NFL Insider: The Top 5 Running Backs in the NFL

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The running back has become a key part of NFL offenses, no matter what anyone says about the rise of the passing attack.  You still need a running back to get those tough couple of yards, punch the ball in the end zone from a short distance as well as to block as needed, so the days of the running back have certainly not gone away.

There are five clear-cut players in the NFL that represent the best of the crop of NFL running backs right now.  Here is a look at the top five running backs in the NFL as it stands right now.

1. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles

Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

This speedy running back takes the top spot at the running back position in this look at the best running backs in the NFL.  Even though his team may not be one of the better teams in the league, he has been on fire when it comes to running the ball.  He’s got a good offensive line and has the speed that running backs need to make a difference, and this makes McCoy a solid option at the running back position.

He is just one of the many weapons this team has on offense, but unfortunately, they have a hard time using them. 

2. Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills

Marc Serota/Getty Images

Like the Eagles, the Bills aren’t having that great of a season, but they have a running back that’s doing the job for them on the ground.  Jackson has had a very nice season so far and has been an asset on offense for the Bills.  It’s just too bad that they can’t earn more wins to make his efforts even more worth while.

At the rate Jackson is going, he could lead the NFL in rushing when the season is over.

3. Maurice Jones Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Just about the best thing going on in Jacksonville right now is what Maurice Jones-Drew is doing on the ground.  He’s helping to keep his team relevant, although they aren’t winning too many games and aren’t looking the best.  The Jaguars are using Jones-Drew a lot to help them try to get their offense working, but without the rest of it going, this team is not doing so well.

But for Jones-Drew, this is turning out to be a big year, and one that shows us that he has shown no signs of slowing down.

4. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Forte is the Bears' do-it-all player, who catches passes and runs the ball very well.  He’s done a lot to help the Bears win this year and will continue to do much more now that quarterback Jay Cutler is injured.  Being a dual threat has helped the Bears' offense be able to use him much more effectively and makes it more difficult for defenses to have to game plan for the Bears.

If he can continue on the same track he’s been on, he could lead the league in yards from scrimmage this year.

5. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Despite the fact that he has been banged up this season, Peterson remains one of the top running backs in the NFL.  He’s a load to bring down and is one of the more reliable running backs when it comes hanging onto the ball (remember when he had his fumbling problems?). It’s just too bad his team isn’t playing better.

And although his injury problems may cause him to slip a little bit, Peterson is still one of the best at his position in the league.