The best NFL running backs of 2025 are a dazzling bunch, showcasing incredible talent and unique abilities. Crafted with meticulous criteria, this list highlights each player's recent performance, team impact, and overall prowess. Thousands of votes from passionate fans power this crowd-sourced ranking, featuring the crème de la crème of current NFL running backs. Christian McCaffrey and Bijan Robinson often top discussions, thanks to McCaffrey's dual-threat capability and Robinson's consistent performance. Derrick Henry's power and stiff-arm technique, and Saquon Barkley's electrifying play style, also earn them spots. Jonathan Taylor, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Josh Jacobs bring unique strengths to the table. Rising stars like De'Von Achane, with his explosive plays, and Breece Hall, with his speed and power, are making a name for themselves. Travis Etienne, Tony Pollard, and David Montgomery showcase their top-tier talents. Each player brings something different - breakaway speed, agility, or power - making them exciting to watch and tough to defend. Explore the stats, game-changing performances, and cast your vote to shape the 2025 RB rankings. Your input keeps this ranking dynamic and reflective of true fan opinions.
About this list
- 1

Saquon Barkley dazzles with elusive cuts and breakaway potential, delivering electrifying plays. He set records with 91 receptions as a rookie and earned multiple NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl selections. Barkley fights through injuries with sheer determination, staying a focal point for his offense. His agility and strength make him a standout, showing versatility in rushing, receiving, and special team play.
733 - 2

Christian McCaffrey is a dual-threat powerhouse. He tore up his time with Carolina, hitting 1,000 rushing and receiving yards in one season, making him one of only three players to do so. McCaffrey matches Barry Sanders' all-purpose yards record with his versatility. Traded to San Francisco in 2022, he quickly impressed with a game featuring passing, rushing, and receiving touchdowns. McCaffrey earned multiple Pro Bowls and an Offensive Player of the Year in 2023. He engages, adapts, and conquers.
626 - 3

Derrick Henry uses sheer power and an upright running style to easily dominate defenses. He won the 2020 NFL Offensive Player of the Year. Henry led the league twice in rushing yards and touchdowns. King Henry broke the 2,000-yard barrier in 2020, joining an elite group. His strength and surprising speed, featuring a devastating stiff-arm, make him a nightmare for defenders. Henry earned multiple Pro Bowl selections. His milestones also include the Heisman Trophy and college records at Alabama.
481 - 4

Alvin Kamara is a versatile, explosive player who serves as a linchpin for the New Orleans Saints. Known for his agility and vision, Kamara amassed over 5,800 rushing yards and tied the NFL record for rushing touchdowns in a single game with six. Kamara earned NFL Rookie of the Year honors and multiple Pro Bowl selections. Kamara remains a game-changer for the Saints' offense.
390 - 5

Ezekiel Elliott's powerful running style made him an NFL standout. He led the league in rushing yards in 2016 and 2018. Elliott was a three-time Pro Bowl selection, accumulating over 8,900 career rushing yards and 71 touchdowns. After his time with the Patriots, he rejoined the Cowboys in 2024.
236 - 6

Josh Jacobs is a powerhouse for the Raiders and now the Packers. A first-team All-Pro in 2022, Jacobs led the league with 1,653 rushing yards. Known for explosive power and agility, he has surpassed 5,500 rushing yards and scored 46 career touchdowns.
227 - 7

Jonathan Taylor changes the game with fast speed and powerful runs. Taylor became the NFL rushing leader in 2021. He uses vision and strength to beat defenses. His record 253-yard game and five touchdowns show he is a consistent workhorse.
211 - 9

Bijan Robinson electrified fans at Texas. He picked up the Doak Walker Award and earned unanimous All-American honors in 2022. Atlanta drafted him eighth overall. Robinson made an immediate impact, racking up nearly 1,000 rushing yards his rookie year. His agility, power, and vision make him a nightmare for defenses. Bijan Mustardson adds flavorful flair off the field.
Also ranks #6 on Who Will Win 2022 Heisman Trophy?
200 - 10

Joe Mixon is an NFL powerhouse. He shows exceptional agility and power. Mixon recorded over 6,400 rushing yards and 49 touchdowns. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. Mixon set a franchise record with a five-touchdown game for the Bengals. Now with the Texans, he is a key part of their offense.
196 - 11

Jahmyr Gibbs wowed fans from the start. He showed breakaway speed and versatility at Georgia Tech and Alabama. Detroit drafted him in the first round in 2023. He impressed with stellar performances, earning All-Rookie Team honors and a Pro Bowl nod. Gibbs' multi-touchdown games show his dynamic field impact.
167 - 12

Aaron Jones is an electrifying NFL force. Jones makes game-changing plays. His 2019 season led the league in rushing touchdowns. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2020. Jones uses agility and power. Recording over 5,900 rushing yards and 45 touchdowns, his versatile game makes him a dual threat in rushing and receiving.
120 - 13

James Cook exploded onto the scene for the Buffalo Bills. He shows exceptional versatility as a rusher and receiver. A standout at Georgia, he brought his college dominance to the NFL. In 2023, Cook surpassed 1,000 rushing yards and earned Pro Bowl honors. His agility and vision make him a dynamic threat.
107 - 14

De'Von Achane's speed and versatility make him a key Miami Dolphins player. In his rookie year, Achane got 800 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. A 203-yard game against Denver showed his explosive plays. Achane's explosive plays keep fans excited and lift Miami's offense.
98 - 15

David Montgomery proves his value with power and agility. After strong seasons with the Chicago Bears, he joined the Detroit Lions. He continued to excel there, recording over 1,000 rushing yards in 2023. Known for his tough running style, Montgomery is an important offensive asset.
93 - 16

Breece Hall shows speed and power, grabbing attention from Iowa State to his NFL start. A two-time Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and unanimous All-American, Hall uses his vision and burst to break defenses. New York drafted him, and he debuted strong, getting FedEx Ground Player and Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week awards. An injury cut his rookie year short, but Hall showed up with big plays, including a Week 5 game with 177 rushing yards.
87 - 17

James Conner's powerful running style and resilience make him a standout for the Arizona Cardinals. Conner earned over 4,800 rushing yards and 51 touchdowns in his NFL career. His journey from Pittsburgh Panthers star to two-time Pro Bowler shows his perseverance and talent.
72 - 18

Kyren Williams stunned in 2023, hitting 1,144 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. The Rams gave him Pro Bowl selection and Second-team All-Pro honors for his electrifying plays. Stellar games against Arizona and Washington showed his agility and drive, solidifying him as a main playmaker.
71 - 19

D'Andre Swift impressed with his agility and versatility, earning his first Pro Bowl selection in 2023. Swift reached over 1,000 rushing yards that season. After playing for the Lions and Eagles, Swift now boosts the Chicago Bears, continuing to show his dynamic offensive skills.
58 - 20

After college at Wake Forest and Michigan State, where he won the Walter Camp and Doak Walker Awards, Walker moved to the pros. His rookie season brought over 1,000 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, making him a rare standout for franchise history alongside Curt Warner. In 2023, he kept up the pace with an electrifying 156-yard game, earning NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
55 - 21

Travis Etienne, a dynamic playmaker for the Jacksonville Jaguars, consistently dazzles with explosive speed and cutting agility. Known for game-breaking runs, Etienne reached over 2,100 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in his first two seasons. A key Clemson college player, he earned multiple All-America honors and set ACC records.
47 - 22

Najee Harris makes a big impact with the Pittsburgh Steelers, showing a powerful and elusive running style. Harris was a Pro Bowler in his rookie year, accumulating over 3,000 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. He also excels as a receiver, adding a versatile threat to Pittsburgh's offense.
34 - 23

Brian Robinson Jr. quickly became a tough and dynamic player for the Washington Commanders. After a shooting injury during his rookie offseason, Robinson clocked 1,500 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in just two seasons. His physical running style and perseverance make him an important offensive asset.
20 - 24

Isiah Pacheco joined the NFL as a seventh-round pick for Kansas City. His blazing speed and powerful runs helped Kansas City win back-to-back Super Bowls, including scoring in Super Bowl LVII. In 2023, Pacheco rushed for 935 yards and seven touchdowns, increasing his impact.
Also ranks #6 on Best Kick Returners 2026
20 - 25

Tony Pollard shows dynamic playmaking ability, making him a standout in the NFL. His explosive speed and versatility mark him. Pollard surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in 2022 and earned a Pro Bowl nod. With the Tennessee Titans, he continues to elevate his game, delivering clutch performances and showing his dual-threat skills.
17 - 26

Chuba Hubbard shows impressive speed and vision for the Carolina Panthers. Hubbard is a versatile back. He racked up nearly 2,000 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns across his first three seasons. A former All-American at Oklahoma State, Hubbard remains a dynamic playmaker.
13 - 27

J.K. Dobbins is a dynamic force with explosive speed and vision. Dobbins came from Ohio State, where he amassed over 4,400 rushing yards. Dobbins quickly made his mark in the NFL. Despite injury setbacks, he returned strong, now set to improve the Los Angeles Chargers' ground game.
8 - 28

Austin Ekeler is an explosive NFL force. He excels as both a rusher and receiver. Ekeler led the league in total touchdowns in 2021 and 2022. He posted over 1,300 yards from scrimmage in several seasons, including 20 touchdowns in 2021. His move to Washington shows his big offensive impact.
6 - 29

Tyler Allgeier is a key player for the Atlanta Falcons. Allgeier uses a relentless running style. He gained over 1,700 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in his first two NFL seasons. The BYU standout impresses with his balance and power, making him vital for the Falcons' offense.
-3 - 30

Raheem Mostert captivates fans with his blazing speed and versatility. Mostert is a key figure for the Dolphins. He led the NFL in total touchdowns in 2023. Mostert set a franchise record for touchdowns in a season and earned his first Pro Bowl selection, making him a game-changer.
-4 - 31

Javonte Williams quickly became a cornerstone for the Denver Broncos' offense. Williams runs powerfully and breaks tackles. Drafted in 2021, Williams got over 900 rushing yards as a rookie. Williams remains a dual-threat, excelling in both rushing and receiving roles.
-6 - 32

Rachaad White quickly made his mark with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. White shows a versatile skill set. Known for his agility and strong pass-catching, White accumulated nearly 1,500 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in two seasons. His dynamic playmaking remains a key asset for the Buccaneers.
-8 - 33

Rhamondre Stevenson drives the New England Patriots offense. He uses a powerful, elusive running style. Stevenson has racked up over 2,200 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns since joining the NFL. He also caught 121 passes, showing dual-threat ability. His 2022 season made him a key offensive threat.
-22 - 34

Kenneth Gainwell is a versatile weapon for the Philadelphia Eagles. Gainwell uses agility and pass-catching skill. He has gained nearly 900 rushing yards and 86 receptions in his early career. His 2022 playoff performance showed he could change the game for the Eagles.
-31 - 35

Devin Singletary is a dynamic and dependable force in the backfield. Singletary uses elusiveness and vision. He gathered over 4,000 rushing yards with the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans. Now with the New York Giants, Singletary keeps showing his varied skills.
-33 - 36

Khalil Herbert is a key player for the Chicago Bears. He shows impressive speed and vision. Herbert had a standout college career at Kansas and Virginia Tech. He quickly adapted to the NFL. Herbert racked up nearly 1,800 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. This solidifies his role as a versatile offensive threat.
-37 - 37

A.J. Dillon, called "Quadzilla" for his big build and strong running, impacts the Green Bay Packers. Dillon has gathered over 2,400 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. Dillon's versatility and strength make him a tough presence in the Packers' backfield.
-41 - 38

Gus Edwards runs with power and physicality. Edwards has consistently performed for his teams. With over 3,000 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns, "Gus the Bus" is a dependable ground force. Now with the Los Angeles Chargers, Edwards keeps impressing.
-51
More like this

Best Running Backs 2022
Who's the best NFL running back in 2022? NFL running backs need speed, strength, and agility to break through elite defenses. They must avoid tackles and fumbles while rushing to a touchdown - easier said than done.

Every Player Injured During 2022-23 NFL Season
A new football season often brings a new wave of injuries. The worst NFL injuries of 2022 show the dangers football players face. Whether an injury sidelines a player for a few weeks or ends their season, no player is immune.

Best NFL Running Backs of the 2010s
Over 1,000 sports fans voted on 140+ athletes for Best NFL Running Backs of the 2010s, with Adrian Peterson, Marshawn Lynch, and Derrick Henry currently in the top 3.

Best Pass Catching Running Backs 2022
Who is 2022's best pass-catching running back? Most fans think of big rushes up the middle by the league's best running backs. But the best running backs of all time also excel in passing situations.


Comments (0)
Join the conversation
Sign in to share your take and reply to others.
First take? Share what stood out to you.