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Mike Fanelli provides his 2024 NFL RB Power Rankings, giving his top-15 running backs heading into the upcoming season. Which running backs made the cut?
Everyone loves a good NFL power rankings. They create a debate between fan bases and allow the public to see where their favorite team ranks compared to the other 31 in the league.
However, this article isn’t about team power rankings. Instead, I’m doing a power ranking among the NFL’s top running backs.
Let’s look at the top 15 running backs heading into the 2024 NFL season. Did your favorite running back make the cut?
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Running Back Rankings #15-11
No. 15 – Kenneth Walker III (SEA)
We wrap up our running back power rankings with one of my favorite players in the NFL. Walker has had at least 900 rushing yards and eight touchdowns both years in the league despite playing behind a questionable offensive line. More importantly, he is an explosive runner, posting several runs over 30 yards in his career. Hopefully, Walker is even better under new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.
No. 14 – David Montgomery (DET)
The veteran running back played less than 50% of the snaps last season. Yet, Montgomery had over 1,000 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in 14 contests. He ranked fifth in the NFL in rushing touchdowns while setting a career high in that category. While the veteran will split the backfield with Jahmyr Gibbs again in 2024, expect Montgomery to put up similar numbers.
TD David Montgomery! @Lions take the lead in Dallas
📺: #DETvsDAL on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/urKeZaIvCL pic.twitter.com/MiRiXEQp6q— NFL (@NFL) December 31, 2023
No. 13 – Josh Jacobs (GB)
After spending five years with the Las Vegas Raiders, Jacobs signed a massive contract with the Packers this offseason. However, the team can get out of his contract after one season, meaning the veteran will be motivated to play well in 2024. Jacobs didn’t have an ideal year last season. Yet, he led the NFL in rushing yards the year before. Don’t be surprised if Jacobs has a massive season in Green Bay.
No. 12 – Alvin Kamara (NO)
Kamara’s rushing production has slipped the past few years, especially with the Saints using Taysom Hill around the goal line. He had a career-low 694 rushing yards in 2023 but missed four games. However, the veteran running back was a force in the passing game, ranking second among running backs in receptions (75). Kamara should continue to be a catching machine out of the backfield.
No. 11 – Joe Mixon (HOU)
The veteran running back got traded this offseason, going from the Cincinnati Bengals to the Texans. Thankfully, Mixon goes from one talented offense to another. He has never been an elite runner, averaging only 4.1 yards per rushing attempt in his career. However, Mixon should have another 1,000-yard rushing season in 2024.
Running Back Rankings #10-6
No. 10 – De'Von Achane (MIA)
Some will have an issue with Achane being ranked this high in the power rankings. However, the former Texas A&M star was arguably the most dangerous running back in the NFL as a rookie. He had 800 rushing yards on only 103 attempts, averaging 7.8 yards per rushing attempt. While the explosive running back struggled with injuries, Achane has top-5 potential if he can stay healthy.
No. 9 – Kyren Williams (LAR)
Los Angeles spent a third-round pick in the NFL Draft on Blake Corum. However, expect Williams to remain the team’s lead back. The former Notre Dame star was arguably the top running back in the league not named Christian McCaffrey last season. He could be even better after the Rams made some additions to their offensive line in free agency.
No. 8 – Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC)
Etienne was outstanding to start last year, totaling over 100 scrimmage yards in Week 1. While he wore down as the season progressed, the former Clemson star is one of the top home-run-hitting running backs in the NFL. Furthermore, he can be a difference-maker in the passing game. Etienne should have another impressive year after the Jaguars improved their offensive line.
No. 7 – Derrick Henry (BAL)
Many believe Henry’s time as an elite running back is over. However, that isn’t true. The veteran led the NFL in rushing attempts (280) and ranked second in yards (1,167) last year despite splitting the backfield workload with Tyjae Spears. While he turned 30 in January, Henry could have a massive 2024 season with the Ravens.
No. 6 – Jahmyr Gibbs (DET)
While Gibbs played only 57% of the snaps as a rookie, he was one of the top running backs in the league. He would have had over 1,000 rushing yards but was just short after missing two games because of injury. Gibbs will have to split the backfield work again in 2024 but should take on a larger role after an impressive rookie season.
Jahmyr Gibbs might be a problem 😤 @Jahmyr_Gibbs1
📺: #Kickoff2023 on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/EBLJ3Rwf5g pic.twitter.com/oA2UY33wu4— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2023
Running Back Rankings #5-1
No. 5 – Saquon Barkley (PHI)
The former Penn State star changed NFC East teams this offseason, going from the New York Giants to the Eagles. Barkley has struggled with injuries in his career but has been an elite running back when healthy. After playing behind an awful offensive line for years, don’t be surprised if the veteran has a career season in 2024.
No. 4 – Jonathan Taylor (IND)
Unfortunately, Taylor has struggled with injuries the past two seasons, missing 38.2% of the games. However, he was the top running back in 2021, leading the NFL in rushing attempts (332), yards (1,811), and touchdowns (18). Hopefully, Taylor can stay healthy this year. He would form an outstanding 1-2 punch on the ground alongside Anthony Richardson.
No. 3 – Bijan Robinson (ATL)
Robinson had massive expectations entering the NFL. While he didn’t have the rookie season many expected, the former Texas star was one of the top running backs in the league. The rookie was one of the top forced tackles missed running backs in 2023. More importantly, Robinson should have a massive sophomore-year breakout after the Falcons fired Arthur Smith.
No. 2 – Breece Hall (NYJ)
While Hall started the 2023 season on a snap count, the former Iowa State star is arguably the most explosive runner in the NFL. Despite playing behind arguably the worst offensive line in the league, the young running back had several runs over 50 yards last year, including two of 70 or more. Hall should be even better in 2024 after the Jets significantly improved their offensive line.
WHAT A GAME BY @BREECEH!!#NYJvsNE on FOX pic.twitter.com/T0c7SOMsyH
— New York Jets (@nyjets) January 7, 2024
No. 1 – Christian McCaffrey (SF)
It’s no surprise that McCaffrey is at the top of the running back power rankings. The superstar is a near lock to be in the Hall of Fame someday. Last season, he led the NFL in rushing yards (1,459), touches (339), scrimmage yards (2,023), and offensive touchdowns (21). McCaffrey has been the clear-cut top running back in the NFL over the past few years when healthy.
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