NFL Power Rankings: Which teams will have the best rushing attacks this season?

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) celebrates with running back Gus Edwards (35) after a touchdown by wide receiver Seth Roberts (not pictured) in the second quarter against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) celebrates with running back Gus Edwards (35) after a touchdown by wide receiver Seth Roberts (not pictured) in the second quarter against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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June 14, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) works through footwork drills Wednesday, June 14, 2023, during mandatory minicamp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Mykal McEldowney-USA TODAY Sports /

NFL Power Rankings: 22. Indianapolis Colts

2022 rushing yards rank: 23rd
2022 yards per carry rank: 23rd

Anthony Richardson. Jonathan Taylor.

The upside of this rushing attack is huge.

However, the offensive line remains a significant question mark. Last season, they were 23rd in run block win rate (71 percent) and last in pass block win rate (49 percent). A lot of the Colts’ offensive line hopes fall on the shoulders of guard Quenton Nelson. Nelson has been one of the most dominant individual players in the league, but he took a step back last season. After giving up four total sacks across his first four seasons, he allowed five sacks in 2022. He also posted a career-low PFF grade of 68.4.

Without dominance from Nelson, the Colts’ offensive line is much more vulnerable. Not a single projected starter had a top-15 PFF grade at their position last season. This will make life more difficult for Richardson and Taylor.

There is another factor at play here. Gardner Minshew II could begin the season as the starting quarterback. Minshew is a capable quarterback, but he does offer the rushing upside of Richardson.

Given the uncertainty, this feels like an appropriate ranking.