Who’s the Best Running Back in the NFL?

It’s a tough question, but we break down the stats and argue our case for who we think is the best running back in the NFL right now.

Introduction

In the National Football League (NFL), a running back is one of the positions in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block. Running backs are among the most versatile players in the game and are frequently used as both receivers and runners on plays from scrimmage.

Running Backs

In the NFL, a running back (RB) is a member of the offensive backfield. A running back’s main job is to receive handoffs from the quarterback and then rush the ball forward. Running backs are also responsible for catching passes and blocking for the quarterback.

Saquon Barkley

Saquon Barkley is a professional American football player for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Penn State for three seasons, running for 3,843 yards with 43 touchdowns. He was drafted by the Giants second overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.

In his rookie season, Barkley set numerous NFL and franchise records, including most all-purpose yards by a rookie in a season. He was named Offensive Rookie of the Year and selected to the NFL All-Pro First Team and the NFL Pro Bowl.

Ezekiel Elliott

Ezekiel Elliott is an American football running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Ohio State, where he earned second-team All-America honors in 2015. He was drafted by the Cowboys fourth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.

In his first NFL season, he led the league in rushing yards and was invited to the Pro Bowl. He helped the Cowboys to an 11–5 record and a divisional playoff victory over the Seattle Seahawks. As a result of his outstanding rookie season, he was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. In 2017, he repeated as the NFL rushing champion with 1, accomplished despite missing six games due to suspension. That year, he was also named First team All-Pro and selected for his second Pro Bowl.

Alvin Kamara

Alvin Kamara, who is set to enter his fourth season with the New Orleans Saints, is widely considered to be one of the best running backs in the NFL today.

Born in Norcross, Georgia, Kamara played college football for the University of Tennessee before being drafted by the Saints in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Since joining the Saints, Kamara has been selected for two Pro Bowls and was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2017. He has also been a key player on a Saints team that has made it to the NFC Championship Game twice in the last three years.

Kamara is known for his versatility as a running back, as he is equally adept at running between the tackles and catching passes out of the backfield. He is also an excellent blocker and has even been used as a kick returner on occasion.

In 2019, Kamara had his best season yet, rushing for 1,330 yards and 14 touchdowns while also catching 81 passes for 709 yards and another five touchdowns. He was named first-team All-Pro and was also selected as the NFC’s Offensive Player of the Year.

Entering 2020, there is no running back in the NFL who is more feared or respected than Alvin Kamara.

Who’s the Best?

When it comes to running backs, there are a lot of great ones in the NFL. But, there can only be one best. This running back is not only great at running the ball, but they can also catch it out of the backfield and they are very good at blocking.

Barkley

There is no doubt that Barkley is an incredible talent and has the potential to be one of the best running backs in NFL history. He’s already off to a great start, setting numerous rookie records last season. However, there are still some who believe that Saquon Barkley is not the best running back in the NFL. Here’s a look at why some people feel that way:

Elliott

Ezekiel Elliott is an American football running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Ohio State, where he earned first-team All-America honors in 2015. He was drafted by the Cowboys fourth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.

In his first NFL season, Elliott led the league in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and total touchdowns, en route to being named Offensive Rookie of the Year and being selected to the Pro Bowl.

Kamara

Kamara is a two-time Pro Bowler and was named first-team All-Pro in 2019 after leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage with 1,644. He also had 19 rushing touchdowns and five receiving scores that season.

Conclusion

After looking at the data, it’s clear that Adrian Peterson is the best running back in the NFL. He has the most yards per game, the most rushing touchdowns, and the most total yards.