ClutchPoints
As the fantasy football season barrels into Week 9, running backs continue to be major X-factors. Injuries, byes, and unpredictable committee usage have made backfields more volatile than ever. With teams like the Browns, Jets, Eagles, and Buccaneers all on bye, many managers are scouring the waiver wire or second-guessing their usual starters. This is the stretch where lineup decisions make or break playoff pushes. The right call at running back can swing your entire week.
Of course, the matchups this week feature several must-starts and a handful of trap plays. Ahead of Week 9 of the 2025 NFL Season, it’s time to see which running backs to start and which ones to sit in your fantasy football team.
Derrick Henry remains the engine of Baltimore’s offense. Week 9 is another prime opportunity for the veteran back to dominate. Against Chicago in Week 8, Henry bulldozed his way to 71 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries. He proved he’s still one of the best finishers in football. Recall that Lamar Jackson is nursing a hamstring injury and Tyler Huntley is likely under center again. As such, expect Baltimore to lean heavily on Henry’s power running to control the pace against a fast Miami defense.
Miami has shown vulnerability against downhill runners. If the Ravens can establish tempo early, Henry could once again find paydirt multiple times. Pencil him in as a top-10 play with RB1 fantasy football upside.
Few players have stepped into a lead role as efficiently as Kimani Vidal. With Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton sidelined, Vidal has taken full control of the Chargers’ backfield. He is making the most of it. Vidal has surpassed 117 rushing yards in two of his last three games. He continues to see a steady workload near the goal line.
This week’s matchup against Tennessee is tailor-made for a big performance. The Titans’ defense has allowed a league-high 12 rushing touchdowns to running backs this season. Expect Los Angeles to rely on Vidal early and often. This is especially true if they build a lead. He’s a strong RB2 play with legitimate RB1 potential in Week 9.
Kyle Monangai isn’t the flashiest name on your roster. However, his workload is trending in the right direction. He’s logged at least 29 offensive snaps in consecutive games and averaged 11 touches per contest over that stretch. D’Andre Swift will lead the committee but Chicago is increasingly using Monangai in key downs. With that, the latter’s floor is quietly rising.
The Bengals have been abysmal against the run, too. They have allowed 1,057 rushing yards to running backs this season. That’s the most in the league. That kind of weakness opens the door for Monangai to post his best outing of the year. He’s an underrated fantasy football flex option who could reward risk-taking managers in deeper leagues.
