October 6th, 2024

The NFL is one of the most exciting sports on the planet. People around the world tune in each week throughout the season with millions enjoying the stunning Super Bowl showpiece final every February. Teams in the NFL are packed with star talent all over the field which adds to the entertainment value.

One of the key roles is that of running back, with these players tasked with advancing with the ball and making as many yards as possible after receiving a handoff from the quarterback. This article will assess the top players in this position for the current campaign.

Christian McCaffrey

The San Francisco 49ers star is widely considered one of the best running backs in the NFL. McCaffrey was a key man last time out, earning a host of Offensive Player of the Year awards as he ran the 49ers to the Super Bowl final. Against the Kansas City Chiefs, McCaffrey rushed 22 times for 80 yards and also caught all of his targets for 80 yards and a touchdown. The 28-year-old also made history, becoming the first player in the Super Bowl to have at least 75 rushing yards and 75 receiving yards in one game.

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An integral part of Kyle Shanahan's current set-up, McCaffrey is enjoying his prime years and was rewarded with a two-year extension worth $38million for his consistently fine performances. Though currently sidelined with a calf and Achilles injury, he is still expected to have a big impact this NFL campaign.

Derrick Henry

Joining the Baltimore Ravens this year, Henry is world-class and his numbers show he is one of the best running backs currently playing having recorded more than 2,700 yards and 27 touchdowns in the last two seasons for the Tennessee Titans. Set to turn 31 at the start of 2025, Henry is vastly experienced and will thrive alongside quarterback Lamar Jackson.

In terms of his size and power, Henry has been compared to a linebacker as he stands at 6ft 2in and uses his strength and dominance to get the better of the opposition. However, despite his great stature, the running back is also speedy making him a tricky customer to come up against.

Bijan Robinson

The fact Bijan Robinson was No. 8 pick in last year's NFL draft points to the potential the 22-year-old possesses and the Atlanta Falcons running back enjoyed an impressive debut campaign, being named in the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Recording 1,443 yards from scrimmage was ranked sixth among his counterparts, Robinson also made 5.4 yards per touch which was the third best ranking. The rookie made 16 starts in the NFL in the last campaign and finished with 214 carries and four receiving touchdowns. The youngster has been tipped to push 2,000 yards and it seems the Falcons will build the team with Robinson in mind as a key player while handing him a major role.

Breece Hall

The New York Jets man saw his early NFL promise curtailed by injury but now he is back he will be eager to remind every fan of his talent. Hall was the first running back to be selected in the 2022 NFL draft and his explosive style certainly caught the eye. Last season, the 23-year-old played in every game and rushed for 994 yards.

Hall comes from a family of great NFL pedigree with his step-father Jeff Smith appearing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs while his cousin Kenton Keith also featured for the Jets two decades ago.

Saquon Barkley

Barkley spent six seasons with the New York Giants before joining the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2024, putting pen to paper on a three-year deal worth $37.75million. The 27-year-old from the Bronx made an immediate impact for his new team, rushing 109 yards with two rushing touchdowns before receiving a touchdown as Philadelphia beat the Green Bay Packers. The display earned Barkley the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award as he became the first Eagles to score three touchdowns on debut since Terrell Owens 20 two decades ago.

Jahmyr Gibbs

The Detroit Lions youngster filled in for David Montgomery last campaign having been the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft and was part of one of the best backfields as the team won their first play-off game in 30 years. On his debut when the NFL kicked off, the Georgia-born running back rushed for 42 yards as the Lions narrowly defeated the Kansas City Chiefs. Gibbs was later voted to the Pro Bowl and the PFWA All-Rookie team having averaged 112 scrimmage yards each game.

Wrapping Up

From watching games to making predictions around potential winners, it's imperative you have a strong grasp of who the key players are for each team. The top running backs are playing an important role in a number of set-ups and there is nothing like watching a player running at full speed to make the difference. McCaffrey, Henry, Robinson, Hall, Barkley and Gibbs are all set for huge NFL campaigns in 2024.