Ranked the Top 15 NFL Running Backs for 2025
The 2025 NFL season is almost here, and it’s time to settle the debate: Who’s holding down the RB1 spot across the league? These rankings look into where every starting running back stands right now, based on production, talent, and the roles they’re set to play when the games begin.
Jerome Ford: Cleveland Browns · Year 4
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Sadly, Jerome Ford’s efficiency in small bursts hasn’t translated to consistent production yet. Rookie Quinshon Judkins could challenge for touches by midseason. The Browns’ quarterback situation also makes it tough to predict how the run game will look. Still, if Ford can get regular carries, he has the talent to be productive.
Jaylen Warren: Pittsburgh Steelers · Year 4
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Since Najee Harris is no longer in Pittsburgh, Jaylen Warren inherits a larger workload. His offseason training focused on improving durability for a heavier role. Rookie Kaleb Johnson could factor in, but Warren starts atop the depth chart. The club’s new-look offense will likely focus more heavily on the passing game.
Travis Etienne: Jacksonville Jaguars · Year 5
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With Tank Bigsby seeing more work, Travis Etienne’s role diminished last season. New head coach Liam Coen has publicly backed him despite trade rumors swirling. Jacksonville’s drafted reinforcements add more pressure to produce. He must deliver quickly to keep his RB1 role intact through the season’s first half.
De’Von Achane: Miami Dolphins · Year 3
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In 2024, De’Von Achane’s total yards rose, but efficiency became a concern. Miami used him heavily in the passing game. If the offense regains its explosive form, his per-touch averages should rebound. His versatility remains key in a unit searching for more consistent production.
D’Andre Swift: Chicago Bears · Year 6
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RB D’Andre Swift’s production lagged behind expectations in his first year with Chicago. A reunion with Ben Johnson could either spark or stall his career revival. The Bears fortified their offensive line to open more running lanes. He will get the first shot but faces competition from a hungry backfield group.
Isiah Pacheco: Kansas City Chiefs · Year 4
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After battling injuries in 2024, Isiah Pacheco looks determined for a rebound this season. Kansas City expects more from him, particularly with an improved offensive line. Patrick Mahomes’ passing game remains the focal point of this attack. This player’s success hinges on staying healthy and regaining his early-career explosiveness.
RJ Harvey: Denver Broncos · Rookie
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Coach Payton values three-down versatility, which this rookie brings in spades. His dual-threat ability fits perfectly in this evolving Broncos offense. RJ Harvey figures to overtake J.K. Dobbins as Denver’s lead back early in 2025. If given steady volume this fall, look for him to become a breakout performer.
Tony Pollard: Tennessee Titans · Year 7
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Tony Pollard posted another 1,000-yard season despite Tennessee’s offensive struggles in 2024. New head coach Brian Callahan will rely on him to help Cam Ward adjust. His experience provides stability as the club transitions to a new era. He’s being banked on to remain a focal point until the passing game settles.
Tyrone Tracy Jr.: New York Giants · Year 2
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After stepping up early as a rookie, Tyrone Tracy Jr earned a larger role moving forward. Improved quarterback play should help him boost his efficiency in 2025. The Giants have depth, but he’s penciled in as the clear RB1. His speculated pass-catching ability adds another dimension to a revamped offensive scheme.
Brian Robinson: Washington Commanders · Year 4
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The deep Commanders’ backfield, entering a crucial contract year, is led by Brian Robinson. Kliff Kingsbury wants a balanced attack and sees him as a key piece. New faces around him could eat into his touches slightly. Having said that, his aggression makes him the favorite for red zone and short-yardage opportunities.
Alvin Kamara: New Orleans Saints · Year 9
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Despite the sweeping changes across the Saints’ offense, Alvin Kamara remains a fixture. First-year head coach Kellen Moore will likely lean heavily on his versatile veteran. With a new QB under center, the workload could increase. If fit, he finally has a real shot to crack the 1,000-yard rushing mark.
Breece Hall: New York Jets · Year 4
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Hall’s efficiency dipped in 2024, partially due to shaky quarterback play. New OC Tanner Engstrand could implement a backfield-by-committee approach this fall. Even with competition, he figures to lead the way on early downs. The Jets desperately need his explosiveness to complement their new-look passing attack in 2025.
Rhamondre Stevenson: New England Patriots · Year 5
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New England drafted a new backfield, but Rhamondre Stevenson remains the top option. The Patriots bulked up their offensive line to support a more balanced attack. A healthy Stevenson can return to his 1,000-yard form with ease. We look forward to him getting the bulk of early-down work with a new staff.
Ashton Jeanty: Las Vegas Raiders · Rookie
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The No. 6 overall pick joins a backfield built to bully under Pete Carroll. Ashton Jeanty’s physicality and versatility make him an ideal fit for this scheme. The coach anticipates a rotation but will likely lean on his rookie’s upside.
Kenneth Walker III: Seattle Seahawks · Year 4
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Even though Kenneth Walker III struggled with injuries the past two seasons, he enters 2025 fully fit. New OC Klint Kubiak brings a zone-run scheme tailored to his strengths. Seattle plans to prioritize the ground game more than it did last year.
Chuba Hubbard: Carolina Panthers · Year 5
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After capitalizing on injuries around him, Chuba Hubbard seized Carolina’s RB1 role last season. Nearly 1,200 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns solidified his place atop the depth chart. The Panthers added depth, but he’ll get first crack at leading the ground game. His consistency gives Bryce Young a reliable security blanket on offense.
James Conner: Arizona Cardinals · Year 9
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Arizona’s offense depends on James Conner’s bruising attitude when setting up the passing game. He has posted career highs in rushing yards in consecutive seasons under Drew Petzing. Trey Benson’s presence could lighten his load late in games.
Omarion Hampton: Los Angeles Chargers · Rookie
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Under Jim Harbaugh’s run-heavy scheme, Omarion Hampton enters an ideal situation in Los Angeles. He’s expected to lead the backfield from Day 1 with Najee Harris behind him. The Chargers drafted him to absorb carries and wear down defenses weekly. His physical, downhill style suits the AFC West’s brand of football perfectly.
Joe Mixon: Houston Texans · Year 9
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Mixon delivered another 1,000-yard campaign behind one of the NFL’s worst O-lines. Houston’s upgrades up front should help him find even more success in 2025. The addition of Nick Chubb could complicate his workload later this fall.
James Cook: Buffalo Bills · Year 4
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James Cook scored 18 touchdowns last season and proved indispensable to Buffalo’s offense. Contract talks have loomed all offseason as he eyes a payday before Week 1. His nose for the end zone separates him from most backs in today’s NFL. As long as he’s on the field, their offense remains in good hands.
Bucky Irving: Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Year 2
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Few expected a rookie fourth-rounder to break 1,100 yards with limited starts. Bucky Irving’s role will expand significantly after surprising everyone with his sprinting style. Tampa’s front office focused on the passing attack, but his workload will grow. He looks like the future centerpiece of this backfield heading into Year 2.
Aaron Jones: Minnesota Vikings · Year 9
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Minnesota rewarded him with a two-year extension after a career-best rushing season. J.J. McCarthy steps in as the new QB, but this veteran remains key. A revamped interior offensive line should make his job easier this fall. There’s no reason Aaron Jones can’t repeat his 2024 production or even exceed it.
Christian McCaffrey: San Francisco 49ers · Year 9
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Last year’s injury-marred season was one both he and the team want to forget. Four games weren’t enough to make an impact, but Christian McCaffrey’s value was obvious. San Francisco fell apart offensively without its healthy and available centerpiece. With a clean bill of health now, expectations are high for a resurgence.
Jonathan Taylor: Indianapolis Colts · Year 6
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Indianapolis needs him to set the tone, no matter who wins the QB battle. Jonathan Taylor has thrived despite spotty quarterback play and inconsistent blocking before. There’s little doubt about his ability to carry an offense on his own. The retooled offensive line gives him a real shot to reclaim top form.
Kyren Williams: Los Angeles Rams · Year 4
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Sean McVay’s offense relies on Kyren Williams more than most realize. Entering a contract year often brings out the best in motivated players. Back-to-back 1,100-yard seasons show how steady he’s been despite injuries elsewhere. The Rams’ upfront investment should keep lanes open for another big year.
Bijan Robinson: Atlanta Falcons · Year 3
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Under Zac Robinson, Atlanta’s featured runner quietly climbed near the league’s elite in 2024. Bijan Robinson’s focus this offseason is on adding explosiveness to an already versatile skill set. Five 100-yard games last year prove his consistency is no fluke. Expect plenty of chances with Michael Penix Jr. commanding defenses’ attention elsewhere.
Josh Jacobs: Green Bay Packers · Year 7
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Green Bay’s offense leaped forward thanks to Josh Jacobs’ powerful presence in the backfield. “Still left a lot on the table”—his own words following a 1,300-yard season. Draft investments in wide receivers won’t change who sets the tone on Sundays.
Jahmyr Gibbs: Detroit Lions · Year 3
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Detroit leaned on the explosive second-year back late in 2024, and Jahmyr Gibbs delivered with authority. Opportunities are expected to remain plentiful despite a play-caller change this offseason. He closed last season with three straight 100-yard rushing performances. There’s no doubt this offense will benefit from his continued growth and versatility.
Derrick Henry: Baltimore Ravens. Year 10
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Having eclipsed 1,900 rushing yards in 2024, Derrick Henry showed no signs of slowing down at age 30. Baltimore’s offense remains centered on his punishing style, which perfectly complements Lamar Jackson’s dynamic play. Henry is fresh off his two-year extension and anchors one of the most feared rushing attacks once again in 2025.
Saquon Barkley: Philadelphia Eagles. Year 8
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Barkley followed up a 2,000-yard regular season by helping deliver Philadelphia’s second Super Bowl title. He returns behind a strong O-line and an intact offense. He signed a two-year extension this offseason and remains a dark-horse MVP candidate heading into his eighth NFL campaign.