Todd Gurley and Adrian Peterson top candidates to lead NFL in rushing

Last season featured the fewest number of 1,000-yard rushers since 1991, as just seven backs reached the benchmark:

1)Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings: 1,485 yards.
2)Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 1,402 yards.
3)Todd Gurley, St. Louis Rams: 1,106 yards.
4)Darren McFadden, Dallas Cowboys: 1,089 yards.
5)Chris Ivory, New York Jets: 1,070 yards.
6)Latavius Murray, Oakland Raiders: 1,066 yards.
7)Devonta Freeman, Atlanta Falcons: 1,056 yards.

But with the return of Le'Veon Bell (the Steelers RB missed 10 games due to a knee injury), the arrival of Ezekiel Elliott (the Cowboys selected the Ohio State star fourth overall last month) and the continued excellence of freakish backs like Peterson and Gurley, the position still carries plenty of intrigue.

So, who will lead the NFL in rushing in 2016?

With the Rams being one of the youngest teams in the NFL -- and in line to probably start a rookie QB -- Todd Gurley is going to get plenty of chances to run the ball. He had a great season as a rookie and showed everyone what he's capable of. Usually a running back makes his biggest jump from Year 1 to Year 2, so I can't wait to see what Gurley does. His numbers this year should put him right at the top of the rushing list. Adrian Peterson is just a different breed, and he continues to impress me year after year. I expect him to continue dominating, even as the Vikings' passing game and defense improve. The only thing that could keep him from winning his fourth rushing title would be an injury. Despite missing three full games last year, Todd Gurley still rushed for 1,100 yards. Now, he has a year under his belt, is healthier and will get more carries. There is no stopping this guy. Adrian Peterson is going to win the rushing title once again. I think the Vikings' passing game is going to be the best it has been since Teddy Bridgewater joined the team in 2014, with Stefon Diggs, first-round draft pick Laquon Treadwell and tight end Kyle Rudolph at the young QB's disposal. That will open up the run game a little bit more for AP.

That said, I won't be surprised if Le'Veon Bell wins it -- although that task got a bit tougher this offseason. The Steelers had a triple threat in Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant and Le'Veon Bell, but with Bryant's suspension, opposing defenses will be more focused on Bell. History has taught us not to count on an aging back to lead the league in rushing. History also has taught us not to doubt Adrian Peterson. Todd Gurley will be a close second, followed by Ezekiel Elliott.

When AP sets his mind to something, he's going to accomplish it. On top of that, Peterson is the go-to player in Minnesota's offense. He had 327 carries last season, and I expect he'll have around that same amount again in 2016. It's hard not to put Adrian Peterson at the top because Minnesota's offense revolves around him. However, I'm going to pick Todd Gurley. He has "get out of here" speed. There aren't many backs in this league who have track speed, can fit into small spaces and pull away, and have the unique ability to make people miss -- all the traits that AP has, as well. Gurley is a volume back -- we don't see volume backs that often because there are more RB committees in college -- and he gets stronger as the game progresses.

As a rookie last year, despite playing in just 13 games after rehabbing his injured knee, Gurley was still the third-best rusher in the NFL. Nearly two years removed from his knee injury, Gurley should be more comfortable and feel even better physically.