The 2025 NFL season has kicked off, and that means fantasy football enthusiasts are already diving into their strategies. Week 1 brought some standout performances from running backs, so now it’s crucial to evaluate who might be the best option for Week 2.
Austin Ekeler, Commanders
Ekeler is coming off a shoulder injury before the Thursday night game against the Packers, having been listed as a limited participant in Monday’s practice. He played last Sunday during the team’s 21-6 win over the Giants, finishing with six carries and three receptions for 26 rushing and 31 receiving yards. Interestingly, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt has been gaining more attention lately. It’s still unclear if Ekeler can regain his position on the depth chart.
Shipley suffered a rib injury and had to leave the game, which led the team to trade for Tank Bigsby from the Jaguars. This trade doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in Shipley’s recovery. Bigsby is expected to compete for a spot behind Saquon Barkley in Philadelphia, but it remains uncertain how that will play out.
Johnson was absent from the team’s 27-24 loss against the Vikings on Monday, and it’s uncertain if he’ll participate in the upcoming game against the Lions this Sunday. Currently, only starter D’Andre Swift managed to carry the ball in the season opener. We’ll see if that pattern continues.
When it comes to selecting running backs, it’s important to look for a high-scoring game and a favored team. This week, Derrick Henry seems to check both of those boxes. I really wouldn’t want to miss out on starting someone from a team that’s likely to dominate the second half of the game.
Games to watch for high point totals include:
Bengals vs. Jaguars (49.5)
Packers vs. Commanders (48.5)
Lions vs. Bears (47.5)
Raiders vs. Chargers (46.5)
Chiefs vs. Eagles (46.5)
Highest Expected Team Totals
Ravens (28.5)
Lions (26.5)
Bengals (26.5)
Bills (26.3)
Packers (26)
Upcoming games with lower expected team totals include:
Steelers vs. Seahawks (39.5)
Texans vs. Buccaneers (42.5)
Colts vs. Broncos (42.5)
Saints vs. 49ers (42.5)
Titans vs. Rams (42.5)
Lowest Expected Team Totals
Browns (17)
Seahawks (18.5)
Titans (18.5)
Panthers (19)
Saints (19)
Matchups with the biggest point spread include:
Ravens vs. Browns (-11.5)
Bills at Jets (-7.0)
Cardinals vs. Panthers (-6.5)
Lions vs. Bears (-5.5)
Cowboys vs. Giants (-5.5)
Titans vs. Rams (-5.5)
