Who is the best running back in the NFL? Ranking top 5 RBs in 2023

NFL running backs tend to be the most versatile players in football. They can burst through gaps to gain yards or catch passes to keep the drive going. Their capabilities allow offenses to attack their opponents from several formations.

While speed is essential for running backs, they should have sure hands to avoid fumbling the ball and catching passes. Strength is also necessary to break the tackles of imposing linebackers and defensive linemen.

Of all the running backs in the NFL, five have stood above the rest. Fantasy football owners target them in the early rounds, while fans hope for their safety in every game.

5. Christian McCaffrey

McCaffrey felt at home when he joined the San Francisco 49ers midway through the 2022 season. He finished with 159 carries for 746 yards and six rushing touchdowns. But he also delivered in the passing game, catching 65 balls for 464 yards and four touchdowns. The Stanford alumnus will only improve once he gets accustomed to Kyle Shanahan’s offense. The two-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler will become more dangerous as he returns to full health.

4. Saquon Barkley

The Saquon Barkley of old is back, and that’s bad news for other squads. He completed his return to top-tier status after collecting 1,312 rushing yards, 338 receiving yards, and ten touchdowns for the New York Giants. More importantly, he helped the Giants return to the playoffs after a five-year drought. The Giants offered the two-time Pro Bowler a non-exclusive franchise tag worth $10.091 million, but both parties are working towards a long-term deal.

3. Nick Chubb

Chubb has been a constant force in the backfield since the Cleveland Browns took him in the second round of the 2018 draft. He was only four yards short of the thousand-yard mark, the only year he didn’t reach that milestone. The former Georgia standout had a career-high 1,525 rushing yards, 239 receiving yards, and 13 total touchdowns. Browns fans cannot wait to see him pound the rock for two more years, hoping to push them to the playoffs.

2. Derrick Henry

All hail King Henry! What’s fascinating about the Tennessee Titans’ lead back is that he still finished with 937 rushing yards despite playing only eight games in 2021. He returned with a vengeance in 2022, collecting 1,538 rushing yards, 398 receiving yards, and 13 touchdowns. The Titans explored the possibility of trading him, signaling the changing of the guard in Tennessee. Any team adding him will have a punishing run game if that plan pushes through.

1. Josh Jacobs

The Alabama alumnus finally lived up to expectations after being drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Jacobs led all running backs last season with 1,653 yards to go with 12 touchdowns. He also added 53 catches for 400 receiving yards. Those numbers placed him on the 2022 First Team All-Pro and his second Pro Bowl selection. He will see more running lanes open after the Raiders add Jakobi Meyers and Austin Hooper.