2025 NFL Week 2: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Running backs

Did studs Derrick Henry, Bijan Robinson or Christian McCaffrey carry you to an opening Week 1 victory? Or did Isiah Pacheco, Nick Chubb or RJ Harvey leave you crying the blues?

September 12, 2025 Adam Krautwurst Season Long – All Sports, Season Long – NFL
Week 2 Start Em Sit Em: Running Backs
Week 2 Start Em Sit Em: Running Backs

2025 NFL Week 2: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Running Backs

Every week our FullTime Fantasy staff will try to highlight the players we feel strongly about either showing especially well and significantly outperforming their projections or falling far short of expectations. Knowing when not to start someone can sometimes be as useful as nailing a pick.

In looking ahead to Week 2, we have landed on several running backs to single out based on opening-week performance and usage coupled with their matchups, circumstances and projections.

So who will outperform, and who will disappoint at the pivotal RB position? Let’s jump into Week 2 starts/sits:

STARTS

  • Travis Etienne, Jacksonville
    YTD – RB6: 18.6 fantasy pts
    Fulltime WK2 Projections: RB14 – 16.9 FPTS
    Etienne dominated against Carolina, rushing 16 times for 143 yards and adding three receptions. With Tank Bigsby traded, his workload looks even more secure. Etienne profiles as a strong RB2 this week.
  • TreVeyon Henderson, New England
    YTD – RB25: 11.1 fantasy pts
    Fulltime WK2 Projections: RB24 -12.4 FPTS
    Henderson flashed in his debut with 51 scrimmage yards on limited touches, and coach Mike Vrabel emphasized he’ll be a key part of the offense. The Dolphins just gave up 149 yards to Colts backs, setting up Henderson for a possible breakout. He’s an RB2 with upside.

SITS

  • Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City
    YTD – RB42: 4.8 fantasy pts
    Fulltime WK2 Projections: RB30 -11.6 FPTS
    Pacheco’s Week 1 usage was troubling: just 48% of snaps, seven touches, and others vulturing key downs. Facing an Eagles defense that allowed the second-fewest RB fantasy points last year, he is a sit in shallower leagues.
  • Kenneth Walker, Seattle
    YTD – RB39: 5.4 fantasy pts
    Fulltime WK2 Projections: RB31 -10.7 FPTS
    Walker was already losing work to Zach Charbonnet, who played more snaps and had more carries. While Walker still caught 3 passes, he’s at risk of falling into a timeshare. With Pittsburgh tough up front, he’s more of a flex than an every-week starter.