Top 10 NFL Running Back Rankings (2013)
By: Matt Harmon
July 24, 2013
1) Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings
2) Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seattle Seahawks
3) LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
4) Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens
5) Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
6) Adrian Foster, RB, Houston Texans
7) Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers
8) Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans
9) C.J. Spiller, RB, Buffalo Bills
10) Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears
July 24, 2013
1) Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings
- This ranking should come as nothing more than stating the obvious. Even before his incredible 2012 season, I believed that Peterson was one going to go down as a hall of fame runner and one of the best backs of my generation. Last season Peterson cemented his legacy when he came just nine yards short of the rushing record with 12 TDs on six yards per carry. All the while Peterson was less than a year removed from tearing up his knee. Peterson almost singlehandedly carried his team to the postseason and I expect we will see many more of these types of efforts from him.
2) Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seattle Seahawks
- I love Lynch as a player. He runs like a violent mad men and he has shown he can thrive in multiple roles. He excelled as the focal point of the offense at the beginning of 2012, and years prior, but was just as effective in a complementary role in the option-based offense Russell Wilson orchestrated towards the end of the year. Lynch had a rough start to his career but has really turned things around in Seattle. You can just about book Lynch for about 1,200 yards and double digit touchdowns. I also believe the other backs that Seattle has had will only serve to help lengthen Lynch’s career.
3) LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
- LeSean McCoy is an incredibly shifty runner and is one of the most prolific receiving backs in the league today. He has some injury and fumbling problems last year, but I expect he will be the focal point of Chip Kelly’s new fast paced offense. It is amazing that he is just 25 years old and the best could actually be yet to come for him. As long as a lackluster Eagles passing game does not hold him back, we could see a career year out of McCoy.
4) Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens
- Rice brings an all around approach to the table as a running back. He is a nice mix of power between the tackles while possessing the ability to beat defenders to the second level. He also has snagged 311 receptions over the course of his career. Without Rice the Baltimore offense may have hit the dirt many times through the years. The mass amount of touches may begin to take their toll, but for now he has to be considered a top five back.
5) Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
- Charles is a stud, end of story. His big time comeback from an ACL was overshadowed by the return of Adrian Peterson, but he came back incredibly strong as well. Charles ran for 1,500 yards and was just about all that was right with Kansas City last year, and that is not outside of the norm. I sure hope Andy Reid bases his offense around Charles next year.
6) Adrian Foster, RB, Houston Texans
- This ranking may seem low for Foster, but in my opinion, he is a bit of a system player. He is the perfect back for Gary Kubiak’s Bronco style zone rushing offense, but I question whether he would post such big numbers for another team. It helps that he is a great receiver out of the backfield. What concerns me is that his yards per carry has slowly fallen and landed at a lowly 4YPC last season. I fear we could see a sharp decline here soon.
7) Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers
- Gore has been consistent and reliable for the 49ers the past several years. It is also a huge bonus that Gore seems to have put his injury problems behind him; he has not missed a game the past two seasons. As he advances past the dreaded 30 year old mark we could see more injuries or a decline in Gore, but I bet we can lock him in for 1,000 yards and around nine touchdowns again this year at least.
8) Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans
- I have not been a Chris Johnson fan for some time now. Ever since his 2,000-yard season, and subsequent monster payday, we have not seen the same player. He has made every excuse in the book as well, and while his blocking has not been great the past two years he still dances like a Rockette behind the line of scrimmage. The stage is set for Johnson to succeed this year. The Titans made a number of upgrades to their offensive line and passing game, outside of Jake Locker. No more excuse, so we better see a return to dominance, or he will probably be out the door.
9) C.J. Spiller, RB, Buffalo Bills
- Spiller is a dynamic player who finally got his chance to shine last season. Chan Gailey stubbornly misused and ignored Spiller’s talents for years, but an injury to Fred Jackson forced his hand; Spiller ran with the opportunity. I envision Spiller getting over 2,000 yards from scrimmage this year and establishing himself as Buffalo’s best player. He is a dynamite talent who is equally good as a runner and receiver. He will make things much easier for EJ Manuel and will likely benefit from the rookies running abilities.
10) Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears
- Personally, I have always Forte to be just a middling talent as a player, but there is no denying his productivity. He is still an excellent weapon as a receiver, but as a runner, he is not particularly powerful or elusive. I do not mean to sound too negative about Forte, he is still in my top 10 for a reason. He is a calming and reliable presence for a Bears offense that has needed him to be just that for several years. However, with the new additions to the receiving game and the offensive line, this should be the year Forte finally takes a back seat to Jay Cutler in Chicago.
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