Ranking the 12 best running backs in the NFL for 2026

Last season, 17 NFL running backs rushed for at least 1,000 yards and it further illustrates that the value of the running back position is increasing across the league. Having said that, the number of true feature backs in the league who don't split carries with another back and are the workhorse are somewhat rare.

This trait is what sets these 12 backs from the rest. Guys who carry the water for their respective team's rushing attacks, impact the passing game and rarely come off the field. As for the Pittsburgh Steelers running back tandem of Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, they are talented backs and should do well this season but don't crack this list.

1 - Bijan Robinson - Atlanta Falcons

No back in the NFL brings what Bijan Robinson does in the NFL. Robinson played a league-best 860 snaps and is the true workhorse back in the league. Robinson just glides with the football and his effortless in making big plays. The Falcons will once again run everything through Robinson as he maintains his spot as the best back in the NFL.

2 - Jahmyr Gibbs - Detroit Lions

Gibbs takes the No. 2 spot here because he's so electric with football in his hands and is one of the best in the league at taking over games when the Lions need him. We actually expect Gibbs to improve on his 1,223 rushing yards in 2025.

3 - Christian McCaffrey - San Francisco 49ers

If Christian McCaffrey could stay healthy for a full season, he might be the No. 1 back in the NFL. However, when he's on the field, he's lightning in a bottle and maybe the best dual-threat running abck in the league.

5- Jonathan Taylor - Indianapolis Colts

Taylor led the NFL with 323 carries and was another absolute workhorse. The Colts offense was a mess but even against loaded front, Taylor just powered through defenses on his way to 1,585 rushing yards and a league leading 18 rushing touchdowns.

7 - De'Von Achane - Miami Dolphins

Achane proved to be more than just the league's best home-run hitter at running back. Like McCaffrey, Achane just struggles with staying healthy but he still found a way to rush for 1,350 yards last season on only 238 carries.

8 - Saquon Barkley - Philadelphia Eagles

As Barkley approaches 30, he is showing no signs of slowing down. On this list, Barkley is the highest-ranked back who takes a backseat to his quarterback but make no mistake, when the Eagles need to throw the offense on his back, he is still more than capable.

9 - James Cook - Buffalo Bills

Last season, James Cook quietly led the NFL with 1,621 rushing yards. We say quietly because Josh Allen steals all the headlines. Allen's presence is the only reason we ding Cook a little on this list because Allen's running threat opens up many opportunities for Cook.

10 - Ashton Jeanty - Las Vegas Raiders

Last season was pretty disappointing for Ashton Jeanty but to be fair, he played on a terrible offense. We give him a huge bump this season because of the presence of rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

11 - Derrick Henry - Baltimore Ravens

Last season, Derrick Henry powered his way to 1,595 rushing yards that was good enough for second in the NFL. Even at 32, Henry is a specimen and if not for how much he's helped by Lamar Jackson, might be higher on this list.

12 - Kyren Williams - Los Angeles Rams

We had several names here we considered but you cannot undersell the fact that Kyren Williams a sixth-best 1,252 yards. He does end up this low because the Rams passing offense really pushes defenses back and gives him some lanes to work in.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Ranking the 12 best running backs in the NFL for 2026