The 2025 NFL Season is over, but the dynasty season never ends. While this period during the playoffs and before the new league year is often quiet, it can be a time to make early moves to get yourself set for what’s to come. Over the next few pieces, I’m going to be looking at buys, sells, and holds at each of the key fantasy positions. Today it’s running backs. I’ll be looking at two in each category that can help you get ahead of the curve as we head into 2026. Let’s dive in.
Buys
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys
About: Back when Williams was taken in the Second Round by the Denver Broncos, we had high hopes. His rookie year, despite a split, didn’t disappoint. That only vaulted him up the dynasty standings. Then an injury in year two was a setback. When Sean Payton arrived in his third season, it was clear there wasn’t a good fit between player, coach, and scheme.
But in 2025, with the Dallas Cowboys, Williams found new life. He signed a one-year prove-it deal, and he proved quite a lot. He had his first 1,000-yard season, rushing for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns, finishing as RB11. All that showed is that he is a great fit for Dallas or another offense as a lead back. With a shallower draft class, Williams becomes an intriguing free agent option this offseason. That makes him a player I’m excited to roster or acquire at a discount before the free agent frenzy begins.
Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers
About: Gainwell was sort of an afterthought signing last off-season, but he developed into a key cog in the offense for the Steelers. He ended 2025 as the RB16, averaging 13 points per game. He doesn’t profile as a lead back, but with his skill as a runner and his ability in the pass game, he fits well in the modern backfield committee. That makes him a reliable fantasy asset as a player who can sit in the flex position. He’s also an affordable option on the free agent market. While Pittsburgh’s scheme has changed and he may not be back there, Gainwell is an intriguing stash in a league with no shortage of needs in the backfield.
Sells
Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
About: By any measure, McCaffrey had an amazing 2025 season. He is in the running for NFL MVP, NFL Offensive Player of the Year, and NFL Comeback Player of the Year. He finished as RB1, rushing for more than 1,200 yards and catching more than 100 passes. So, why is he on this list? Well, it’s precisely due to that production.
Over his career, McCaffrey has chased incredible seasons with seasons marred by injury. The past three times he’s rushed for 1,000 yards or more, he’s ended up playing in six or fewer games the following season, failing to even get to 500 yards. Could it be different this time? It’s possible, but with this history and a running back reaching the 30-year age cliff, I’m selling high while I can.
J.K. Dobbins, Denver Broncos
About: Dobbins had a solid year in 2025 with the Broncos. He led the rushing attack until he was lost for the season and looked good doing it. He wants to be back with the Broncos in 2026 and could be a good fit…while he’s on the field. It’s that last part that has consistently given me pause.
Dobbins’ future is uncertain, but given his history, it’s unlikely a team is going to give him the security of a long-term contract. He had good moments with the Chargers in 2024 and with the Broncos in 2025, ending each season with an injury that forced him to miss time. That’s the same issue that plagued him throughout his rookie deal with the Ravens. Given that, I’m using whatever interest and good he will gain in Denver to flip him while I can.
Holds
Tyrone Tracy, New York Giants
About: There was a lot of hope for Tracy in his sophomore year, then came Cam Skattebo. As Skattebo rose and dominated the touches, Tracy’s role and value faded. But when Skattebo was lost for the year, Tracy again showed his skill and value for the Giants.
Now, he’s got a coach in John Harbaugh that has traditionally favored a run-heavy scheme. While Skattebo will be back and is a force in the backfield, it’s the appeal of having them in tandem that is part of the selling point for the Giants. Given the strong end to 2025 and the promise of this new regime, I’m holding Tracy as a startable piece during the 2026 season.
Breece Hall, New York Jets
About: Hall has great talent and great potential, nearly all of which went unrecognized with the Jets. If you drafted him at the top of the rookie draft in 2022, it’s been a frustrating and uneven four seasons. But take heart. Though the Jets seem to have limited Hall to being a solid RB2, he is finally a free agent. The Jets are a mess, but they seem to have decided that he is not part of their future plans.
That makes him one of the most attractive free agents at the position, and a player who could finally get that Javonte Williams-like fifth year break out in a new situation. For now, I’m holding on to him to recoup some of that draft-day value and potential.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
