RADIO
Workhorse running backs for Week 17 of the 2024 NFL season. Read the NFL analysis for high-touch running backs.
Kyren Williams - Los Angeles Rams (vs. Arizona Cardinals)
Kyren Williams has held off rookie Blake Corum all season and remains the workhorse in Sean McVay’s offense. The former Day 3 pick has far exceeded expectations in the NFL and is averaging 22.3 touches per contest. He’ll look for a massive performance against the Arizona Cardinals to clinch the NFC West for Los Angeles.
Saquon Barkley - Philadelphia Eagles (vs. Dallas Cowboys)
Saquon Barkley has been a workhorse his entire career, but now he enjoys playing behind an elite offensive line in a great offense. With Jalen Hurts (concussion) at risk of missing Sunday’s game against the Cowboys, Barkley could be leaned on even more. He is chasing a 1,000-yard season, and the Cowboys have one of the worst rushing defenses in the NFL.
Bijan Robinson - Atlanta Falcons (at Washington Commanders)
Former first-round pick Bijan Robinson is finally seeing elite usage at the RB position. He has touched the ball an average of 21 times per game and will be leaned on again in Michael Penix Jr.’s second career start. The Falcons need a win on Sunday night to stay atop the NFC South, so it’s time for Robinson to shine.
Jonathan Taylor - Indianapolis Colts (at New York Giants)
Believe it or not, the Colts have a legitimate path to make the playoffs. They’ll need help from other teams, but they are very much alive. That means the organization won’t take it easy on Taylor, especially after he just rushed for over 200 yards against the Tennessee Titans. Look for another 20-touch game against the lowly New York Giants in Week 17.
Josh Jacobs - Green Bay Packers (at Minnesota Vikings)
Josh Jacobs didn’t play a full game in Week 17 thanks to blowout conditions, yet he still logged 14 touches, over 100 yards, and a touchdown. Jacobs has 10 touchdowns in his last six games. The Packers will need a productive day from the former Las Vegas Raider in a highly-important NFC North battle against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17.
Chuba Hubbard - Carolina Panthers (at Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Chuba Hubbard has been a high-touch back for most of the season, and the season-ending ACL tear suffered by rookie Jonathon Brooks put him firmly back in a workhorse role. The Panthers are simply playing for pride at this point, but they could also play spoiler against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this weekend. Expect Hubbard to play a big role in that effort.
Aaron Jones - Minnesota Vikings (vs. Green Bay Packers)
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones started the season hot before a mild cool-off period midway through the season. However, he’s seen at least 20 touches in his last two games and will likely see another heavy workload in a critical divisional contest this weekend. Overall, he has seen 18.3 touches per game in his first year with the Vikings.
Zach Charbonnet - Seattle Seahawks (at Chicago Bears)
In the four games Kenneth Walker III has missed this season, Zach Charbonnet has averaged 19.5 touches per contest. He saw 29 touches in Week 14. With Walker already ruled out for Thursday night’s must-win game against the Chicago Bears, expect another big day from Charbonnet. Chicago allows the fourth-most rushing yards per attempt to running backs this season (4.84).
De'Von Achane - Miami Dolphins (at Cleveland Browns)
De’Von Achane hasn’t been nearly as efficient on the ground in 2024 compared to his rookie year. That said, he’s much more involved in the passing attack, securing at least six receptions in each of his last four games. The speedster has seen at least 19 total touches in his last three contests and will be in for another heavy workload in a game Miami should easily win.
Chase Brown - Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Denver Broncos)
Chase Brown has at least 20 touches in six of his last seven games. After Zack Moss went down with a season-ending injury, he’s been one of the most heavily used ball carriers in the entire NFL. The Bengals also have a slim path to securing a postseason berth, and they’ll need their A-game to defeat a quality Broncos team in a pivotal AFC matchup.
