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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Oct 23, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

NFL Power Rankings: 4. Atlanta Falcons

2022 rushing yards rank: 3rd
2022 yards per carry rank: 4th

In one of the most shocking decisions of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Falcons selected Texas running back Bijan Robinson with the eighth overall pick. It was a questionable decision for the organization. Last season, their biggest strength was their run game, and they had plenty of needs all over the roster.

Nevertheless, the Falcons now have the luxury of having Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, and Cordarelle Patterson on their roster. Last season, Allgeier had a phenomenal rookie campaign, becoming the team’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 2016. From Week 9 to Week 17, he was fourth in the NFL in rushing yards, trailing only Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, and Justin Fields. To make matters more impressive, he faced eight or more defenders in the box on 40.0 percent of offensive snaps, which was the highest rate in the league. The sky is the limit for the 23-year-old.

In college, Robinson was a Doak Walker Award winner and unanimous All-American. In 2022, he rushed for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Patterson is an excellent No. 3 running back. Throughout his career, he has been a big play threat with the ball in his hands. He rushed for 695 yards and eight touchdowns last season.

The quarterback change will slightly affect their team rushing numbers in 2023. Last season, Marcus Mariota averaged 33.7 rushing yards per game, which was seventh among quarterbacks (minimum two games played). Across his four starts, Desmond Ridder averaged 16.0 rushing yards per game.

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