NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Ranking the top 32 NFL running backs for the 2022 season

By Sayre Bedinger

Feb 6, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; AFC running back Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts (28) runs with the ball against the NFC during the third quarter during the Pro Bowl football game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; AFC running back Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts (28) runs with the ball against the NFC during the third quarter during the Pro Bowl football game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
21 of 33
Next
NFL 2022
NFL 2022: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team warms up prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images) /

13. Antonio Gibson, Washington Commanders

2021 stats: 

  • 1,331 yards from scrimmage
  • 10 total touchdowns
  • 42 receptions

Even though Gibson was more productive statistically in year two than in his rookie season, it still felt like a lot of tough sledding for him in 2021.

He averaged just 4.0 yards per carry and Washington certainly gave him more opportunities in the 16 games he played.

He had just 170 carries in 2020 as a rookie but that number got boosted by nearly 100 in his second season, and more carries does not always equate to more productivity or efficiency.

Gibson is getting some more help this year in the form of Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr., and while that addition may terrify fantasy football people, I think it’s going to help Gibson become the most effective version of himself that he can be for the Commanders’ offense.

For some guys, less is more, and less of a workload as a running back could open opportunities for more targets in the passing game for Gibson to get involved there.

Gibson also has to cut down on the fumbles (6 in 2021) but I think the potential is there for him to ascend over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and 15 total touchdowns if utilized properly.

Home/NFL