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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 /
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NFL 2022
NFL 2022; Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) with the ball as Washington Football Team outside linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) defends in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) /

11. Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers

2021 stats (7 games):

  • 785 yards from scrimmage
  • 2 total touchdowns
  • 37 receptions

Yes, this ranking is going to be hotly contested, and I get it.

I put Saquon Barkley at no. 19 on this list, asking what have you done for me lately, but put Christian McCaffrey just on the periphery of the top 10 overall.

It seems hypocritical, and you can call it that if you want. I feel like McCaffrey is simply one of the most impactful players in the NFL and has proven it more so than Barkley or other guys who have struggled badly with injuries the past couple of seasons.

McCaffrey has multiple seasons with 100-plus receptions and over 1,000 yards rushing. How many guys have done that in league history?

He’s so dynamic when he’s playing at full strength, and he’s one of the best all-purpose threats in the entire NFL.

Heck, even playing with and through an injury in seven games during the 2021 season, he still managed to average more than 100 yards from scrimmage per game.

I think we’re going to see a fully healthy McCaffrey in 2022 and a very motivated McCaffrey to carry this sorry Panthers offense back to relevance.

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