Top 5 Running Backs in the NFL

In crafting this ranking of the Top 5 running backs in the NFL, a multitude of crucial metrics have been taken into account. These include their speed, power, agility, elusiveness, explosiveness, durability, field vision, ball security, availability, and overall statistical performance. The following list presents the top 5 running backs in a specific order, while the honorable mentions encompass the 6–8 running backs who deserve recognition based on my personal assessment.

Honorable Mentions:

Austin Ekeler- Austin Ekeler is my favorite running back in the NFL, and although he’s my favorite, I couldn’t put him in the top 5. He’s a tremendous fantasy football running back, known for his receptions and touchdown production. Last season, he recorded 915 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, along with 722 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, while also totaling 5 fumbles. Despite being a relatively small running back at 5'10" and 200 pounds, Ekeler is often praised as pound for pound one of the strongest players in the NFL. However, his vision in the backfield is an area that he lacks in. While he excels at reading blocks and making defenders miss in open space or on receptions, his ability to read blocks and find running lanes in inside zone plays or runs up the middle is not as strong. On the other hand, his compact size and strength contribute to his exceptional balance and his knack for evading defenders in the open field. This skill is a game-changer, particularly in crucial situations, providing the Chargers with a reliable player who consistently breaks tackles. As a passionate Chargers fan, I can’t emphasize enough the significance of having a player like Ekeler who can consistently elude tackles in open field situations. His unique blend of strength, agility, and balance make him a valuable asset to the team.

Aaron Jones- Aaron Jones has been one of the most consistent running backs over the past couple of years, typically falling within the 6–10 range rather than being considered a top 5 caliber player in my opinion. Last season, he recorded 1,121 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, along with 395 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, while also accumulating 5 combined fumbles. Despite reaching the age of 28, which is often considered older for running backs, I still believe Jones is in his prime. However, it is disappointing to see a significant portion of his workload being taken away by his teammate AJ Dillon. Although Jones is undoubtedly the superior running back by a wide margin, Dillon receives the lion’s share of goal-line touches due to his strength and also receives numerous carries throughout the game. While this distribution benefits the team as a whole, it hampers Jones’ individual performance, as he doesn’t have as many scoring opportunities as a starting running back should. Jones excels as a premier pass-catcher out of the backfield and possesses the vision as a runner that Austin Ekeler lacks. Although he may not be the strongest or most physical runner in the league, Jones is a highly entertaining player to watch. However, due to his limited scoring opportunities and a few other factors, I cannot rank him among the top 5 running backs in the league.

Jonathan Taylor- Jonathan Taylor presents an intriguing case when it comes to ranking running backs. As a rookie, he burst onto the scene with a phenomenal debut and followed it up with a stellar second year, accumulating nearly 2,200 all-purpose yards and 20 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the premier running backs in the league. However, his third year was marred by injury issues, limiting him to just 11 games and resulting in 1,000 all-purpose yards and 4 touchdowns. Despite these setbacks, Taylor benefits from a solid offensive line in Indianapolis and possesses a remarkable skill set that sets him apart. His combination of great speed, agility, and strength make him a dynamic runner, while his vision allows him to navigate through defenses effectively. Taylor has the ability to turn any play into a touchdown, showcasing his big-play potential. While his injury history raises concerns, it is difficult to find many flaws in Taylor’s game. However, due to the exceptional performances of a few other running backs, he falls just outside the top 5 in my rankings. Nonetheless, in my opinion, Taylor comfortably sits as the sixth-best running back in the league. With his immense potential and skill, if he can maintain his health and continue to perform at a high level, he has the ability to ascend even higher in future rankings.

5. Saquon Barkley

It may seem disrespectful to rank Saquon Barkley at fifth considering his immense talent. In my opinion, the top three spots are indisputable, leaving the battle for the fourth position between Saquon Barkley and another player, with injuries playing a significant role in the decision-making process. Barkley had an exceptional rookie season and achieved a career-best performance, amassing 2,000 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns without a single fumble. However, subsequent injury issues have plagued him, resulting in missed games and even an entire sidelined season. This ranking does not diminish his talent, as he is undeniably a top-three talent. Yet, sustained production and success are crucial to ranking, and Barkley’s injuries have hindered his ability to showcase his talent consistently. He possesses remarkable elusiveness, speed, and strength, making him a formidable runner who can break tackles effectively. Additionally, Barkley’s skills extend to his prowess as a receiving back out of the backfield. In the past season, he showcased resilience, bouncing back with impressive numbers despite the challenges, rushing for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns, with 338 receiving yards and only one fumble. The team context also plays a role, as the Giants have struggled overall, despite some signs of improvement under their new head coach. Looking ahead, if Barkley can remain healthy and capitalize on the team’s progress, he has the potential to elevate his ranking and further solidify his position as one of the league’s top running backs.

4. Josh Jacobs

Josh Jacobs has consistently been a respectable running back, consistently hovering around the 1,000 rushing yard mark each season. However, this past season, he elevated his game to an unstoppable level, rushing for an impressive 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also contributing 400 receiving yards with only three fumbles. In my opinion, he had the best statistics out of any running back in the league this season. Despite this exceptional performance, I can’t rank him too high because it was his first year performing at such an elite level. What makes Jacobs’ achievements even more remarkable is the fact that he did it behind a subpar offensive line. The Raiders’ lackluster front five did not hinder his ability to put up extraordinary numbers. Jacobs is a unique blend of strength and quickness. While he may not possess top-end speed, his quick reaction time and agility allow him to swiftly navigate through the defensive line, evading tackles and making moves against second and third-level defenders. Although he may not be the most prolific receiving back, his 53 receptions for 400 yards are highly respectable for a primary ball carrier. Additionally, he has proven to be a clutch performer, making game-changing plays in critical moments. As much as I dislike the fact that Jacobs plays for the Raiders, I have immense admiration for him as a player and hope he can replicate this exceptional season to solidify his status as a true superstar running back in the league.

3. Nick Chubb

I understand that my decision to rank Nick Chubb at third place may not align with everyone’s perspective, so let me provide my rationale. In the previous season, Chubb had an impressive performance, accumulating 1,525 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, along with 239 receiving yards and one touchdown, while displaying excellent ball security with only one fumble. When evaluating the top three running backs, it becomes a matter of personal preference rather than identifying major weaknesses, as all three players are truly outstanding. Chubb possesses exceptional vision and quickness, allowing him to quickly identify openings in the defense and exploit them with agility. His strength is remarkable, enabling him to power through tackles and consistently gain positive yardage. While Chubb’s elusiveness is notable, it is fair to mention a couple of areas where he could potentially improve.Firstly, it is fair to say that Nick Chubb is not considered a premier receiving back, even with the presence of Kareem Hunt in the Browns’ offense who fulfills that role. However, it is important to acknowledge that Chubb’s receiving skills are still decent. The only concern is that even when Kareem is out, he has not demonstrated exceptional ability as a receiver. Additionally, Chubb lacks elite breakaway speed, relying more on his outstanding juking ability and power. While he possesses enough speed to occasionally outpace defenders, an added burst of acceleration could make him virtually unstoppable. It is worth acknowledging the significant contribution of the Browns’ exceptional offensive line to Chubb’s success. While I do not undermine Chubb’s individual accomplishments, it is important to recognize the support he receives from his teammates. To conclude, Nick Chubb is undeniably a fantastic running back, and the distinction between the top three players is marginal. Personally, I lean slightly towards the top two individuals, but it should not diminish Chubb’s exceptional talent and the impact he brings to the game.

2. Derrick Henry

Choosing between Derrick Henry and Nick Chubb was a tough decision, given their similar statistics and skill sets. However, I lean towards Henry, and I’ll elaborate on why. In the previous season, Henry amassed an impressive 1,538 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, with an additional 398 receiving yards, albeit with 6 fumbles. What sets Henry apart is his unparalleled physicality and his ability to break tackles with ease. His dominance on the field is evident as he bulldozes through defenders, relying on his remarkable strength and stiff-arm technique. While Henry may not be the fastest runner, his quick reaction time and breakaway speed make up for it. He excels at eluding the first-level defenders and possesses the speed to outrun or overpower second and third-level defenders. His combination of power and speed instills fear in opposing teams, making him a formidable force. One aspect where Henry falls slightly short is his limited impact as a receiving threat out of the backfield. Additionally, I consider the disparity in offensive line rankings between the Titans and the Browns. The Titans’ offensive line is ranked 32nd, while the Browns’ offensive line is ranked 2nd. Given this difference, Henry’s impressive performance becomes even more remarkable. Considering the level of difficulty Henry faces due to his team’s weaker offensive line, it strengthens my preference for him over Chubb.

In my opinion, Christian McCaffrey stands as the best running back in the league. McCaffrey was traded mid season from the Carolina Panthers to the San Francisco 49ers. He accumulated 1,139 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, along with 741 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, and only 1 fumble. Since joining the 49ers, the team boasts an impressive 10–1 record, with their sole loss occurring in the NFC Championship Game against the Eagles. The 49ers’ strong offensive line and Kyle Shanahan’s affinity for running the football created a perfect match for McCaffrey’s talents. McCaffrey possesses an ideal skill set for a running back. His exceptional speed, quickness, and acceleration allow him to navigate through holes and leave defenders behind. Despite standing at 5'11", McCaffrey showcases remarkable strength, making it nearly impossible for a single player to bring him down. His abilities extend beyond rushing, as he excels as a receiving back with phenomenal vision to identify gaps in defenses and make swift moves. The 49ers maximize McCaffrey’s potential by utilizing him in the running, receiving, and even passing game. In one notable instance during Week 8, McCaffrey threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Aiyuk. On a play where he received the ball in the flat behind the line of scrimmage, defenders anticipating a run were caught off guard as McCaffrey made a perfect pass to Aiyuk. McCaffrey’s versatility and excellence in every facet of the game solidify his status as the best running back in the league

Thank you for taking the time to read my running back rankings. I appreciate your engagement, and if you have any comments or thoughts, please feel free to share them in the comment section below.

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