RB #1 Bijan Robinson ATL

It’s no surprise that Bijan Robinson is the highest ranked running back in the NFL. He has lived up to his hype, and his best season is yet to happen. 2025 has potential to be that season. Robinson played an impressive 861 snaps in 2024. 789 of which came from the backfield, 44 from the slot, and 26 split wide. He finished with 365 touches, 1,456 rushing yards, 61 receptions, 431 receiving yards, 102 first downs, and 15 touchdowns. Most impressively, he did it all with just one fumble.

As magnificent as Robinson’s numbers were they are expected to go up. The Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., stated they are going to pass to him more. And that they would give him the ball every play if they could. Penix will rely on Robinson, and the Falcons will run the ball early to ease Penix into games. He will also be Penix’s outlet pass in addition to pass plays for Robinson. An increase on 365 touches and 61 receptions seems inevitable, and the other stats will come along with it.

Robinson is the consensus #1 running back this season, and rarely makes it past the fourth overall pick. However in an auction draft, he’s up for grabs (yes this is a push for more auction leagues). He will be the hub of everything the Falcons do offensively, and he does it behind one of the longest tenured offensive lines… One of the best too. The Falcons have a great defense, and paired with Robinson can control most of their games. He will take fantasy football teams to 2025 championships.

LB #1 Kaden Elliss ATL

The third set of teammates graces Mano y Mano, and this time it is linebacker Kaden Elliss. Some might be asking, “Who?”. But IDP junkies know him well. He finished last season as LB #3, and is poised to finish as numero uno in 2025. The 2019 244th draft pick played 1,131 snaps last season, and is a true two level player. The former Idaho Vandal played predominately in the box, logging 794 snaps there. However he also played 253 snaps on the defensive line. So much so that he was on the line in all 17 games. Oftentimes recording double digit numbers, as in week 17, when he played 34 snaps on the defensive line.

He is on the defensive line for good reason too. He’s good at rushing the passer! In addition to his 151 combined tackles, he earned 16 quarterback hits, 5.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. He also logged three passes defended and recorded an interception. He is on a defense loaded with playmakers, but he is the captain and the leader.

Elliss has started every game since arriving to Atlanta, and this season has a new defensive coordinator. Jeff Ulbrich came from the New York Jets, and will implement some new schemes. However this is still Head Coach Raheem Morris’ team, and he is a great defensive coach. Elliss wears the green dot, and will continue to be the featured IDP in a Morris/Ulbrich defense. Even though he drops in drafts later then he should, do not hesitate to draft him early. Or as is the case in most leagues, trade for him.

Thank you everyone for reading the 2025 edition of Mano y Mano. Please leave a comment if you found it helpful, enjoyable, or if you disagree with it. Remember to subscribe to The Sports Affiliation for more great content. Both here, and on our youtube channel.

Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy –