With the end of the regular season, start of the playoffs and spinning of the coaching carousel, early January is a busy time on the NFL calendar. Now that I've had a second to catch my breath, I'm ready to rank each team's primary starting running back for the 2024 campaign.
You'll notice that many of the RBs listed below led their respective teams in carries, but that was not my sole criteria for determining which player to spotlight. Rather, I wanted to focus on the individual who would be ranked as the most important back on the depth chart, even if he didn't log the most attempts or starts. Let's get to it.
2024 stats: 16 games | 345 att | 2,005 rush yds | 5.8 ypc | 13 rush TDs | 33 rec | 278 rec yds | 2 rec TDs | 1 fumble lost
I'm gutted that Barkley didn't get to play in Week 18 with a monumental NFL record on the line. He's had one of the best seasons for a running back in league history, rushing for an impressive 2,005 yards in his debut campaign with the Eagles, who wouldn't be in position to contend for a Super Bowl without him. Barkley finished the regular season with career highs in carries, touches, rush yards and scrimmage yards, leading the NFL in each category.
2024 stats: 17 games | 325 att | 1,921 rush yds | 5.9 ypc | 16 rush TDs | 19 rec | 193 rec yds | 2 rec TDs | 1 fumble lost
It's hard to believe Henry flirted with 2,000 yards and wasn't the league rushing champion. This season marked the fourth time in his career in which he's had more than 1,500 rush yards (only Hall of Famer Barry Sanders has more such seasons with five) and the second time with at least 1,900 rush yards (Henry is the only player in NFL history to achieve that). He has elevated what was already a great Ravens offense, making it nearly impossible to defend. After Baltimore's wild-card win over Pittsburgh, Lamar Jackson compared Henry to Lightning McQueen, zooming right past defenders with the ball in his hands. I couldn't have said it better myself.
2024 stats: 17 games | 250 att | 1,412 rush yds | 5.6 ypc | 16 rush TDs | 52 rec | 517 rec yds | 4 rec TDs | 1 fumble lost
David Montgomery made the majority of the starts in the backfield this season, but Gibbs is arguably the best weapon in a loaded Lions offense. His franchise-record 20 scrimmage touchdowns -- set with a four-score outing in Week 18 -- underscore his potency as a runner and pass catcher. He's a perfect fit in Ben Johnson's offense. It's pretty crazy when you think about Gibbs having close to 2,000 scrimmage yards in a backfield where he splits touches with Montgomery. This second-year pro is special.
2024 stats: 17 games | 304 att | 1,456 rush yds | 4.8 ypc | 14 rush TDs | 61 rec | 431 rec yds | 1 rec TD | 0 fumbles lost
Bijan took a huge step forward under first-year offensive coordinator Zac Robinson as he became the focal point of the unit. He finished third in rushing yards and tied for fifth in rushing TDs. He had some of his best performances with Michael Penix Jr. under center, scoring six touchdowns in games that the rookie started. The future looks bright in Atlanta with this young pair spearheading the offense.
2024 stats: 17 games | 301 att | 1,329 rush yds | 4.4 ypc | 15 rush TDs | 36 rec | 342 rec yds | 1 rec TD | 3 fumbles lost
In his debut season with Green Bay, Jacobs was everything the Packers envisioned he'd be when they signed him to a four-year deal last offseason. They leaned on him often on the way to 11 wins, as Jacobs reached 300 carries for the second time in his career. He thrived as the focal point of Matt LaFleur's offense, ranking second in rushing touchdowns and fifth in scrimmage yards among running backs this season. Can't wait to see what he offers to the Pack in Year 2.
2024 stats: 14 games | 303 att | 1,431 rush yds | 4.7 ypc | 11 rush TDs | 18 rec | 136 rec yds | 1 rec TD | 1 fumble lost
Taylor had an up-and-down campaign -- very much in line with the Colts' season -- that ended on a high note with four straight 100-yard rushing performances, including 218 yards in a Week 16 win over Tennessee. His impressive ending to the 2024 campaign helped the veteran have his best season since 2021, when he was the NFL rushing champion. Shoot, Taylor eclipsed 1,400 yards despite missing three games. That's a successful individual season for the Pro Bowler; the next step is getting the Colts back to the playoffs.
2024 stats: 16 games | 316 att | 1,299 rush yds | 4.1 ypc | 14 rush TDs | 34 rec | 182 rec yds | 2 rec TDs | 3 fumbles lost
I love Williams in this offense. He's been a rock for a unit that's had several of its stars in and out of the lineup this season. Williams, one of six players with 300-plus carries this season, has been essential to the Rams' success in the red zone, scoring 93.3 percent of Los Angeles' rushing touchdowns this season, the highest mark for any back in the NFL. He has continued to build in each year under Sean McVay and doesn't appear to be slowing down.
2024 stats: 16 games | 207 att | 1,009 rush yds | 4.9 ypc | 16 rush TDs | 32 rec | 258 rec yds | 2 rec TDs | 0 fumbles lost
Each season, Cook seems to unlock a new part of his game -- and this year, he's found the end zone. He totaled 18 scrimmage touchdowns in the regular season after scoring nine over his first two years combined. His overall usage has decreased a bit from last season, but Cook's been slightly more efficient on the ground. The sky's the limit for this young running back in this offense.
2024 stats: 14 games | 245 att | 1,016 rush yds | 4.1 ypc | 11 rush TDs | 36 rec | 309 rec yds | 1 rec TD | 0 fumbles lost
Mixon proved to be a great addition for Houston, scoring 12 scrimmage touchdowns and amassing 1,325 scrimmage yards in Year 1 with the Texans. Despite missing three games early in the campaign with an ankle injury, Mixon had a top-10 finish in touches per game, rush yards per game and scrimmage yards per game. Expect Mixon to take another step forward in Year 2 under OC Bobby Slowik.
2024 stats: 17 games | 207 att | 1,122 rush yds | 5.4 ypc | 8 rush TDs | 47 rec | 392 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 1 fumble lost
Irving has been an exceptional playmaker for Liam Coen's offense, one who got better and better as the season progressed. In fact, Irving had the third-most scrimmage yards (834) in the league in Weeks 12-18, behind only Saquon Barkley and Jahmyr Gibbs. He's a huge reason why the Bucs made a late-season push to earn their fifth straight playoff appearance. This rookie's future is bright.
2024 stats: 14 games | 228 att | 950 rush yds | 4.2 ypc | 6 rush TDs | 68 rec | 543 rec yds | 2 rec TDs | 0 fumbles lost
This was one tough road for Kamara and the Saints' offense. The season began with great promise, but injuries leveled New Orleans' attack, ultimately contributing to the firing of head coach Dennis Allen. Kamara did all he could to keep the offense afloat. Despite missing the final three games due to a groin injury, Kamara finished with a career-high 950 rush yards and led the team in targets, receptions and was second in receiving yards.
2024 stats: 17 games | 203 att | 907 rush yds | 4.5 ypc | 6 rush TDs | 78 rec | 592 rec yds | 6 rec TDs | 0 fumbles lost
Miami's offense took a step back in 2024, and Achane's regression in Year 2 played a part in that. He took the league by storm as a rookie when he wasn't injured, but the explosiveness that we saw in 2023, leading to his 7.8 yards-per-carry average, wasn't regularly visible in the run game this season. It was seen in the pass game, though, as he was often a checkdown or screen option who earned the most YAC of any running back this season.
2024 stats: 17 games | 255 att | 1,138 rush yds | 4.5 ypc | 5 rush TDs | 51 rec | 408 rec yds | 2 rec TDs | 3 fumbles lost
Jones was great as a Packer, but in Year 1 with the Vikings, he posted career highs in carries and rush yards. Now 30 years old, he just logged his fourth career season with at least 1,000 rush yards. He's still at the top of his game, having vastly improved a Minnesota rushing attack that ranked 29th a year ago.
2024 stats: 16 games | 236 att | 1,094 rush yds | 4.6 ypc | 8 rush TDs | 47 rec | 414 rec yds | 1 rec TD | 1 fumble lost
Conner's hard-nosed running style helped him force 84 missed tackles and gain 513 yards after missed tackles, according to Next Gen Stats. He's so fun to watch because he simply refuses to go down easily, allowing him to eclipse 1,500 scrimmage yards for the first time in his career. His presence is so valued in Arizona that the Cardinals handed him a two-year extension in November.
2024 stats: 15 games | 250 att | 1,195 rush yds | 4.8 ypc | 10 rush TDs | 43 rec | 171 rec yds | 1 rec TD | 3 fumbles lost
Hubbard put together his best campaign in 2024, earning him a nice four-year extension with a Panthers team that built some real momentum in the second half of the season. Though he ended the season on IR, he was arguably the most surprising running back of 2024. According to Next Gen Stats, Hubbard generated +282 rushing yards over expected this season, the most in a season by a Panthers RB since at least 2018.
2024 stats: 13 games | 195 att | 905 rush yds | 4.6 ypc | 9 rush TDs | 32 rec | 153 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 0 fumbles lost
After Dobbins missed so much time due to injuries during his four-year stint with Baltimore, it was great to see him post a career high in rush yards in 2024. The rejuvenated back paced a run-first Chargers offense, which averaged more than 45 more rush yards per game when Dobbins played. Dobbins is again a free agent in 2025, but I could see Jim Harbaugh wanting to keep his services around.
2024 stats: 16 games | 260 att | 1,079 rush yds | 4.2 ypc | 5 rush TDs | 41 rec | 238 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 2 fumbles lost
Largely overlooked while operating in a subpar offense with a revolving door at quarterback, Pollard quietly put up three 100-yard performances on the way to his third straight 1,000-yard season. He was the most consistent part of Brian Callahan's attack this season, and with improved QB play in 2025, Pollard could easily build on his first season in Tennessee.
2024 stats: 17 games | 263 att | 1,043 rush yds | 4.0 ypc | 6 rush TDs | 36 rec | 283 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 0 fumbles lost
Sure, there are better options at the running back position than Harris, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a more durable and reliable back. He became just the third player in the last 20 seasons to have at least 1,000 rush yards in each of his first four NFL seasons, joining Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson. He may have just played his last down for Pittsburgh, but he'll be an above-average runner somewhere, as long as he's healthy.
2024 stats: 16 games | 235 att | 1,079 rush yds | 4.6 ypc | 2 rush TDs | 39 rec | 249 rec yds | 3 rec TDs | 2 fumbles lost
While the Cowboys ranked 27th in rushing this season, Dowdle had a strong finish, posting the fourth-most rush yards (677) from Week 12 on. That helped him surpass 1,000 yards in his first NFL season as a primary back, setting up the impending free agent for a nice payday this offseason.
2024 stats: 17 games | 253 att | 959 rush yds | 3.8 ypc | 6 rush TDs | 42 rec | 386 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 0 fumbles lost
There were some good -- and not so good -- moments for Swift in his first year with the Bears. He only managed one 100-yard game and fell just shy of 1,000 yards on the season. Swift can do so much more in this offense, and I predict better days ahead with a new head coach/offensive coordinator joining the team soon.
2024 stats: 16 games | 209 att | 876 rush yds | 4.2 ypc | 5 rush TDs | 57 rec | 483 rec yds | 3 rec TDs | 2 fumbles lost
Put me among the people who thought this year's Jets offense was going to take a big leap forward with Aaron Rodgers under center. Heck, I even projected Hall to be a top three RB in my preseason rankings. And with the possible exception of Garrett Wilson, it's fair to say New York's offensive stars underperformed in 2024. Hall, two years removed from the knee injury that cut his rookie season short, took a step back in Year 3 in terms of production. Despite some rough years for Hall in New York, I still think his best football is ahead of him.
2024 stats: 16 games | 229 att | 990 rush yds | 4.3 ypc | 7 rush TDs | 54 rec | 360 rec yds | 4 rec TDs | 1 fumble lost
Brown stepped into a more prominent role within the Bengals' offense this season and his production reflected it. With Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase leading the league's top passing attack, Brown was asked to provide a steady presence on the ground and a checkdown option in the pass game. He had six games with at least 100 scrimmage yards, thanks to his solid contributions as a pass catcher -- highlighted by a nine-catch outing against Baltimore in November. He'll continue to be a big asset in 2025.
2024 stats: 12 games | 153 att | 789 rush yds | 5.2 ypc | 3 rush TDs | 11 rec | 91 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 1 fumble lost
Entering the season (and ending it) without Christian McCaffrey was a tough pill to swallow for 49ers fans. That bad feeling was briefly alleviated when Mason dominated opponents over the first month with three 100-yard rushing performances. Unfortunately, he (like most of the Niners stars) dealt with injuries that ultimately limited his play over the second half of the season. San Francisco should feel good about pairing him with a healthy McCaffrey next season.
2024 stats: 17 games | 192 att | 839 rush yds | 4.4 ypc | 5 rush TDs | 38 rec | 284 rec yds | 1 rec TD | 2 fumbles lost
The fifth-round rookie immediately proved himself to be a fine backfield option for the Giants. He took advantage of his opportunity when Devin Singletary went down with an injury, compiling more than 1,100 scrimmage yards and scoring six touchdowns. He struggled with ball security at times, but I like what he can offer this New York offense that appears to be starting over again.
2024 stats: 15 games | 207 att | 801 rush yds | 3.9 ypc | 7 rush TDs | 33 rec | 168 rec yds | 1 rec TD | 3 fumbles lost
Fresh off a four-year extension signed last offseason, Stevenson's best outing came all the way back in Week 1. He ran over the Bengals for 120 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries in the upset win. Then came the struggles for both him and the Patriots' offense. Stevenson often split carries with Antonio Gibson and failed to reach 100 yards in any game the rest of the season. Stevenson must be better under New England's new regime in 2025 to help young quarterback Drake Maye and the offense take a step in the right direction.
2024 stats: 13 games | 200 att | 728 rush yds | 3.6 ypc | 7 rush TDs | 23 rec | 176 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 0 fumbles lost
Hunt re-joined the Chiefs after Isiah Pacheco was injured in Week 2 and soon became the starter. Over Hunt's eight starts, he logged two 100-yard games and scored in four contests. Hunt, who earned 42 first down on rushes, was a big reason Kansas City was able to weather the storm in the middle of the season.
2024 stats: 14 games | 187 att | 799 rush yds | 4.3 ypc | 8 rush TDs | 20 rec | 159 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 2 fumbles lost
Robinson's 2024 season really tailed off over the last month of the season, with the back averaging fewer than 40 rush yards per game with zero TD runs after the team's Week 14 bye. Prior to the rest week, he rushed for 64 yards per contest and had eight rush TDs. Thankfully, the Commanders had a guy named Jayden Daniels who ran the rock incredibly well on designed runs and scrambles, but Robinson definitely left some yards out on the field in Year 3, as he's still looking to get more than 800 rush yards in a season.
2024 stats: 16 games | 168 att | 766 rush yds | 4.6 ypc | 7 rush TDs | 7 rec | 54 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 1 fumble lost
Not much went well for the Jags' offense in 2024, as the unit was riddled with injuries to its quarterback and wide receiver group. The RBs were pretty healthy, but struggled to elevate the unit on a regular basis. Bigsby ended up being the more efficient back despite Travis Etienne getting 15 starts at the position. Bigsby could be in line for a bigger role under the next regime.
2024 stats: 11 games | 153 att | 573 rush yds | 3.7 ypc | 7 rush TDs | 46 rec | 299 rec yds | 1 rec TD | 1 fumble lost
Walker had a strong start to the season with seven total touchdowns over his first five games, but he again missed time (six full games) due to injury -- meaning he has yet to play an entire regular-season slate. With Walker and Zach Charbonnet in the backfield, the Seahawks struggled to run the rock, ranking 29th in rush attempts and 28th in rush yards. I'm hoping we see a better version of Walker and the Seattle ground game in 2025.
2024 stats: 17 games | 139 att | 513 rush yds | 3.7 ypc | 4 rush TDs | 52 rec | 346 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 2 fumbles lost
Williams' 513 rush yards is the second-fewest by a team's leading rusher this season -- a huge letdown for both him and an offense that was hoping to better aid its rookie quarterback. The fact that he had 37 carries for 126 yards (3.4 yards per attempt) over his last eight games signals he could be headed elsewhere as a free agent this offseason.
2024 stats: 8 games | 102 att | 332 rush yds | 3.3 ypc | 3 rush TDs | 5 rec | 31 rec yds | 1 rec TD | 1 fumble lost
Chubb was the primary running back in Cleveland despite starting only eight games. Jerome Ford (six) and D'Onta Foreman (three) also made starts for the Browns. Chubb's much anticipated comeback from the gruesome knee injury from 2023 was delayed until Week 7, and his campaign was cut short after he broke his foot in Week 15. When he was available, Chubb wasn't nearly as efficient as he was prior to that knee injury, averaging far fewer yards per carry this season than his 5.3 mark over his first six campaigns. He's a soon-to-be free agent who still offers value if healthy.
2024 stats: 14 games | 132 att | 420 rush yds | 3.2 ypc | 4 rush TDs | 36 rec | 294 rec yds | 1 rec TD | 1 fumble lost
We knew it was going to be a struggle for Las Vegas' offense after the departure of Josh Jacobs. The Raiders, who ranked dead last in rushing in 2024, leaned on a committee of backs with Mattison receiving a bulk of the carries. However, he was far less efficient than Ameer Abdullah and Sincere McCormick, who both averaged 4.7 yards per carry. After two disappointing seasons as a starter in this league, Mattison is likely destined for backup status.
