Running back is one of the most important positions to attack on the NFL Week 1 DFS slate. Unlike wide receiver, where volume can be spread among several players, the best running backs often have access to rushing attempts, targets and goal-line opportunities all at once.
That makes the position especially valuable on FanDuel, where touchdowns and yardage are heavily rewarded, while DraftKings adds additional appeal to running backs who contribute in the passing game.
Current Week 1 projections have Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson clearly leading the position, with Jonathan Taylor, De’Von Achane, Derrick Henry, Javonte Williams and Saquon Barkley also ranking among the strongest options. 4for4’s current projections have Gibbs at 22.2 PPR points and Robinson at 22.1, while its FanDuel rankings put Gibbs first and Robinson second.
Here are the seven running backs I would prioritize for Week 1 DFS.
1. Jahmyr Gibbs — Lions
DraftKings: $8,000 | FanDuel: $9,100
Jahmyr Gibbs is the clear RB1 for me entering Week 1.
DraftKings has Gibbs as the highest-priced running back on the slate at $8,000, while FanDuel prices him at $9,100.
The price is justified by his enormous multi-dimensional ceiling. Gibbs isn’t simply dependent on rushing touchdowns. In 2025, he produced 1,223 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns, 77 receptions and 616 receiving yards, giving him one of the strongest receiving profiles among elite running backs.
The matchup against New Orleans is also attractive. Detroit is currently favored by seven points with an implied team total around 28.5, creating plenty of touchdown equity for Gibbs.
DFS strategy: Gibbs is viable in both cash games and tournaments. On DraftKings, his receiving ability makes the $8,000 salary easier to justify. On FanDuel, you’re primarily betting on touchdowns and total yardage.
2. Bijan Robinson — Falcons
DraftKings: $7,700 | FanDuel: $8,800
Bijan Robinson is arguably the biggest challenger to Gibbs for the top running-back spot.
DraftKings lists Robinson at $7,700, while FanDuel has him at $8,800. Current projections put him almost directly alongside Gibbs, with 4for4 projecting 22.1 PPR points and approximately 17.8 rushing attempts plus 4.4 receptions.
The receiving component is particularly important. Robinson isn’t dependent on Atlanta controlling the game on the ground. He can accumulate fantasy points through receptions as well.
The Falcons face Pittsburgh, and although the matchup isn’t perfect, Robinson’s projected workload makes him difficult to ignore.
DFS strategy: Robinson is one of my favorite alternatives to Gibbs. If Gibbs projects to be extremely popular, moving to Robinson provides similar workload upside while potentially creating some ownership leverage.
3. Jonathan Taylor — Colts
DraftKings: $7,300 | FanDuel: $8,600
Jonathan Taylor provides one of the best combinations of workload and salary among the top-tier running backs.
He’s priced at $7,300 on DraftKings and $8,600 on FanDuel.
The matchup with Baltimore isn’t necessarily the easiest on paper, but Taylor’s projected workload is what makes him appealing. Current projections call for approximately 17 carries, 82 rushing yards and 0.7 rushing touchdowns, along with nearly three receptions.
That kind of workload gives Taylor a realistic path to 20-plus fantasy points if he finds the end zone.
DFS strategy: Taylor is an especially interesting DraftKings play because his $7,300 salary is substantially cheaper than Gibbs. He’s also a strong tournament option if DFS players concentrate heavily on the Lions and Falcons backs.
4. De’Von Achane — Dolphins
DraftKings: $7,000 | FanDuel: $8,500
De’Von Achane is one of the most explosive players on the entire slate.
At $7,000 on DraftKings and $8,500 on FanDuel, Achane gives you access to legitimate slate-breaking upside without paying the salaries of Gibbs or Robinson.
His matchup against Las Vegas is particularly interesting. Achane is capable of producing huge fantasy totals even without a massive rushing workload because of his receiving ability and big-play potential.
Current projections give him approximately 16 rushing attempts, 71 rushing yards, 4.3 receptions and 32 receiving yards.
DFS strategy: Achane is one of my favorite GPP plays. His price creates salary flexibility, while his explosive ability gives him a realistic path to a 25-plus-point performance.
5. Derrick Henry — Ravens
DraftKings: $6,700 | FanDuel: $8,300
Derrick Henry is the classic touchdown-dependent DFS running back, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
At $6,700 on DraftKings, Henry is particularly attractive. FanDuel has him at $8,300.
The Ravens-Colts game has a projected total of 47.5 points, and Baltimore is favored by 3.5. That creates an excellent environment for Henry to receive goal-line opportunities.
Current projections call for roughly 16.8 carries, 84 rushing yards and 0.8 rushing touchdowns.
DFS strategy: Henry is more appealing on FanDuel than DraftKings if you expect Baltimore to control the game. He’s also an excellent correlation play with the Baltimore defense in tournaments.
6. Javonte Williams — Cowboys
DraftKings: $6,500 | FanDuel: $6,800*
Javonte Williams is one of the more interesting mid-tier running backs on the slate.
FanDuel lists him at only $6,800, while current projections put him around 15.3 FanDuel points.
The Dallas-New York matchup also provides plenty of upside. Dallas is expected to score efficiently, and Williams has the potential to benefit if the Cowboys establish a lead and lean on the running game.
He’s obviously not in the same talent tier as Gibbs or Robinson, but that’s not what you’re asking from a $6,800 player.
DFS strategy: Williams is primarily a salary-saving tournament play. He’s particularly useful when trying to fit an elite quarterback and one of the $9,000-plus receivers into a FanDuel lineup.
*DraftKings salary sources currently list Williams in the mid-$6,000 range; verify the final salary in your contest before lock.
7. Saquon Barkley — Eagles
DraftKings: $6,900 | FanDuel: $8,100
Saquon Barkley might be the most interesting value among the established stars.
At just $6,900 on DraftKings, he’s priced below Gibbs, Robinson, Taylor, Cook and Chase Brown despite possessing an enormous workload ceiling.
Current projections have Barkley around 18 rushing attempts for 81 yards, with additional receiving work.
Philadelphia is also projected to score 22 points against Washington, giving Barkley significant touchdown potential.
DFS strategy: Barkley is one of my favorite DraftKings plays in this group. The $6,900 salary makes it much easier to pair him with an expensive quarterback or wide receiver.
Final NFL Week 1 RB DFS Strategy
The running-back position gives DFS players several different ways to construct a lineup.
Gibbs is the top overall play, particularly because of his receiving upside and Detroit’s strong projected scoring environment. Bijan Robinson is the closest alternative and could be an excellent leverage play if Gibbs becomes extremely popular.
For salary-conscious builds, Jonathan Taylor at $7,300 on DraftKings and Saquon Barkley at $6,900 stand out. Both have the workload necessary to deliver a strong score without consuming the entire salary cap.
Achane is my favorite tournament play because his explosive ability creates a ceiling that can exceed his salary expectations. Henry is the touchdown-dependent option, while Javonte Williams provides the salary relief necessary for stars-and-scrubs builds.
One final consideration is correlation. On DraftKings, running backs don’t need to be paired with their quarterbacks, and negative correlation can actually be useful. If you’re using a quarterback against a particular team, however, consider whether you’re betting on a pass-heavy game or a game script dominated by the opposing running back.
Ultimately, the Week 1 RB strategy should revolve around touch volume, receiving involvement, touchdown equity and projected game script. Don’t automatically chase the cheapest running back. The goal is to find backs who have multiple paths to a ceiling performance—and this Week 1 slate offers plenty of them.