NFL Power Rankings: Who will have the best rushing attack this season?

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 /

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Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, right, practices next to running backs coach Scottie Montgomery during minicamp at in Allen Park on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. /

NFL Power Rankings: 16. Detroit Lions

2022 rushing yards rank: 11th
2022 yards per carry rank: 15th

Speaking of Jamaal Williams, let’s take a look at his former team.

The Lions’ offseason was truly confounding. Williams and D’Andre Swift led the Lions to offensive success on the ground. As I previously mentioned, Williams was the most prolific goal-line back in the NFL. Meanwhile, Swift was quietly elite in his role. He averaged an efficient 5.5 yards per carry, which was third among running backs.

Despite the production, the front office decided to overhaul the position. Williams and Swift departed in free agency. They signed veteran David Montgomery. In a shocking move, the Lions also opted to select Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Montgomery has talent, but he was not very efficient in Chicago. In 2022, his 4.0 yards per carry ranked 36th out of 46 qualifying running backs. Gibbs has upside, but I do not view him as a generational prospect.

In the short term, the Montgomery/Gibbs combo will face a tough test to replication the statistical production of Williams/Swift.

One big positive is Detroit’s talented offensive line, which ranked 9th in run block win rate last season. The group lifts their rushing floor and ceiling.

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