The running back position is arguably the most replaceable in the NFL, as teams can use a variety of options to move the ball on the ground. But having a stable of capable running backs (or one great lead back) can elevate an offense even in today’s pass-happy version of the league. Here, we rank the running back groups for each NFL team so that bettors can use these rankings to help with their NFL betting in 2023.
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32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Key Players at this Position: Rachaad White, Chase Edmonds
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished at the bottom of the NFL in rushing yards per game and per carry last season. That could stay the same in 2023, as the Buccaneers running back group is one of the worst in the league, and has earned the bottom spot in our NFL running back rankings. Rachaad White is not an NFL-caliber starting running back, and the Bucs will continue to struggle to move the ball on the ground with him and Chase Edmonds as their one-two punch.
31. Seattle Seahawks
Key Players at this Position: Kenneth Walker III, Zach Charbonnet
Kenneth Walker III was a 1,000 yard rusher for the Seattle Seahawks last season, but that was an average of just 70 yards per game for the lead back in the Pacific Northwest. This season, Walker will continue to be a perfectly adequate back, but he doesn’t have a ton of experienced help at his position either. Zach Charbonnet is a rookie out of UCLA, who could have a nice career, but this backfield group hasn’t proven anything outside of Walker just yet.
30. Dallas Cowboys
Key Players at this Position: Tony Pollard, Ronald Jones, Deuce Vaughn
With Zeke Elliott having completely deteriorated at running back, the Dallas Cowboys have moved on from him this year. Tony Pollard is a fine lead back, as he barely crossed the 1,000 yard threshold a season ago. Where things get interesting is after Pollard, as Deuce Vaughn could be a nice change of pace option and a pass-catching back in the future. But a lack of established running back depth hurts Dallas in our NFL running back rankings.
29. Chicago Bears
Key Players at this Position: D’Onta Foreman, Khalil Herbert
The Chicago Bears’ best running back may be their quarterback, Justin Fields. Chicago led the league in rushing last season, thanks in large part to their complete inability to pass the ball. D’Onta Foreman joins them as their top backfield option this year. Foreman is a nice flex piece for fantasy players, but has never proven himself as a back who can carry the rushing load for a team. Meanwhile, Khalil Herbert is more of a kick returner than a running back, as the Bears are not likely to impress at this position in 2023.
28. Houston Texans
Key Players at this Position: Dameon Pierce, Devin Singletary
Texans starting running back Dameon Pierce finished 17th in the NFL in rushing individually last season. But that was more a product of the Texans being one of eight teams to fail to throw for 200 yards per game than it was about Pierce’s ability as a runner. This year, Pierce is joined in the Texans backfield by Devin Singletary, a versatile back who could benefit from being in a less pass-heavy offense than he was in as a member of the Buffalo Bills. Still, the duo of Pierce and Singletary is less than exciting.
27. New England Patriots
Key Players at this Position: Rhamondre Stevenson
As any fantasy football player knows, the New England Patriots do not prioritize having a star running back. They typically use the element of surprise from the running back position, as it is hard to tell where their production is going to come from. This year’s Patriots team may not have a choice but to use a ton of Rhamondre Stevenson due to a lack of depth. But even with Stevenson, who knows how the Patriots will use their backs in 2023.
26. Minnesota Vikings
Key Players at this Position: Alexander Mattison
Minnesota lost a couple of key skill position players in 2023, and one of those players was Dalvin Cook from their running back group. That leaves Alexander Mattison as their primary running back, which is not terrible, but their overall running back situation is not great either. After Mattison on the depth chart are Ty Chandler and DeWayne McBride. All of that is to say that Mattison better remain healthy in 2023.
25. Denver Broncos
Key Players at this Position: Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine
There are a couple of important changes at play for the Denver Broncos at the running back position in 2023. First, Javonte Williams should be back from injury, while Melvin Gordon is no longer around to steal his carries and production. But Samaje Perine is a nice backup option for the Broncos, as they look to establish a running game that can help take some of the pressure off of Russell Wilson in year one under Sean Payton.
24. Los Angeles Chargers
Key Players at this Position: Austin Ekeler
From a fantasy football perspective, Austin Ekeler is a great running back, as he can do damage both on the ground and as a receiver. But from a real football perspective, the Chargers need a back who can run the ball more effectively. The Chargers averaged under 90 rushing yards per game a season ago, with Ekeler only amassing 915 yards on the ground. Only the Texans and Bucs averaged fewer rushing yards per game, and the Bolts are unlikely to fix their running game issues this coming season.
23. Detroit Lions
Key Players at this Position: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery
The Detroit Lions lost a couple of high-level running back talents in the offseason, with D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams going elsewhere. But we are excited about the duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery going into 2023. Gibbs averaged 6.1 yards per carry at Alabama last season, and he and Montgomery should make for a formidable duo in Gibbs’ first year as a pro.
22. New York Jets
Key Players at this Position: Breece Hall, Michael Carter
Breece Hall getting injured last season was heartbreaking, not just for the New York Jets, but also for fans of good running back play in general. This season, Hall should be back at some point, and the question will be whether he can pick up where he left off before having his rookie campaign taken out from under him. For now, we will put the Jets in the low-20s on this list, as both Hall and the depth around him could perform well, but we aren’t sure just yet.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Key Players at this Position: Joe Mixon
Joe Mixon is another back who can impact games in a variety of ways, as he amassed over 1,200 scrimmage yards last season. His rushing numbers alone leave a little to be desired, as he barely crossed the 800-yard mark in 2022. But Mixon fits in very nicely in the Bengals’ offense, which will continue to be one of the best offenses in all of football again this coming season.
20. Arizona Cardinals
Key Players at this Position: James Conner
James Conner is going to have to do a lot of heavy lifting if the Arizona Cardinals are going to be a productive team on the ground in 2023. Arizona was a slightly below average team in terms of rushing yards per game and per carry last season. But some of that had to do with the Cardinals being behind in so many of their games. Still, the lack of depth behind Conner this season is a concern, as Keaontay Ingram and Corey Clement are next up should Conner miss any time.
19. Kansas City Chiefs
Key Players at this Position: Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon, Clyde Edwards-Helaire
The Kansas City Chiefs have a group of versatile running backs that can meet all of the needs of an Andy Reid offense. None of their backs are going to be among the league leaders in rushing, but they will do what is needed to keep the ball moving an an offense where the focal point will always be Patrick Mahomes.
18. Carolina Panthers
Key Players at this Position: Miles Sanders, Chuba Hubbard
Miles Sanders feasted last season, rushing for the fifth most yards and scoring 11 times on the ground in 2022 with the Philadelphia Eagles. This season, he will have a much tougher task ahead of him, as he will be one of the focal points of the Carolina offense. That could result in a drop in production, especially around the goal line, but Sanders and Chuba Hubbard are still a solid tandem in the middle of our NFL running back rankings.
17. Los Angeles Rams
Key Players at this Position: Cam Akers, Sony Michel
The LA Rams were near the bottom of the league in rushing yards per game, even with a quality running back tandem on their roster in Cam Akers and Sony Michel. A huge reason for that poor showing on the ground was that Matthew Stafford was not right physically. With Stafford and Cooper Kupp healthy once again, the Rams should be able to use their running game more effectively.
16. Buffalo Bills
Key Players at this Position: James Cook, Damien Harris, Latavius Murray, Nyheim Hines
The Buffalo Bills running back group may be the most middling group in the league, especially since they aren’t asked to carry the offensive load to elevate any of their individual components. They add Latavius Murray this season, as Murray continues his late career campaign to become Great Value Frank Gore. Overall, you could do much worse than this group, but they aren’t anything to write home about either.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers
Key Players at this Position: Najee Harris
Najee Harris broke the 1,000 yard mark on the ground last season, but did so while averaging 3.8 yards per carry. He is a true three yards and a cloud of dust running back, in an age where that is not good enough to win games a lot of the time. But things could certainly be worse, as the Steelers have someone they can count on to remain on the field for Kenny Pickett to hand the ball to.
14. Miami Dolphins
Key Players at this Position: Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson
This is about the point in our NFL running back rankings where the running back groups listed start to really make a difference for their teams. Miami has a couple of backs who can make big contributions in Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr., which could only help their passing game continue to be one of the best in the league.
13. Jacksonville Jaguars
Key Players at this Position: Travis Etienne Jr.
In his first season after missing his rookie campaign with an injury, Travis Etienne got his pro career off to a promising start in 2022 with the Jaguars. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry and broke 1,100 yards on the ground, adding another 316 receiving yards. His touchdown numbers weren’t great, tallying only five scores on the season, but Etienne should continue to get better in his second year in the NFL in 2023.
12. Green Bay Packers
Key Players at this Position: Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon
The Green Bay Packers are in an interesting spot at the running back position going into 2023. The duo of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon is clearly one of the better tandems in the NFL. But things will be tougher for them from a production standpoint this year, as they face a steep quarterback downgrade by going from Aaron Rodgers last year to Jordan Love this year. It will be interesting to see how this duo copes with that change.
11. Washington Commanders
Key Players at this Position: Brian Robinson Jr., Antonio Gibson
Antonio Gibson has been one of the most consistently productive dual-threat running backs in the NFL over the last couple of seasons, something fantasy-focused football fans can attest to. Combined with Brian Robinson, who every football fan on the planet will be cheering for in his first full season back from surviving a shooting, the Commanders have a strong running back group that they will need given their quarterback situation.
10. Baltimore Ravens
Key Players at this Position: JK Dobbins, Gus Edwards, Justice Hill
While the best running back on the Ravens is clearly Lamar Jackson, the actual running backs in Baltimore are good enough to crack the top-10 in our NFL running back rankings. JK Dobbins was averaging 5.7 yards per carry last season before he got injured, as the backs on this team benefit from the ability of the Ravens to manipulate defenses at the mesh point on shotgun runs. That will continue this season, and a full healthy season from Dobbins could result in huge production.
9. Philadelphia Eagles
Key Players at this Position: D’Andre Swift, Rashaad Penny, Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott
The Philadelphia Eagles are strong enough at running back that their fourth string running back exists solely to score touchdowns against a NFC East division rival. Even with Miles Sanders leaving for Carolina, the Eagles have reloaded with D’Andre Swift set to take over as their primary back. But there is plenty of depth here and the Eagles should be able to move the ball both on the ground and through the air in 2023.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Key Players at this Position: Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Cordarrelle Patterson
Last season, the duo of Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson was insanely productive for the Atlanta Falcons, making a pretty bleak Falcons offense seem competent. This year, the Falcons will be even better on the ground, as they added former Texas Longhorn Bijan Robinson to their stable of backs. Robinson could easily win Offensive Rookie of the Year as he should take the Atlanta running game to an even higher level.
7. New York Giants
Key Players at this Position: Saquon Barkley, Matt Breida
The New York Giants are dealing with some contract drama with Saquon Barkley, but on the field Barkley is one of the best running backs in the game today. He more than makes up for the lack of depth in the Giants backfield, as the former Penn State Nittany Lion rushed for just over 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns a season ago.
6. Tennessee Titans
Key Players at this Position: Derrick Henry
The Tennessee Titans find themselves in a similar position to the New York Giants going into this season. Derrick Henry is one of the great workhorse backs in the NFL today, but this team has virtually no depth at the running back position. That should be fine for this season, though Henry’s health is a concern after a couple of injury-plagued seasons in Tennessee.
5. New Orleans Saints
Key Players at this Position: Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams
Starting off the top-five of our NFL running back rankings are the New Orleans Saints. Pairing Alvin Kamara with Jamaal Williams this season is an extremely exciting proposition, after Williams led the NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns in 2022. Even if Kamara is hit with some sort of suspension this season, the Saints will be just fine in the backfield.
4. Las Vegas Raiders
Key Players at this Position: Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs led the NFL in rushing last season with 1,653 yards, despite the Raiders forcing him to take preseason carries last summer. He didn’t lose a fumble last season, and averaged 4.9 yards per carry, all of which is simply incredible. Jacobs will stabilize the Raiders offense early this season, as Jimmy Garoppolo gets comfortable in his new surroundings, with Jacobs earning the Raiders a top-five spot in our NFL running back rankings.
3. Cleveland Browns
Key Players at this Position: Nick Chubb
Only three running backs broke 1,500 yards on the ground last season, and Nick Chubb was one of them for the Cleveland Browns. Chubb could very well lead the league in rushing this season, as he averaged a massive 5.1 yards per carry in 2022 and will be just as dangerous this year. With Deshaun Watson set to play his first full season in nearly three years, Chubb’s value cannot be overstated.
2. San Francisco 49ers
Key Players at this Position: Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell
Christian McCaffrey helped take the San Francisco 49ers offense to another level last season after he was traded to the Niners from Carolina. In his first full season as a Niner, look for McCaffrey to contribute in multiple ways to this offense. On top of that, a healthy Elijah Mitchell for a full season will allow the Niners to use all of their versatile skill position players in some fascinating ways.
1. Indianapolis Colts
Key Players at this Position: Jonathan Taylor, Zack Moss
Jonathan Taylor played just 11 games last season, racking up 861 rushing yards in those 11 contests. This season, the Indianapolis Colts will lean heavily on him from their first game to their last, as they come into this year with an ugly quarterback situation that they need to paper over. As long as Taylor can stay on the field, the Colts will deserve to be number one in our NFL running back rankings for this year.
Other NFL Position Rankings
Leading up to the 2023 NFL season, we will be ranking each team at each position group, to help you with your NFL handicapping. As each position group is ranked, links will be available below for your reading pleasure.