The Top 10 Running Backs In The NFL For 2024
The running back position consists of some of the most talented and athletic players in the NFL, and despite the league becoming more pass-heavy, the position is still alive and well. Who are the best rushers in the league? Here are the top 10 running backs in the NFL for 2024.
Honorable Mentions
Josh Jacobs, GB
Kenneth Walker III, SEA
Alvin Kamara, NO
Tony Pollard, TEN
De'Von Achane, MIA
Rachaad White, TB
10: Travis Etienne, JAX, Age: 25
Travis Etienne has put together two excellent seasons to start his NFL career. Not only has he been great rushing, but he's also a threat in the passing game. Etienne would be higher, but he was inconsistent last year compared to his rookie year when he went from 5.1 yards per carry to 3.8 yards per carry.
Either way, Etienne showed how important he is to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was one of the main reasons they started 8-3 before star quarterback Trevor Lawrence suffered multiple injuries. Etienne is in for another big year, especially if Jacksonville continues to improve its offensive line.
2023 Stats: 17 G, 267 Att, 1,008 Rush Yds, 11 TD, 58 Rec, 476 Rec Yds, 1 TD
Playoffs: N/A
Accolades: N/A
9: Kyren Williams, LAR, Age: 23
Kyren Williams had an unbelievable season, making the Pro Bowl and the All-Pro second team despite only playing 12 games. Williams led the NFL in rushing yards per game at 95.3, and if he had played the whole season, he would've had a real shot at making the All-Pro first team.
The Rams continue to find ways to succeed no matter what is thrown their way. Williams was a fifth-round draft pick in 2022, and he's quickly proving he was one of the top steals of his class. Williams's age of 23 is also something to be excited about because this means his best years in the NFL are ahead.
2023 Stats: 12 G, 228 Att, 1,144 Rush Yds, 12 TD, 32 Rec, 206 Rec Yds, 3 TD
Playoffs: 1 G, 13 Att, 61 Rush Yds
Accolades: 1x Pro Bowl
8: Jahmyr Gibbs, DET, Age: 22
Jahmyr Gibbs was excellent in his rookie season, even though he shared carries with David Montgomery. Gibbs showed that he is one of the fastest and shiftiest running backs in the NFL. He will undoubtedly have significantly more touches in 2024 and should quickly establish himself as the leader of the Detroit backfield.
Many fans thought taking Gibbs 12th overall in the 2023 draft was a reach and would be a mistake, but nobody is saying that anymore. Detroit will again be one of the best teams in the NFC with the help of Gibbs. Expect 1,000 plus rushing yards and 500 plus receiving yards from him this season.
2023 Stats: 15 G, 182 Att, 945 Rush Yds, 10 TD, 52 Rec, 316 Rec Yds, 1 TD
Playoffs: 3 G, 29 Att, 144 Rush Yds, 3 TD, 11 Rec, 94 Rec Yds
7: Saquon Barkley, PHI, Age: 27
Saquon Barkley is now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles and will be running behind one of the best offensive line groups in the NFL. This would lead many to believe Barkley should be higher on the list, but his injury history is scary. His goal-line touches may also be limited due to Jalen Hurts and the "tush push."
Barkley missed three games last season but still put together an excellent year, and as long as he stays healthy, the Eagles will be even scarier than they have been in the past few years. Barkley will surely open up opportunities for other teammates, including Hurts, who likes to run the ball himself.
2023 Stats: 14 G, 247 Att, 962 Rush Yds, 6 TD, 41 Rec, 280 Rec Yds, 4 TD
Playoffs: N/A
Accolades: 2x Pro Bowl, 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year
6: Breece Hall, NYJ, Age: 23
Breece Hall returned from his ACL tear by putting up over 1,500 yards from scrimmage. Hall looked like he had never been injured, which was an excellent sign for the New York Jets. He is great in the receiving game, and Aaron Rodgers finally being healthy will only help his receiving numbers.
Hall is only going to get better, and within a few years, he may be in the conversation for Offensive Player of the Year, considering how impactful he is running the ball and in the receiving game. The Jets are looking to return to the playoffs, and a healthy Hall and Rodgers duo would do wonders for them.
2023 Stats: 17 G, 223 Att, 994 Rush Yds, 5 TD, 76 Rec, 591 Rec Yds, 4 TD
Playoffs: N/A
Accolades: N/A
5: Jonathan Taylor, IND, Age: 25
Jonathan Taylor was the best running back in football in 2021 after he put up over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 20 touchdowns. After 2021, Taylor has dealt with multiple injuries as he's only played in 21 games over the last two years combined. When healthy, Taylor is as good as any running back in the league, but he's becoming unreliable with his injuries.
Taylor and young quarterback Anthony Richardson have the potential to dominate the run game as long as they both stay healthy. The Colts continue to improve, and Taylor has many years left in the tank. The NFL is better when he's healthy. Taylor has a great combination of size and speed, and he's nearly impossible to bring down in the open field.
2023 Stats: 10 G, 169 Att, 741 Rush Yds, 7 TD, 19 Rec, 153 Rec Yds, 1 TD
Playoffs: N/A
Accolades: 1x Pro Bowl, 1x All-Pro, 1x Rushing Title, 1x TD Leader
4: Bijan Robinson, ATL, Age: 22
Bijan Robinson had a great rookie year, but Arthur Smith still didn't use him to his full potential, which was puzzling. Robinson now has a reliable quarterback in Kirk Cousins, so his receiving production will only increase along with his rushing attempts. Robinson is incredibly shifty and can evade any defender trying to bring him down.
Robinson should be at the top of the league in touches; there's no explanation for why his touches were limited last year. The Falcons are heading in the right direction and should be in playoff contention within a couple of years with Robinson in the backfield. Like Breece Hall, Robinson should easily put up more than 1,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards.
2023 Stats: 17 G, 214 Att, 976 Rush Yds, 4 TD, 58 Rec, 487 Rec Yds, 4 TD
Playoffs: N/A
Accolades: N/A
3: Nick Chubb, CLE, Age: 28
Nick Chubb had the best season of his career in 2022 before suffering that horrific injury against the Steelers last season. Chubb's mix of size and speed is unbelievable to watch. As long as he can come back healthy, he'll be in contention for the number one running back in the NFL. The Browns' excellent offensive line and Chubb's running ability are a match made in heaven.
Chubb has bounced back from serious injuries before, so there's no reason to assume his career is on the decline, at least for another few years, and even if he's not as explosive as he was before the injury, his size will still make it difficult to stop. The Browns are at their best when Chubb is running, so Browns fans should be optimistic.
2023 Stats: 2 G, 28 Att, 170 Rush Yds, 0 TD
Playoffs: N/A
Accolades: 4x Pro Bowl
2: Derrick Henry, BAL, Age: 30
Every year, many fans predict Derrick Henry will regress and become mediocre, but that hasn't happened. Henry is now a Baltimore Raven, which means he will be in one of the best-rushing systems in the NFL with quarterback Lamar Jackson. Henry is a monster with the ball in his hands, and he's been the hardest player to bring down over the past five-plus years.
The Ravens came up short again as they lost in the AFC Championship, but Henry might be the missing piece to help them dominate even more this season. Henry is 30 years old, but he's shown no signs of thinking about retiring anytime soon, so he finds himself firmly in the number two spot.
2023 Stats: 17 G, 280 Att, 1,167 Rush Yds, 12 TD, 28 Rec, 214 Rec Yds
Playoffs: N/A
Accolades: 1x OPOY, 4x Pro Bowl, 1x All-Pro, 2x Rushing Title, 2x TD Leader
1: Christian McCaffrey, SF, Age: 28
Christian McCaffrey is the consensus number-one running back in the NFL after winning Offensive Player of the Year in 2023. He put up over 2,000 yards from scrimmage with 21 total touchdowns. McCaffrey is the best receiving back in the NFL on top of his elite rushing ability and breakaway speed. McCaffrey has an injury history, but he's put together two straight, fully healthy seasons.
McCaffrey was also an MVP finalist, finishing in third place. The 49ers will be right back in Super Bowl contention and McCaffrey may win Offensive Player of the Year again. If Brandon Aiyuk gets traded, McCaffrey has a real chance to put up over 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards like he did in 2019.
2023 Stats: 16 G, 272 Att, 1,459 Rush Yds, 14 TD, 67 Rec, 564 Rec Yds, 7 TD
Playoffs: 3 G, 59 Att, 268 Rush Yds, 4 TD, 19 Rec, 152 Yds, 1 TD
Accolades: 1x OPOY, 3x Pro Bowl, 2x All-Pro, 1x Rushing Title
Read More NFL News From Stadium Rant Here: NFL News
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS:
Order your favorite whiskey or spirit for the big game right to your doorstep and use code STADIUMRANT10 for a 10% discount at Caskers
Use code STADIUMRANT20 for a 20% discount at Bulletproof Coffee, SwingJuice and Performix.
If you love to shotgun beers, use code STADIUMRANT10 at Wild Man Drinking Company.
MORE FROM STADIUM RANT:
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here. Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our Youtube channel and subscribe! Give our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok a follow for more great content!