'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
There is a new rushing yards leader entering Week 12 of the 2021 NFL season. Injuries have had a major effect on the rushing title this year but the player who is now leading the way has earned his spot.
He has been great all season and is only getting better as the year progresses. Here's how the top five in rushing yards currently sit.
Rushing yards leaders
#5 - Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings - 734 rushing yards
Dalvin Cook is one of only two players in the NFL, along with Derrick Henry, who averages over 20 carries per game this season. He is a work horse and has turned those carries into the 5th most rushing yards in the NFL.
He is the driving force behind the Minnesota Vikings offense and should continue to see a large work load moving forward.
#4 - Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals - 759 rushing yards
Joe Mixon jumps back into the top five in rushing yards entering Week 12 after being just outside of it last week. Mixon is kind of the unsung hero of the Bengals offense.
While Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase get most of the public credit, Mixon continues his solid and steady output. He is in the top five in carries, rushing yards and rushing touchdowns this season.
Most rushing yards in 2021 NFL season
Most rushing yards entering Week 12.
#3 - Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns - 851 rushing yards
Nick Chubb is one of the most dominant running backs in the NFL. He is one of only two players, along with Lamar Jackson, who averages at least six yards per carry.
Chubb is also one of only three players to be averaging over 100 rushing yards per game. He is a physical runner that is very difficult for opposing defenses to bring down and he excels in yards after contact.
#2 - Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans - 937 rushing yards
Derrick Henry has fallen from the top spot in rushing yards for the first time this season. Unfortunately it's mainly because he is now injured.
He's had yet another incredible season through eight games prior to the injury. He still leads the NFL in rushing yards per game and carries while ranking third in rushing touchdowns.
The Titans hope to have him back before the postseason begins.
#1 - Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts - 1122 rushing yards
Jonathan Taylor was tied for the lead in rushing yards last week but now sits on top himself. He had a huge game this week in one of the single best running back performances in NFL history, scoring five total touchdowns, the second most of all time.
He is the first player to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards this season and also currently leads the NFL with 13 rushing touchdowns.
