. He has found the end zone five times over the past four weeks. Harvey has also added receiving value, logging three games with at least three catches during that span.

Kansas City’s defense has quietly become vulnerable to running backs. They have allowed multiple productive fantasy football performances in recent weeks. Harvey’s current momentum gives him legitimate top-10 upside in Week 17. If you’re looking for a championship swing play, Harvey fits the bill.

Other Starts: Bijan Robinson, ATL (vs. LAR); De’Von Achane, MIA (vs. TB)

Sit ’Em

Kareem Hunt, KC (vs. DEN)

Kareem Hunt’s Week 16 line had three carries for two yards. That says everything fantasy football managers need to know. Kansas City’s offense is in disarray, operating without stability at quarterback. They have also shown little interest in establishing the run. Hunt’s lone notable contribution resulted in a safety.

With the Chiefs essentially playing out the string, Hunt’s role offers neither volume nor upside. Even in deeper formats, he’s a desperation play at best. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for championship-week production.

Rico Dowdle, CAR (vs. SEA)

Rico Dowdle has plenty of motivation. He’s just 70 total yards away from a $1 million contract incentive. That said, motivation alone doesn’t translate to fantasy football points. Dowdle has failed to rush for 60 yards in six straight games. He continues to split work in a backfield that lacks efficiency.

Seattle’s defense compounds the problem. The Seahawks have allowed just a handful of rushing touchdowns to running backs all season. They have bottled up elite talents in recent weeks. That makes him a risky flex at best in Week 17.

Kenneth Walker III, SEA (@ CAR)

Kenneth Walker III exploded in Week 16 with 100 rushing yards and a touchdown. He also added 64 receiving yards in one of his best games of the season. However, the context matters. Much of his production came on a single 55-yard run. He also continues to operate in a near-even timeshare with Zach Charbonnet.

That split caps Walker’s weekly ceiling, particularly in matchups where Seattle may not need to push the pace. Yes, he remains a talented runner. Still, the workload uncertainty makes him difficult to trust as a championship-week starter unless your alternatives are limited.

Other Sits: Blake Corum, LAR (@ ATL); Michael Carter, ARI (@ CIN)

Final thoughts

Week 17 is about clarity. Start running backs with defined roles, receiving involvement, and red-zone equity. Avoid those trapped in timeshares or dysfunctional offenses. Trust the trends, embrace upside, and don’t let name value cloud the one decision that could decide your fantasy championship.

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