Who Is The Number 1 Running Back In The Nfl?

The answer to this question may be a bit controversial, but we’re going to go with Kansas City Chiefs running back, Jamaal Charles. Charles has been an absolute stud for the Chiefs over the last few years, and is currently the leading rusher in the NFL.

Introduction

There is no one definitive answer to this question. While there are a number of ways to measure the effectiveness of runnings backs, there is no clear consensus on who the best running back in the NFL is. Some pundits may argue that it is Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott, while others may argue that it is New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara.

The Case for Saquon Barkley

Saquon Barkley is the starting running back for the New York Giants. He was drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Barkley has been praised for his ability to run, catch, and block. He is also considered to be one of the best running backs in the NFL.

Barkley’s Productivity

In his rookie season, Barkley had one of the best seasons for a running back in NFL history. He became the third rookie running back to achieve 2,000 scrimmage yards in a season, joining Eric Dickerson and Edgerrin James, and he did it in just 15 games. He also set the record for most receptions by a rookie running back in a season with 91. Barkley’s production didn’t drop off in his second season either as he was once again selected for the Pro Bowl and was named First-team All-Pro.

Barkley’s Consistency

Barkley’s Consistency:
In his three years in the NFL, Barkley has rushed for over 1,000 yards and had at least 10 touchdowns in each season. He has also caught over 50 passes in each of his first two seasons.

The Case for Ezekiel Elliott

Elliott’s Productivity

Ezekiel Elliott is one of the most productive running backs in the NFL. In his three seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, he has rushed for 4,048 yards and 28 touchdowns. He has also caught 92 passes for 1,199 yards and eight touchdowns.

Elliott is a workhorse back who can carry the load for an offense. He has averaged nearly 17 carries per game in his career, and he has had 20 or more carries in 23 of his 43 career games. In 2020, he led the NFL with 322 rushing attempts.

Elliott is also an effective receiver out of the backfield. He had a career-high 87 catches in 2019, and he has caught at least 50 passes in all three of his seasons. His 1,199 receiving yards are the most by any running back since 2015.

Elliott is one of the best players in the NFL, and he is worth every penny of his $90 million contract extension. He is a rare talent who is capable of carrying an offense on his back. Elliott is a true difference-maker, and the Cowboys are lucky to have him.

Elliott’s Consistency

Ezekiel Elliott is the most consistent and reliable running back in the NFL today. In his three years in the league, he’s missed just four games and has averaged over 100 yards per game. He’s also a workhorse, carrying the ball more than 300 times in each of his first two seasons.

Elliott is also a versatile threat, catching nearly 50 passes in each of his first two seasons. He’s a receiving threat out of the backfield, and he’s also a good blocker. In short, Elliott is the total package as a running back.

There are other running backs who have put up bigger numbers than Elliott, but none have been as consistent or reliable over the past three years. Elliott is the best running back in the NFL today, and it’s not even close.

The Case for Alvin Kamara

Alvin Kamara is one of the most explosive and elusive running backs in the NFL. In his three years in the league, Kamara has racked up over 4,500 yards from scrimmage and 45 touchdowns. He’s also a dangerous weapon in the passing game, catching over 200 passes for 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Kamara’s Productivity

In just his second season, Alvin Kamara established himself as one of the most versatile and productive running backs in the NFL. He finished the year with 1,592 yards from scrimmage and 20 total touchdowns, leading the Saints to a division title and a berth in the NFC Championship game.

Kamara’s production was even more impressive when you consider that he split time with Mark Ingram, who was also having a very good year. Ingram missed four games due to suspension, but Kamara still managed to outgain him by nearly 400 yards. In fact, Kamara averaged more yards per game than any other running back in the league.

There are a lot of great running backs in the NFL right now, but Kamara is clearly in a class by himself. He’s young, he’s explosive, he’s versatile, and he’s productive. If he can stay healthy, there’s no reason to think he won’t be one of the best players in the league for many years to come.

Kamara’s Consistency

Alvin Kamara is one of the most consistent running backs in the NFL. In his three years with the Saints, Kamara has averaged 5.1 yards per carry and has scored a total of 45 touchdowns (39 rushing and 6 receiving). He has also been remarkably durable, missing only three games in his career.

Kamara’s production has not been limited to running the ball. He is also one of the most productive pass-catching running backs in the NFL, averaging nearly 50 catches per season. Kamara’s versatility makes him a valuable asset in both traditional and PPR (points per reception) fantasy football formats.

While Kamara’s consistency is impressive, some may argue that he benefits from playing alongside superstar quarterback Drew Brees. Kamara has certainly benefited from Brees’ presence, but it’s worth noting that he was productive even before Brees arrived in New Orleans. In Kamara’s rookie season (2017), he helped lead the Saints to the NFC Championship game while Brees missed five games due to injury.

There is no doubt that Alvin Kamara is one of the best running backs in the NFL. His consistency, versatility, and production make him a valuable asset in any fantasy football format.

The Case for Christian McCaffrey

In a year where the Carolina Panthers have underwhelmed, one player has continued to dazzle week in and week out. That player is running back Christian McCaffrey, and he has been nothing short of spectacular. Through eleven games, McCaffrey has amassed 1,637 total yards and thirteen touchdowns. He is on pace to have one of the best seasons by a running back in recent memory, and he deserves to be considered the best running back in the NFL.

McCaffrey’s Productivity

In 2018, McCaffrey became the third player in NFL history to record 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season, joining Hall of Famers Roger Craig and Marshall Faulk. He also had 1,005 scrimmage yards in just 13 games as a rookie in 2017, trailing only Ezekiel Elliott among first-year players.

McCaffrey’s Consistency

In 2019, McCaffrey became the third player in NFL history to eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season. The only other players to do so are Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk and former first-team All-Pro running back Roger Craig. Faulk accomplished the feat in 1999 with the then-St. Louis Rams, while Craig did it in 1985 with the San Francisco 49ers.

Conclusion

There is no definitive answer to this question as it is highly subjective. Some people may say that the number one running back in the NFL is Adrian Peterson, while others may say that it is LeSean McCoy. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide who they believe is the number one running back in the NFL.