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 /

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Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) runs in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

5) Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks

Simply put, Marshawn Lynch is the most powerful runner in the NFL today. “Beast Mode” received his nickname for a reason, and it is impossible to forget his legendary playoff run against the New Orleans Saints from earlier in his career. In actuality, Lynch took a minor step back last season (1,257 yards on 4.2 yards per carry), but he seemingly picked up steam as the season went along, and Lynch was still effective deep into Seattle’s Super Bowl run.

One 0f the big storylines of the off-season was whether Lynch would hang up his cleats into retirement, but he decided to come back for another season, and his track record suggests that a 1,200+ yard season is in the offing. Contract worries have many expecting Lynch to be on his way out in Seattle after this season, but if we forget that for the purposes of this ranking, Lynch is certainly worthy of this spot.

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