Top Ten Running Backs in the NFL Entering the 2024 season!
Veterans or youngsters? Breece Hall or Bijan Robinson?
Yesterday, we brought back our positional rankings for the top ten best wide receivers in the NFL entering the 2024 season. Today, we we’re bringing back our running back rankings after one of the weirdest halfback seasons of all time. Only one back rushed for more than 1200 yards last year, but the second leading rusher and 12th leading rusher were separated by just 162 yards. And that means…things are about to get controversial. There is no right answer. So here is my best interpretation of the top ten best running backs in the National Football League.
**Each running backs 2024 projection is assuming they will play 17 games unless a noted suspension—we will not predict in-season injuries**
Key
(what they achieved in 2023)
**NFL100 is representing making NFL Top 100—AP# is representing All Pro**
Bold = League Leader in Category
NYR = Next Year’s Ranking Prediction
A Back Who Will Be on the List for 2025 That Isn’t Right Now: Jaylen Warren
Right now, Warren may not even be the starter on his football team. Najee Harris has consistently been one of the league’s better running backs. He runs with physicality and has produced similarly in the last two seasons. But he’s a very old 26 year old running back. And Jaylen Warren took a lot of those touches last year. When he did get the opportunity, he thrived. He compiled close to 800 yards on 5.3 yards per carry and four touchdowns. He also added on 370 yards as a receiving back. And that’s because Warren adds value in all levels of the offense. His speed and acceleration will make him a threat to opposing defenses, and will allow him to jump near the top ten next year.
2024 Projection: 171 ATT, 838 Yds, 10 TD, 84 REC, 597 Yds, 4 TD, NFL100 | NYR: 7-10
A Back Who Is Good Now, But Will Fall off for 2025: Raheem Mostert
A lot of people are high on Mostert after he ran for over 1,000 yards on nearly five yards per carry in 2023. Not only that, but he led the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns. He even added on three receiving touchdowns. Over 1100 scrimmage yards and 21 touchdowns sounds pretty good for a player who was seemingly running himself out of the league. But at 32 years old, Mostert no longer has the speed and elusiveness that can make him a dominating back. The other problem: De’Von Achane is in his backfield. Achane is much faster, and if he stays healthy, he will take those RB1 carries. Mostert will just no longer be on that level.
2024 Projection: 149 ATT, 701 Yds, 9 TD, 33 REC, 235 Yds, 4 TD | NYR: N/R
Rookie Time — A Rookie Who Could Appear on 2025’s List: Blake Corum
Honestly, this is one of the weaker running back classes in recent memory. However, Corum would probably be the best option. He helped lead Michigan to a national championship title last year, as he was the RB1 in a running system. Now, Corum is not in the ideal position. He has to ‘share’ a backfield with Kyren Williams, one of the league’s best running backs. That may mean he doesn’t get as many carries. However, he can very easily get his reps in as a red zone threat. Also, Williams missed five games due to injury last year, and got hurt easily. If Corum can get those red zone looks and goal line opportunities, he can start to make a name for himself in the NFL.
2024 Projection: 97 ATT, 456 Yds, 12 TD, 20 REC, 138 Yds, 2 TD | NYR: N/R
Honorable Mentions
Najee Harris (17 G, 225 ATT, 1,035 Yds, 8 TD, 29 REC, 170 Yds, 0 TD)
2024 Projection: 180 ATT, 792 Yds, 6 TD, 30 REC, 210 Yds, 2 TD | NYR: N/R
James Cook (17 G, 237 ATT 1,122 Yds, 2 TD, 44 REC, 445 Yds, 4 TD, PB)
2024 Projection: 244 ATT, 1,098 Yds, 5 TD, 60 REC, 432 Yds, 3 TD | NYR: 7-HM
D’Andre Swift (16 G, 229 ATT, 1,049 Yds, 5 TD, 39 REC, 214 Yds, 1 TD, PB)
2024 Projection: 205 ATT, 1,046 Yds, 3 TD, 47 REC, 287 Yds, 4 TD | NYR: N/R
Raheem Mostert (15 G, 209 ATT, 1,012, 18 TD, 25 REC, 175 Yds, 3 TD, PB)
2024 Projection: 149 ATT, 701 Yds, 9 TD, 33 REC, 235 Yds, 4 TD | NYR: N/R
Joe Mixon (17 G, 257 ATT, 1,054 Yds, 9 TD, 52 REC, 376 Yds, 3 TD)
2024 Projection: 215 ATT, 882 Yds, 7 TD, 63 REC, 486 Yds, 4 TD | NYR: HM
T-10. James Conner, Cardinals | Last year’s ranking: N/R
2023 Stats: 13 G, 208 ATT, 1,040 Yds, 7 TD, 27 REC, 165 Yds, 2 TD
Why Is He In The Top Ten?
To finish with over 1200 scrimmage yards and nine scrimmage touchdowns in 13 games—and to do it with an offense that started three different QB’s—is beyond impressive for 29 year old Conner. He can add value in both the rushing and the receiving game. That’s huge. To finish 13th and 14th in scrimmage touchdowns and yards while missing four games is an amazing achievement. And to do it with Josh Dobbs for most of his season adds a whole other element to his season. He was the go-to offensive option—the main piece that deserved attention from defenses—and yet he was still efficient with every time he touched the football. That’s huge.
What’s in Store in 2024?
I find it hard to believe Conner will have another season like this. He’s close to 30 years old, the Cardinals don’t have an incredible O-Line and will prioritize passing the football with Kyler Murray healthy and Marvin Harrison Jr. primed for a great rookie year. The good thing about Conner, though, is that his skill is not speed. It’s strength and IQ. He’ll still have that into his 30’s. However, I still think he’ll be productive, but not at the top ten level like last year.
2024 Projection: 214 ATT, 1,005 Yds, 6 TD, 35 REC, 224 Yds, 3 TD | NYR: N/R
T-10. Jonathan Taylor, Colts | Last year’s ranking: 7
2023 Projection: 229 ATT, 1,067 yards, 9 TD’s
2023 Stats: 169 ATT, 741 Yds, 7 TD, 19 REC, 153 Yds, 1 TD
Why Is He In The Top Ten?
Because he’s one of the most talented backs in the NFL. He possesses great speed and strength, skills very rarely found together in a running back. Only guys like Derrick Henry and Christian McCaffrey have that. And so does JT. That’s why he managed to rush for over 74 yards per game and seven touchdowns while appearing in just ten gams due to injury. However, the reason why he continues to drop down the list is because he has not been the same player that we think of him as: his 2021 version. In that season, he led the NFL in scrimmage yardage and touchdowns. However, he’s struggled to stay healthy since, and hasn’t put together his 2021 numbers if you combine his statistics from his last two seasons.
What’s in Store in 2024?
With Zack Moss gone, I expect Taylor to get a higher percentage of the running back carries. But at the same time, the Colts will probably opt to run-through second year QB Anthony Richardson, who is hoping to play his first full season in the league. Overall, if Taylor stays healthy, he’ll eclipse 1,000 yards and probably double-digit touchdowns. But I need to see more of his 2021 self for me to buy into the hype that surrounds him.
2024 Projection: 276 ATT, 1,270 Yds, 10 TD, 32 REC, 311 Yds, 3 TD, NFL100 | NYR: 6-HM
9. De’Von Achane, Dolphins | Last year’s ranking: N/R
2023 Stats: 11 G, 103 ATT, 800 Yds, 8 TD, 27 REC, 197 Yds, 3 TD
Why Is He In The Top Ten?
It may sound extreme to put a rising second year running back in a top ten list after just 11 games of work due to injury. But in those eleven games, he totaled close to 1,000 scrimmage yards and eleven scrimmage touchdowns. With that pace, he would’ve ranked second in rushing yardage, fourth in scrimmage yardage and third in scrimmage touchdowns. Had he done that, he would’ve been in every top five list. Now, it was a shorter sample size, but his ability to take over the game with breakaway speed and elusiveness was huge. And he instantly became Miami’s RB1, even above the 21 scrimmage TD Raheem Mostert. He was also a crucial part in Miami’s 70-point affair against Denver. Achane is more than deserving of this recognition.
What’s in Store in 2024?
I expect Achane to continue to improve on what he did last year. That’s if he stays healthy. There is always a risk for these elusive backs to get hurt. But if he can stay on the field, he’ll easily get more carries than Mostert and the Dolphins will prioritize running the football. Not to mention he should be able to gain yardage easily with so many weapons around him. Expect a huge season from Achane in 2024.
2024 Projection: 221 ATT, 1,305 Yds, 10 TD, 50 REC, 345 Yds, 7 TD, PB, AP2, NFL100 | NYR: 2-5
8. Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions | Last year’s ranking: N/R
2023 Stats: 15 G, 182 ATT, 945 Yds, 10 TD, 52 REC, 316 Yds, 1 TD, PB
Why Is He In The Top Ten?
I have notoriously been a Jahmyr Gibbs hater. I didn’t think he was as good as advertised. And I will admit…I was wrong. Gibbs is an exceptional player. His ability as a runner and as a receiver makes him a dangerous weapon on this Lions offense. He overtook David Montgomery as the RB1 as the season went on, and he did it as a rookie. He’s elusive, he’s quick with the ball in his hands. His smaller frame makes him less of a threat against taller and bigger linebackers, but it all off-sets with his speed and acceleration. That’s why he was a Pro Bowler in year one.
What’s in Store in 2024?
Last season, Gibbs didn’t find his groove in Detroit until a few weeks in, as the Lions were figuring out where to put him in the offense and the role he would he play. That three-to-four week period won’t happen this year, which will allow Gibbs to make an impact right away. That will help improve his numbers. And he’ll continue to receive a larger role as Montgomery is used less and less in the offense. I expect another great season from Gibbs in his sophomore campaign.
2024 Projection: 218 ATT, 1,069 Yds, 12 TD, 63 REC, 410 Yds, 5 TD, NFL100 | NYR: 3-6
7. Bijan Robinson, Falcons | Last year’s ranking: N/R
2023 Stats: 17 G, 214 ATT, 976 Yds, 4 TD, 58 REC, 487 Yds, 4 TD
Why Is He In The Top Ten?
I don’t think people are grasping how impressive it was for Bijan to have the year he had. The sixth most yards from scrimmage for a rookie running back is beyond incredible. And it’s the way he did it, and in the position he was in. He came into a system that starred dual-threat RB/WR Cordarrelle Patterson and 2022 1,000 yard rusher Tyler Allgeier—and even other offensive weapons like Drake London and Kyle Pitts—and became the team’s No. 1 offensive option with close 1500 scrimmage yards. It’s not like his quarterback play was helping take attention off him either, with the Falcons going to the combo of Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke. Safe to say Bijan had an impressive year.
What’s in Store in 2024?
Who’s his quarterback this year? Kirk Cousins, a guy who will set others up for opportunities and will be feared by opposing defenses. That will set up so many more opportunities for Robinson, who like Gibbs, will now get the RB1 carries from day one. That will be huge. Don’t be surprised to see Robinson towards the top of the league in scrimmage yards, and even find his way in the end zone more this coming season.
2024 Projection: 231 ATT, 1,179 Yds, 7 TD, 70 REC, 483 Yds, 6 TD, PB, NFL100 | NYR: 2-6
6. Saquon Barkley, Eagles | Last year’s ranking: 4
2023 Projection: 271 ATT, 1,246 yards, 7 TD’s
2023 Stats: 14 G, 247 ATT, 962 Yds, 6 TD, 41 REC, 280 Yds, 4 TD, NFL100 (86)
Why Is He In The Top Ten?
He’s a dual-threat weapon. He has been since he entered the league. He hasn’t always had much talent around him, but he’s produced. That’s why he totaled over 1600 yards of scrimmage in 2022 in 16 games. He hasn’t reached the 2,000 scrimmage yard threshold that he surpassed in his rookie season, but that’s the type of weapon he is. He is a great cutter and moves well around the field. He finds the gaps, but he just lacks the explosiveness like other running backs have. However, over 1200 scrimmage yards and ten total touchdowns while missing three games is incredible. And it’s usual Saquon Barkley-type play.
What’s in Store in 2024?
The things that made him struggle were injuries and the lack of talent around him in New York. Injuries are out of his control. But the talent around him has changed, with him joining Philadelphia in the offseason. They have perhaps the most offensive talent in the league from their QB, to the WR core, to the O-Line. That will help him create more opportunities for him, which should raise his YPC total that reached a weirdly low 3.9 last year. And I expect him to have a great year if he stays healthy.
2024 Projection: 242 ATT, 1,137 Yds, 5 TD, 51 REC, 342 Yds, 3 TD, NFL100 | NYR: 7-HM
5. Breece Hall | Last year’s ranking: 10
2023 Projection: 176 ATT, 1,003 yards, 5 TD’s
2023 Stats: 17 G, 223 ATT, 994 Yds, 5 TD, 76 REC, 591 Yds, 4 TD
Why Is He In The Top Ten?
Because he’s one of the most elusive and electrifying players in the sport. I’ve been high on Hall since day one. I put him on the list last year after just seven contests in 2022. And that’s because I knew the talent in him was there, and it just didn’t have as much time to release. So he recovers from his 2022 ACL tear accumulates the second most scrimmage yards of any running back last year. The reason why Hall is actually lower on my list than in others where he’s ranked 2nd or 3rd is because of his inconsistency. Hall had a nine game stretch where he didn’t surpass 50 yards rushing, and eleven games total without that amount. If you strip out his three 100 yard games last year, he was an okay running back with some receiving talent. However, he did have those games, and still achieved over 1500 scrimmage yards with perhaps the worst QB and offensive line play in football last year. And his explosiveness and speed in the open field makes him one of the league’s top backs.
What’s in Store in 2024?
Now with Aaron Rodgers healthy and the Jets improving their offensive line with several new starters, Hall should theoretically have more opportunities to thrive in 2024. On the flip side of that, Rodgers healthy means more passes downfield, which leads to less of those screens and ‘gain yards after the catch throws’ that Hall was given last year. He’ll probably produce just as many yards as he did last year. But his ability as a runner will definitely improve.
2024 Projection: 231 ATT, 1,201 Yds, 8 TD, 67 REC, 463 Yds, 3 TD, PB, NFL100 | NYR: 2-6
4. Nick Chubb, Browns | Last year’s ranking: 3
2023 Projection: 287 ATT, 1,492 yards, 13 TD's
2023 Stats: 2 G, 28 ATT, 170 Yds, 0 TD, 4 REC, 21 Yds, 0 TD
Why Is He In The Top Ten?
This may sound too low or too high for Chubb depending on how you look at it. Some may view this as too low, with Chubb continuously playing at a high caliber, and his injury shouldn’t affect his ranking. But others will say this is too high for a close to 29 year old running back coming off of a serious knee injury who will miss some time in 2024 because of it. I try to weigh both: what he’s done, and what he can do after this injury. And I think this is a fair ranking. He was running the ball at a career-best level before going down with injury early in his second contest. The year before he rushed for over 1500 yards and 12 TD. So until we see the possible drop-off in his play, I have to give Chubb the recognition he deserves, while also recognizing that he may not ever be at that level again.
What’s in Store in 2024?
Chubb is expected to miss some time this coming season. About half the season, making sure he fully recovers from an injury that appeared career-ending when it happened. So the million-dollar question is how the knee injury will affect his play. Personally, I believe it won’t hurt him as much as it would any other running back. Chubb isn’t dominant because he’s fast and electric. He’s explosive, but that’s because of his consistency and physicality, which leads to significant yardage after contact. Now, you have to think the injury will affect him on some level. However, I think he’ll still do great things when in a uniform this year, however long that may be.
**His following stats are for nine games, which seems like a reasonable estimate of how many games he’ll play this season***
2024 Projection: 126 ATT, 605 Yds, 7 TD, 11 REC, 92 Yds, 0 TD | NYR: 5-HM
3. Kyren Williams, Rams | Last year’s ranking: N/A
2023 Stats: 12 G, 228 ATT, 1,144 Yds, 12 TD, 32 REC, 206 Yds, 3 TD, PB, AP2, NFL100 (78)
Why Is He In The Top Ten?
In his second year in the league, and in just 12 games, Williams managed to lead the NFL in rushing yards per game and touchdowns per game while making Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. To do that in a season where he came in as the RB2 in a passing system and in his second year is beyond impressive. Williams wasn’t much of an asset in the receiving game, but everything he does in the running game makes up for it. He has the breakaway speed and explosiveness like any of the top backs in the league, but combines it with a physical play style that allows him to be a goal-line threat and a productive runner in short yardage situations. He has the whole package as a wingback.
What’s in Store?
I find it hard to believe Williams will have another All-Pro type season. The Rams will probably run through the passing game a little more, with Cooper Kupp most likely getting more touches now that he is fully recovered from his 2022 injury. The Rams also added Corum, which could take away from his red zone looks. But if he can stay healthy, he’ll have another great season.
2024 Projection: 255 ATT, 1,199 Yds, 8 TD, 51 REC, 347 Yds, 4 TD, PB, NFL100 | NYR: 2-6
2. Derrick Henry, Ravens | Last year’s ranking: 2
2023 Projection: 338 ATT, 1,453 yards, 9 TD’s
2023 Stats: 280 ATT, 1,167 Yds, 12 TD, 28 REC, 214 Yds, 0 TD, PB, NFL100 (49)
Why Is He In The Top Ten?
He’s Derrick Henry. While he’s 30—close to 31—years old, there is still so much that Henry does to benefit the running game. While his speed is no longer what it was when he ran for 2,000 yards in 2020, or led the league in rushing in 2019, his physicality and strength has not gone away. That’s why he ran for 12 touchdowns last year, the 7th most in the National Football League. He is still a great runner, and was second in the league in rushing last year. That’s pretty good for a player everyone is ready to label as ‘washed’. And whether he has that burst of the speed he used to have or not, he is still feared by opposing defenses because of how dominant he is.
What’s in Store in 2024?
Henry will probably have a similarly productive season this coming year, but for a different reason. He joined Baltimore in the offseason, which should mean he is not as demanded to perform as he was in Tennessee. And the talent around him is much better than it was with the Titans. But at the same time, Henry—who has led the league in carries in his last four healthy seasons—won’t get the ball as much, as only Mark Ingram has totaled 200 carries in an offense with Lamar Jackson, where he was given 202 carries in 2019. So Henry is coming into an offense that doesn’t need him as much, which will be good and bad for his personal performance.
2024 Projection: 229 ATT, 1,054 Yds, 15 TD, 356 Yds, 5 TD, PB, NFL100 | NYR: 4-8
1. Christian McCaffrey, 49ers | Last year’s ranking: 1
2023 Projection: 238 ATT, 1,142 yards, 11 TD’s
2023 Stats: 272 ATT, 1,459 Yds, 14 TD, 67 REC, 564 Yds, 7 TD, PB, AP1, OPOY, NFL100 (3)
Why Is He In The Top Ten?
Let me put Christian McCaffrey’s season into perspective. He led the NFL with 1,459 yards, 292 yards more than Henry, who was second in rushing. The difference between Henry and the 21st highest rusher (Devin Singletary) is 269 yards. That’s how much better McCaffrey was than everyone else. That’s why he was the only position player voted as a finalist for MVP. That’s why he won Offensive Player of the Year, the only running back to be voted as a finalist in that category. That’s why he was rated the top running back by his peers, and by ESPN. Yes, CMAC has talent around him. But he makes that talent thrive, not the other way around. His ability as a runner, but mainly as a receiver makes him the most dangerous dual-threat weapon the game has to offer. And frankly, there is no debate for who the top back in the league is. It’s McCaffrey…and then everyone else.
What’s in Store in 2024?
I don’t see a reason why he’ll slow down, if he stays healthy. The 49ers offense will run at a just as effective level, and if anything will allow McCaffrey to get the ball more. Brock Purdy isn’t expected to expand his game to throwing the deep ball more often, so McCaffrey will get a lot of those short-to-intermediate throws. As it stands today, McCaffrey is the best at his position, and just like he did last year, he’ll be ranked first again on next year’s list.
2024 Projection: 281 ATT, 1,489 Yds, 13 TD, 74 REC, 659 Yds, 9 TD, PB, AP1, NFL100 | NYR: 1
So McCaffrey lands at the number one spot for the second consecutive season. But how did my prediction for this year’s list turn out to be?
So…Yeah…Not Great
Nick Chubb
Christian McCaffrey
Jonathan Taylor
Saquon Barkley
Derrick Henry
Austin Ekeler
Breece Hall
Dameon Pierce
Aaron Jones
Tony Pollard
I did not expect the drop offs from Austin Ekeler and Dameon Pierce, and Tony Pollard and Aaron Jones are just no longer better than some of the rookies from last year. Let’s run it back:
What 2025’s List Will Look Like (Maybe):
Christian McCaffrey
De’Von Achane
Breece Hall
Bijan Robinson
Jahmyr Gibbs
Kyren Williams
Derrick Henry
Jonathan Taylor
Saquon Barkley
Jaylen Warren/Zamir White
Alright, two positional rankings down. One to go. Stayed tuned for our fan-favorite QB rankings list coming later this week!
Chase Coburn
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