We've definitely seen a bit of a resurgence of the rushing attack in the NFL in recent years, and this likely stemmed from defenses figuring out how to stop the deep pass. The 'two high' safety look has been successful in many respects, and now, teams are returning to prioritizing the run.
And this could continue into 2026. Fortunately for many teams, they sport a talented, rock-solid starting running back, but we have also seen more of a committee approach in recent years as well. There aren't many true bell-cow running backs in the NFL, but some on this list definitely are.
Let's power-rank the 10 best running backs in the NFL for the 2026 season. We'll base the rankings based on total skill at the position and also what the players did in 2025.
Power-ranking the best running backs in the NFL for the 2026 season
10. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
Definitely a bit of a down year in 2025, Saquon Barkley followed up a 2,000-yard rushing season by hitting the 1,140 yard mark, but averaging just 4.1 yards per carry. Some would say that the performance was a product of the environment he was in, but Barkley is also approaching the age where a decline begins to take place.
9. Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys
Finishing ninth in the NFL with 1,201 rushing yards, and averaging a healthy 4.8 yards per carry, Javonte Williams is ninth in our running back power rankings. Williams is elite in pass protection and has always been a tough, rugged runner. He's only set to play in his age-26 season in 2026, too.
8. Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars
It was another productive year for Travis Etienne, running for just over 1,100 yards and adding another 292 receiving yards. Etienne has been a rock-solid dual-threat running back his entire career and has missed just two games the past four seasons.
Etienne inked a four-year deal with the New Orleans Saints this offseason and clearly has a few more good years left in the tank.
7. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
For the third time in his NFL career, Christian McCaffrey led the NFL in touches. He had 413 in 2025, which was the highest mark of his career. He also had over 2,000 scrimmage yards for the third time in his career as well. Simply eating up yards, McCaffrey, while not insanely efficient on the ground, did manage to average 5.1 yards per touch.
6. James Cook, Buffalo Bills
The NFL leader in rushing yards in 2025 with 1,621, James Cook is sixth in iour power rankings. Cook also led the league in yards per game and was a starter in all 17 games for the Buffalo Bills. Cook added 12 rushing scores and continues to get better every year.
5. De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins
De'Von Achane finished fifth in rushing yards but did lead the league in yards per attempt, averaging 5.7. Achane is one of the truly elite playmakers in the NFL and is in line for a massive extension from the Miami Dolphins. Achane also added 488 receiving yards and is more of a shifty, make-you-miss player.
4. Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens
A future Hall of Famer, Derrick Henry had 1,595 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in 2025. Henry continues to rack up stellar seasons despite being on the wrong side of 30. There really isn't any reason to believe why this can't continue. Henry has not necessarily been a dual-threat player as a receiving back, but he's so elite as a runner that it's hard to rank him lower than this.
3.Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
Perhaps one of the 10 best playmakers in the NFL, period, Jahmyr Gibbs had 1,223 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns for the Detroit Lions in 2025. One of the fastest players at the position, Gibbs, like another player on this list, are honestly in a tier of their own as true dual-threat players.
2. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
Arguably the best pure runner in the NFL, Jonathan Taylor led the NFL in rushing attempts and rushing touchdowns, finishing with 323 attempts, 1,585 yards, and 18 touchdowns. He also had 84 first downs, which was first in the league.
1. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
However, you'd struggle to find a better playmaker in the NFL right now than Bijan Robinson. Leading the NFL with 2,298 scrimmage yards in 2025, Robinson already has 5,648 for his career and not only had 1,478 rushing yards in 2025, but added another 820 receiving yards on just 79 receptions, so he wasn't a 'dink and dunk' receiving option at all.
Only set to play in his age-24 season in 2026, it's not a stretch to think that Robinson is on the early path to a future Hall of Fame career.