Who Is the Best Running Back in the NFL?

There are those who would tell you the modern NFL doesn't value the running back position as much as it used to, but ask the teams across the league who have the best ones, and they'll tell you just how valuable they are.

The league's truly special backs are more than just early-down runners; they're dynamic offensive weapons who can impact the game in many different ways, providing the foundation for the entire attack, while raising the ceiling with versatility and big-play ability.

But who is the best in the league right now?

You can make a strong case for any number of the top talents, depending on which criteria you choose to prioritize. If you value experience and high-end production up to this point, Saquon Barkley might be your pick, or perhaps Jonathan Taylor. If you want the same, with a dash of rare versatility and pass-catching prowess, you might take Christian McCaffrey. If you want a massive workhorse with rare physical traits and seemingly limitless longevity, Derrick Henry is your guy.

If you prefer the wave of the future, you might toward the likes of Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs, both of whom brings explosiveness, versatility, and unlimited potential as they hit the prime of their careers.

Does De'Von Achane deserve a seat at the table? What about James Cook? Have you seen enough already from Ashton Jeanty to put him in the conversation?

Give us your vote in the poll below, and defend your choice in the comment section:

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This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 2:41 PM.