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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: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

5. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers

2021 stats:

  • 1,558 yards from scrimmage
  • 20 total touchdowns
  • 70 receptions

Truth be told, Austin Ekeler could probably be higher on this list.

Although there are backs with a better body of work, recency bias says he should probably be right behind Jonathan Taylor as the top overall running backs in the league right now.

Spoiler alert.

Ekeler has never been a “featured” runner in the NFL, but since he has really started getting extended playing time for the Chargers, he’s become arguably the best pass-catching back in the league.

With 70 receptions this past season, Ekeler proved he’s one of the most valuable offensive weapons in the league overall.

His 20 total touchdowns in 2021 almost matched his previous four seasons combined (25 total TDs).

Although the Los Angeles Chargers have a variety of players that receive more publicity than Ekeler, he’s become one of the toughest players at his position in the NFL to defend.

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