NFL Running Back Rankings for 2025: A Comprehensive Look 🏈
The 2025 NFL season is upon us, and as teams finalize their rosters, one of the most scrutinized positions remains the running back group. The depth, talent, and varying styles in the backfield can make or break a season. Let’s take a closer look at how all 32 teams stack up based on their running back units.
1. Baltimore Ravens 🐦
The Ravens grab the top spot, showcasing the NFL’s highest-graded running back from last season: Derrick Henry. With a PFF rushing grade of 93.5 and an impressive 89 missed tackles forced, Henry is a force to be reckoned with. He averaged 6.0 yards per carry, a feat that remains hard to believe considering his performance trajectory.
Supporting Henry, Justice Hill, a highly efficient third-down back, posted an 89.0 PFF receiving grade, ranking fourth among running backs—he remarkably caught all 52 of his targets. Keaton Mitchell also adds value with a stellar 92.5 rushing grade in limited action last season, while Rasheen Ali brings special teams expertise.
2. Detroit Lions 🦁
Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery form a dynamic duo for Detroit. Gibbs impressed with a 91.4 PFF rushing grade, placing third among qualified backs, while also being second in yards per carry at 5.7. Montgomery contributed effectively as well, finishing 16th in PFF rushing grade, with a notable 90.7 PFF receiving grade.
However, the Lions' depth chart lacks experience beyond these two, with Craig Reynolds being the next most seasoned player with only 152 career carries.
3. Atlanta Falcons 🦅
Atlanta shines with one of the league’s most electrifying backfields, headlined by Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. Robinson earned a remarkable 92.8 PFF rushing grade and showcased his dual-threat ability with an 82.2 receiving grade. Allgeier distinguished himself too, with an impressive 85.7 PFF rushing grade across 137 carries. Depth beyond this duo is minimal, putting pressure on them to stay healthy.
4. Philadelphia Eagles 🦅
Saquon Barkley’s performance last season catapulted Philadelphia into this list. In both regular-season and postseason play, Barkley rushed for over 2,500 yards, forcing 83 missed tackles and achieving 55 explosive runs. He’ll be supported by AJ Dillon and Will Shipley in 2025. Though Dillon was sidelined last season, he recorded a solid 76.1 PFF rushing grade the year prior, while Shipley is poised for a primary kick-return role.
5. Seattle Seahawks 🐾
Seattle possesses remarkable depth in its running back room. Kenneth Walker III led the charge with a substantial 91.3 PFF rushing grade despite appearing in only 11 matches. Zach Charbonnet also showcased his capabilities, ranking among the top 20 with a solid 78.8 PFF rushing grade. They’ve also added seventh-round rookie Damien Martinez, who shone at Miami with a phenomenal 94.4 rushing grade.
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 🏴☠️
Bucky Irving’s stellar rookie performance elevated the Buccaneers into the top-tier rankings. His 90.8 PFF overall grade placed him fourth among running backs. Rachaad White complemented Irving with a respectable 73.8 PFF overall mark, proving he can fill a significant role. Even third-stringer Sean Tucker delivered with an impressive 80.0 mark last season, making Tampa Bay a formidable force.
7. Green Bay Packers 🧀
Josh Jacobs had a breakout first season with the Packers, achieving a 92.3 PFF overall grade that ranked third among running backs. His performance included ranks in both rushing and receiving grades, indicating his versatility. Emanuel Wilson followed suit, marking an excellent 86.3 PFF rushing grade during his second NFL campaign. A potential breakout from third-round pick Marshawn Lloyd could elevate this group even further.
8. Buffalo Bills 🦬
The Bills have assembled a versatile group of running backs. James Cook stood out with a remarkable 88.6 PFF rushing grade and led the league in rushing touchdowns. Rookie Ray Davis added depth with 120 carries and a solid 73.1 PFF grade. Ty Johnson offers reliability as a pass catcher, claiming a top-10 PFF receiving grade among qualifiers in 2024.
9. Arizona Cardinals 🌵
James Conner’s stellar play cannot be overlooked, ranking second in the NFL with a 92.2 PFF rushing grade while forcing 128 missed tackles in the past two seasons. Behind him, Trey Benson and Emari Demercado both showed promise, though Conner remains the focal point of the backfield for now.
10. Carolina Panthers 🐾
The Panthers have quickly developed two starting-caliber running backs behind a strong offensive line. Chuba Hubbard ranked ninth in PFF rushing grade, while Rico Dowdle notched his first 1,000-yard season. The Panthers also added Trevor Etienne, who could inject youthful energy into the mix as they build around Bryce Young.
Rounding Out the Rankings
The rankings continue with ample talent and some teams that still have work to do:
11. Minnesota Vikings: Aaron Jones continues to impress, with valuable support from Jordan Mason.
12. San Francisco 49ers: Christian McCaffrey’s prowess shines despite health concerns.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: With the drafting of Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders look to reinvent their backfield.
14. Washington Commanders: A deep backfield led by Brian Robinson Jr. has potential but lacks a single star.
15. Los Angeles Chargers: Draft pick Omarion Hampton and free agent Najee Harris will aim to stabilize the position.
16. Indianapolis Colts: Jonathan Taylor circles back to form alongside Khalil Herbert to round out the unit's depth.
Transitioning Teams
Many franchises are still rebuilding their running back units, including:
17. New York Jets: Breece Hall needs to bounce back, complemented by rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis.
- 18. Miami Dolphins: With a blend of inexperience and potential, De'Von Achane and Jaylen Wright lead the way.
19. Houston Texans: Joe Mixon continues to be reliable, but depth remains a concern.
20. Tennessee Titans: A productive duo in Pollard and Spears will be tested.
21. New Orleans Saints: Although aging, Alvin Kamara remains productive but lacks depth behind him.
22. New England Patriots: With Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson, the team is looking for balance.
Struggling Units
Several teams are grappling with challenges that may impede their performance:
23. Los Angeles Rams: Kyren Williams faces concerns over his ball security, while depth options remain untested.
24. Kansas City Chiefs: Injuries hampered Isiah Pacheco's last season, while Kareem Hunt tried to step up with limited explosive plays.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby will need to elevate their performance for more offensive balance.
26. Pittsburgh Steelers: Retaining Jaylen Warren for depth, but they lack a true standout.
27. Cincinnati Bengals: A need for balance in their high-octane offense.
28. Denver Broncos: New additions hope to revamp the struggling backfield.
29. Cleveland Browns: Newly drafted talents looking to revitalize their competitive edge.
30. Chicago Bears: A weak backfield that struggles to assert itself.
31. New York Giants: Bringing back leading ball carriers but not significantly upgrading the unit.
32. Dallas Cowboys: After key departures, the new pair of Williams and Sanders must step up in a big way.
The running back landscape in the NFL is continually evolving. As we eagerly await the games, the performance of these athletes will play a vital role in determining the fate of their teams this season. 🏈✨