Top 10 Rbs in the NFL
By Emily Johnson, NFL enthusiast and fantasy football player
Introduction
As a football fan and fantasy football player, I am always on the lookout for the best running backs (RBs) in the National Football League (NFL). RBs are an essential part of any team’s offense, and having a top-performing RB can make all the difference in a game. In this article, I will share my personal experiences, opinions, data analysis, and expert quotes to bring you the top 10 RBs in the NFL right now.
Top Statistics and Facts
- RBs have the highest average yards per carry (4.3) of any position in the NFL.
- The top 10 RBs in the NFL in 2021 have a combined 37 Pro Bowl appearances.
- RBs are often used in short-yardage and goal-line situations, making them valuable for fantasy football players seeking touchdowns.
The Top 10 Rbs in the NFL
Derrick Henry
As the reigning NFL rushing leader for the past two seasons, Derrick Henry is undoubtedly the best RB in the league right now. He is a physical specimen at 6’3 and 247 pounds, and his combination of size, speed, and power make him nearly impossible to bring down. In 2020, he rushed for 2,027 yards and 17 touchdowns, earning him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.
Christian McCaffrey
When healthy, Christian McCaffrey is one of the most versatile and dynamic RBs in the NFL. In 2019, he became just the third player in NFL history to record 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season. Unfortunately, injuries limited him to just three games in 2020, but he is expected to bounce back in a big way in 2021.
Alvin Kamara
Alvin Kamara is a do-it-all RB for the New Orleans Saints. He is a threat both as a runner and a receiver, and his ability to make defenders miss in the open field is uncanny. In 2020, he rushed for 932 yards and 16 touchdowns, while also adding 756 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns through the air.
Saquon Barkley
Despite missing most of the 2020 season with a torn ACL, Saquon Barkley is still one of the most talented RBs in the NFL. He has a rare combination of size, speed, and agility, and his ability to break off big runs is unmatched. In his rookie season in 2018, he rushed for 1,307 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Ezekiel Elliott
Ezekiel Elliott burst onto the scene in 2016 as a rookie for the Dallas Cowboys, rushing for 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns. Since then, he has established himself as one of the premier RBs in the NFL, with a rare combination of power and agility. In 2020, he rushed for 979 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Dalvin Cook
Dalvin Cook is the heart and soul of the Minnesota Vikings offense. He is a powerful runner who can also catch passes out of the backfield, and his ability to break tackles is unmatched. In 2020, he rushed for 1,557 yards and 16 touchdowns, earning him his first Pro Bowl selection.
Nick Chubb
Nick Chubb is a workhorse RB for the Cleveland Browns. He is a powerful runner who can break off big runs, and his ability to run through tackles is impressive. In 2020, he rushed for 1,067 yards and 12 touchdowns, despite missing four games due to injury.
Aaron Jones
Aaron Jones is a dual-threat RB for the Green Bay Packers. He is a talented runner who can also catch passes out of the backfield, and his ability to find the end zone is impressive. In 2020, he rushed for 1,104 yards and 9 touchdowns, while also adding 355 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns.
Dalvin Kamara
Derrick Henry’s backup, Dalvin Kamara, is one of the most talented RBs in the NFL. He is a powerful runner who can also catch passes out of the backfield, and his ability to break tackles is impressive. In 2020, he rushed for 684 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also adding 83 receiving yards and 1 touchdown.
Jonathan Taylor
Jonathan Taylor had an impressive rookie season for the Indianapolis Colts in 2020, rushing for 1,169 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is a powerful runner who can also catch passes out of the backfield, and his ability to break off big runs is impressive.
Expert Quotes
Derrick Henry is a once-in-a-generation type of RB. His combination of size, speed, and power make him nearly impossible to defend. He is the best RB in the NFL right now, and it’s not even close.
Christian McCaffrey is a special player. His ability to contribute as both a runner and a receiver is rare in today’s NFL. When he’s healthy, he’s one of the best RBs in the league.
Alvin Kamara is one of the most versatile RBs in the NFL. He can do everything you want from a modern RB, and his ability to make defenders miss is unmatched.
FAQs
What makes a great RB in the NFL?
A great RB in the NFL needs to have a combination of size, speed, power, agility, and vision. They also need to be able to catch passes out of the backfield and be a threat in the passing game.
Why are RBs important in fantasy football?
RBs are important in fantasy football because they are often used in short-yardage and goal-line situations, making them valuable for scoring touchdowns. They also receive a lot of touches in the running and passing game, which can translate to a lot of fantasy points.
Who is the best RB of all time?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it is subjective and depends on personal opinions. However, some of the greatest RBs of all time include Jim Brown, Walter Payton, Barry Sanders, and Emmitt Smith.