Top-5 RB1 Candidates

Today I’m talking 5 players who could overtake Saquon Barkley as the RB1 this season… in two minutes or less.

5. Derrick Henry (BAL), ADP 12.2, RB6

Derrick Henry didn’t just survive in Baltimore, he thrived. He racked up over 2,100 total yards and 18 touchdowns in 2024, even while sharing the field with Lamar Jackson. You couldn’t stack the box. You couldn’t wear him down. But he’s still going in the 2nd round, because he’s 31 and barely used in the pass game. Fair. He averages one awkward target a week.

So here’s the bet: a $25M guarantee says Baltimore is all-in. Light boxes. Shotgun runs. A red zone system that prints touchdowns. You don’t draft Derrick Henry razzle-dazzle. You draft him because this might be the most fantasy-friendly setup of his entire career.

4. De’Von Achane (MIA), ADP 13.0, RB7

Achane averaged 22.6 PPR points per game last season, but only with Tua on the field. In games without him? He dropped to just 7.0 PPR points per game. That’s not noise. That’s the bet. But even with the inconsistency, he still ran for 900 yards, added 600 more receiving, and finished top-5 in first-read RB targets.

So if you believe in Tua playing 17, and you want a back with real RB1 explosiveness who still frustrates the hell out of defenses, Achane is that dude. He breaks molds. He breaks matchups. And if he hits, you win.

3. Christian McCaffrey (SF), ADP 8.8, RB4

Christian McCaffrey has four top-3 fantasy finishes and two RB1 overall seasons… both coming after major injuries. That’s not just durability, it’s a ceiling profile that’s still unmatched. But his slide into the late first round reflects the risk. As one analyst put it: “He catastrophically has hurt people in fantasy.” That history has weight, and it’s starting to catch up in ADP.

So now you’re getting a player with a full monopoly on touches, elite scoring profile, and the best resume of any back in fantasy at a discount (maybe). If you’re okay with some risk, there’s still no higher ceiling.

2. Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), ADP 4.8, RB3

Jahmyr Gibbs technically finished as the PPR RB1 last year. So, there’s no reason to think he can’t do it again. He posted a 10% explosive rush rate while his volume scaled. He scored in all but 4 of Detroit’s games. And, in his 7 games with fewer than 15 touches, he still managed to break 18.1 PPR points. But that’s the Gibbs experience: hyper-efficient, dangerous in space, but not always predictable.

So if you can handle the chaos, the upside is clear: 50+ catches, 20 total TDs last year, and a role that’s only growing. When he hits, it’s game over for your opponent!

Tap HERE for the #1 RB Candidate to finish First

So that’s it. 5 RBs who can dominate on the field AND in your fantasy box score.

As promised, in two minutes or less.

Over 12,000 players used this to prep last season. My 2025 Draft Kit is open now, but only a few dozen spots are available this year. I’m keeping it limited so I can give members my full attention.

See you tomorrow,

-Joe

P.S. Not ready for the full kit? You can still grab my updated Top-150 rankings for free.