ClutchPoints
With Week 11 of the 2025 NFL season fast approaching, fantasy football managers are entering the most crucial stretch of the year. The playoffs are just a few weeks away. Every start/sit decision could swing the outcome of a season. Fortunately, this week’s running back rankings aren’t heavily impacted by byes. Only the Colts and Saints are off. This means fantasy rosters will be nearly at full strength.
That also means managers won’t have to navigate absences from top names like Christian McCaffrey, Breece Hall, or Bijan Robinson. However, injuries to key contributors like Isiah Pacheco, JK Dobbins, and Bucky Irving are creating ripple effects across fantasy football lineups. Whether you’re chasing a playoff berth or securing a top seed, knowing which running backs have the matchups and momentum to produce is key.
Let’s break down the top plays and potential sleepers entering Week 11.
Josh Jacobs continues to be one of the most dependable backs in fantasy football. He logged 21 carries for 74 yards and a touchdown along with five receptions for 33 yards in Green Bay’s close 10–7 loss to the Eagles on Monday night. Despite losing a costly fumble late, Jacobs’ 11th rushing touchdown of the season extended his streak to six straight games with a score.
Sure, Jacobs hasn’t cracked 100 rushing yards yet this year. However, his consistency near the goal line and in the passing game make him an elite RB1. The matchup against the Giants is an ideal opportunity for a breakout performance. New York’s defense ranks among the bottom five in yards allowed per carry. Expect Jacobs to flirt with top-five fantasy production this week.
Rico Dowdle has quietly become one of fantasy football’s most reliable mid-tier starters. In Week 10, he handled 18 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown. He also added three receptions for another 10 yards. Dowdle’s workload remains steady, and he’s found the end zone five times this season despite Carolina’s offensive struggles.
Meanwhile, the Falcons’ defense has allowed multiple rushing scores in three of their last four contests. Dowdle’s red-zone role keeps his floor solid. He’s unlikely to explode for a monster stat line. Still, his volume and scoring consistency make him a safe RB2 with RB1 upside.
Jaylen Warren continues to command Pittsburgh’s backfield. In the Week 10 loss to the Chargers, he racked up 70 rushing yards on 14 carries. He also added 21 receiving yards on two catches. With nearly all the touches going his way, Warren’s usage is trending toward true feature-back territory.
The Bengals have been leaky against the run all season. Warren has already had success against them. He logged one of his best performances earlier this year. His dual-threat ability makes him a high-end RB2 this week.
