Do running backs matter?
We’ve been arguing that for years, and while it’s true that they aren’t as important to offenses as they used to be in a general sense, imagine the Titans’ offense without Derrick Henry, or Sean Payton’s offenses without the versatile backs who can line up all over the field. Put Pete Carroll out there without a top-tier back, and he might decide to go back to college. The importance of running backs in today’s NFL has a lot to do with individual team and scheme, and how those backs fit what the coaches want to do. Running backs matter in that constraint to a greater or lesser degree depending on positive workload, and the combination of sustaining style and explosive plays. As is the case with everything else in the NFL, it’s not a binary answer.
Perhaps it’s not so much that running backs don’t matter, and more that longevity at the position is a pretty tough go. Look at Ezekiel Elliott, who you won’t find on this particular list. Elliott led the league in rushing attempts and rushing yards in two of his first three NFL seasons (2016 and 2018), but he’s seen his carries, yards, yards per attempt, and yards from scrimmage decrease in each of the last three seasons. Elliott has been dealing with injuries, which is part of the problem, and it doesn’t help that injuries have also affected the Cowboys’ offensive line. Saquon Barkley led the NFL in yards from scrimmage in his rookie year of 2018, and has managed to play in just 15 games since. Todd Gurley was once the standard-bearer at the position, but his output has declined precipitously over the last two seasons.
Running back is a tough gig. Never mind whether you matter; the end goal is to survive at a high level as long as you possibly can.
When you’re on top of the world as a running back, things can change very quickly. Here are the 11 best running backs in the NFL… at the moment.
(All advanced metrics courtesy of Pro Football Focus and Sports Info Solutions unless otherwise noted).
