As the NFL offseason drags on and we anxiously wait for training camps to begin, we thought it would be fun to start ranking some of the league’s best position groups. Last week we focused on wide receiver rooms. Today, the attention shifts to the NFL’s top running back units entering 2026.
5. Los Angeles Rams: Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Ronnie Rivers
The Rams made very few changes to their running back room this offseason, which makes sense after finishing seventh in rushing last year.
Kyren Williams topped 1,000 rushing yards for a third straight season and continues to grow as a receiver. His vision and recognition against defensive fronts remain central to Sean McVay’s offense, especially in outside zone concepts. Williams also remains one of the league’s better pass-blocking backs, an important factor in keeping Matthew Stafford upright.
Blake Corum handled roughly 30% of the snaps as the secondary option and brought a more punishing style to the offense. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry with 746 rushing yards and six touchdowns, giving Los Angeles another reliable option capable of extending drives and generating dynamic plays.
If Corum keeps developing, the Rams will once again field an extremely dangerous backfield.
4. Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, Brian Robinson Jr., Tyler Goodson
Since entering as a rookie in 2023, Bijan Robinson has consistently ranked among the NFL’s most productive ball carriers.
Atlanta finished eighth in rushing offense last season, and new head coach Kevin Stefanski appears intent on leaning heavily into a wide-zone scheme built around Robinson’s versatility. His combination of vision, elusiveness, and tackle-breaking ability makes him one of the toughest backs in football to contain in space.
The Falcons also like to lean on a two-back approach. Tyler Allgeier’s departure opened the door for Brian Robinson Jr., who arrives from San Francisco with a downhill style similar to Allgeier’s. Robinson Jr. gives Atlanta another physical presence between the tackles while complementing Bijan’s explosiveness in the open field.
There are still roster questions elsewhere, but the Falcons’ ground game should remain one of their strengths.
3. Buffalo Bills: James Cook, Ty Johnson, Ray Davis
Buffalo led the NFL in rushing last season behind another outstanding year from James Cook.
Cook rushed for 1,621 yards, earning a third straight Pro Bowl nod. His patience and vision consistently allow blocks to develop, making him an ideal fit in Buffalo’s inside-zone concepts.
The Bills also have quality depth behind him. Ty Johnson carved out a reliable third-down role thanks to his pass protection and receiving ability, and Ray Davis provided another productive option averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
Of course, Buffalo’s rushing attack extends beyond the running backs themselves. Josh Allen’s presence in the run game forces defenses to account for designed quarterback runs and read-option looks on nearly every snap.
With Cook leading the room and complementary depth behind him, Buffalo should again field one of the NFL’s top rushing attacks.
2. Miami Dolphins: De’Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, Ollie Gordon II
In a season filled with injuries and inconsistency, De’Von Achane remained one of Miami’s brightest spots.
The third-year back eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards for the first time. He also contributed heavily as a receiver with 488 receiving yards and four touchdowns, with his speed and explosiveness making him dangerous anywhere on the field.
New offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik could maximize those strengths even further given his history of incorporating backs into the passing game.
Miami also brings impressive depth behind Achane. Jaylen Wright missed significant time with injuries but flashed the speed and burst that made him one of the more intriguing prospects in the 2024 draft. Ollie Gordon II adds another dimension as a tough goal-line option.
The Dolphins may still have concerns elsewhere offensively, but their backfield has the talent to compete with any group in football.
1. Detroit Lions: Jahmyr Gibbs, Isiah Pacheco, Sione Vaki
Detroit continues to field the NFL’s most complete running back room.
Jahmyr Gibbs has developed into a premier dual-threat back, finishing with career highs in receptions and receiving yards while also producing as a runner. His burst gives Detroit a home-run threat every time he touches the ball.
The addition of Isiah Pacheco keeps the Lions’ two-back identity intact following David Montgomery’s departure. Pacheco brings a more physical, downhill style that complements Gibbs perfectly and allows Detroit to maintain balance offensively.
The Lions dealt with offensive line inconsistencies late last season, but the backfield itself remained productive throughout the year.
With Gibbs providing elite playmaking and Pacheco handling the tougher interior work, Detroit enters 2026 with the best group in the league.
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