NFL Player Power Rankings Week 7: Running Backs

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Dec 29, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy (25) scores a second quarter touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5-1

5. LeSean McCoy – Philadelphia Eagles – previously no. 1

LeSean McCoy is without question one of the top three most talented running backs in the NFL. However, there have been other backs that have been more productive thus far and knocked him down a few notches. McCoy is still one of the top four in the league in rushing yards, but he is capable of so much more. The addition of Darren Sproles in Philly has also hampered his touches in the passing game a little.

4. Arian Foster – Houston Texans – previously no. 9

After a rough season in Houston last year due to injuries and team struggles, Arian Foster is back amongst the NFL’s elite in 2014. He’s rushed for over 500 yards already with a very good 4.8 yards per carry. That’s not easy to do when Ryan Fitzpatrick is your QB and defenses are looking to stop the run.

3. Matt Forte – Chicago Bears – previously no. 4

The only thing keeping Matt Forte from exploding with huge numbers to rival the backs above him on this list is the Bears play calling. Forte is one of the premier weapons in the NFL but is only averaging 16.5 rushes per game. He’s made the most of them, putting up about 400 yards. Thankfully, he’s the top RB pass catcher in the NFL thus far with an amazing 46 receptions already early in the season. When you add his 376 receiving yards to his rushing total you get 775 total yards. That’s good for third in the NFL and third place on this list.

2. Le’Veon Bell – Pittsburgh Steelers – previously no. 10

While Pittsburgh’s performances have been up and down this season Le’Veon Bell’s production has been consistently great. He has 542 yards rushing, is averaging 5.2 yards per carry, and has 28 receptions for 251 yards. Those 793 total yards are second only to the top back on this list. Bell is an all around back that is producing huge numbers for the Steelers this season. He may not be viewed in the same light as backs like McCoy and Charles yet, but if he keeps this up he will be very soon.

1. DeMarco Murray – Dallas Cowboys – previously no. 7

There simply is no debate as to who the top running back in the NFL is after six weeks of the season. DeMarco Murray has flat out blown the competition away. He has as many rushing yards (785) as the number two and three RBs on this list have total yards. When you add in his 155 receiving yards that ups his total yardage to 940 yards. That’s 147 more yards than the second place RB. His 130.8 yards per game is almost 30 yards more than the second best in that area (Foster at 102.6). If he were to maintain that clip over a full season it would easily surpass the 2,000 yard mark for the season. Murray has been fantastic and there isn’t anyone else that can rival him for this top spot so far this season.

So there you have it, the top 25 running backs in the NFL this season. Are there any of these backs that you think are ranked too high or too low? Are there any running backs that I left off the list that you feel deserve to be on it? I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below.

Thanks for reading.

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