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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Jun 14, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (6) during a run drill during the Carolina Panthers minicamp. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

NFL Power Rankings: 11. Carolina Panthers

2022 rushing yards rank: 10th
2022 yards per carry rank: 14th

After trading away Christian McCaffrey, Carolina’s rushing attack shockingly rose to an even higher level. Before the deal, the Panthers averaged 90.3 rushing yards per game. After the trade, they averaged a blistering 151.6 rushing yards per game (fifth-most in the NFL).

D’Onta Foreman and Chubba Hubbard both emerged as starting-level running backs. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, both players were top-three performers in rushing efficiency and top-seven in rush yards over expected per attempt.

The front office made a big splash in free agency, signing Pro Bowl running back Miles Sanders. Last season, he rushed for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Unfortunately, the Panthers also lost Foreman in free agency, but the addition of Sanders would have clouded his role, anyway.

Will the Panthers continue to be a top-five rushing offense? That seems like a big ask, but it is not impossible.

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