Ranking the Rookie RBs

TNF Preview: PIT @ CIN

Author

Justin Herzig
October 16, 2025

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#️⃣ Ranking the Rookie RBs

Earlier this week I tweeted my current rankings of the rookie RBs for redraft leagues and had a lot of comments and questions in the replies. Using this time to expand on the rankings for FFin60 readers.

  1. Ashton Jeanty - Nowhere near the 1st round ADP he started the year but still a class of his own in talent and volume

  2. Cam Skattebo - This is a bet that Skattebo’s recent role will continue, even with Tyrone Tracy getting healthy. His best skill sets have always been pass-catching and goal-line work, the most valuable touches RBs can get.

  3. Quinshon Judkins - One of the more talented backs in the class, he has a strong role but is still giving up pass-down work to Jerome Ford and on a team that struggles to put up points

  4. Bill Croskey-Merritt - Going into last week, Croskey-Merritt ranked #1 in PFF run grade and explosive run rate. He has minimal competition and so long as last week’s fumbles don’t get in the way, the Commanders are likely to ramp up his work as the season progresses.

  5. Omarion Hampton - Would be the clear #2 in these rankings if it wasn’t for the injury but Hampton is going to miss at least another 3 games and likely more. There’s also risk they trade for an RB like Breece Hall which would severly limit his upside.

  6. Woody Marks - The clear pass-down back with opportunity to eat more into Nick Chubb’s workload. Not likely to ever be a high-volume back but can have strong games with some rushing work and the pass-catching role.

  7. RJ Harvey - His role could increase but I think he’s likely to be limited this year to the 1b at best unless JK Dobbins gets hurt.

  8. TreVeyon Henderson - Unfortunately he has just been bad this year and despite his only competition being Rhamonde Stevenson, the Patriots continue to show us they prefer Stevenson. His path to work is if Stevenson’s fumble concerns get him benched or he suffers an injury.

  9. Bhayshul Tuten - Has looked good in his limited touches but not good enough to supplant Travis Etienne Jr. Though we have seen Etienne break down during the second half of the year and if so, Tuten would become an fringe RB1 play if he gets the starting role.

  10. Ollie Gordon - This is purely a handcuff role with the occasional TD. He’s exceed pre-season expectations but is capped without an injury to Achane.

📺️ TNF Game Preview

8:15pm ET on Amazon Prime: PIT @ CIN (PIT -5.5, O/U 44.5)

Start with confidence
Pittsburgh - DK Metcalf, K Chris Boswell, PIT DST
Cincinnati - Ja’Marr Chase

Start them if you need to
Pittsburgh - Jaylen Warren
Cincinnati - Chase Brown, Tee Higgins

Sit them if you can
Pittsburgh - Aaron Rodgers, Kenneth Gainwell, Jonnu Smith
Cincinnati - Joe Flacco, K Evan McPherson, CIN DST

Favorite Bet of the Night
Jonnu Smith: Under 28.5 receiving yards
HC Mike Tomlin recently noted that they prefer to play more Darnell Washington against 4-3 defenses, which aligns with him leading the TE room in snaps last week. He also noted ‘Darnell Washington will certainly probably be in a similar position this week, in terms of role, since we’re playing another 4-3 defense.’

📊 Poll of the Day

Yesterday’s poll: In-Season Temperature Check - what method of fantasy football are you most enjoying?

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