# Top 5 Running Backs in the NFL According to PFF
The running back position in the NFL has evolved significantly over the years. While the league has shifted toward a pass-heavy approach, elite running backs remain crucial to offensive success. Pro Football Focus (PFF) is one of the most respected analytics platforms in football, providing advanced metrics to evaluate player performance. According to PFF’s grading system, here are the top five running backs in the NFL right now.
Christian McCaffrey isn’t just the best running back in the NFL—he’s one of the most complete offensive weapons in the league. PFF consistently grades him as the top running back due to his elite rushing ability, unmatched receiving skills, and durability. McCaffrey led the NFL in rushing yards (1,459) and scrimmage yards (2,023) in 2023 while scoring 21 total touchdowns. His ability to break tackles, create yards after contact, and excel in the passing game makes him a nightmare for defenses.
PFF’s metrics highlight McCaffrey’s efficiency in both zone and gap schemes, as well as his prowess in pass protection. His 94.2 overall grade in 2023 was the highest among all running backs, reinforcing his status as the undisputed No. 1 back in the league. Whether it’s between the tackles, in the open field, or as a receiver, McCaffrey does it all at an elite level.
Derrick Henry, now with the Baltimore Ravens after a dominant tenure with the Tennessee Titans, remains one of the most physically imposing runners in NFL history. At 6’3”, 247 pounds, Henry combines rare size with breakaway speed, making him nearly impossible to bring down in one-on-one situations. PFF’s grading system loves his ability to generate explosive plays, consistently ranking him among the league leaders in yards after contact and broken tackles.
In 2023, Henry rushed for 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns despite playing behind a struggling Titans offensive line. His 90.1 PFF grade reflects his dominance as a pure runner, even as he enters the later stages of his career. Now paired with Lamar Jackson in Baltimore, Henry could see even more success in 2024, as defenses will struggle to key in on both his power running and Jackson’s dynamic playmaking ability.
When healthy, Nick Chubb is arguably the most efficient pure runner in the NFL. His combination of vision, balance, and burst allows him to consistently turn modest gains into big plays. PFF has consistently graded Chubb as one of the league’s top running backs due to his ability to maximize every carry. Before suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2023, Chubb was on pace for another stellar year, averaging 5.9 yards per carry.
Chubb’s career 5.3 yards-per-carry average is among the best in NFL history for a running back with at least 1,000 attempts. PFF’s metrics highlight his elite ability to break tackles and avoid negative plays, making him one of the most reliable backs in the league. If he returns to full health in 2024, expect Chubb to reclaim his spot as one of the NFL’s premier rushers.
Jonathan Taylor had a down year in 2022 due to injuries and offensive line struggles, but he bounced back in a big way in 2023. After securing a contract extension with the Indianapolis Colts, Taylor reminded everyone why he was once considered the best running back in football. His combination of speed, power, and breakaway ability makes him a constant home run threat.
PFF graded Taylor as one of the most explosive runners in 2023, with his 87.5 overall grade ranking among the top five at the position. He finished the season with 1,341 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns in just 14 games, showcasing his ability to carry an offense. With Anthony Richardson developing at quarterback, Taylor should see even more favorable defensive fronts in 2024, potentially leading to another monster season.
Saquon Barkley’s career has been a rollercoaster due to injuries, but when healthy, he’s one of the most dynamic playmakers in football. Now with the Philadelphia Eagles after spending his first six seasons with the New York Giants, Barkley has a chance to revitalize his career behind one of the best offensive lines in the league. PFF has consistently graded Barkley highly when he’s on the field, thanks to his rare blend of power, agility, and receiving ability.
In 2023, Barkley rushed for 962 yards and six touchdowns despite playing behind a subpar Giants offensive line. His 86.3 PFF grade reflects his ability to create yards on his own, ranking among the league leaders in missed tackles forced per attempt. With the Eagles’ high-powered offense and creative play-calling, Barkley could have a career year in 2024, re-establishing himself as one of the NFL’s elite backs.
While these five running backs stand atop PFF’s rankings, several others deserve recognition. Josh Jacobs (Green Bay Packers), Breece Hall (New York Jets), and Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions) all had strong 2023 seasons and could easily crack the top five in the near future. Jacobs, in particular, is a former rushing champion who remains one of the most physical runners in the league. Hall and Gibbs, both young and explosive, are poised to take the next step in their careers.
The running back position may not be as valued as it once was, but elite backs like Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry, Nick Chubb, Jonathan Taylor, and Saquon Barkley continue to prove their worth. PFF’s advanced metrics highlight their efficiency, explosiveness, and overall impact on their respective offenses. Whether it’s McCaffrey’s all-around dominance, Henry’s sheer power, Chubb’s consistency, Taylor’s explosiveness, or Barkley’s playmaking ability, these five running backs stand above the rest. As the 2024 season approaches, expect them to continue setting the standard for excellence at the position.
