PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles carries the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during a football game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Saquon Barkley, Eagles
He has over 100 rushing yards in four of his past five games, and in the one game, he didn’t get there, it was because the Eagles were up by more than 3 TDs against the Cowboys, so they stopped using him.
Christian McCaffrey, 49ers
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 13: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi’s Stadium on November 13, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
It has taken him a couple of games to get his legs back under him, but he was much better in game two than he was in game one. This is a must-win game for the 49ers, and you should expect to see CMC featured often.
De’Von Achane, Dolphins
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 07: De’Von Achane #28 of the Miami Dolphins rushes during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
He is one of the most effective RBs in the NFL. He is a great runner but also does a lot of work catching passes out of the backfield. He faces a Patriots team this weekend that ranks 20th against the run this season.
Joe Mixon, Texans
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JUNE 04: Joe Mixon #28 of the Houston Texans runs the ball during Mandatory Minicamp at Houston Methodist Training Center on June 04, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Although the Texans have underperformed this season, Mixon has arguably overperformed. He has carried the offense, and in his past six games, he has topped 100. yards five times and has scored nine rushing TDs.
Derrick Henry, Ravens
KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 05: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 5, 2024 in Kansas City, California. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
He has scored a TD in every game so far this season and a rushing TD in all but one game so far this season. QB Lamar Jackson gets most of the attention, but without Henry, the Ravens would be even worse than their 7-4 record.
Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 14: Kenneth Walker III #9 of the Seattle Seahawks runs the ball to score a 7 yard touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Levi’s Stadium on January 14, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Even though the Seahawks are a pass-first team, Walker still gets plenty of carries out of the backfield, and he has been involved in the passing game, too. He will be relied upon heavily this weekend in a battle for first place in the NFC West with the Cardinals.
Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 16: Jahmyr Gibbs #26 of the Detroit Lions runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Ford Field on December 16, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
He is one of the most explosive runners in the NFL and runs behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Couple that with the fact that he faces the 28th-ranked rush defense in the Colts this week, and Gibbs is going to have a big game.
Kyren Williams, Rams
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 25: Kyren Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Rams runs with the ball during the first half of the game against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
The Eagles are good against the run, so Kyren may not find a lot of running room, but he is a good pass catcher, and he has a nose for the endzone. He has scored 10 TD this season and will need to have a big game for the Rams to pull off the upset over Philly.
Josh Jacobs, Packers
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 17: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Green Bay Packers carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
I don’t like his matchup against the 49ers, but he is a focal point of the Packers offense, and he is involved in the passing game, too. This game is in GB, where Jacobs has averaged more than 5 yards per carry and 87 rushing yards per game.
James Conner, Cardinals
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 12: James Conner #6 celebrates with DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals after a touchdown during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Cardinals defeated the Titans 38-13. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Conner has been great this season for the Cardinals and is well-rested this week, coming off the bye. He faces a Seahawks defense that ranks 27th in the NFL against the run.
David Montgomery, Lions
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 28: David Montgomery #5 of the Detroit Lions celebrates a touchdown during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on September 28, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Lions defeated the Packers 34-20. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
His matchup vs. the 28th-ranked rush defense is great, but Monty is also a TD machine. He has 11 TDs in 10 games this season and should score another one this weekend.
Jonathan Taylor, Colts
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 17: Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
He faces the Lions, who have one of the best-run defenses in the league; otherwise, he would be much higher on this list. He is one of the best RBs in the league and even in a tough matchup, he will touch the ball around 20 times.
Brian Robinson Jr., Commanders
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 14: Brian Robinson Jr. #8 of the Washington Commanders celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Commanders offense is so much better when he is healthy, and he is going to have a massive game this weekend against the 31st-ranked run defense of the Cowboys. If not for Ekeler and even McNichols getting touches, too, B-Rob would be higher on this list.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., Giants
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – AUGUST 08: Tyrone Tracy Jr. #29 of the New York Giants runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at MetLife Stadium on August 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
The Giants offense is pretty terrible; they have even moved on from Daniels Jones to quarterback. One of the two bright spots for this offense this season has been the play of this rookie, though. He is explosive and can take any carry to the house.
Aaron Jones Vikings
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 20: Aaron Jones #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs for a touchdown in the first quarter of a game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The Bears defense is good against the pass but not against the run. They rank 23rd in the league, which means Jones is in for a big game this weekend as he looks to get back on track following a poor performance last week.
Najee Harris, Steelers
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 10: Najee Harris #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a touchdown during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Heinz Field on October 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
He gets a ton of carries and touches in the Steelers offense and goes up against a Browns defense that ranks 24th in the NFL, allowing 131.7 rushing yards per game this season.
Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 18: Rhamondre Stevenson #38 of the New England Patriots rushes for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
Miami is pretty good against the run, but Stevenson has seen 20 carries in 3 of his past 4 games, so as long as he keeps seeing that sort of volume, he is going to be productive.
Chuba Hubbard, Panthers
CHARLOTTE, NC – AUGUST 21: Chuba Hubbard #30 of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball against DeShon Elliott #32 of the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of a NFL preseason game at Bank of America Stadium on August 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Chris Keane/Getty Images)
Chuba has been outstanding this season, so if you’re surprised to see him this low, let me tell you why. He is facing the number 3 run defense in the league this week. They will be playing from behind and won’t be running as much, and rookie Jonathan Brooks is making his season debut.
Bucky Irving, Bucs
TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 10: Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries the ball to score a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
He is becoming more involved in the offense each week, and although Rachaad White still sees plenty of touches, Bucky is the more explosive back and his big play ability gives him the edge in the Bucs backfield.
D’Andre Swift, Bears
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 29: D’Andre Swift #4 of the Chicago Bears carries the ball past Byron Young #0 of the Los Angeles Rams during the third quarter at Soldier Field on September 29, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Swift has been solid for the Bears this year, but this week, you shouldn’t have high expectations. He is going up against the number-one rush defense in the league. The Vikings allow just 74.4 rushing yards per game.
J.K. Dobbins, Chargers
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA – MAY 20: J.K. Dobbins #27 runs a drill during a Los Angeles Chargers OTA offseason workout on May 20, 2024 in Costa Mesa, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
So there is a fun revenge narrative this week for Dobbins, who is going up against his former team. He may score a TD, but he will have a tough time running the football against the Ravens, who rank 2nd in the NFL against the run.
Kareem Hunt, Chiefs
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 10: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs hands the football to Kareem Hunt #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Although Isiah Pacheco is healthy again, the Chiefs won’t need him much this week to beat the Panthers. This is about getting Pacheco back into game shape. That means that Hunt is still going to see a lot of touches, and he will do it against the worst-ranked run defense in the NFL.
Rachaad White, Bucs
TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 21: Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates his touchdown catch with Jalen McMillan #15 during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Raymond James Stadium on October 21, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
White still gets touches, just not as many as he used because Bucky Irving has emerged. White is still the main pass-catching back, though, so his involvement in the offense is consistent.
Tony Pollard, Titans
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 27: Tony Pollard #20 of the Tennessee Titans plays against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 27, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
He has struggled in each of the past two weeks and now has to face the Texans, who rank number 9 in the NFL against the run. Furthermore, the Titans will likely be playing from behind in this game, so they will be passing the ball more often.
Rico Dowdle, Cowboys
Jan 7, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) carries the ball past Washington Commanders safety Terrell Burgess (32) during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Washington hasn’t been good at defending the run this season, but the Cowboys are the 2nd worst rushing offense in the NFL and are even worse since Dak got hurt. Don’t expect much out of Dowdle.
Austin Ekeler, Commanders
ASHBURN, VA – JULY 25: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Washington Commanders looks on during training camp at OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park on July 25, 2024 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
He is only this far down the list because his teammate Brian Robinson Jr. is going to get more touches than him. Still, he will be involved, particularly in the passing game against a Cowboys defense that can’t stop anyone right now.
Javonte Williams, Broncos
He has a pretty good matchup this weekend against the Raiders. The problem is that he has to share touches with Estime and McLaughlin, and the lead back seems to be a different guy each week.
Nick Chubb, Browns
CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 15: Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball for a nine-yard rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 15, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
He is a starter who gets touches, so he has to be on the list, but Chubb hasn’t been good this season coming off his injury, and he faces the number 4 ranked Steelers run defense.
Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 1: Isiah Pacheco #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball during an NFL football game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
He is back after missing over two months. They will give him touches to get him back in game shape but don’t expect him to get a full workload, especially in a very winnable game against the Panthers.
Jaylen Warren, Steelers
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 12: Jaylen Warren #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
The Steelers like to run the football, so even though Warren is the secondary option, he still touches the ball 10-15 times per game and contributes.
