Welcome to Week 7 of the 2025 Footballguys Roundtable. Our intrepid panel of fantasy pundits discusses and debates four topics every week. We split the conversation into separate features.
This week's roundtable features these four topics:
Let's roll...
Matt Waldman: Pick one topic from the list and explain why the statement is true or false.
- Rico Dowdle is a viable lead-back talent for a team in 2026.
- Quinshon Judkins is a fantasy RB1 this year (12-team leagues)
- Rachaad White is a viable lead-back talent for a team in 2026.
Who's first?
Dave Kluge: Rachaad White is a viable lead-back talent for a team in 2026. TRUE.
People were so quick to pick nits in White's profile after he turned in an RB7 season two years ago. Sure, his advanced analytics weren't great, but White shouldered over 75 percent of the backfield opportunities on a nine-win playoff team.
His versatility supersedes whatever advanced analytics you want to use to discredit him. Despite weighing in at 214 pounds at the Combine, White has made it known that he's packed on some size since then.
He's a phenomenal pass-blocker with soft hands out of the backfield as well. Last year, White got banged up, and it opened the door for Bucky Irving, who was electric in his role.
While we can't say Irving's workload is what caused his injury this year, Irving was on pace for over a 50 percent increase in touches this year before getting hurt. White has the build to be a three-down workhorse.
We're seeing a shift in how coaches utilize running backs, with versatility becoming a priority. Well-rounded backs enable teams to maintain a quick tempo and avoid defensive substitutions without tipping their hand to opposing defenses. White, Kyren Williams, and J.K. Dobbins are a few examples of modern-day NFL backs who might not excel in one specific role but are above average in all of them.
White deserves to be a lead back.
Joseph Haggan: Quinshon Judkins is an RB1 for this season. He has averaged 89 scrimmage yards and 18.6 touches per game in his first five games. Judkins is noticeably the team's top offensive weapon. He has turned 84 rushing attempts into 383 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and 9 receptions into 62 receiving yards (6.9 yards per reception).
The Browns' defense is good enough to keep them in games, but they need more competent play from the quarterback position. If they can get a more balanced offensive attack, it should open up even more for Judkins. Either way, his volume and production make him a viable RB1 this season.
Tipp Major: Rachaad White is a viable lead-back talent for any team heading into 2026. True!
With no return in sight for Bucky Irving and the team already ruling him out for Week 7, it's clear his comeback isn't close. This will be interesting to monitor, especially with Tampa Bay's bye week approaching in Week 9.
In the meantime, White has filled in admirably, posting back-to-back 20-plus-point performances in full PPR leagues. He has the talent to hang with any of the other running backs mentioned, but what separates him is that he's tied to the best offense of the group. And he's seeing consistent red-zone usage, something every fantasy manager loves to see.
In Week 5, White logged four red-zone carries and two touchdowns, followed by three more red-zone carries and another touchdown in Week 6. But Tipp, they have no wide receivers, they're all hurt!
True, but the way Baker Mayfield is playing right now, I'm convinced he could have Matt, Dave, Jason, and me at wide receiver, and he'd still give the Bucs a chance.
Waldman: There has been a hidden reason why I want to host the RSP Island-Brandon Lloyd Acrobatic Catch Invitational...
Major: We might have to suit up, fellas!
White's skill set as a capable pass-catcher and willing blocker makes him an asset to any team as an all-around lead back in 2026. Mayfield even praised him recently, saying White "fought his [a**] off" and made "really, really good plays" against a physical defense.
At just 26 years old, White still has plenty of tread on the tires. For fantasy purposes, I like him staying in Tampa Bay, especially as long as Mayfield is under center. Bucky Irving is good, just not built to last a full season.