It’s a big battle for the No. 1 spot among the top running backs in the NFL. Could it be the guy who claimed he’s faster than Lamar Jackson? Or might it be the player who stated he got passed over by eventual division rivals when he was a free agent? We’ll find out, but here is a ranking of the top 32 running backs for the 2025 NFL season.
These rankings are compiled with the assumption of mostly healthy seasons for all on the list. Of course, that won’t happen. But here’s where these talented runners stand, heading into the 2025 campaign. For ranking purposes, we will use the current listed starter on the espn.com depth charts. Also, the rankings are based on NFL potential for production across the season, not individual talent.
Ready or not, here we go!
The three-year veteran will have to hold off Quinshon Judkins, and based on this ranking he may struggle to do it.
This may seem a little low for Stevenson. But like Ford, he has an NFL rookie, TreVeyon Henderson, breathing down his neck.
In his four years in the NFL, Williams hasn’t been able to put up impressive numbers. With a possible timeshare in Dallas, that may stay the same.
He hasn’t been a bellcow in his first three seasons, and seems unlikely to get that role this year, either. He may set a career high in yards and still not reach 1,000, and he likely won’t get a lot of scores.
He might have moved higher on this list before the Broncos brought in J.K. Dobbins. There’s even a chance Harvey takes on a secondary role to Dobbins.
There were times he looked good last season, and he still should lead the pack this year. But rookie Cam Skattebo could eat into his carries and take away goal-line touches.
Injuries have hurt the three-year veteran, and his talent might allow him to have a bounce-back year. He totaled 1,008 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2023, so it’s possible he will climb back up into the NFL’s top 20.
There’s still potential in Swift’s game. He has been close to the 1,000-yard mark in each of the last two seasons. But it’s unclear if he will command a lion’s share of the Bears’ touches in Ben Johnson’s offense.
This is a player who has four straight 1,000-yard seasons with at least six touchdowns every year. And he’s moving to a run-strong offense. However, rookie Omarion Hampton will likely take over as a starter soon.
The Commanders have improved their offensive line, and there’s a chance Robinson...