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; Arlington, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (31) reacts after scoring during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

NFL Power Rankings: 29. Houston Texans

2022 rushing yards rank: 31st
2022 yards per carry rank: 31st

Yes, the numbers do not look good, but Dameon Pierce showed promise in his injury-shortened rookie season. In 13 games, he rushed for 939 yards and four touchdowns.

Running back depth proved to be a real problem in 2022. With Pierce in the lineup, the Texans averaged 89.9 rushing yards per game. With him out of the lineup, that number plummeted to 76.8 rushing yards per game. Excluding Pierce, the Texans’ running backs averaged an underwhelming 2.87 yards per carry.

Well, that made some nice moves to address that need this offseason, signing Devin Singletary and Mike Boone. Singletary has rushed for 800+ yards in back-to-back seasons, while Boone has been startlingly efficient as a reserve back. Since 2019, Boone has averaged 5.3 yards per carry, which is fifth among NFL running backs (minimum 85 carries).

There are real offensive line concerns here, though. They finished 27th in run block win rate last season (70 percent).

Trade acquisition Shaq Mason should make an immediate impact at guard. Second-round pick Juice Scruggs was an All-Big Ten center at Penn State. Both players have the potential to improve their run game.

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