With Week 5 in the books, let’s take a look around the league at the NFL’s best ball carriers and see how they’ve been performing.

32. Minnesota Vikings Alexander Mattison (Last Week #31)

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – AUGUST 26: Alexander Mattison #2 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to the start of a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 26, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

And just like that—Alexander Mattison is back to square one. The Vikings “solution” to losing Dalvin Cook got 18 carries against Chicago this week and turned it into a staggeringly low 44 yards.

31. Baltimore Ravens Gus Edwards (Last Week #24)

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Running back Gus Edwards #35 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on before playing against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Ravens running back Gus Edwards has really not done much with his opportunity to start following the early season injury to J.K. Dobbins. Edwards netted just 41 yards at 2.6 a pop against the Titans in London.

30. New England Patriots Rhamondre Stevenson (Last Week #28)

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 25: Running back Rhamondre Stevenson #38 of the New England Patriots runs the ball during the first half at Gillette Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Stevenson hasn’t been able to get anything going this year. Granted, opposing teams are stacking the box and daring Mac Jones to beat them, but still, 10 for 46 is tough. He only got the edge over Mattison and Edwards because he found his way into the endzone once.

29. BYE Green Bay Packers AJ Dillon (Last Week #14)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 10: AJ Dillon #28 of the Green Bay Packers runs with the ball against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field on September 10, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

It isn’t exactly fair, but AJ Dillon is getting slotted back to the bottom of the barrel while on his bye week. He’s really only had one solid week thus far and other backs around the league performed well while he was on his couch.

28. Arizona Cardinals Emari Demercado (Last Week #20)

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – AUGUST 26: Emari Demercado #31 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on prior to the start a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 26, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

As it turns out, Emari Demercado was not ready to take the bulk of the work in James Conner’s absence. The Cardinals stand-in struggled to get anything going against the Rams D.

27. Houston Texans Dameon Pierce (Last Week #17)

HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 01: Dameon Pierce #31 of the Houston Texans runs the ball during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Dameon Pierce is back in the doghouse this week after a poor outing against the Saints. The Texans second-year back had just 34 yards on 13 carries.

26. Pittsburgh Steelers Najee Harris (Last Week #25)

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 08: Najee Harris #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Najee had a much-needed bye this week as questions swirl around his job security. Hopefully, the former first-round pick can get something going against the Rams this week, otherwise he may not be RB1 much longer.

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rachaad White (Last Week #21)

TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 25: Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium on September 25, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

Rachaad White—and the rest of the Bucs run game, the entire offense, really had nothing for Detroit this week. White got the ball just seven times and totaled 26 rushing yards.

24. Washington Commanders Brian Robinson (Last Week #26)

DENVER, COLORADO – SEPTEMBER 17: Brian Robinson Jr. #8 of the Washington Commanders celebrates after his team’s 35-33 win against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on September 17, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Another quiet week for the Commanders second-year running back. Robinson got the ball 10 times against Atlanta and totaled just 31 yards on the ground. He did, however, add two catches for 25 yards and a touchdown, salvaging the performance.

23. Dallas Cowboys Tony Pollard (Last Week #22)

TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 16: Tony Pollard #20 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 16, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Dallas got back on track this week, knocking off the Chargers on Monday Night Football, but Pollard was quiet again, going for just 30 yards on 15 ineffective carries.

22. Cincinnati Bengals Joe Mixon (Last Week #16)

CINCINNATI, OHIO – JANUARY 02: Joe Mixon #28 of the Cincinnati Bengals is introduced before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Paul Brown Stadium on January 02, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Joe Mixon continues to look lost in the Cincinnati offense. The usually-productive back totaled just 38 yards on 12 carries against Seattle.

21. Buffalo Bills James Cook (Last Week #32)

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 15: James Cook #28 of the Buffalo Bills rushes for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter of the game in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

James Cook had a nice bounce-back week against the Giants, turning 14 carries into 71 yards that Buffalo desperately needed with the passing game looking stagnant.

20. New York Giants Saquon Barkley (Last Week N/A)

GLENDALE, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 17: Matt Breida #31 of the New York Giants warms up before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Seeing Saquon Barkley back on the field must have brought a tear to Giants fans’ eyes. Barkley single-handedly revived a dormant run game, taking his 24 carries for 93 yards against a tough Bills defense.

19. Denver Broncos Javonte Williams (Last Week N/A)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 01: Javonte Williams #33 of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 01, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Javonte Williams looked solid in his return to action, taking 10 carries for 52 yards. It will be interesting to see how he manages what figures to be an increased workload in the coming weeks..

18. Los Angeles Chargers Austin Ekeler (Last Week N/A)

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 16: Justin Herbert #10 hands off to Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium on October 16, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Ekeler struggled to get anything going on the ground this week behind a weak Chargers o-line, but he did convert four receptions into 35 yards, including a 28-yarder that set up a touchdown.

17. Chicago Bears D’Onta Foreman (Last Week N/A)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 15: D’Onta Foreman #21 of the Chicago Bears looks on against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on October 15, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Foreman was solid this week in Khalil Herbert’s absence, taking 15 carries for 65 yards, though he did get lucky on his fumble staying with Chicago.

16. Cleveland Browns Jerome Ford (Last Week #27)

CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 24: Jerome Ford #34 of the Cleveland Browns catches a touchdown pass during the second quarter during the third quarter in the game against the Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Jerome Ford looked fresh coming off the bye and did well splitting the load with Kareem Hunt. Ford took it to a nasty 49ers defense to the tune of 17 carries for 84 yards.

15. Carolina Panthers Chuba Hubbard (Last Week N/A)

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 15: Chuba Hubbard #30 of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball during the first half in the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

It has been said before, but man was the Miles Sanders-signing a mistake. Chuba Hubbard stepped in for Sanders this week with no problem and outpaced Sanders’ early season production significantly, going for 88 yards and a touchdown against Miami.

14. Las Vegas Raiders Josh Jacobs (Last Week #11)

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 07: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on January 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

Another high-usage, mediocre output week for Josh Jacobs. The Raiders running back got 77 yards, but it took him 25 attempts and he brought little to the passing game, securing just two catches.

13. Philadelphia Eagles D'Andre Swift (Last Week #7)

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 08: D’Andre Swift #0 of the Philadelphia Eagles on the field during warm up before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Tough week for Swift against a brutish Jets defense. The Eagles dynamic rusher took 10 carries for just eighteen yards.

12. New Orleans Saints Alvin Kamara (Last Week #13)

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 08: Derek Carr #4 of the New Orleans Saints and Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints celebrate after Carr’s touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

Alvin Kamara looked good this week, but there weren’t a ton of lanes for him to run against a stout Texans D. He took 19 carries for 68 yards, but was a reliable check-down option, hauling in seven catches for 36 yards.

11. Atlanta Falcons Bijan Robinson (Last Week #9)

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 15: Desmond Ridder #9 of the Atlanta Falcons hands the ball off to Bijan Robinson #7 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter against the Washington Commanders at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Another down week for Bijan, who continues to slide in the rankings. The Falcons star rookie split carries with Tyler Allgeier, with each getting 13, and was out gained 51 to 37.

10. Indianapolis Colts Zack Moss (Last Week #5)

HOUSTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 17: Zack Moss #21 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Zack Moss was balling in Jonathan Taylor’s absence, but the Colts running back has slowed considerably upon Taylor’s return, even though he’s still getting the bulk of the action. Moss will need to get back on track soon if he wants to retain the lion’s share of the work.

9. Seattle Seahawks Kenneth Walker III (Last Week #10)

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 02: Kenneth Walker III #9 of the Seattle Seahawks runs the ball during the first quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on October 02, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Kenneth Walker III was huge for Seattle on an afternoon when they needed all the offense they could get out of him. He had 89 yards from scrimmage and a crucial rushing touchdown that kept them in the game against Cinci.

8. Detroit Lions David Montgomery (Last Week #2)

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 17: David Montgomery #5 of the Detroit Lions plays against the Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field on September 17, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Six carries for 14 yards is brutal, yes, but Montgomery missed most of the game with an injury. He’s been one of the most reliable backs all year though, so we’ll give him a one-week grace period before plummeting him in the rankings.

7. Tennessee Titans Derrick Henry (Last Week #12)

CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 24: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

His usage is still down, but Derrick Henry had a couple of vintage moments this week against Baltimore, including an epic 63-yard run. Henry was the bulk of the Titans offense too, he took just 12 carries for 97 and a touchdown, while chipping in two catches for 16 yards.

6. Los Angeles Rams Kyren Williams (Last Week #19)

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 10: Kyren Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after running the ball for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Lumen Field on September 10, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Kyren Williams had a huge game against Tampa Bay this week. The Rams running back was elusive and explosive all game, taking 20 carries for a massive 158 yards and a touchdown.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars Travis Etienne Jr. (Last Week #6)

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – JANUARY 07: Travis Etienne Jr. #1 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs the ball during the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at TIAA Bank Field on January 07, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

The Jaguars running back had another big week, getting into the endzone twice on the ground and totaling 83 yards from scrimmage.

4. San Francisco 49ers Christian McCaffrey (Last Week #1)

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 01: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Christian McCaffrey got off to another hot start in this one, continuing his insane, now 15-game touchdown streak, but it appears that the old injury bug has reared its ugly head, though the severity is still unclear.

3. Kansas City Chiefs Isiah Pacheco (Last Week #8)

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 07: Isiah Pacheco #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after defeating the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on January 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

Isiah Pacheco continues to build momentum this season. He played well against the Broncos, taking 16 carries for 62 yards and added six catches for 36 yards, narrowly missing 100 scrimmage yards in a game where they were tough to come by.

2. New York Jets Breece Hall (Last Week #4)

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 15: Breece Hall #20 of the New York Jets celebrates a touchdown during the fourth quarter in the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on October 15, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Jets fans have to be pumped to have Breece Hall back healthy. The second-year back has been a game-changer for them. He went for five catches and 54 yards, with a long of 25, and added 39 and a touchdown on the ground against a tough Eagles defense for a huge Jets win.

1. Miami Dolphins Raheem Mostert (Last Week NA)

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 15: Raheem Mostert #31 of the Miami Dolphins jumps over CJ Henderson #23 of the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

It appears it doesn’t much matter who is toting the rock in this high-powered Dolphins offense, as Mostert and Achane continue to toggle back and forth and put up insane numbers.

Mostert torched the Panthers this week for 115 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries.



Ranking All 32 NFL Teams No. 1 Running Back From WORST To FIRST After Week 6
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