RADIO
Every NFL team's most underrated running back. From the Arizona Cardinals to the Washington Commanders, who is your favorite team's most underrated running back?
Arizona Cardinals - James Conner, 2021 - present
The current incumbent starter for the Cardinals takes the cake as their most underrated running back of all time. Conner has been a steadying force for a team that has dealt with a lot of instability over the years. He is aging like a fine wine, having logged a career year in 2024 after eight seasons in the league.
Atlanta Falcons - Devonta Freeman, 2014 - 2019
Devonta Freeman was a huge part of the Falcons’ running game during the Matt Ryan years. He had a great combination of power and speed in his game that propelled him to two Pro Bowls and an All-Pro nod in 2015.
Baltimore Ravens - Willis McGahee, 2007 -2010
Willis McGahee could have made this list on several teams, but he gave the Ravens a solid run in the late 2000s. He only notched one 1,000-yard season during his four with the team, but he was a just the grinder they needed.
Buffalo Bills - Fred Jackson, 2006 - 2014
Fred Jackson was a long time steadying force for the Bills. He was not always their No. 1 option in the running game, but he was a savvy veteran who did well in both the running and passing games.
Carolina Panthers - Jonathan Stewart, 2008 - 2017
This spot could have just as well been given to DeAngelo Williams, Stewart’s running mate. However, Stewart gave the Panthers 10 years of very solid football despite being in a near 50/50 split with Williams. Both players performed well for the team and gave the Panthers one of the most formidable rushing attacks in the league during their seven-year overlap.
Chicago Bears - Matt Forte, 2008 - 2015
Matt Forte was the quintessential pass-catching running back before that skillset became a hot commodity in the league. Forte was a steadying force on Bears offenses that were not always prolific in the passing game. He never recorded less than 340 receiving yards in a season, an impressive mark for a running back.
Cincinnati Bengals - Giovanni Bernard, 2013 - 2020
Many people may not realize that Giovanni Bernard played for the Bengals for eight seasons. He was never their No. 1 option, but he always provided a great spark for the offense. He was a fantastic receiver out of the backfield and could break away at any moment.
Cleveland Browns - Nick Chubb, 2018 - 2024
Despite being one of the most efficient runners of his time, Nick Chubb was never considered in the same breath as the likes of Christian McCaffrey or Derrick Henry. Chubb was consistent and available for a Browns team that did not make a lot of noise in the postseason.
Dallas Cowboys - DeMarco Murray, 2011 - 2014
DeMarco Murray’s star burned fast and bright but he had an excellent run in Dallas. Murray’s accolades include an OPOY award in 2014 when he led the league with 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Denver Broncos - Otis Armstrong, 1973 - 1980
Otis Armstrong was a huge contributor for the Broncos in the 1970s. He led the league with 1,407 rushing yards in 1974 and was a consistent part of the team’s running game for several years.
Detroit Lions - David Montgomery, 2023 - present
The Lions admittedly have not had many prolific running backs throughout their history. As such, Montgomery already takes the mantle as the most underrated of all-time after only two seasons. In just two seasons, Montgomery has already scored 25 rushing touchdowns and he has displayed no signs of slowing down as one of the most underrated backs in the league
Green Bay Packers - Ryan Grant, 2006 - 2011
Ryan Grant paired with quarterback Aaron Rodgers to form the backbone of one of the best offenses in the NFL. Grant recorded two 1,000-yard rushing seasons with the team, but he never earned a Pro Bowl nod. Unfortunately, Grant suffered an ankle injury during the Packers’ Super Bowl run in 2010.
Houston Texans - Arian Foster, 2009 - 2015
Arian Foster is one of the best feel-good stories of all-time. The guy took the league by storm in his second season after going undrafted in 2009. Foster ripped off four seasons with at least 1,224 rushing yards in five years. Unfortunately, Foster could not escape injuries which eventually slowed him down and ended his career. However, there was a five-year stretch where Foster should have been considered the best running back in the NF.
Indianapolis Colts - Joseph Addai, 2006 - 2011
Joseph Addai was a steadying force in the Colts’ backfield next to quarterback Peyton Manning. He was a huge piece of the team’s Super Bowl run in 2006 during his rookie season. He would go on to earn a Pro Bowl nod the following season.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Fred Taylor, 1998 - 2008
Fred Taylor was one of the first truly great players the Jaguars ever employed. He holds a plethora of the team’s records and he was a consistent 1,000-yard rusher. He is currently No. 17 on the all-time rushing yards list.
Kansas City Chiefs - Christian Okoye, 1987 - 1992
Christian Okoye is rarely mentioned as a Chiefs all-time great, but he should be. Okoye led the league with 1,480 rushing yards in 1989 as a fullback. He was an absolute brute to bring down and was a huge piece of the Chiefs’ offense.
Las Vegas Raiders - Marcus Allen, 1982 - 1992
Marcus Allen played for the Raiders back when they were still in Los Angeles. He started his career hot and earned an MVP award in 1985. However, the Raiders moved Allen to fullback during the prime of his career which significantly reduced his touches and efficiency. He was still a consistent and excellent player for many more years despite the switch.
Los Angeles Chargers - Darren Sproles, 2005 - 2010
Darren Sproles was small, but mighty. He was an excellent change-of-pace to the perennial All-Pro LaDainian Tomlinson. Sproles was excellent in special teams as well, consistently racking up over 1,000 kick return yards each year.
Los Angeles Rams - Steven Jackson, 2004 - 2012
Steven Jackson does not get the attention he deserves since he played for the small-market St. Louis Rams. However, Jackson rattled off eight straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons from 2005 to 2012. He was consistent as both a runner and a receiver, and he was a bright spot on several poor Rams offenses.
Miami Dolphins - Ricky Williams, 2002 - 2010
We may all know Ricky Williams as the running back for whom the Saints traded essentially their entire draft for the rights to select him in 1999. Williams was solid in New Orleans, but he made his mark in Miami. Williams led the league with 1,853 rushing yards in 2002.
Minnesota Vikings - Terry Allen, 1991 - 1994
Terry Allen was the Vikings’ running back during the early 1990s. Allen recorded two 1,000-yard seasons during his four years with the team. He would go on to enjoy even more success in Washington.
New England Patriots - James White, 2014 - 2021
James White was Mr. Reliable for the New England Patriots. He hardly received much running game work, but he had the trust of quarterback Tom Brady in the passing game. Considering the fact that Brady’s trust was hard to come by, it is impressive that White was Brady’s preferred back.
New Orleans Saints - Pierre Thomas, 2007 - 2014
Pierre Thomas was a long-time Saint and contributed to several excellent Sean Payton offenses. Thomas was great as both a runner and receiver next to quarterback Drew Brees. He was a solid change-of-pace for the several backs the Saints paired with him during his tenure.
New York Giants - Ahmad Bradshaw, 2007 - 2012
Ahmad Bradshaw ran alongside Brandon Jacobs during the mid-2000s. He won two Super Bowls with the team and recorded two 1,000-yard seasons. He contributed greatly as both a runner and a receiver during his tenure, and he is considered one of the better running backs to ever play for the team.
New York Jets - Thomas Jones, 2007 - 2009
Thomas Jones only played for the Jets for three seasons, but he was one of the best running backs in football during that span. Jones’ rushing yards and rushing touchdowns increased in each of his three seasons with the team. Most impressively, Jones had a career year with the team in 2009 at age-31.
Philadelphia Eagles - Brian Westbrook, 2002 - 2009
Brian Westbrook gave the Eagles star power in the backfield during an age when Donavan McNabb was slinging the rock and Andy Reid was calling plays. Westbrook seems to be often forgotten as one of the better running backs of his time. He was a true dual-threat thanks to the creativity of Reid.
Pittsburgh Steelers - John Henry Johnson, 1960 - 1965
Several contemporary players are worthy of a spot on this list, but Johnson was a consistent high-level producer during a time when the league only played 14 games. He was an All-Pro in 1962 and he was selected to three straight Pro Bowls from 1962 to 1964.
San Francisco 49ers - Ken Willard, 1965 - 1973
Ken Willard was a strong runner as a fullback in the 1960s and early 1970s. He helped anchor a solid rushing attack and he ran for nearly 1,000-yards in 1968 despite playing fullback. He retired with the eighth-most rushing yards of all time in 1974.
Seattle Seahawks - Curt Warner, 1983 - 1989
Curt Warner kick-started the Seahawks’ offense in the 1980s. He arrived at the young franchise in 1993 and immediately won an OPOY award. He earned another OPOY nod in 1986. Warner racked up a lot of stats in a short period of time with the team and is now a member of the Seahawks’ Ring of Honor. Still, he is never spoken about in the same breath as the other great running backs of his generation.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Michael Pittman, 2002 - 2007
Michael Pittman was a huge part of the Buccaneers’ run to the 2002 title. He led the league in playoff rushing yards en route to the title. He was never consistently great with the team, but he was always a solid force in the running game at minimum.
Tennessee Titans - Chris Johnson, 2008 - 2013
“CJ2K” brought a swagger to the NFL field that was magnified by his electric speed. He burst onto the scene with six straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons with the team. That run included a 2,006-yard rushing season in 2009 which led to his colloquial nickname. Chris Johnson should be considered one of the best running backs of the early-2010s, but he is often lost in the shuffle
Washington Commanders - Clinton Portis, 2004 - 2010
Clinton Portis was an established star by the time he arrived in Washington in 2004. He would go on to record four 1,000-yard seasons with the team at a time when Washington was devoid of playmakers and success. He was a bright spot on a sorry team in the mid-2000s, but he brought them recognition as a Pro Bowler and All-Pro.
