My top 10 running backs for this upcoming 2019 NFL season.
#10 PHILLIP LINDSEY
I have Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsey at #10. Some of you are like who, I'll tell you who. Last season undrafted rookie Phillip Lindsey was top 10 in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. He was second amongst all backs in yards per carry averaging (5.4 ypc) in 2018. Besides being a rookie, playing with a well below average offensive line, and no stability at quarterback; Lindsey remained a bright spot in the Broncos offense. With his burst and ability to avoid defenders, this season he will look to build upon an impressive rookie campaign.#9 CHRIS CARSON
3rd year running back Chris Carson was the feature back the consisted of a multiple back set in Seattle. The Seahawks finished with the #1 rushing attack in the NFL averaging (160.0 ypg). Carson finished with (1,151 yards / 9 TDs). He was 5th in rushing for 2018. Rashaad Penny in his rookie season last year provided some depth at running back for the Seahawks as it seemed to be running back by committee however, Carson was indeed the lead back. In 2018 he had (6) - 100 yard rushing games including (3) straight at the end of the season to go alongside (4) touchdowns over a three game span that helped push Seattle in the postseason. He and the Seahawks were stifled by the Cowboys defense in the wild card round of the playoffs, but with a healthy offensive line things should continue to look up for Carson and the Seahawks as they battle in a tough NFC West.#8 JOE MIXON
Joe Mixon has taken over the reigns as top running back in Cincinnati. Mixon finished his second season racking up (1,168) rushing yards which ranked 4th in the NFL last season. He also contributed to (8) rushing touchdowns and was a proven commodity in the passing game. This season under first year head coach Zac Taylor, the Bengals offense should and will focus around Mixon. Taylor, who has never been a head coach spent the last (2) seasons under Rams head coach Sean McVay as they retooled Los Angeles offense from worst to first. They also found a way to get Todd Gurley loose as in (2017) he led the league in yards from scrimmage. Mixon should see the majority of the touches in the backfield this upcoming season. More than likely he will get over (300) touches between running and receiving the ball. Especially if they cannot keep their receivers and tight ends healthy. As well as establishing dominance on the offensive front which they need to improve quickly. We should see a heavy dose of Mixon all season as he looks to improve his (83.4) rush yards per game which ranked 3rd last season.#7 MELVIN GORDON III
I have to be guessing but this years supposedly "Chargers" running back Melvin Gordon at #7. Gordon currently on a contract holdout as he is set to make $5 million this upcoming season, looking towards north of $10 million a year. Gordon played just (12) games a season ago had (885 yards / 10 TDs). He averaged (5.1) yards per rush which was top (5) as he ranked top (10) in rushing touchdowns and total touchdowns. The Chargers back had his most receiving yards this season and proved to be a dual threat both on the ground and through the air. His (9.8) yards per catch were 2nd most amongst all running backs in 2018. Gordon now has (3) seasons in which he has recorded at least (400) yards receiving while recording (10) receiving touchdowns in that span. Only one (1,000) yard season back in 2017; coincidently the only season Gordon has played all (16) games. Even though he has been close several years, health concerns and durability has raised concerns over the years for the (5th) year back out of Wisconsin. However; he and Ezekiel Elliott lead the NFL over the last (3) seasons in rushing touchdowns, both with (28).#5-b ALVIN KAMARA
Saints running back Alvin Kamara has showcased his talents since day one stepping onto and NFL field. In just his first (2) seasons, Kamara became the first player ever to record (1,500) yards or more from scrimmage in their first two seasons entering the league. Last season alone he had (14) rushing touchdowns and (18) total touchdowns which was 2nd behind only Todd Gurley in both categories. He has ranked in the top (10) in receiving and rushing touchdowns over his first (2) seasons while only starting just (16) of those games. Kamara has the ability to play special teams. His illusive speed and agility only compliments him in punt/kick returns. With Mark Ingram moving on to Baltimore, Kamara seems likely to take on a heavier role in the offense so look for a decrease in availability with special teams. Increase in touches seems to be the norm moving forward. (275) touches a season ago, should see well over (300)+ for the 2019 season. Bringing on Latavius Murray gives you a solid and proven backup who has also been a good starter in this league almost levels out Ingram departure. After leading the NFL in 2017 with (6.1) yards per carry, Kamara dropped down to (4.6) yards per rush in 2018. However in a Sean Payton offense, with Drew Brees still chasing another title for New Orleans; Kamara will indeed see his usage rate spike as well as productivity and should reach (1,000) yards rushing this upcoming season.#5-a CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY
Run CMC isn't just a slogan its a culture around Charlotte. In his first season in 2017, McCaffrey wasn't quite yet the workhorse for the Panthers however he did manage to post over (1,000) yards from scrimmage in his rookie year. Season 2 he damn near doubled that with almost (2,000) yards from scrimmage. Finishing (4th) in yards from scrimmage, (3rd) in all purpose yards, he reeled off (1,098) rushing yards and totaling (13) touchdowns (7 rush / 6 rec). To go along with the rushing yards, CMC also had (867) receiving yards. For a running back that was pretty impressive especially only in their (2nd) season. McCaffrey also averaged (5.0) yards per carry in 2018. The Panthers increased the amount of rushes (217) and receptions (107) he had this past season as his (107) receptions were actually (8th) amongst all pass catchers (WR/TE/RB) as he led all running backs in receptions. His ability to pass catch out of the backfield makes him hard to defend once in the open. Since 2017 he has (5) - 100 yard rushing games as well as (4) - 100 yard receiving games including that 2017 wild card game where CMC recorded (6 rec / 107 yards / TD). An all purpose back that has not missed a game since entering the league in 2017. The (8th) overall pick that year has proven to be reliable and durable while accounting for much of the Panther offensive success, I believe CMC can get (1,000) rushing and (1,000) receiving yards in the same season.#4 LE'VEON BELL
After sitting out the entire 2018 season due to a contract holdout, (3x) pro bowler Le'Veon Bell and the Pittsburgh Steelers have decided to part ways. Bell who spent his entire career which has included the last (6) seasons wearing black and yellow will now depart to Jets green. Bell signed a (4 year - $15 million) dollar contract with New York, a bit less than what he was looking for an initial reports of what the Steelers had offered. Bell looks forward to greener pastures in Broadway, no pun intended. We all know the catalysts and workhorse that Bell provides immediately. He led the NFL in touches (406) back in 2017. Last two seasons he played football he racked up over (1,800) yards from scrimmage going (3rd - 2016) and (2nd - 2017) in yards from scrimmage. Bell's (9) rushing touchdowns that season (2017) was a career high. His production cannot be overlooked. Over his last (27) games Bell has posted (10 - 100 yard) rushing games and (17) games with at least (100) yards or more from scrimmage. He is a threat running the ball and just as lethal with his hands in the receiving game. Le'Veon has (3) seasons rushing for (1,000) or more yards as well as (3) seasons with at least (600) receiving yards or more. Bell is one of the most patience backs in the NFL. Great vision and excellent footwork also bodes well for an aging running back. Even though just (27) years old, Bell's body has taken a punishment during his NFL career. Over (350) touches (rush/rec) in the 2 seasons prior to his holdout. A lot of wear, tear and mileage on one of the best backs in the league. Second year QB Sam Darnold should benefit tremendously having Bell in the backfield. He should relieve some of the pressure off the young QB as well as provide as a great blocker in pass protection. The Jets offensive line is not Pittsburgh but will have to suffice. Bell will look to quickly remind us of how productive and promising he is after a year off.#3 TODD GURLEY
Since winning NFL MVP honors back in 2017 all Todd Gurley does is everything you want and some at the running back position. That same 2017 season the former Georgia Bulldog standout piled up (2,093) total yards from scrimmage alongside (19) total touchdowns. In 2018 his (17) rushing and (21) total touchdowns ranked 1st in the league. Under Sean McVay's revamped offense and the emergence of QB Jared Goff; both Gurley and the Rams seem to be regular favorites in the NFC. (1,251) rushing yards this past season some of his numbers did taper off from the MVP season. Almost (200) yards less receiving and a few less touches. Not to mention the lingering an ongoing chronic knee issues which has dated him back to his collegiate years came to haunt Gurley and the Rams at the most worst of times during their Super Bowl run in 2018. After missing the final (2) regular season games and a bye week entering the postseason; Gurley ran off (16 car / 115 yards / TD) in their divisional round win. However, the following games after (Champ rd /SB), he totaled (14 car / 45 yards / TD) between the two games. Not classic Gurley at all. So once again the knee remains an issue. Los Angeles drafter Darrell Henderson (Memphis) in the 3rd round this season. Henderson was a do it all back during his time in Memphis having enact for finding the endzone. He is no Todd Gurley though. Gurley has averaged at least (22) touches per game over the last (2) seasons which will likely take a decline this season. With enough weapons in the receiving game an some depth in the backfield, this will hopefully take pressure and pain away from their star running back who just recently signed ($60 million) dollar extension. Being said injuries an all, he is a valuable asset especially if able to stay healthy and on the field. His multi-dimensional skills allows Gurley to be accounted for in an already loaded offense. How much effect he will have this season in their high firepower offensive attack? Arthritis, let us know something.....#2 SAQUAN BARKLEY
The 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year showed in his first season he was well worth the high draft pick. New York Giants running back Saquan Barkley checks in at #2. Barkley who started and played all (16) games in his rookie year rushed for (1,307) yards and (11) touchdowns. He also finished with (91) receptions and (4) receiving touchdowns. Barkley finished the season (2nd) in rushing yards (2nd) in receiving yards and (2nd) in rush attempts in 2018. While averaging (5.0) yards per rush he totaled (2,028) all purpose yards which ranked first in the NFL. Couple highlights from the season; week 2, Barkley finished with a career high (14) catches. Then later in week 15; he posted (14 car / 170 yards / TD) versus Washington. That's (12.1) yards per carry. (12.1) yards per carry folks. This season once again Barkley will look to carry the load again for the Giants. Whether its your aging QB that is starting or a rookie QB, their will be patience needed. Patience with a less than par but developing offensive line. No OBJ. No Golden Tate for the first (4) games. Defense missing key members from a season ago. But for Barkley, that just means more highlights. More breaking down defenses with his footwork, agility to avoid defenders, explosiveness once in the open field, and strength to knock down your favorite safety; this will definitely be another season for Barkley to shine. Not to mention Saquan only ran the ball (20) times or more in a game just four times. Finding balance for the youthful back like that will provide longevity and durability. Barkley probably be my #1 ranked back next season, just need to see if it will be consistent like my guy at #1.
#1 EZEKIEL ELLIOTT
Yes I have Zeke at #1. Could almost replace him with Barkley who had a hell of an 2018 NFL season, but just as the Giants cannot do it without Barkley; the Cowboys damn sure isn't winning without Zeke. Elliott for the (2nd) time in three seasons leading all running backs in rushing attempts (304) and rushing yards (1,434). He also finished with (9) total touchdowns (6 rush / 3 rec). This was Zeke's third consecutive season leading the league in rushing yards per game as well. Now with this holdout ongoing, the fate of he and the Dallas Cowboys 2019 season is in jeopardy. People seem to be getting paid, all except Elliott. As Elliott continues to train in Cabo, the Cowboys are anticipating their two time pro bowler come week one. Zeke has been the workhorse for Dallas leading all players in total touches with (381). His involvement in the passing game included (77) receptions which was a career high for Elliott. Now through (3) seasons Zeke has posted, (7) multi TD games, (20) games with (100) yards rushing or more and (5) games rushing for (150) or more. He has truly been the catalyst for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys. There bicker back and forth and stubbornness between the two needs to end. Elliott still with (2) years left on the existing rookie contract is looking for his extension now instead of later. Jones knows "what have you done for me now" includes leading the NFL in rushing (2) of his first (3) seasons while helping lead the Cowboys to two division titles and the teams first playoff win since (2015). Elliott knows he has a bad off the field track and his owner has stood by his side faithfully in the toughest of Zeke's failures. They both know with a now healthy offensive line, full season of Dak/Amari, addition of Randall Cobb, return of Jason Witten and a top (5) defense; the time is now for the Cowboys to take the next step. Without Zeke that isn't happening. Elliott being such a high commodity alongside his skill set and the season he had last year is the reason I have him as my #1 running back coming into 2019.*** Honorable Mention ***
SONY MICHEL
JORDAN HOWARD
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