NFL Running Back Rankings By Team: 2023 NFL Position Rankings
Updated October 28, 2026
Updated October 28, 2026
Running backs might be the most replaceable players in the NFL. Teams can move the ball on the ground with several different backs, and a productive rushing attack doesn't always require a superstar.
Still, having one elite running back or a reliable group of options can make a significant difference. The best backfields provide explosive runs, consistent yardage, receiving production and dependable depth. They also give offenses more flexibility when preparing for different opponents.
Ahead of the 2023 NFL season, we've ranked all 32 teams based on their running back groups. These rankings consider individual talent, depth, recent production and the roles each back is expected to play.
Our NFL running back rankings can also provide useful context when evaluating NFL betting odds and team matchups. For current picks based on the latest matchups, check our best NFL bets this week.
Here's how every NFL backfield ranked heading into the 2023 season.
Rank | Team | Key running backs |
|---|---|---|
1 | Indianapolis Colts | Jonathan Taylor, Zack Moss |
2 | San Francisco 49ers | Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell |
3 | Cleveland Browns | Nick Chubb |
4 | Las Vegas Raiders | Josh Jacobs |
5 | New Orleans Saints | Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams |
6 | Tennessee Titans | Derrick Henry |
7 | New York Giants | Saquon Barkley, Matt Breida |
8 | Atlanta Falcons | Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Cordarrelle Patterson |
9 | Philadelphia Eagles | D'Andre Swift, Rashaad Penny, Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott |
10 | Baltimore Ravens | JK Dobbins, Gus Edwards, Justice Hill |
11 | Washington Commanders | Brian Robinson Jr., Antonio Gibson |
12 | Green Bay Packers | Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon |
13 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Travis Etienne Jr. |
14 | Miami Dolphins | Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson |
15 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Najee Harris |
16 | Buffalo Bills | James Cook, Damien Harris, Latavius Murray, Nyheim Hines |
17 | Los Angeles Rams | Cam Akers, Sony Michel |
18 | Carolina Panthers | Miles Sanders, Chuba Hubbard |
19 | Kansas City Chiefs | Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon, Clyde Edwards-Helaire |
20 | Arizona Cardinals | James Conner |
21 | Cincinnati Bengals | Joe Mixon |
22 | New York Jets | Breece Hall, Michael Carter |
23 | Detroit Lions | Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery |
24 | Los Angeles Chargers | Austin Ekeler |
25 | Denver Broncos | Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine |
26 | Minnesota Vikings | Alexander Mattison |
27 | New England Patriots | Rhamondre Stevenson |
28 | Houston Texans | Dameon Pierce, Devin Singletary |
29 | Chicago Bears | D'Onta Foreman, Khalil Herbert |
30 | Dallas Cowboys | Tony Pollard, Ronald Jones, Deuce Vaughn |
31 | Seattle Seahawks | Kenneth Walker III, Zach Charbonnet |
32 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Rachaad White, Chase Edmonds |
Key players: Rachaad White, Chase Edmonds
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished last in the NFL in rushing yards per game and yards per carry in 2022. Their backfield offers little reason to expect a major improvement heading into 2023.
Rachaad White takes over as the lead running back, with Chase Edmonds providing another option. White has yet to establish himself as a dependable NFL starter, while Edmonds is better suited to a complementary role.
The Buccaneers need considerably more production from their running backs to improve an offense that struggled to move the ball on the ground last season.
For now, Tampa Bay occupies the bottom spot in our rankings.
Key players: Kenneth Walker III, Zach Charbonnet
Kenneth Walker III surpassed 1,000 rushing yards as a rookie in 2022, giving Seattle a promising lead back.
However, Walker averaged approximately 70 rushing yards per game, and the Seahawks enter 2023 with questions about their depth.
Second-round draft pick Zach Charbonnet arrives from UCLA with plenty of potential. He could eventually become an important part of Seattle's offense, particularly in situations where the team needs a more physical running option.
Walker has already shown he can contribute at the NFL level. The rest of this backfield still has plenty to prove.
Key players: Tony Pollard, Ronald Jones, Deuce Vaughn
The Cowboys moved on from Ezekiel Elliott during the offseason, leaving Tony Pollard as their primary running back.
Pollard rushed for just over 1,000 yards in 2022 and has shown that he can produce explosive plays.
The concern is what happens behind him.
Ronald Jones provides experience, while rookie Deuce Vaughn offers an interesting change-of-pace option with potential as a receiver.
However, Dallas lacks established depth after Pollard.
The Cowboys have a capable starter, but their backfield becomes much less convincing if he misses time.
Key players: D'Onta Foreman, Khalil Herbert
Chicago led the NFL in rushing yards in 2022, although quarterback Justin Fields was a major reason for that success.
The Bears' traditional running backs have a much less impressive profile.
D'Onta Foreman joins the team after a productive stretch in Carolina, but he has yet to establish himself as a consistently effective lead back over a full season.
Khalil Herbert offers another option, although his role has been relatively limited.
Fields' rushing ability will continue to create opportunities for Chicago's offense. The running back group itself, however, ranks among the league's weaker units.
Key players: Dameon Pierce, Devin Singletary
Dameon Pierce finished 17th in the NFL in rushing yards in 2022, giving Houston a reasonably productive starter.
However, much of his workload came in an offense that struggled to move the ball through the air.
The Texans have added Devin Singletary, who spent the previous four seasons with Buffalo.
Singletary brings versatility and experience, and he could benefit from having a larger role in Houston's offense.
Pierce and Singletary provide the Texans with two usable options, but neither has established himself among the NFL's elite running backs.
Key players: Rhamondre Stevenson
New England has rarely built its offense around a single star running back during the Bill Belichick era.
The Patriots have generally preferred rotating players based on matchups and situations.
Rhamondre Stevenson enters 2023 as the clear standout in the backfield, but the team lacks proven depth behind him.
Stevenson can contribute as both a runner and receiver, giving New England flexibility.
The question is how heavily the Patriots will rely on him.
With limited alternatives, Stevenson may have to handle a larger share of the workload than New England would ideally prefer.
Key players: Alexander Mattison
Minnesota released Dalvin Cook during the offseason, leaving Alexander Mattison as its primary running back.
Mattison has been a capable backup throughout his career, but becoming a full-time starter presents a different challenge.
The Vikings also have Ty Chandler and DeWayne McBride on their depth chart.
Neither has established himself as a reliable NFL contributor entering the season.
Mattison should provide Minnesota with a reasonable starting option, but the Vikings could face serious problems if he struggles or misses time.
The lack of proven depth keeps Minnesota near the bottom of our rankings.
Key players: Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine
Denver enters 2023 with a new coaching staff and a potentially healthier backfield.
Javonte Williams is expected to return after suffering a significant knee injury in 2022.
Melvin Gordon is also gone, which should create more opportunities for Williams when he is fully healthy.
The Broncos added Samaje Perine, an experienced running back who can contribute as a runner, receiver and pass protector.
Perine provides valuable insurance while Williams works his way back.
With Sean Payton taking over as head coach, Denver will look to establish a more reliable running game and reduce the pressure on quarterback Russell Wilson.
Key players: Austin Ekeler
Austin Ekeler is one of the NFL's most productive receiving backs and a valuable fantasy football player.
However, his individual production hasn't translated into a consistently effective rushing attack for the Chargers.
Los Angeles averaged fewer than 90 rushing yards per game in 2022, ranking near the bottom of the league.
Ekeler finished with 915 rushing yards, although his receiving production helped compensate for that relatively modest total.
The Chargers need more consistent yardage on the ground.
Ekeler remains an important offensive weapon, but the team's overall running game has significant room for improvement.
Key players: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery
Detroit made major changes to its backfield during the offseason.
D'Andre Swift departed for Philadelphia, while Jamaal Williams joined New Orleans.
The Lions replaced them with David Montgomery and first-round draft pick Jahmyr Gibbs.
Gibbs averaged 6.1 yards per carry during his final college season at Alabama and brings impressive speed and receiving ability.
Montgomery offers a more established, physical running option.
The combination gives Detroit an interesting balance of explosiveness and reliability.
There is plenty of potential here, even if the new partnership still needs to prove itself.
Key players: Breece Hall, Michael Carter
Breece Hall was enjoying an excellent rookie season before suffering a serious knee injury in 2022.
His return is one of the biggest questions surrounding the Jets' backfield entering 2023.
Hall showed impressive speed, vision and big-play ability before the injury.
If he returns to that level, New York could have one of the league's better young running backs.
Michael Carter provides additional depth, although his production has been inconsistent.
The Jets have considerable upside at this position, but Hall's health and the uncertainty surrounding the supporting cast make a higher ranking difficult.
Key players: Joe Mixon
Joe Mixon remains an important part of Cincinnati's offense.
He produced more than 1,200 yards from scrimmage in 2022, contributing as both a runner and receiver.
However, his rushing production was less impressive, with Mixon finishing just above 800 yards on the ground.
The Bengals don't necessarily need a dominant rushing attack to succeed.
With Joe Burrow leading one of the NFL's most dangerous passing offenses, Mixon's ability to contribute in several ways is valuable.
He fits Cincinnati's system well, even if the Bengals' running back group doesn't rank among the league's strongest.
Key players: James Conner
James Conner enters 2023 as Arizona's most important running back.
The Cardinals were slightly below average in rushing yards per game and yards per carry during the previous season.
Their frequent deficits also made it difficult to maintain a consistent running game.
Conner has demonstrated that he can handle a substantial workload, but the depth behind him is a concern.
Keaontay Ingram and Corey Clement are the next options on the depth chart.
Arizona will need Conner to stay healthy and productive if its ground game is going to improve.
Key players: Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon, Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Kansas City has assembled a versatile group of running backs capable of handling different responsibilities.
Isiah Pacheco provides physical rushing ability, Jerick McKinnon contributes as a receiver, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire offers another experienced option.
The Chiefs aren't built around producing a league-leading rusher.
Their offense revolves around Patrick Mahomes, with the running backs supporting the passing game and taking advantage of favorable defensive looks.
That approach has worked well under Andy Reid.
Kansas City may lack a true superstar at the position, but the group provides the flexibility its offense requires.
Key players: Miles Sanders, Chuba Hubbard
Miles Sanders arrives in Carolina after an excellent 2022 season with Philadelphia.
Sanders finished fifth in the NFL in rushing yards and scored 11 rushing touchdowns.
However, his new situation presents a much different challenge.
Philadelphia's powerful offense and offensive line created favorable conditions for its running backs.
Carolina is rebuilding around rookie quarterback Bryce Young, and Sanders could face greater defensive attention.
Chuba Hubbard provides a capable backup option.
The Panthers have a solid tandem, although Sanders may find it difficult to reproduce his Philadelphia production.
Key players: Cam Akers, Sony Michel
The Rams struggled to run the ball in 2022, finishing near the bottom of the league in rushing yards per game.
However, the problems extended beyond their running backs.
Injuries and offensive inconsistency made it difficult for Los Angeles to establish any rhythm.
Cam Akers remains the primary option, while Sony Michel provides experienced depth.
The expected returns of Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp should also help the offense operate more effectively.
If the passing game improves, the Rams' running backs could benefit from more favorable defensive matchups.
Key players: James Cook, Damien Harris, Latavius Murray, Nyheim Hines
Buffalo enters 2023 with several running backs capable of filling different roles.
James Cook offers speed and receiving ability, Damien Harris provides a more physical option, and Latavius Murray brings extensive NFL experience.
Nyheim Hines adds another versatile player to the group.
The Bills don't rely on their running backs to carry the offense.
Josh Allen remains the central figure, contributing heavily through both the passing and rushing games.
Buffalo's backfield lacks an obvious elite starter, but its depth and variety make it a respectable unit.
Key players: Najee Harris
Najee Harris surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in 2022, although he averaged just 3.8 yards per carry.
That efficiency leaves something to be desired in an NFL where explosive plays have become increasingly valuable.
Still, Harris has proven durable and capable of handling a substantial workload.
Pittsburgh can rely on him to take regular carries and contribute in the passing game.
The Steelers need more efficiency from their running attack, particularly as Kenny Pickett continues his development.
Harris provides stability, even if his production hasn't consistently matched the expectations surrounding a first-round running back.
Key players: Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr.
Miami has two experienced running backs who fit well in Mike McDaniel's offense.
Raheem Mostert provides speed and big-play potential, while Jeff Wilson Jr. offers a more physical running style.
Both players are familiar with the offensive system and can contribute in different situations.
The Dolphins already possess one of the league's most dangerous passing attacks.
An effective rushing game would make that offense even more difficult to defend.
Mostert and Wilson give Miami a dependable tandem capable of taking advantage of the space created by its receivers.
Key players: Travis Etienne Jr.
Travis Etienne Jr. made an impressive start to his NFL career in 2022 after missing his entire rookie season through injury.
He rushed for more than 1,100 yards and averaged 5.1 yards per carry.
Etienne also contributed 316 receiving yards, demonstrating his ability to impact the game in several ways.
His touchdown production was relatively modest, with five total scores.
However, the overall performance showed considerable promise.
With Trevor Lawrence continuing to develop and Jacksonville's offense improving, Etienne has an opportunity to become one of the NFL's more productive running backs.
Key players: Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon
Green Bay enters 2023 with one of the NFL's more established running back combinations.
Aaron Jones provides explosiveness, receiving ability and consistent production.
AJ Dillon offers a powerful complement, particularly in short-yardage situations.
The biggest question is how the Packers' offense will function without Aaron Rodgers.
Jordan Love takes over at quarterback, and the transition could place additional responsibility on the running game.
Jones and Dillon have the talent to help Green Bay through that adjustment.
Their ability to maintain efficiency will be important as the Packers establish a new offensive identity.
Key players: Brian Robinson Jr., Antonio Gibson
Washington has two running backs who can contribute in different ways.
Antonio Gibson has been a productive dual-threat option, combining rushing ability with receiving skills.
Brian Robinson Jr. enters his first full season after recovering from the shooting that disrupted his 2022 rookie campaign.
Robinson brings a physical running style and should play an important role in Washington's offense.
With questions surrounding the Commanders' quarterback situation, a reliable rushing attack will be particularly valuable.
Gibson and Robinson provide Washington with a strong combination of versatility and power.
Key players: JK Dobbins, Gus Edwards, Justice Hill
Baltimore's rushing attack benefits enormously from Lamar Jackson's ability to threaten defenses as both a passer and runner.
However, the Ravens also have several capable traditional running backs.
JK Dobbins averaged 5.7 yards per carry in 2022 despite dealing with injuries.
Gus Edwards provides a physical option, while Justice Hill adds depth.
Baltimore's offensive approach creates favorable opportunities for its running backs, particularly on plays where defenders must account for Jackson.
A healthy season from Dobbins could make this one of the league's most productive backfields.
The Ravens open our top 10.
Key players: D'Andre Swift, Rashaad Penny, Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott
Philadelphia lost Miles Sanders during the offseason but responded by adding more talent to an already deep backfield.
D'Andre Swift arrives from Detroit and should have an opportunity to become the team's primary running back.
Rashaad Penny provides another talented option, although injuries have limited his availability throughout his career.
Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott give the Eagles additional depth.
Philadelphia also benefits from an excellent offensive line and Jalen Hurts' rushing ability.
The combination of individual talent, depth and offensive structure makes the Eagles one of the league's strongest running teams entering 2023.
Key players: Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Cordarrelle Patterson
Atlanta already had an effective rushing attack in 2022.
Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson helped the Falcons move the ball consistently despite their offensive limitations.
The addition of Bijan Robinson gives Atlanta even more potential.
Robinson arrives as one of the most highly regarded running back prospects in recent years.
His combination of vision, power and receiving ability could make him an immediate impact player.
Allgeier and Patterson provide valuable support, giving the Falcons several ways to attack opposing defenses.
Robinson also enters the season as a legitimate Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate.
Key players: Saquon Barkley, Matt Breida
Saquon Barkley remains one of the NFL's premier running backs when healthy.
He rushed for more than 1,300 yards and scored 10 touchdowns in 2022, helping the Giants reach the playoffs.
Barkley's combination of speed, power and receiving ability makes him extremely difficult to defend.
The Giants have dealt with contract uncertainty surrounding their star running back during the offseason.
However, his importance on the field is clear.
Matt Breida provides experienced depth, although the group becomes considerably weaker without Barkley.
The Giants earn a top-10 ranking largely because of their outstanding starter.
Key players: Derrick Henry
Derrick Henry remains one of the NFL's most imposing running backs.
His combination of size, strength and endurance allows Tennessee to build much of its offense around the ground game.
Henry has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to handle enormous workloads.
However, injuries and the physical demands of his role create some concerns entering 2023.
Tennessee also lacks proven depth behind its star running back.
If Henry stays healthy, the Titans can continue to rely on him as the foundation of their offense.
His individual quality is enough to place Tennessee sixth in our rankings.
Key players: Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams
New Orleans enters the season with an exciting running back combination.
Alvin Kamara remains one of the league's most versatile offensive players, capable of making an impact as both a runner and receiver.
The Saints also added Jamaal Williams, who led the NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns in 2022.
Williams brings physicality and excellent short-yardage production.
Kamara's potential suspension creates some uncertainty, but Williams provides valuable insurance.
Together, they give New Orleans a strong balance of receiving ability, power and scoring potential.
The Saints open our top five.
Key players: Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs led the NFL with 1,653 rushing yards in 2022.
He also averaged 4.9 yards per carry and finished the season without losing a fumble.
Those numbers demonstrate his exceptional combination of productivity and reliability.
Jacobs gives Las Vegas a proven offensive centerpiece as Jimmy Garoppolo prepares for his first season with the Raiders.
A strong running game should help reduce the pressure on the new quarterback.
The Raiders don't have the deepest backfield in the NFL, but Jacobs' outstanding 2022 performance earns them fourth place.
Key players: Nick Chubb
Nick Chubb is one of the most consistently effective running backs in the NFL.
He surpassed 1,500 rushing yards in 2022, becoming one of only three players to reach that mark.
Chubb also averaged 5.1 yards per carry, demonstrating impressive efficiency despite his substantial workload.
His ability to gain yards after contact and produce explosive runs makes him a difficult player to contain.
With Deshaun Watson preparing for his first full season as Cleveland's starting quarterback, Chubb's reliability becomes even more important.
He has the talent to challenge for the NFL rushing title in 2023.
Key players: Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell
Christian McCaffrey transformed San Francisco's offense after arriving from Carolina during the 2022 season.
His versatility gives the 49ers another dangerous weapon in an offense already filled with talented playmakers.
McCaffrey can run between the tackles, attack the edges and contribute extensively as a receiver.
His presence creates difficult decisions for opposing defenses.
Elijah Mitchell also provides a productive option when healthy.
With both players available, San Francisco can rotate its backs without sacrificing much offensive quality.
The combination of talent, versatility and offensive creativity places the 49ers second in our rankings.
Key players: Jonathan Taylor, Zack Moss
Indianapolis takes the top spot in our 2023 NFL running back rankings.
Jonathan Taylor appeared in only 11 games during the 2022 season but still rushed for 861 yards.
When healthy, Taylor has demonstrated that he can handle a heavy workload and produce at an elite level.
The Colts enter 2023 with considerable uncertainty at quarterback, making their running game especially important.
Taylor is expected to play a central role in the offense, while Zack Moss provides additional depth.
Indianapolis will need Taylor to remain healthy and return to his best form.
If he does, the Colts have a running back capable of carrying a significant portion of their offensive workload.
Our preseason No. 1 running back group: Indianapolis Colts.
Evaluating running backs requires more than looking at rushing totals.
Several factors influence how effective a backfield can be.
Individual talent: An elite starter can transform an offense. Players such as Christian McCaffrey, Nick Chubb and Derrick Henry have demonstrated the ability to produce consistently against strong defenses.
Depth: Injuries are common at running back. Teams with several dependable options are better positioned to maintain production throughout a long season.
Receiving ability: Modern NFL offenses increasingly rely on running backs who can catch passes and create mismatches.
Rushing efficiency: Yards per carry and the ability to produce successful runs are important measures of effectiveness.
Offensive fit: A running back's production depends partly on the offensive line, quarterback and scheme. Baltimore and Philadelphia, for example, benefit from quarterbacks who create additional rushing threats.
These factors all contribute to our assessment of each team's running back group.
Running back talent can influence several betting markets.
A strong rushing attack can help teams control possession, sustain drives and reduce the number of opportunities available to opposing offenses.
That can matter when evaluating point spreads and game totals.
Individual running back quality is also important when examining rushing yardage props, receiving props and touchdown markets.
However, team context matters just as much as individual ability.
A talented running back may receive fewer carries when his team falls behind early, while an effective offensive line can create opportunities for less established players.
Injuries, opponent defensive strengths and expected game scripts should all be considered alongside these rankings.
For upcoming matchups and analysis, visit our NFL picks and predictions.
Running backs are only one part of a team's overall strength.
Ahead of the 2023 NFL season, ATS.io also evaluated other position groups to provide a broader picture of how teams compared.
The original series included:
Together, these evaluations provide additional context when comparing NFL teams and assessing their strengths and weaknesses.
The Indianapolis Colts ranked first in ATS.io's August 2023 preseason rankings, led by Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss.
The San Francisco 49ers ranked second, with Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell.
The Cleveland Browns ranked third, largely because of Nick Chubb's outstanding rushing production.
Josh Jacobs led the NFL with 1,653 rushing yards for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Chubb rushed for more than 1,500 yards and averaged 5.1 yards per carry.
Jamaal Williams led the league with 17 rushing touchdowns while playing for the Detroit Lions.
Philadelphia ranked ninth, with D'Andre Swift, Rashaad Penny, Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott.
Atlanta ranked eighth after adding Bijan Robinson to a backfield that already included Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ranked 32nd, with Rachaad White and Chase Edmonds.
No. These are ATS.io's original preseason rankings published August 6, 2023. They reflect the players, rosters and expectations at that time.
Indianapolis, San Francisco and Cleveland occupy the top three spots in our preseason rankings.
The Colts take first place behind Jonathan Taylor, while the 49ers offer an outstanding combination of versatility and depth with Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell.
Cleveland's Nick Chubb, Las Vegas' Josh Jacobs and Tennessee's Derrick Henry also demonstrate how much value an elite individual running back can provide.
Other teams, including Philadelphia and Atlanta, benefit from having several capable options rather than relying on a single featured player.
At the other end of the rankings, Tampa Bay, Seattle and Dallas face questions about production, depth or both.
→ Our Take: The strongest backfields combine dependable production with enough depth to handle injuries and changing game situations. Indianapolis takes our original No. 1 spot heading into 2023, although San Francisco's versatility and Cleveland's consistency make both teams serious contenders.
These rankings capture the expectations entering the 2023 season and remain part of ATS.io's historical NFL coverage.
Updated October 28, 2026
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