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NFL Player Power Rankings Week 7: Running Backs

By Lyle Graversen

Dec 15, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) celebrates a touchdown in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) celebrates a touchdown in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 18, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) hands the ball off to Browns running back Ben Tate (44) against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) hands the ball off to Browns running back Ben Tate (44) against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 25-21

25. Ben Tate – Cleveland Browns – previously unranked

Ben Tate recently returned from an early injury and regained his feature back role for the Browns. In his limited time back he’s racked up 243 yards and is averaging 4.6 yards per carry. If Tate can stay healthy for the remainder of the year and the Browns stay competitive he has a chance to climb up this list.

24. Pierre Thomas – New Orleans Saints – previously no. 22

Pierre Thomas has been productive when he’s run the ball averaging 5.0 yards per carry with a couple of TDs. However, he’s only rushed for 120 yards. He does have 22 receptions for 187 yards so his role in the Saints passing game is keeping him on the list despite his limited carries in the run game.

23. Knile Davis – Kansas City Chiefs – previously unranked

Knile Davis proved himself capable of being a featured workhorse while Jamaal Charles was out with an injury. Davis did well enough in his couple of starts that he remains number 14 in the NFL in rushing yards despite Charles return. Davis performed well enough that he has remained part of the Chiefs offense and is stealing some snaps away from Charles.

22. CJ Spiller – Buffalo Bills – previously no. 14

If this list was based off of talent CJ Spiller would be ranked higher than 22nd. However, production is the key and Spiller’s 234 yards and 3.4 yards per carry with 13 receptions for 106 yards and a TD just isn’t all that impressive. Fred Jackson has out performed Spiller to date and appears to be Buffalo’s preferred back at this point.

21. Branden Oliver – San Diego Chargers – previously unranked

Branden Oliver (like Knile Davis) has taken advantage of his opportunity to fill in for the injured players ahead of him (Ryan Matthews and Danny Woodhead). Oliver has put up 249 yards rushing with 4.4 yards per carry and 12 receptions for 124 yards with three total TDs in his limited time filling in. He has produced well enough to earn a permanent role in San Diego’s offense going forward.

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