Football is BACK -- and so are my official rankings of every starting running back. Just weeks away from kickoff of the 2024 NFL season, it's a perfect time to evaluate the league's current backfield hierarchy.
Looking back at my preseason rankings from last August, a number of the players I projected to be in the top half of the NFL unfortunately encountered taxing health issues -- including my third-ranked RB, Cleveland Browns star Nick Chubb, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2. There were also some big surprises at the position -- like Kyren Williams, who earned the Los Angeles Rams' starting gig in Week 2 and went on to finish third in the league with 1,144 rushing yards. But let's not waste any more time on 2023 -- the '24 campaign is nearly upon us!
Here is this year's preseason ranking of all 32 RB1s.
NOTE: If a team operates with a committee backfield, I simply chose the RB who I think will have the most production in 2024.
2023 stats: 16 games | 272 att | 1,459 rush yds | 5.4 ypc | 14 rush TDs | 67 rec | 564 rec yds | 7 rec TDs | 2 fumbles lost
McCaffrey's spot at the top of this list should be no surprise. The veteran just ran his team to the Super Bowl, earning Offensive Player of the Year honors along the way. Fresh off signing a two-year, $38 million extension, CMC is the ultimate offensive weapon for Kyle Shanahan, as evidenced by his superb production since joining the 49ers midway through the 2022 season. He's currently dealing with a calf strain but should continue being one of the top playmakers in the NFL once he's healthy.
2023 stats: 17 games | 280 att | 1,167 rush yds | 4.2 ypc | 12 rush TDs | 28 rec | 214 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 0 fumbles lost
In each of the last five seasons, the Ravens’ leading rusher has been ... a quarterback. As good as Lamar Jackson is in the run game -- it's no wonder Baltimore has fielded a top-three ground attack every season since drafting the dynamic dual-threat -- Henry adds a physical, downhill element that will take the offense to the next level. The 6-foot-2, 247-pounder is one of the best backs of his generation, and the Ravens know "King Henry" can practically hit 1,000 yards in his sleep. This is the perfect spot for the 30-year-old to add to his already-illustrious career.
2023 stats: 17 games | 223 att | 994 rush yds | 4.5 ypc | 5 rush TDs | 76 rec | 591 rec yds | 4 rec TDs | 0 fumbles lost
Hall has the goods to be the best back in the league. We’ve seen glimpses of greatness in his first two seasons, including early in his rookie campaign, when it felt like he was shot out of a cannon every time he touched the ball. Now, nearly two years removed from the knee injury that prematurely ended his potent debut season, Hall is set up for success, with the Jets' offseason investment in the offensive line and Aaron Rodgers’ return from injury. This will be a huge year for No. 20.
2023 stats: 12 games | 228 att | 1,144 rush yds | 5.0 ypc | 12 rush TDs | 32 rec | 206 rec yds | 3 rec TDs | 2 fumbles lost
Williams far exceeded expectations in 2023, racking up 100-plus scrimmage yards in nine of 12 regular-season games played and finishing behind only Christian McCaffrey and Derrick Henry in total rushing yards. A perfect fit in Sean McVay's offense, Williams should build on his breakout campaign -- IF he can just stay healthy.
2023 stats: 14 games | 247 att | 962 rush yds | 3.9 ypc | 6 rush TDs | 41 rec | 280 rec yds | 4 rec TDs | 2 fumbles lost
It's going to take a game or two to get used to seeing Saquon in an Eagles uniform, but it should be exciting from the jump. The expectations are high for a rushing attack that features Barkley, who put up 1,200-plus scrimmage yards in four of six seasons with the Giants, and dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts. I know there are a lot of mouths to feed in an offense that also boasts A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert, but Barkley is a special player whom the Eagles know well. He’ll get plenty of opportunities.
2023 stats: 15 games | 209 att | 1,012 rush yds | 4.8 ypc | 18 rush TDs | 25 rec | 175 rec yds | 3 rec TDs | 1 fumble lost
The Dolphins have a loaded backfield, but Mostert should again be the lead dog in Mike McDaniel’s ground attack, a scheme the 32-year-old back has a lot of experience in. Last season, the veteran logged more than 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career and scored more total touchdowns (21) than in his first eight seasons combined (19). The Pro Bowler will have to share the load with De’Von Achane and potentially fourth-round rookie Jaylen Wright, who led FBS running backs with 7.4 yards per carry in 2023 (min. 125 carries). This team has no shortage of home run hitters.
2023 stats: 15 games | 182 att | 945 rush yds | 5.2 ypc | 10 rush TDs | 52 rec | 316 rec yds | 1 rec TD | 1 fumble lost
The Lions had one of the best backfields in the league in 2023. Things should be no different this fall with both Gibbs and David Montgomery back in the fold. They should again share the load, but Gibbs gets the nod here because of what he did when the veteran was sidelined last season. As a rookie, Gibbs averaged 112 scrimmage yards per game in the three games Montgomery missed, while Montgomery averaged 81 scrimmage yards per game in the two games Gibbs missed. Gibbs, who also showed out in the postseason, is a special player with home run potential whenever he has the ball. Hopefully the hamstring injury suffered Monday isn't too serious.
2023 stats: 17 games | 214 att | 976 rush yds | 4.6 ypc | 4 rush TDs | 58 rec | 487 rec yds | 4 rec TDs | 3 fumbles lost
While the Falcons brought in a lot of new faces this offseason, the backfield returns Robinson and Tyler Allgeier -- a duo that could take a back seat to the passing attack with the addition of Kirk Cousins, but also one that should still lead a top-10 rushing unit. Robinson is the clear front-runner to get a majority of the touches this season and should build on his solid rookie campaign.
2023 stats: 10 games | 169 att | 741 rush yds | 4.4 ypc | 7 rush TDs | 19 rec | 153 rec yds | 1 rec TD | 0 fumbles lost
Taylor has the ability to be the best running back in the NFL -- as we saw back in 2021, when he led the league in carries (332), yards (1,811) and rushing touchdowns (18). Unfortunately, injuries have hindered the 25-year-old over his last two seasons, forcing him to miss 13 games while limiting him to 1,602 rush yards and 11 rush TDs in that span. Taylor is healthy entering 2024, leading me to believe he can indeed regain yesteryear’s form and return to the top of the RB ranks.
2023 stats: 13 games | 233 att | 805 rush yds | 3.5 ypc | 6 rush TDs | 37 rec | 296 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 1 fumble lost
There’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to Green Bay's offense, and the addition of Jacobs is near the top of that list. The former Raider is coming off a down year, but his ceiling is sky high in Matt LaFleur’s offense. He’ll also help take some pressure off quarterback Jordan Love, who’s under pressure to perform after signing a BIG extension this offseason, thanks to his ability to dominate between the tackles and control the clock.
2023 stats: 16 games | 229 att | 1,049 rush yds | 4.6 ypc | 5 rush TDs | 39 rec | 214 rec yds | 1 rec TD | 1 fumble lost
Swift was an excellent offseason addition for the Bears, who head into the 2024 campaign with a shiny new quarterback in Caleb Williams. Swift is coming off a career year in Philadelphia and has the ability to help Chicago maintain a top-five ground attack, even with all of the emphasis put on the pass game this offseason.
2023 stats: 17 games | 237 att | 1,122 rush yds | 4.7 ypc | 2 rush TDs | 44 rec | 445 rec yds | 4 rec TDs | 2 fumbles lost
The Bills struggled to get consistent production from their running backs over the first five years of the Josh Allen era. That changed last season with Cook, who become the first Buffalo back to record at least 200 carries, 900 rushing yards and 1,100 scrimmage yards in a season since LeSean McCoy in 2017. Cook hit his stride in the second half of the 2023 campaign after Joe Brady took over as offensive play-caller. With Brady back in 2024, I expect Cook to have a similar performance in Year 3.
2023 stats: 13 games | 180 att | 694 rush yds | 3.9 ypc | 5 rush TDs | 75 rec | 466 rec yds | 1 rec TD | 0 fumbles lost
Coming off the worst statistical season of his career, Kamara reported to camp despite being unhappy with his contract. He once again figures to be a huge part of the Saints' offense, and I expect new coordinator Klint Kubiak's scheme to showcase his skill set. A bounce-back season for Kamara is on the horizon.
2023 stats: 17 games | 267 att | 1,008 rush yds | 3.8 ypc | 11 rush TDs | 58 rec | 476 rec yds | 1 rec TD | 0 fumbles lost
Etienne is coming off a solid 2023 campaign and remains a major key to the Jaguars’ success. His ability to run through defenders (he had a league-leading 64 missed tackles on runs last season, per PFF) and development as a pass catcher should keep him in line for another productive season alongside Trevor Lawrence and Doug Pederson.
2023 stats: 11 games | 142 att | 656 rush yds | 4.6 ypc | 2 rush TDs | 30 rec | 233 rec yds | 1 rec TD | 1 fumble lost
The Vikings parted ways with Alexander Mattison this offseason after Minnesota ranked 29th in rush yards per game (91.4) and tied for the fewest rushing TDs (seven) in 2023. Jones is a welcome addition, as the 29-year-old racked up 6,612 scrimmage yards and 50 total TDs over the last five seasons with the rival Packers. Jones should be a big asset in the run game, but his ability to move the chains as a pass catcher on quick and short throws will be huge for a team playing with a new quarterback.
2023 stats: 17 games | 272 att | 990 rush yds | 3.6 ypc | 6 rush TD | 64 rec | 549 rec yds | 3 rec TDs | 2 fumbles lost
The Bucs averaged just 88.8 rush yards per game last season (dead last in the NFL) and are hoping to get more out of White, Chase Edmonds and fourth-round rookie Bucky Irving. Despite falling just short of 1,000 yards on the ground, White's pass-catching ability made him a big asset in Baker Mayfield's revival. With new faces on the interior offensive line (free-agent signee Ben Bredeson and first-round pick Graham Barton), I expect White's production to improve between the tackles.
2023 stats: 17 games | 255 att | 1,035 rush yds | 4.1 ypc | 8 rush TDs | 29 rec | 170 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 1 fumble lost
Harris should continue to be the lead back in Pittsburgh despite the team declining his fifth-year option this offseason. Since 2021, the physical workhorse ranks in the top four in the league in carries (834, second), rushing yards (3,269, fourth), scrimmage touches (978, first) and forced missed tackles (222, first, per PFF). He will again compete with Jaylen Warren for snaps this fall, but there is potential for Harris to have his best performance to date. Not only is Najee working under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who worked with Derrick Henry in Tennessee, but he's also joined in the backfield by a pair of mobile quarterbacks (Russell Wilson and Justin Fields).
2023 stats: 15 games | 219 att | 905 rush yds | 4.1 ypc | 8 rush TDs | 29 rec | 259 rec yds | 1 rec TD | 0 fumbles lost
The 2022 second-rounder has been a reliable running back for Seattle, eclipsing 1,100 scrimmage yards and scoring nine touchdowns in each of his first two seasons. Even with Zach Charbonnet sharing the backfield, Walker's consistency is too vital to not have him on the field a majority of the time. His explosiveness and raw talent don't hurt, either.
2023 stats: 17 games | 198 att | 810 rush yds | 4.1 ypc | 13 rush TDs | 12 rec | 180 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 2 fumbles lost
It’s no secret Jim Harbaugh is going to run the ball, meaning there should be plenty of touches to go around for an RB group that includes Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, among others. "The Gus Bus" is a downhill runner who should excel in this Chargers offense, earning a lot of work on first and second down, as well as at the goal line.
2023 stats: 14 games | 205 att | 935 rush yds | 4.6 ypc | 7 rush TDs | 44 rec | 244 rec yds | 2 rec TDs | 1 fumble lost
Pacheco has become a solid cog in the Chiefs’ offensive machine. The former seventh-round pick has established himself as the unquestioned RB1 and has shown steady improvement over his first two pro seasons. He sits at No. 20 on my list because he plays with the best quarterback on the planet in Patrick Mahomes. Andy Reid’s offense will always go through Pat -- or at least aim to do so.
2023 stats: 17 games | 257 att | 1,034 rush yds | 4.0 ypc | 9 rush TDs | 52 rec | 376 rec yds | 3 rec TDs | 0 fumbles lost
Houston's offense runs through wunderkind QB C.J. Stroud and the pass game, but Mixon could be a big upgrade to a backfield that hasn't had a 1,000-yard rusher since Carlos Hyde in 2019. Mixon has registered more than 1,000 rushing yards four times in his seven seasons and 1,250-plus scrimmage yards in five of his last six campaigns. The veteran has also developed his skills in the passing attack in recent years, which should keep him on the field on third down.
2023 stats: 12 games | 156 att | 619 rush yds | 4.0 ypc | 4 rush TDs | 38 rec | 238 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 1 fumble lost
Stevenson has been steady for the Patriots throughout his career, which is why they gave him a four-year, $36 million extension in June. With so many changes sweeping through the organization this offseason -- most notably at head coach (Jerod Mayo) and quarterback (veteran Jacoby Brissett and rookies Drake Maye and Joe Milton III, who’s gaining momentum this preseason) -- expect New England to lean on Stevenson and the run game to spearhead a rebuilding offense.
2023 stats: 13 games | 208 att | 1,040 rush yds | 5.0 ypc | 7 rush TDs | 27 rec | 165 rec yds | 2 rec TDs | 0 fumbles lost
Conner quietly averaged the fourth-most scrimmage yards (92.7) among qualified running backs in 2023, per NFL Research. The seasoned veteran took his game to another level over the final five games of last season, averaging more than 100 rushing yards and 125 scrimmage yards per game while scoring seven TDs. With all eyes on QB Kyler Murray and ballyhooed rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Conner should be freed up to punish defenders with his physicality and help continue drives. There's a possibility that rookie Trey Benson could take some of the 29-year-old's snaps as the season progresses, but right now, I see Conner maintaining the RB1 role in 2024.
2023 stats: 17 games | 104 att | 451 rush yds | 4.3 ypc | 1 rush TD | 15 rec | 98 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 1 fumble lost
With Josh Jacobs now in Green Bay, White takes over as RB1 in Las Vegas. He made four starts last season when Jacobs was out with injury, averaging roughly 100 rush yards per game in those contests. With either Gardner Minshew or Aidan O’Connell in at quarterback, White should get plenty of burn as the lead back.
2023 stats: 17 games | 184 att | 642 rush yds | 3.5 ypc | 3 rush TDs | 51 rec | 313 rec yds | 2 rec TDs | 1 fumble lost
Dallas boasted a middle-of-the-road rushing attack in 2023 with Tony Pollard leading the way with 1,000 yards. Now Ezekiel Elliott is back in playing for America’s Team after a year in New England. The veteran isn’t the workhorse he once was (he had over 300 carries in three of his first four NFL seasons with the Cowboys) there likely won’t be weekly fireworks, but he should provide average rushing production for a team that is centered around the passing attack. Zeke reuniting with the Cowboys is a nice idea, but I'm not so sure this is an upgrade from last season.
2023 stats: 16 games | 217 att | 774 rush yds | 3.6 ypc | 3 rush TDs | 47 rec | 228 rec yds | 2 rec TDs | 1 fumble lost
The Broncos might rely on a committee approach with Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, Samaje Perine and Audric Estimé all currently on the depth chart. But Williams, who received recent praise from Sean Payton, is nearly two years removed the devastating knee injury that ended his second NFL season. Javonte could solidify himself as the featured back of the future in Denver, but he needs to prove it.
2023 stats: 2 games | 28 att | 170 rush yds | 6.1 ypc | 0 rush TDs | 4 rec | 21 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 0 fumbles lost
Chubb has regularly positioned himself near the top of the running back charts throughout his career. He ranks second in the NFL with 6,511 rush yards since entering the league as a second-round pick in 2018 -- and that’s with his lost 2023 campaign, when he sustained a serious knee injury in Week 2. How quickly can he return to elite form? Can Chubb help Cleveland’s rushing attack get back to being one of the league’s best? There are some unknowns here, which is why he's ranked so low in this space, but head coach Kevin Stefanski said last month that Chubb looks good running.
2023 stats: 14 games | 179 att | 628 rush yds | 3.5 ypc | 5 rush TDs | 51 rec | 436 rec yds | 1 rec TD | 4 fumbles lost
The Commanders averaged a league-low 21.1 carries per game last season, but that should change with a rookie quarterback under center and Austin Ekeler joining Brian Robinson Jr. in the backfield. Despite Ekeler never having reached 1,000 rushing yards in season, I believe he’ll be the lead back in Washington thanks to his versatility as a pass catcher, which will be a huge help in the short pass game, and familiarity with running backs coach Anthony Lynn. In addition, the rushing attack will be much tougher to defend with Jayden Daniels threatening to take off at any moment, which should create opportunities for everyone around the rookie QB, including Ekeler.
2023 stats: 17 games | 252 att | 1,005 rush yds | 4.0 ypc | 6 rush TDs | 55 rec | 311 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 1 fumble lost
The Titans underwent a ton of change this offseason, but the loss of Derrick Henry in free agency clearly stood out as a franchise-altering development. Pollard is capable of being an efficient and tone-setting back, but he's coming off a 2023 campaign that saw him post career-low figures in yards per carry (4.0) and yards per touch (4.3). Granted, he appeared to still be recovering from a significant leg injury suffered in the previous season's playoffs. Pollard will also share snaps with second-year pro Tyjae Spears, a third-down option who averaged 5.5 yards per touch as a rookie.
While the Panthers will rely on veterans Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders early in the season, I'm projecting this second-round pick to ultimately emerge as the team's RB1 in 2024. Still recovering from an ACL injury suffered last November, Brooks could be ready to rock by Week 3 or 4, according to Panthers coach Dave Canales. He's an explosive dual-threat playmaker who is tough to tackle in the open field.
2023 stats: 14 games | 183 att | 794 rush yds | 4.3 ypc | 5 rush TDs | 27 rec | 192 rec yds | 2 rec TDs | 0 fumbles lost
Moss set career highs with 210 touches, 986 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns in 14 games last season with the Colts. He did an admirable job filling in for Jonathan Taylor, who was in and out of the lineup with injuries. Now, Moss has a chance to stake his claim as a true RB1 in Cincinnati. However, the Bengals' offense runs through Joe Burrow and the passing attack. That could open lanes for Moss, but volume is the concern here.
2023 stats: 17 games | 216 att | 898 rush yds | 4.2 ypc | 4 rush TDs | 30 rec | 193 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 0 fumbles lost
The Giants were poised to take a step back in the run game the second Saquon Barkley left for the rival Eagles. Singletary was fine in Houston last season, posting career highs in carries and yards, but he won’t demand attention from opposing defenses. Plus, I question whether New York did enough to boost its offensive line. Big Blue’s run game faces an uphill battle.
