The NFL is a cyclical league. Game plans change every few years, and eventually, they repeat themselves. Most recently, running backs have found themselves back in the spotlight. Who, considering all factors, is the best of the best?
2025 rushing stats: 238 carries, 1,350 yards, eight touchdowns
Travis Etienne signed with the Saints this offseason, where he’ll join Alvin Kamara in the backfield. He’ll split carries with the 30-year-old rusher, who rushed 131 times for 471 yards and one touchdown in 2025.
Etienne has rushed for over 1,000 yards in three of his four NFL seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He also logged a team-leading six touchdown receptions.
Just look at head coach Kellen Moore’s success as the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator. If his time with Saquon Barkley has taught us anything, it’s that he’ll cook up some magic with a duo like Etienne and Kamara.
2025 rushing stats: 259 carries, 1,252 yards, 10 touchdowns
Kyren Williams has been massive to the Rams’ success through his career. In each of the last three seasons, he’s rushed for at least 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Matthew Stafford is going into his age-38 season, and the Rams are shooting straight for the Super Bowl. He has a terrific supporting cast, and Williams is instrumental to the reigning league MVP’s longevity.
It’s also worth mentioning that Williams’ back-mate, Blake Corum, has come into his own. He rushed for 746 yards and six touchdowns in 2025, his second season as a pro. His plug-and-play ability makes Williams’ job even easier, which could lead to even better production.
2025 rushing stats: 323 carries, 1,585 yards, 18 touchdowns
Jonathan Taylor started 2025 with a fire reminiscent of his 2021 breakout season. He rushed for three touchdowns in four different games through the season. He and quarterback Daniel Jones seemed to be the pairing the Colts were missing.
After a 244-yard, three-touchdown performance in Week 10, Taylor’s production dipped. He failed to reach 100 yards in a game after that and only scored three touchdowns. Jones went down with a torn Achilles in Week 14, which also contributed to the decline.
If Taylor and Jones can pick up where they left off, the running back might be back in Offensive Player of the Year conversations. His health also plays a big role, with three of his last four seasons shortened by injury.
2025 rushing stats: 307 carries, 1,595 yards, 16 touchdowns
Derrick Henry is 32 years old, but “The King” seems to be ageless. He had some fumble issues early last season, but he still dominated defenses. He’s rushed for over 1,500 yards in each of his last two seasons, hitting 1,921 yards in 2024.
Henry could be much higher on this list, but his age brings caution in 2026. He continues to defy logic, and with a new head coach in Jesse Minter, it’ll be exciting to see how he does it again.
2025 rushing stats: 309 carries, 1,621 yards, 12 touchdowns
After lobbying for a new contract in the 2025 offseason, James Cook finally got it. He signed a four-year, $46 million deal and immediately proved he was worth the money.
Cook recorded career highs in carries, rush yards, and yards per game. He also logged 33 receptions for 291 yards and two touchdowns.
The Bills’ offense will largely look the same under its new head coach and former offensive coordinator, Joe Brady. They added wide receiver DJ Moore to give Josh Allen another weapon as well. Cook’s production may only go up in a more balanced scheme.
2025 rushing stats: 238 carries, 1,350 yards, eight touchdowns
If nothing else went right for the Dolphins in 2025, De’Von Achane was outstanding. Along with stellar rushing numbers, he caught 67 passes for 488 yards and four touchdowns.
In an offense without Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Achane is the best weapon available. Malik Willis was signed in free agency, and the young quarterback will be relying heavily on his star rusher.
The Dolphins’ roster is going through a full rebuild, and they might land the number one pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. No matter how bad they are, Achane will continue to terrorize defenses.
2025 rushing stats: 280 carries, 1,140 yards, seven touchdowns
Barkley decimated nearly every team he faced in the 2024 season. The Eagles’ running back rushed 345 times (led the league) for 2,005 yards (also led the league) and 13 touchdowns. He thrived in Moore’s offense en route to an OPOY Award and a Super Bowl LIX victory.
Simply put, Philly’s offensive coordinator, Kevin Patullo, struggled to get the gears turning. He is now out of Philadelphia and has been replaced by former Green Bay Packers QB coach Sean Mannion.
The Eagles’ offense needs creativity, and Mannion will be looking to shake things up. Barkley’s only 29 years old and can still play at an extremely high level.
2025 rushing stats: 311 carries, 1,202 yards, 10 touchdowns
The lifeblood of the 49ers’ offense is, without a doubt, Christian McCaffrey. When Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, and Ricky Pearsall missed time, he carried the team.
If McCaffrey’s rushing numbers weren’t enough, he caught 102 passes for 924 yards and seven more touchdowns. He just turned 30 this month, but he may still be at the top of his game.
The Niners signed Mike Evans in free agency, giving Brock Purdy an extremely reliable set of hands. The return of Kittle, Pearsall, and defensive stars like Fred Warner and Nick Bosa will make McCaffrey’s job much easier. A fresh, healthy CMC is a dangerous CMC.
2025 rushing stats: 287 carries, 1,478 yards, seven touchdowns
Bijan Robinson has rushed for over 1,400 yards in each of his last two seasons and scored a total of 21 touchdowns in that span. In 2025, he caught 79 passes for 820 yards and four touchdowns.
The Falcons are holding a QB competition between Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa. No matter who gets the job, Robinson’s going to feast. Tagovailoa’s time in Miami with Achane is proof that his running back will get plenty of touches.
If Penix gets the starting nod, he’s already familiar with Robinson. Not to mention, former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is now in charge. The last time he had a running back on Robinson’s level was Nick Chubb, who had three straight 1,000-yard seasons.
2025 rushing stats: 243 carries, 1,223 yards, 13 touchdowns
The Lions’ offense left a lot to be desired in 2025. The O-line was marred by injuries, and former OC Ben Johnson’s creativity was taken to Chicago. Jahmyr Gibbs was a shining light in Detroit.
Along with his rushing numbers, Gibbs caught 77 passes for 616 yards and five touchdowns. The caveat: he split carries with another starting caliber back. David Montgomery had 158 carries for 716 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
Montgomery signed with the Houston Texans and is now replaced by Isiah Pacheco in Detroit’s backfield. As talented as the former Kansas City Chiefs’ back is, he won’t be the “Knuckles” to Gibbs’ “Sonic”.
Gibbs is in a new offensive system, and he’s already in line to become the NFL’s highest-paid running back. His workload is about to increase, and his production will do the same.
The NFL is loaded with talent at the running back position, and they’re getting their shine right now. With up-and-comers like Ashton Jeanty and Jeremiyah Love on the ascent, it’s only about to get brighter.
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