NFL Rankings: 10 best running backs in the league

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) talks with Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy (25) following the game at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Eagles 48-30. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 12

San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (24) runs for a first down against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers won 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

10) Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers

Prior to the 2013 season, Ryan Mathews was considered to be a first-round “bust” in most NFL circles. The former Fresno State ball-carrier had missed 10 total games through his first three seasons, gaining the “injury prone” label, and when he was on the field, the production wasn’t spectacular with only one season with greater than 1,000 yards from scrimmage. However, that changed with a breakout of sorts last season.

Mathews, who is still only 26 years old, rushed for 1,255 yards on 4.4 yards per attempt last season, and with seven touchdowns, he proved to be a valuable piece of a quality team in San Diego. He isn’t the most physical runner in the league, but his speed is underrated and Mathews possesses top-tier vision that allows him to reach holes before they close.

It will be incredibly interesting to see how the Chargers use the duo of Mathews and Donald Brown for the coming season, but with his showing last year, Mathews has proven that he is a back without a real “weakness”, and that is a rare commodity in the NFL.

Home/Chicago Bears