ClutchPoints
Week 17 is the moment fantasy football managers circle all season. It’s championship week. There are no bye weeks to navigate, but clarity is often an illusion at this stage. Teams are juggling playoff positioning, workload management, and injury prevention. Atthe same time, fantasy managers must decide which running backs still offer dependable volume and which ones can swing a title with a single explosive performance. With margins razor-thin, the running back position once again becomes the fulcrum of most championship matchups.
Here’s a breakdown of the top running back plays and high-upside sleepers entering Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season, with context that matters when trophies are on the line.
Bijan Robinson continues to redefine what elite fantasy football production looks like. In Sunday’s win over Arizona, Robinson totaled 168 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. He showed his complete skill set despite splitting carries nearly evenly with Tyler Allgeier. What separated Robinson was his usage in the passing game. That’s where he hauled in seven receptions for 92 yards and consistently stressed the defense out of the backfield.
Over Atlanta’s last two games, Robinson has delivered WR1-level receiving production. He has now surpassed 2,000 total yards from scrimmage. That’s a milestone that underscores how central he is to the Falcons’ offense. With Atlanta hosting the Rams on Monday night, Robinson’s role should remain expansive.
Even in games where his rushing volume fluctuates, Robinson’s target share provides insulation against negative game script. He enters Week 17 as a locked-in RB1 overall candidate. He can anchor championship rosters in all formats.
James Cook has been one of the most reliable backs in fantasy football down the stretch. His Week 16 performance only reinforced that status. Cook gashed Cleveland for 117 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His 44-yard scoring burst flipped the game early.
Cook has now eclipsed 100 rushing yards in four of his last five games. He’s running decisively, breaking tackles at the second level, and benefiting from favorable game flow created by the Bills’ passing attack.
Yes, Philadelphia presents a more formidable defensive challenge. That said, Cook’s workload and red-zone involvement keep him firmly in RB1 territory. Buffalo remains motivated, and Cook’s big-play ability gives him a ceiling few backs can match in championship week.
De’Von Achane continues to be one of the most explosive players in fantasy football. Against Cincinnati, Achane rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown. He’s now scored five rushing touchdowns over his last six games. That’s a sign that Miami trusts him in scoring situations.
Achane’s receiving involvement has stabilized as well. That gives him a dependable floor even when the Dolphins fall behind. His efficiency per touch remains elite, and his ability to turn limited volume into massive fantasy points keeps him in the RB1 conversation every week. Facing Tampa Bay at home, Achane...
