Outlook: This time last year, Travis Etienne was considered a low-end RB1 fantasy option. Today, he is a player with lower expectations at a discount price. Part of it is the degree to which he struggled last year, posting the lowest rushing yards, rushing attempts, rushing TDs, and receiving yards of his career. Couple that with the emergence of Tank Bigsby and the all-of-a-sudden crowded RB room in Jacksonville and you can see why the bloom is starting to dull on Etienne. And if that wasn't enough, there are trade whispers surrounding Etienne.

What does that mean in the fantasy world? It means Etienne should not be considered a starting option. It means, at best, he's a depth piece with low upside. Perhaps the only hope is he finds a new home in a better situation, but I'm not sure how much comfort that might bring. If Etienne stays put, there are some who may look at how new head coach Liam Coen used Bucky Irving and Rachaad White in Tampa Bay last year. The duo combined for more than 1,700 rushing yards, 11 rushing TDs, and 98 receptions. As the only experienced RB on the team with receiving ability, that might seem enticing. But too many questions remain for me to advise relying on Etienne in 2025.

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Outlook: Limited to nine games over the previous three seasons combined due to knee and Achilles' injuries, Dobbins stayed mostly healthy in 2024, playing in 13 of 17 games and setting career bests in carries (195) and yards (905) while scoring nine times. The Chargers were so impressed that they... signed Najee Harris, drafted Hampton, and allowed the Ohio State alum to walk in free agency.

It's hard to blame them. For as hot as Dobbins started in 2024, he trailed off quickly, failing to top 100 rushing yards in a game after Week 2 and averaging 4.0 yards per carry or less in eight of his final 11 outings. He's never been much of a threat in the passing game, either. Perhaps the Broncos will find the right mix of involvement to keep the oft-injured back on the field this year. Perhaps not. Right now, he looks like a veteran presence at a position littered with youth and inexperience.

Fantasy owners should, for the most part, ignore his 1,058-yard, 9-TD effort from last year. LA had limited options, and their willingness to move on from him even after a solid season tells you they don't think he can handle being a lead back. Dobbins remains a top-50 fantasy option at the position, and as your fourth or fifth back (depending on league size) he could provide decent depth.

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Outlook: Drafting Tyler Allgeier as a handcuff for Robinson is about the extent of his value. If Robinson is not on your squad, I would not advise selecting Allgeier. He has no stand-alone value and would only serve to occupy a roster spot that should be reserved for those better positioned to receive playing time. Last year, he finished with the fewest rushing attempts (137) and rushing yards (644) of his career, which, of course, coincides with Bijan's ascension. Expect more of the same in 2025.

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Outlook: Even though Etienne served as the starter last season, Tank Bigsby finished with more rushing attempts, rushing TDs, and yards per carry in 2024. That production was unexpected, as Bigsby struggled mightily as a rookie in 2023 despite entering that season as a potential headache for Etienne managers.

Bigsby's rebound season has some expecting a bigger impact in 2025. But as referenced above, the Jags added three young RBs during the off-season: fourth round draft pick Bhayshul Tuten, seventh round draft pick LeQuint Allen, and undrafted free agent Ja'Quinden Jackson.

There is youth in that group, certainly, but not much experience, obviously. That makes Bigsby the odds-on favorite to carve out a bigger role this season. He isn't much of a pass catcher out of the backfield - only eight career receptions in his two NFL seasons - so he's essentially a one-trick pony. Even if Etienne is traded and Bigsby becomes the lead dog, his ceiling is capped because of his nonexistent role in the passing game. But of all the options, Bigsby may end up being the best choice, which tells you all you need to know about this backfield.

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