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Headlined by rookie phenom Ashton Jeanty, the AFC West has some exciting new faces. Here is how the division running back rankings stack up heading into 2025.
Consistency is rare and invaluable at the running back position in the NFL. But that is exactly what Najee Harris has proven he is: durable and reliable. He is the only active RB with four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and has never missed a game due to an injury. It is truly unbelievable. In his first season with the Los Angeles Chargers, he will look to continue this trend of consistency.
At RB2, you have Omarion Hampton, the Chargers’ first-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft. His upside is limitless and extremely versatile. When you combine consistency with potential, this Chargers backfield could very well be one of the best in the league.
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Ranking the Las Vegas Raiders running back room at number one was tempting, but the truth is Ashton Jeanty is yet to play a snap in the NFL. We all know about his illustrious college career, but the rookie hasn’t proven anything in the league just yet. Taken with the 6th pick in this year’s NFL draft, Jeanty is expected to fix what was arguably the worst running back unit in the league last year. Jeanty will be a star, but he can’t quite be number one on this list just yet. But one thing is for sure: the whole world is excited to see what he brings to the NFL.
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Raheem Mostert will be a speedy and versatile option as RB2. The veteran flashes elite burst and home-run ability when healthy, but at 33 years old, health isn’t guaranteed. This backfield could easily emerge as one of the best in the league if they can stay healthy and live up to the high expectations.
The Denver Broncos have added a powerful running back in J.K. Dobbins, who agreed to a one-year, $5.25 M deal after rushing for a career-high 905 yards and nine TDs in 13 games with the Chargers in 2024. Though injury-prone, when healthy, Dobbins is a very solid RB1. Paired with him is the second-round rookie R.J. Harvey out of UCF. He’s a shifty runner with elite vision and explosive playmaking.
Dobbins offers stability and experience; you know what you’re getting with him as your RB1. Harvey on the other hand, provides a spark and a versatile upside. It’s a complementary duo that could become one of the AFC’s most intriguing in 2025.
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Given the Kansas City Chiefs unbelievable postseason...
