Ranking the Top 10 Best NFL Runningbacks of 2025

It was going to be difficult for Barkley to replicate his numbers from his OPOY season. It was made harder for Barkley thanks to coaching. Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo’s failings as Philadelphia’s playcaller were not exclusive to the pass attack, as a lot of Barkley’s carries were doomed from the start. Combined with a lesser workload and a weakened offensive line, Barkley’s “down” season makes sense. Despite those handicaps, he still totaled 1100+ yards and ranked 9th in evaded tackles and breakaway runs.

9: Javonte Williams

Revitalizing his career in Dallas, Javonte Williams was one of the key pieces that propelled the Cowboys into being one of the top offenses in the league. His physical running style complemented the mauler linemen up-front, leading him to a 1201 yard campaign. That physicality also showed up when he was tasked with pass-blocking, as he was an impenetrable wall when picking up blitzers and opposing rushers.

8: Kyren Williams

Of course, Matthew Stafford dominating through the air lightened Kyren Williams’ workload. That shouldn’t take anything away from Williams’ great year. He had his third season in a row eclipsing the 1000 yard mark, and added on 10 rushing touchdowns to his resume. He was also one of the top backs in terms of success rate with 50.15 percent, and a top first down rate of 29.34 percent.

7: De’Von Achane

Miami’s new front office is already going through their roster purge. One player that is not going anywhere is De’Von Achane. He was the key cog in Mike McDaniel’s offensive machine. Even with a lesser passing game, Achane still paced opposing defenses for 1350 rushing yards. He was also the best explosive runner in the game with an explosive play rate of 13.45 percent.

6: Jahmyr Gibbs

Even without Ben Johnson and behind a lesser offensive line than in previous years, Jahmyr Gibbs still kept his legs churning. Gibbs concluded his 2025 campaign with 1223 rushing and 616 receiving yards. He especially kicked his production in the pass game up a notch, posting career highs in targets, receptions, receiving yards and receiving TDs. He’s a danger all over the field, and has a big extension coming his way.

5: Christian McCaffrey

It’s hard these days to break the mold of MVP candidates as a runner. McCaffrey’s contributions to Kyle Shanahan’s offense put him fourth in voting overall for the award. At times, run CMC was San Francisco’s entire offense. His dual threat ability allowed him to secure 103 receptions which put him at the top among his peers at the stat. He also paired that with 1202 yards on the ground, consistently being the driving force for the team.

4: Derrick Henry

At the ripe old age of 31, Henry still towered over his opponents and made fools out of them. Some early season fumbling woes could have put his year into jeopardy, but he rebounded quickly and led Baltimore to being the runner up for the best rushing offense in the game. Among RBs with at least 100 carries, he faced the most defenders in the box on average. He powered through those defenders, having 1080 of his 1595 rushing yardage total come after contact.

3: Jonathan Taylor

Indy’s collapse unfortunately derailed Jonathan Taylor’s OPOY caliber campaign. Taylor was the engine for Shane Steichen’s attack, carrying the team to their early offensive strides. He still ended the season ranking third along RBs in yards, first in yards after contact, and even recorded an extra 378 yards through the air.

2: James Cook

Fresh off signing his big new contract, James Cook lived up to his deal and then some. He was the focal point of the NFL’s top rushing offense and best attack in terms of EPA per play. Cook logged a league leading 1621 yards and scored twelve touchdowns on the ground. With the Bills maintaining Joe Brady, he’ll be set on continuing to put up big time numbers.

1: Bijan Robinson

For the third year in a row, Bijan Robinson topped his career-high numbers. This time, along with 1478 rush yards, he doubled his receiving production from the previous year and ended the season with a monstrous 820 receiving yards, finishing as 2025’s leader in total scrimmage yards. That’s not all though, as Robinson was second in yards after contact and first in missed tackles forced per PFF. In every facet of the game, Bijan Robinson is a gold standard, and the best RB of 2025.