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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Dec 11, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) runs for a 38 yard touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

NFL Power Rankings: 5. San Francisco 49ers

2022 rushing yards rank: 8th
2022 yards per carry rank: 10th

Following the Christian McCaffrey trade, the 49ers were sixth in the NFL in rushing yards per game (146.9). In 11 games, CMC rushed for 746 yards and six touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Elijah Mitchell is penciled in as an overqualified backup running back. In 2021, Mitchell rushed for 963 yards and five touchdowns in only 11 games. He was fifth in yards after contact (515). Last season, Mitchell was outstanding in limited action. His 6.2 yards per carry led all running backs (minimum 30 carries).

There is another big wildcard here in quarterback Trey Lance. He is a huge rushing threat. At North Dakota State, he rushed for 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns as a sophomore. If he can win the starting job, the 49ers could have the best rushing attack in the league.

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