Are you curious about the best running backs (RB) in American football today? This guide ranks the top 32 projected starting running backs in the NFL for the 2024 season, offering insights to help you understand their strengths and potential. Dive in to discover the rankings and detailed analysis, enhancing your knowledge of Rb American Football. CAUHOI2025.UK.COM provides the most up-to-date rankings of American football RBs.
The primary search intents addressed in this article are:
- NFL RB Rankings: Providing a comprehensive list of the top 32 running backs in the NFL.
- Player Analysis: Offering detailed insights into the performance, strengths, and weaknesses of each running back.
- Fantasy Football Insights: Assisting fantasy football players in making informed decisions based on player rankings and statistics.
- Team Performance: Understanding how each running back contributes to their respective team’s offensive strategy.
- Player Comparisons: Comparing different running backs to understand their relative value and potential impact.
1. Ranking the Top 32 RB American Football Stars
Here’s a breakdown of the top 32 projected starting running backs in the NFL for the 2024 season, offering insights into their performance, potential, and impact on their respective teams.
1. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey is undeniably the top running back in the NFL. In 2023, he led the league with a career-high 1,459 rushing yards and 21 total touchdowns, earning a 90.6 grade, the second-highest in the NFL. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), McCaffrey’s 339 touches from scrimmage led the league, and he maintained excellent efficiency, averaging 5.0 yards per carry and catching 67 passes for 564 yards.
2. Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens
Derrick Henry joins the Baltimore Ravens after a successful tenure with the Tennessee Titans. In 2023, he rushed for 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 4.2 yards per carry and earning a 90.1 grade, the third-highest among NFL running backs. Despite concerns about age and limited passing game production, Henry’s partnership with Lamar Jackson could pose a significant challenge for defenses.
3. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
Jonathan Taylor aims to regain his 2021 form after a couple of challenging years. In 2023, he rushed for 741 yards and seven touchdowns in 10 games, earning a 74.9 grade. According to PFF, his 3.12 yards per contact ranked 16th in the NFL, and his 4.4 yards per carry ranked 22nd. A healthy offseason could set the stage for Taylor to reclaim the NFL rushing title.
Jonathan Taylor Profile
4. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
Nick Chubb has consistently been regarded as one of the NFL’s premier running backs. Prior to his season-ending injury in 2023, he had four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons and 40 rushing touchdowns. His return to form is uncertain, given the severity of his injury, but if he can regain his previous level of play, he will remain among the elite.
5. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
Bijan Robinson, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, showed promising talent in his rookie season. He rushed for 976 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. PFF noted that Robinson earned a respectable 69.1 grade, amassed 1,463 total scrimmage yards, and tied for fifth among running backs with 0.25 missed tackles forced per carry.
6. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
Saquon Barkley joins the Philadelphia Eagles after five seasons with the New York Giants. Despite averaging just 3.9 yards per carry in 2023, he rushed for 962 yards in 14 games. His 70.2 grade in 2023 was lower than his 77.1 grade in 2022, but his 719 yards after contact ranked ninth. A change of scenery and a strong offensive line could revitalize Barkley’s performance.
7. Breece Hall, New York Jets
Breece Hall bounced back impressively from a torn ACL in his rookie season, delivering an excellent 2023 campaign. He rushed for 994 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. According to PFF, his 82.4 grade was the ninth-highest among running backs, and he averaged 3.43 yards after contact per rushing attempt, the sixth-highest figure at the position.
8. Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings
Aaron Jones has long been one of the NFL’s most underrated running backs. In his final season with the Green Bay Packers, he earned a 76.1 grade despite an injury-plagued season. When healthy, Jones rushed for 656 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. PFF highlighted his ability to create yards after contact, ranking 14th in the NFL with 3.16 yards after contact per attempt.
9. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
Jahmyr Gibbs made a significant impact in his rookie season after being drafted No. 12 overall by the Detroit Lions. His 74.5 grade ranked 25th among running backs, as he rushed for 945 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging an excellent 5.2 yards per carry. Only Derrick Henry and Christian McCaffrey had more rushes of 15-plus yards than Gibbs in 2023.
10. Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers
Josh Jacobs, who led the league in rushing in 2022, experienced a slight decline in 2023. His 805 rushing yards ranked 25th among running backs, and his 3.5 yards per carry ranked 53rd out of 63 running backs. However, he still amassed 1,101 scrimmage yards, crossing four figures for the fifth time in his career, and scored six rushing touchdowns.
11. Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars
Travis Etienne increased his workload in 2023, resulting in another 1,000-yard rushing season and 11 touchdowns. He earned a 77.0 grade, ranking 17th among running backs. While his efficiency dropped from 5.1 yards per carry to 3.8, Etienne led all running backs with 64 forced missed tackles during the regular season.
12. Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks
Kenneth Walker III remains one of the NFL’s most explosive running backs and a touchdown threat. In his second year, he rushed for 905 yards and eight touchdowns, recording the fifth-highest rate of missed tackles forced in the NFL. Walker is often described as a boom-or-bust runner, known for his explosive plays.
13. Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins
Raheem Mostert has excelled due to his exceptional speed, achieving career highs in his second season with the Dolphins. He led the league in rushing touchdowns (18) and rushed for 1,012 yards at 4.8 yards per carry, earning a career-high 85.8 grade, which ranked sixth in the NFL.
Raheem Mostert Profile
14. Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans
Tony Pollard took on the lead back role for the Dallas Cowboys in 2023, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards for the second consecutive season. However, his yards per attempt dropped from 5.2 in 2022 to 4.0 in 2023 due to a lack of explosiveness following a leg injury. Now with the Tennessee Titans, he aims to replace Derrick Henry.
15. Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs
Isiah Pacheco plays with a distinctive intensity. The Chiefs’ seventh-round pick from 2023 rushed for 935 yards and seven touchdowns, contributing to the team’s Super Bowl wins. Averaging 4.6 yards per carry, Pacheco earned an 82.3 grade in 2023 and tallied 11 runs of 15-plus yards.
16. Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams
After a quiet rookie season, Kyren Williams had a breakout year in his second NFL season, earning an 80.3 grade across 12 games. He rushed for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns at 5.0 yards per carry, leading the league in rushing yards per game. Williams forced the 10th-most missed tackles and averaged 3.34 yards after contact.
17. James Conner, Arizona Cardinals
James Conner has been a valuable asset for the Arizona Cardinals. In 2023, he rushed for 1,040 yards while averaging 5.0 yards per carry and scored seven rushing touchdowns. Conner’s 89.2 grade ranked fourth among running backs in 2023, and his 3.93 yards after contact placed second.
18. De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins
De’Von Achane made every touch count in his rookie season, leading the NFL in yards per attempt with 7.5. With an excellent 92.1 grade, the former third-round pick was known for his big plays. He led all running backs with 4.94 yards after contact per attempt and had 13 rushes of 15-plus yards, despite limited carries.
19. Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers
Jaylen Warren has secured a significant role in the Steelers’ offense, offering dynamism compared to Najee Harris’ power running style. Warren earned a 78.6 grade in 2023, rushing 149 times for 784 yards and four touchdowns at 5.3 yards per carry, ranking fourth in the NFL.
20. D’Andre Swift, Chicago Bears
D’Andre Swift surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his NFL career in 2023. After being traded to the Eagles, Swift earned a 66.7 grade while rushing for 1,049 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games. Now with the Bears, he aims to build on his career year.
Chicago Bears Lineup
21. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara has consistently been a versatile player for the New Orleans Saints. While he has never rushed for 1,000 yards in a season, he has surpassed 1,100 scrimmage yards every year. In 2023, he rushed for a career-low 694 yards but added 75 catches for 466 yards and six total touchdowns in 12 games.
22. Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers
Najee Harris continued his streak of rushing for over 1,000 yards each season. While he averaged 4.1 yards per carry, it was a career high for the former first-round pick. His 78.1 grade, ranking 15th among running backs, was also a career-best mark. As Harris’ workload has decreased, his efficiency has improved.
23. David Montgomery, Detroit Lions
David Montgomery returned to form with the Lions in 2023, carrying the ball 219 times for 1,015 yards and 13 touchdowns. His 13 touchdowns and 4.6 yards per carry were both career highs, earning him an 80.0 grade. He formed an excellent partnership with Jahmyr Gibbs, providing a strong presence between the tackles and as a goal-line back.
24. James Cook, Buffalo Bills
James Cook excelled in his second NFL season, providing the Buffalo Bills with a credible rushing attack. Cook finished fourth in total rushing yards in 2023, rushing for 1,122 yards at 4.7 yards per carry and scoring twice while earning a 71.8 grade.
25. Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots
Rhamondre Stevenson has impressed in his three NFL seasons, earning a 71.3 grade in 2023. Limited touches slowed his production, but Stevenson still accumulated 619 rushing yards and four touchdowns despite a struggling Patriots offensive line.
26. Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rachaad White doubled his total yards from scrimmage from 771 yards to 1,539 in 2023, but his efficiency on the ground dropped to 3.6 yards per attempt. Despite this, White was a significant contributor to the Buccaneers’ offense, earning a 67.6 grade.
27. Joe Mixon, Houston Texans
Joe Mixon joined the Houston Texans after seven years with the Cincinnati Bengals. In his final season in Cincinnati, Mixon carried the ball 257 times for 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns, earning a 71.1 grade. His efficiency could improve behind a strong Texans offensive line in 2024.
Joe Mixon Profile
28. Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers
Chuba Hubbard took over as the lead back in Carolina after Miles Sanders struggled. He carried the ball 238 times for a career-high 902 yards and five touchdowns while earning a strong 77.2 grade. His performance in 2023 should give him an edge over Sanders in 2024.
29. Austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders
Austin Ekeler has been a consistent touchdown scorer throughout his career. However, his overall performance dipped in 2023. Ekeler earned a 60.2 grade and rushed for 628 yards and five touchdowns, averaging just 3.5 yards per carry.
30. Devin Singletary, New York Giants
Devin Singletary stepped up for the Houston Texans and delivered a solid performance. He carried the ball a career-high 216 times for 898 yards and four touchdowns while earning a 70.8 grade. His performance ultimately led him to be the starting running back for the Giants in 2024.
31. Gus Edwards, Los Angeles Chargers
Gus Edwards had a career year in 2023, rushing for 810 yards and 13 touchdowns while earning a 72.3 grade. He joins the Los Angeles Chargers, aiming to bring his efficient chain-moving ability to their rushing attack.
32. Zamir White, Las Vegas Raiders
Zamir White stepped into the Raiders’ starting role in four games in 2023 and carried the ball 104 times for 451 yards and a touchdown. His performance led to a promising 71.7 grade. His body of work is still relatively unknown, but this could work to his advantage in 2024.
2. Understanding the Role of RB in American Football
The running back (RB) position is crucial in American football, contributing significantly to both rushing and passing plays. A versatile RB can enhance an offense by providing:
- Rushing Yardage: Gaining ground through strategic runs.
- Pass-Catching: Acting as a receiver out of the backfield.
- Blocking: Protecting the quarterback from opposing defenders.
- Goal-Line Efficiency: Scoring touchdowns in critical situations.
3. Key Attributes of Top RB American Football Players
Identifying top running backs involves evaluating several key attributes:
- Vision: The ability to see and anticipate openings in the defense.
- Agility: The capability to move quickly and change direction.
- Speed: The capacity to outrun defenders.
- Power: The strength to break tackles and gain extra yards.
- Durability: The ability to withstand the physical demands of the position and remain healthy throughout the season.
- Pass-Catching Skills: Proficiency in catching passes out of the backfield.
- Blocking Ability: Skill in protecting the quarterback.
4. How RB Performance Impacts Team Success
The performance of a team’s running back significantly influences its overall success. A strong running game can:
- Control the Clock: Keeping the ball out of the opponent’s hands.
- Reduce Pressure on the Quarterback: Establishing a balanced offensive attack.
- Open Up Passing Lanes: Making defenses respect the run, creating opportunities for the passing game.
- Improve Red Zone Efficiency: Increasing the likelihood of scoring touchdowns.
According to a study by ESPN, teams with a top-10 rushing offense are significantly more likely to make the playoffs.
5. RB American Football and Fantasy Football
For fantasy football enthusiasts, running backs are often the cornerstone of a successful team. Key considerations include:
- Rushing Yards and Touchdowns: Primary scoring sources.
- Reception Numbers: Adding value in PPR (points per reception) leagues.
- Workload: The number of carries and targets a player receives.
- Consistency: The ability to perform well on a weekly basis.
- Matchup Analysis: Evaluating the opposing defense’s run-stopping ability.
According to FantasyPros, Christian McCaffrey is consistently ranked as the top overall pick in fantasy football drafts due to his high floor and exceptional upside.
6. Historical Performance and Future Trends
Historically, running backs have been central to NFL offenses. However, the modern game increasingly values passing, leading to a greater emphasis on versatile backs who can contribute as receivers. Future trends include:
- Increased Use of Dual-Back Systems: Teams using multiple backs to share the workload.
- Emphasis on Pass-Catching RBs: Backs who can contribute significantly in the passing game.
- Data Analytics in Player Evaluation: Using advanced metrics to assess RB performance and potential.
7. Injuries and Their Impact on RB Performance
Injuries are a significant concern for running backs due to the position’s physical demands. Major injuries can:
- Reduce Performance: Limiting a player’s speed, agility, and power.
- Shorten Careers: Forcing players to retire early.
- Create Uncertainty for Teams: Making it difficult to plan for the future.
Teams often mitigate these risks by:
- Drafting Multiple RBs: Ensuring depth at the position.
- Managing Workloads: Limiting the number of carries to reduce wear and tear.
- Utilizing Advanced Training and Recovery Techniques: Helping players stay healthy.
8. The Evolution of RB Training and Techniques
Modern RB training focuses on a holistic approach that combines physical conditioning with mental preparation. Key aspects include:
- Strength and Conditioning: Building power and endurance.
- Agility Drills: Improving quickness and change-of-direction skills.
- Film Study: Analyzing opponents and identifying opportunities.
- Nutrition and Recovery: Optimizing physical health and recovery.
- Mental Toughness Training: Enhancing focus and resilience.
9. Fan Engagement and the Popularity of RB American Football
Running backs are often fan favorites due to their exciting playing style and ability to make game-changing plays. Fans engage with RBs through:
- Fantasy Football: Following their performance closely.
- Social Media: Interacting with players and teams.
- Merchandise Sales: Purchasing jerseys and other gear.
- Game Attendance: Cheering them on in person.
10. Debates and Controversies Surrounding RB Valuations
The value of running backs in the NFL has been a topic of debate in recent years. Some argue that RBs are overvalued due to their short careers and high injury rates, while others maintain that they are essential to a team’s success. This debate often revolves around:
- Contract Negotiations: RBs seeking long-term, high-value contracts.
- Draft Strategy: Whether to invest high draft picks in RBs.
- Team Building Philosophy: Balancing the importance of the running game with other offensive and defensive needs.
FAQ About RB American Football
Q: Who is the highest-paid running back in the NFL?
A: As of 2024, Christian McCaffrey is among the highest-paid running backs in the NFL.
Q: What makes a running back “elite?”
A: Elite running backs possess a combination of vision, agility, speed, power, durability, and pass-catching skills.
Q: How has the role of the running back changed over the years?
A: The role has evolved to include more pass-catching and versatility, with teams increasingly using dual-back systems.
Q: Why are some running backs considered “underrated?”
A: Some running backs are underrated due to playing on smaller teams, not receiving as much media attention, or having their contributions overlooked.
Q: What is the impact of a strong offensive line on a running back’s performance?
A: A strong offensive line can significantly improve a running back’s performance by creating running lanes and providing better protection.
Q: How do injuries affect a running back’s career?
A: Injuries can reduce performance, shorten careers, and create uncertainty for teams, making injury prevention and management crucial.
Q: What are the key stats to look for when evaluating a running back?
A: Key stats include rushing yards, touchdowns, receptions, yards per carry, and yards after contact.
Q: How do teams strategize to defend against top running backs?
A: Teams strategize by focusing on gap control, run blitzes, and using linebackers and safeties to contain the running back.
Q: What is the future of the running back position in the NFL?
A: The future involves increased versatility, more dual-back systems, and a greater emphasis on pass-catching abilities.
Q: How can fans better understand and appreciate the nuances of the running back position?
A: Fans can follow advanced stats, watch film breakdowns, and engage with analysts who provide in-depth insights into RB performance.
Conclusion
Understanding the nuances of the RB American football position provides valuable insights into team strategies, player evaluations, and the overall dynamics of the game. Whether you’re a dedicated fan, a fantasy football player, or simply curious about the sport, this guide offers a comprehensive overview of the top running backs in the NFL today.
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