Running back has long been the most important position in fantasy football. Even as wide receivers become more valuable in modern fantasy football, running back remains a position that can win or lose your league.

Last year, Saquon Barkley was a league-winner for countless managers behind a career year with the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Jahmyr Gibbs was especially good for full-PPR leagues thanks to his receiving abilities.

It’s time to look ahead to the 2025 season as preseason action heats up. The likes of Barkley and Gibbs will command a high draft pick in snake drafts or top dollar in auction leagues.

Beyond them, it’s a challenge for managers to determine the right value of other players. We’re here to help with a tiered breakdown of the running position for fantasy football in 2025:

Tier 1

Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders
Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

These are the bell cows of the position, though they all come with some question marks. Barkley had 378 total touches last year and the history of running backs hitting 370 is not good. He should avoid a huge drop-off thanks to an elite offensive line, but it will be tough to match his career-bests from 2024.

Robinson operated in one of the most efficient running games of the last decade with Atlanta in 2024. That may regress more towards the mean this year. Jeanty is the clear No. 2 weapon behind a tight end, something none of the other Tier 1 backs can say. Gibbs has a new coordinator but that could see him get an even bigger share of the carries as an electrifying young back.

Tier 2

Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens
Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers
De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins
Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

If you don’t get the top four guys, this group is full of league-winner as well. Henry’s shown no signs of slowing down in one of the best offenses in the league. Green Bay invested in its offensive line this offseason and that should mean Jacobs remains a fringe top-five fantasy running back.

Achane is a borderline Tier 1 running back in full PPR leagues as he’s one of the more productive receivers out of the backfield. McCaffrey is one of the toughest reads ahead of the season because of his injuries last season and the 49ers building up depth behind him. Irving was a star as a rookie behind one of the best offensive lines in the league. Without Liam Coen at coordinator, it’s unclear how things could improve in 2025.

Tier 3

James Cook, Buffalo Bills
Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers
Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers
Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks
Aaron Jones Sr., Minnesota Vikings

Cook had a top-10 fantasy RB season in 2024 on the back of his 18 touchdowns from scrimmage. If that regresses, can he churn out the yards to make up for it? Hubbard should be in for another strong season as the Panthers passing offense gets a boost from rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan. Indianapolis’ offense has lots of questions but Taylor isn’t one of them. He should be a reliable starter when healthy, unfortunately a big caveat for a player who hasn’t played a full season since 2021.

Hampton should have lots of opportunity to become the Chargers’ top running back in the first month of the season in what should be a run-first offense. Walker could thrive with more outside zone run schemes that new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is expected to bring to Seattle in 2025. Few teams signaled an intent to run the ball more and better than Minnesota this offseason with their moves in free agency and the draft, something that should greatly benefit Jones Sr.

Tier 4

Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams
Breece Hall, New York Jets
Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
James Conner, Arizona Cardinals
Kaleb Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers

This tier is has some reliable players and a few with a chance to exceed expectations. Brown was one of the top six backs in fantasy football over the second half of the season and could keep that clip up in 2025. Williams was one of the least productive backs on a per-carry basis in 2024; but was that more to do with the Rams’ early-season woes or a true drop-off?

Hall was a fantasy bust after being a preseason top-five player, but he has a new coordinator and quarterback around him in 2025. Kamara just turned 30, but has a new play-calling head coach who may lean on him as a rookie quarterback gets up to speed. Conner thrived in the Cardinals’ diverse running scheme last season but, like Kamara, is entering his age-30 season. Johnson is a rookie but under Arthur Smith in Pittsburgh, it’s hard to find a better fit of player and scheme.

Tier 5

TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots
D’Andre Swift, Chicago Bears
RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos
Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants
David Montgomery, Detroit Lions
Joe Mixon, Houston Texans
Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs
Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders
Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys

Tier 5 rounds out the other starting running backs in the NFL or players whose 2025 outlook is murky. The rookie Henderson is undoubtedly the most explosive skill position player in New England but his role is unclear with the incumbent Rhamondre Stevenson in town. Swift should benefit from a change in offensive play-caller with Ben Johnson’s impressive track record of success from Detroit.

Harvey, another electric rookie back, may not be the top man to start in Denver but should grow into a bigger role, especially with his proven skills as a receiver out of the backfield. Tracy Jr. was solid in his first season but enters Year 2 with questions around him at quarterback and offensive line — and one of the toughest slates of defenses in the league.

Montgomery hit 1,100 yards and dozen touchdowns again in 2024 but his role may change with a new offensive coordinator. Mixon is dealing with injuries to open the season behind a less talented offensive line and Nick Chubb spelling him for carriers. Injury cut Pacheco’s 2024 season short so he could be in for a bounce-back season in a contract year.

Robinson Jr.’s value is limited in half- and full-PPR leagues thanks to Austin Ekeler’s presence but he’s still the top man in one of the more efficient offenses in the league. Pollard should get a big boost this season from a change in quarterback and an upgraded offensive line, the question is just how high he could go. Williams could benefit from offensive coordinator Klayton Adams’ arrival in Dallas after years helping the Cardinals create one of top rushing schemes in the league.

Tier 6

Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks
Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers
Jordan Mason, Minnesota Vikings
Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars
Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots
J.K. Dobbins, Denver Broncos
Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Nick Chubb, Houston Texans
Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons
Najee Harris, Los Angeles Chargers
Cam Skattebo, New York Giants
Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys
Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars
Isaac Guerendo, San Francisco 49ers
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans
Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears
Brashard Smith, Kansas City Chiefs
Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals

Welcome to the land of handcuffs and low-end starters. Charbonnet, Warren and Mason should all have large roles in run-first offenses and could spell the starter if they miss time. Warren’s value as a receiver sets him apart in that trio.

The Jaguars’ backfield hierarchy is unclear but Etienne Jr. could see a bigger role with a new offensive play-caller. Stevenson and Dobbins are both proven veterans but in backfields with more dynamic rookie rushers. White could see a drop with Liam Coen’s departure but his value as a receiver keeps him relevant. Chubb may get more carries as Mixon makes his way back to healthy status ahead of Week 1.

Like Jacksonville, it’s unclear who will lead the way in Cleveland’s backfield but Sampson has the receiving ability to make a difference in fantasy. Harris is dealing with injury but is expected to spell Hampton by Week 1. The rookie Skattebo should be a complement to Tracy Jr. but his share of the carries is unclear at this point.

Blue is the most dynamic running back in the Cowboys backfield and that should work to his benefit as the season wears on. Bigsby was the Jaguars’ leading rusher in 2024 and he could get a boost from Coen’s arrival. Guerendo started in place of the injured McCaffrey at times in 2024 and looks primed to be a top handcuff in Year 2. As the Titans’ offense likely improves in 2025, Spears should benefit as a flex option in a pinch.

Johnson could see a bigger role with Ben Johnson now calling plays in Chicago. Smith’s receiving abilities give him the opportunity to take on a Jerick McKinnon-like role in Kansas City. Benson could take a step as Conner ages. If not, he’s a great handcuff option.

Taylor Swift is set to make her debut appearance on the ‘New Heights’ podcast, which is cohosted by her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

Swift’s appearance was announced Monday, Aug. 11 in a 13-second promo released by ‘New Heights.’ The ad features Swift complimenting Kelce’s attire – the star tight end is in a blue hoodie – while Kelce flirtatiously responds, ‘It’s the color of your eyes, sweetie. It’s why we match so well.’

The video then concludes with Swift saying, ‘We’re about to do a (expletive) podcast!’

The cover of Swift’s new album was obscured in the ad.

Given the pending reveal, Swifties have a lot to look forward to in Wednesday’s episode. They will also get a chance to see Swift’s personal interactions with Kelce, and could perhaps hear some stories from their relationship.

Here’s how you catch watch Swift’s appearance on the ‘New Heights’ podcast.

How to watch New Heights podcast with Taylor Swift

Date: Wednesday, Aug. 13
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Stream: YouTube

Those hoping to watch the Kelces and Swift on the ‘New Heights’ podcast can do so at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday. The episode will drop on YouTube, which will contain a full video feed of the podcast episode.

Where to watch ‘New Heights’ podcast

YouTube will be the only platform on which fans of Kelce and Swift will be able to see them interact on video. However, numerous podcast platforms will also carry the episode, allowing Swifties to listen to the entire episode.

Below are some of the listening options for viewers, listed alphabetically:

Apple Podcasts
Amazon Music
Audible
Spotify
Wondery

Last offseason, as he signed a new contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cam Heyward apparently told team brass that after he had an All-Pro season, he would be back at the negotiating table for a new deal.

Heyward made true on his prediction in 2024 and earned first-team All-Pro honors for the fourth time in his career, all 14 seasons of which have been with the Steelers.

But through the offseason and first few weeks of training camp, a new deal for Heyward has yet to materialize. The 36-year-old has been off to the side during much of the team drills at camp, while still maintaining a presence during individual work – what has been dubbed, in the NFL world, as a ‘hold in.’

Heyward’s current deal, which includes the 2025 and 2026 seasons, calls for him to be paid $29 million total.

“Honestly, I’m looking to be valued,’ Heyward said. ‘ … I know what I bring to this team and what I’m capable of on and off the field. It’s hard for me, after the year I’ve had, to justify playing at the number I’m playing at.

‘To be completely honest with you, I told them, ‘When I have an All-Pro year, expect me to come back (to the negotiating table).’ And you can look at the contract and see what it was. I think everybody kind of giggled a little bit. But in my head, I used it as my motivation to go out there and prove it.’

Heyward had eight sacks and broke up 11 passes (a career high) last season to go with 20 quarterback hits. The Ohio State product and 2011 first-round pick said that he made his request for a new deal in February. When asked whether he would consider missing regular-season games to receive a new deal, he replied: ‘There are definitely options out there that could reflect that.’

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t seem concerned with Heyward’s request and incomplete participation.

‘Cam’s been doing this a long time,’ Tomlin said. ‘I don’t work Cam a lot in these scenarios anyway.’

It has been an impatient offseason for Heyward, who in March complained on his podcast about the lack of movement when it came to the Steelers signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani and his agent are being sued by a Hawaii real estate investor and a broker, alleging that both men got them terminated from a $240 million housing development on Hawaii’s Hapuna Coast that they brought him in to endorse.

The lawsuit was filed in Hawaii Circuit Court on Aug. 8 and obtained by USA TODAY Sports. It says that Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo, wanted assurances from Kevin J. Hayes Sr. — a developer who has been in business for 40 years — and real estate broker Tomoko Matsumoto before they demanded their business partner, Kingsbarn Realty Capital, a company based in Las Vegas, remove both from the real estate deal.

Ohtani is referred to in the lawsuit, in which some portions are redacted, as ‘Otani.’ The developers say in the lawsuit that they spent more than a decade trying to work on the deal before signing Ohtani to an endorsement deal in 2023.

‘This case is about abuse of power. Defendants used threats and baseless legal claims to force a business partner to betray its contractual obligations and strip Plaintiffs of the very project they conceived and built. Defendants must be held accountable for their actions, not shielded by fame or behind-the-scenes agents acting with impunity,’ the lawsuit says. “Defendants must be held accountable for their actions, not shielded by fame or behind-the-scenes agents acting with impunity. Plaintiffs bring this suit to expose Defendants’ misconduct and to ensure that the rules of contract, fair dealing, and accountability apply equally to all — celebrity or not.”

Ohtani and Balelo are accused in the lawsuit of ‘tortious interference and unjust enrichment, who used their ‘celebrity leverage to destabilize and ultimately dismantle Plaintiffs’ role in the project’ and attempted to sabotage a second business venture.

Ohtani is listed in a 2024 press release for the Vista at Mauna Kea Resort project, aimed at appealing to Japanese and U.S. high-end buyers, that says he will be the first resident on the property. ‘To me, Hawaii is a beautiful blend of Pacific Ocean cultures,’ Ohtani says in the release. ‘Here, I found my own paradise at Mauna Kea Resort: Two perfect beaches, two amazing golf courses, and so much more. I selected my homesite and am building my winter home here. This is a special place – a place I will soon call home.’

Ohtani is in his second season with the Dodgers, after signing a 10-year, $700-million contract, helping Los Angeles win the World Series last year. He is a five-time All-Star and three-time Most Valuable Player, who is hitting .284 with 42 home runs and 78 RBI for the NL West leaders in 2025.

Jen Pawol became the first woman to umpire an MLB game and call balls and strikes behind home plate.
Pawol’s ball and strike accuracy was 93%, comparable to many full-time MLB umpires.

Yes, Jen Pawol made history by becoming the first woman to umpire a Major League Baseball game and, on Sunday, Aug. 10, she was the first to call balls and strikes behind home plate.

In any era, that would be significant. Yet in this modern landscape of Statcast strike zones and umpire ratings, and the scrutiny of thousands of social media naysayers, every pitch Pawol called would be parsed and graded in a manner that simply didn’t exist a decade or two ago.

And just how did Pawol do in arbitrating the Atlanta Braves-Miami Marlins clash Sunday in Atlanta?

Pretty darn well.

Pawol called 93% of balls and strikes correctly, according to Umpire Scorecards, which places her in the bottom third of umpire performance this season, but very much in line with her peers.

Pawol, 48, brought more than 1,200 games of minor league experience to her fill-in assignment, necessitated because the Marlins and Braves played a weekend doubleheader, disrupting the usual umpire rotation.

She called 140 of 151 balls and strikes correctly, according to Umpire Scorecards, which simulates every pitch 500 times and, using a dizzying array of factors, aims to create what it calls ‘interpretability, validity, practicality, and fairness.’

Pawol’s 92.72% hit rate puts her nose-to-nose with a bevy of full-time MLB umpires, including veterans Laz Diaz (92.64%) and CB Bucknor (92.85), who tend to draw the ire of fans, along with the more anonymous Bruce Dreckman (92.76) and Carlos Torres (93.13%).

The median percentage for all umpires this season is 94%, or, Pawol’s percentage had two more calls been determined correct. Edwin Jimenez, also a Class AAA fill-in umpire in his third year calling balls and strikes in the majors, leads all umpires with 96.48% accuracy in 19 plate assignments.

In fact, the 16 Triple-A fill-ins have acquitted themselves quite well, producing a 94.46 median in 10 games. Pawol? She’s umped one game, a sample size statistically insignificant as far as assessing her performance.

Yet in the most important metric – did the home plate umpire impact the game? – Pawol did just fine, ‘favoring’ the Marlins by 0.28 runs, per Umpire Scorecards. The Braves won the game 7-1.

You might say, then, that Pawol earned the greatest compliment an ump could receive: Other than her trailblazing distinction, you’d have hardly noticed her.

‘We certainly didn’t call her up from A-ball, right?’ said Marlins starter Cal Quantrill, per MLB.com. ‘I’m sure she was well-prepared, and I think part of the game moving forward is if this is normal, then we’re gonna treat it normal, too. I thought it was fine, and I think she did a quality job.

‘She should be very proud of herself, and it’s kind of a cool little thing to be a part of it. But yeah, just another day.’

One that figures to be repeated.

The Nevada Supreme Court ruled Jon Gruden’s lawsuit against the league cannot be forced behind closed doors into arbitration.
Gruden’s lawsuit alleges that the NFL deliberately leaked disparaging emails he wrote.
The court sided with the former Raiders coach and found that an arbitration clause in the NFL’s Constitution is ‘unconscionable.’

Jon Gruden has picked up a crucial victory in his yearslong legal fight with the NFL.

The Nevada Supreme Court ruled Aug. 11 that Gruden’s lawsuit against the league, which alleges that it deliberately leaked disparaging emails he wrote, cannot be forced behind closed doors into arbitration.

In a 5-2 decision, the court sided with the former Las Vegas Raiders coach and found that an arbitration clause in the NFL’s Constitution is ‘unconscionable’ because it would effectively allow commissioner Roger Goodell to arbitrate disputes over his own conduct.

‘We’re very pleased with the Nevada Supreme Court’s decision, not just for Coach Gruden but for all employees facing an employer’s unfair arbitration process,’ Gruden’s attorney Adam Hosmer-Henner said in a statement. ‘This victory further vindicates Coach Gruden’s reputation, and it clears the way to swiftly bringing him full justice and holding the NFL accountable.’

An NFL spokesperson did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

The league’s only remaining next step would be to appeal Monday’s decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. But it is unclear if the league intends to make such a move − and, if it did, whether the U.S. Supreme Court would agree to hear the case.

The Nevada Supreme Court’s ruling comes nearly four years after Gruden’s dramatic resignation as head coach of the Raiders, amid public outcry over emails he had written when he was working as an NFL analyst for ESPN between 2011 and 2018. The emails, which were obtained as part of an investigation into the then-Washington Football Team, were published by multiple news outlets and included misogynistic and homophobic language.

Gruden subsequently sued the NFL and Goodell in November 2021, alleging that they had deliberately leaked the emails to news outlets in a ‘malicious and orchestrated campaign’ to destroy his career. The NFL has previously described those claims as ‘baseless’ and said only Gruden is at fault for the contents of emails he wrote.

Most of the legal battle in the years since has been not about the details of the case, but rather where it should be resolved. Gruden has argued that his lawsuit should proceed in public view, in a Nevada district court, because he was not a team or league employee at the time of the dispute. The NFL, meanwhile, has sought to push the case into private arbitration and cited a broad arbitration clause in its constitution, which all league employees must abide by.

A district judge in Nevada initially ruled in Gruden’s favor, but the NFL then successfully appealed the matter to a three-judge panel of the state’s supreme court. Monday’s ruling, and reversal, came after Gruden requested a rehearing before the full court.