Top 10 Running Backs Entering 2023
1. Christian McCaffrey
The clear cut, best running back in the league and I don’t think there is much room for debate. He’s probably the best pass catching back to ever play the game. Obviously, there have been some problems staying healthy, but he had a bounce back year last season and reportedly the injuries he has sustained aren’t ones that linger. The three seasons McCaffrey has been a starter and healthy have seen him hit 1,850+ yards from scrimmage. In 2019 he should have been MVP. If 19 total TDs and 2,392 yards don’t win the award, I’m not sure anybody other than a quarterback will ever win it again.
2. Austin Ekeler
Ekeler has led the league the last two seasons in combined rushing and receiving touchdowns. Finding the endzone is not something he struggles at. Like McCaffrey, he’s a very strong pass catcher and knows how to find an open spot to bail his quarterback out of trouble. If McCaffrey had not come back last season as strong as he did, Ekeler would probably be number one on this list. Plus, he loves fantasy football and acknowledges the fans love for it instead of hating on it like every other NFL player. A man of the people for sure.
3. Saquon Barkley
After a resurgent year, Barkley has jumped to number three on this list. He’s more of a traditional back than the two ahead of him, but don’t let that make you think he can’t catch the ball. He’s averaged 4.1 receptions per game so far in his career. His skill level is elite in the three places it needs to be to be a successful running back: blazing speed, strong, downhill running and the ability to make people miss in the open.
4. Josh Jacobs
Jacobs is probably the most underrated running back in the league. Last season, he quietly led the league in rushing. Jacobs ran it for 1,653 yards with a YPA number of 4.9. He’s been a workhorse for the Raiders since he started in his career. In his four seasons, he’s played in 92% of available games and already eclipsed 1,000 carries. His ability to improve his game has been an important part of his success. In his first two seasons he hauled in 53 receptions. Last season he tied that number in half as many games.
5. Nick Chubb
Like Jacobs, Chubb has been an under the radar guy because of the team he plays for. I had him farther down this list at first, but was a little shocked when I looked at his stats. In each of his first five seasons, Chubb has run for 5 or more YPC. His lack of pass catching ability hurts him in rankings, but he more than makes up for it in the run game. If there’s one thing I can bank on in October, it’s that while I’m watching RedZone, a Nick Chubb highlight where he takes it 50 yards for a TD is going to flash on my screen.
6. Derrick Henry
Age might be catching up to King Henry, but that doesn’t mean he still can’t be dominant. He’s had some great years in his career, most notably in 2020 where he rushed for over 2,000 yards. He doesn’t have the ability to make people miss, but he doesn’t need it. We’ve all seen the clip of him absolutely “alpha-ing” Josh Norman of the Bills a couple years ago. You can watch it again here though if you want. If there’s one guy you don’t want to see barrelling towards you in December, it’s Derrick Henry.
7. Aaron Jones
Jones has been one of the Packers’ most reliable weapons over the last 3-4 years. It’s almost criminal this guy has only been to one Pro Bowl. He’s another back who has averaged more than 5 YPC in his career and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down as last year was arguably his best one yet. Jones isn’t your typical workhorse back as he only gets 11-12 carries per game, but he makes his touches count. Himself combined with AJ Dillion is arguably the best tandem backfield in the NFL.
8. Dalvin Cook
Dalvin Cook might be the best free agent currently available this offseason. He wants to get paid and we can’t say he hasn’t earned it. Mr. Consistency has been a Pro Bowler and a thousand-yard rusher in each of the last four years. His yards per game have trended down the last two years, but that could easily be because of Jefferson’s expanded role. Whatever team signs him (if it’s for the right price) will be glad they did.
9. Jonathan Taylor
Even during an injury riddled year, playing for a bad team, Taylor still had 1,004 yards from scrimmage. We believe he’ll get back to his form this year and keep being a problem for linebackers. We all remember his 2021 season where he led the league in yards and rushing touchdowns. Taylor scampered for an incredible 106 yards per game that year.
10. Alvin Kamara
The last couple years have seen Kamara perform at a level he’s not used to. This has caused his stock to plummet in many circles. However, his play could easily be explained by two things: Sean Payton and Drew Brees’ departure. Now that a solid quarterback is in the building and the lawsuit he’s been involved with is over, he’ll get back to his old self. The old self that saw him put up 1,688 total yards and 21 total touchdowns in 2020.