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NFL Power Rankings Week 2: Running backs

By Lyle Graversen

Nov 3, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) runs with ball against the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) runs with ball against the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 7, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Terrance West (28) runs the ball past Pittsburgh Steelers defenders during the second half at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won the game, 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Terrance West (28) runs the ball past Pittsburgh Steelers defenders during the second half at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won the game, 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 25-21

25. Terrance West – Cleveland Browns

West wasn’t in my original top 25, but he played his way on in week one. West’s 100 yards on only 16 carries made for a promising debut. He’s currently the only rookie to make the list. We’ll see if he can keep it up moving forward or will he lose out on carries to veteran Ben Tate.

24. DeAngelo Williams – Carolina Panthers

Williams isn’t flashy. He’ll probably never break the top 15 of these rankings, but he is a consistent producer. He had a solid season in 2013 with almost 1,200 total yards of offense and had a nice debut last week with 72 yards on only 14 carries.

23. Fred Jackson – Buffalo Bills

There may not be a more underrated running back in the NFL than Fred Jackson. Did you know he rushed for more yards than Le’Veon Bell and Gionvani Bernard last season? He’s another back that isn’t flashy but just keeps putting up consistent numbers.

22. Pierre Thomas – New Orleans Saints

Pierre Thomas will never put up huge rushing numbers, but in a Drew Brees lead offense the real value comes in piling up receptions. Thomas had 77 receptions last season and that was with Darren Sproles still around. It’s not outrageous to think he could hit 100 receptions this season.

21. Doug Martin – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

If Doug Martin was guaranteed to be healthy all season and was running behind a dependable offensive line he would be ranked much higher on this list. Unfortunately, after missing time last season and running behind a very shaky offensive line (especially with newly acquired Logan Mankins already dinged up) it’s hard to imagine Martin putting up big numbers this season.

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