25 Best Running Backs Heading into the 2011 NFL Season

2011 NFL Rankings: Top 25 Running Backs Going Into the 2011 Season

In today’s NFL the running back position is arguably more important than it ever has been. Most teams are starting to adapt a two running back system, where their depth chart literally has two running backs that they consider to be starters.

If that doesn’t show you the importance of a running back right there than I don’t know what will.

Still, the league is populated with its fair share of stars in the backfield, and no matter how many guys you put behind them there could be no replacing these certain upper tier backs.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top 25 running backs heading into the 2011 NFL season:

25. Marshawn Lynch

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SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 28: Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks rushes against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qwest Field on November 28, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Team: Seattle Seahawks

2010 Stats

Games: 12

Att: 165

Yds: 573

Avg: 3.5

TD: 6

After coming over to the Seahawks, Lynch proved to be a huge spark plug for the young and inexperienced team. I believe he is going to come back even more determined to make a difference in Seattle, and I can all but guarantee you that Pete Carroll plans to use him effectively.

24. Fred Jackson

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 28: Fred Jackson #22 of the Buffalo Bills runs against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ralph Wilson Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. Pittsburgh won 19-16 in overtime. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Team: Buffalo Bills

2010 Stats

Games: 16

Att: 222

Yds: 927

Avg: 4.2

TD: 5

Rec TD: 2

Fred Jackson is a big piece of the puzzle in Buffalo. The team is young and has obviously had their problems, but Jackson is the picture of consistency in the backfield. He’s got another good year in him.

23. Benjarvus Green-Ellis

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 12: BenJarvus Green-Ellis #42 of the New England Patriots runs against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated the Bears 36-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Team: New England Patriots

2010 Stats

Games: 16

Att: 229

Yds: 1,008

TD: 13

Running backs in the New England system tend to be very productive, and even though Green-Ellis was sharing time with Danny Woodhead, he still put up some great numbers. I think another year in the system is going to make him even more dangerous, and we will see some good things out of him.

22. Rashard Mendenhall

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers avoids a tackle by Charlie Peprah #26 of the Green Bay Packers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty I

Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

2010 Stats

Games: 16

Att: 324

Yds: 1,273

Avg: 3.9

TD: 13

The running game is always an integral part of Pittsburgh’s offense, and Mendenhall has shown that he can be the guy for the Steelers. He is a tough down-hill runner that can really do some damage once he gets rolling. I think he is going to have another stellar year.

21. LaDainian Tomlinson

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 26: LaDainian Thomlinson #21 of the New York Jets runs against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Jets 38-34. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Team: New York Jets

2010 Stats

Games: 15

Att: 219

Yds: 914

Avg: 4.2

TD: 6

Considering that most people thought that LaDainian Tomlinson was going to fall off the map as soon as he left San Diego, I’d say he had a pretty good year in 2010. He was also sharing time in the Jets backfield. I think LT has been rejuvenated.

20. Ahmad Bradshaw

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GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 26: Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants carries the ball against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Team: New York Giants

2010 Stats

Games: 16

Att: 276

Yds: 1,235

Avg: 4.5

TD: 8

Bradshaw is another guy that has been sharing time in the backfield, but I think that’s what makes him so good. Being the “lightning” for somebody else’s thunder seems to work very well for Bradshaw. He is a home run hitter, and I think he is going to have to have another good year for the Giants.

19. Ryan Mathews

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 03: Running back Ryan Mathews #24 of the San Diego Chargers carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals at Qualcomm Stadium on October 3, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers won 41-10. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Team: San Diego Chargers

2010 Stats

Games: 12

Att: 158

Yds: 678

Avg: 4.3

TD: 7

Mathews came into San Diego with some very big shoes to fill. I think he may have felt the pressure a little bit in his first year. I think now that he is a bit more acclimated to his role he is going to have a breakout season in 2011.

18. Shonn Greene

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI - SEPTEMBER 26: Running back Shonn Greene #23 of the New York Jets runs against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Team: New York Jets

2010 Stats

Games: 15

Att: 185

Yds: 766

Avg: 4.1

TD: 2

I don’t think that there is any question that Greene is going to be the guy moving forward for the Jets. LT is still playing great, though, so the duel backfield is going to have to keep complimenting each other. I think Greene is going to step up and put himself on an equal plain with Tomlinson.

17. DeAngelo Williams

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 03: DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers in action during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on October 3, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Team: Carolina Panthers

2010 Stats

Games: 6

Att: 87

Yds: 361

Avg: 4.1

TD: 1

I think Williams is going to benefit from a full season ahead of him and the addition of Cam Newton to the Panthers. Williams has always been an explosive back, and I think he will compliment Newton very nicely.

16. LeGarrette Blount

J. Meric/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 26: Running back LeGarrette Blount #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2010 Stats

Games: 13

Att: 201

Yds: 1,007

Avg: 5.0

TD: 6

With only 201 attempts and 13 games as a Buccaneer, Blount racked up some pretty good numbers. I think we are going to watch him bowl over people in 2011 as well. He could very well be the best young back in the NFL.

15. Frank Gore

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 14: Frank Groe #21 of the San Francisco 49ers in action against the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park on November 14, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Team: San Francisco 49ers

2010 Stats

Games: 11

Att: 203

Yds: 853

Avg: 4.2

TD: 3

Rec TD: 2

Gore has suffered some major injuries in the past few years that have really hindered his production for the 49ers. I think this year is going to be a big bounce back year for Gore, especially with new coach Jim Harbaugh calling the plays.

14. Steven Jackson

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 02: Running back Steven Jackson #39 of the St. Louis Rams looks on during their game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on January 2, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Team: St. Louis Rams

2010 Stats

Games: 16

Att: 330

Yds: 1,241

Avg: 3.8

TD: 6

Jackson is really going to benefit from Sam Bradford getting another year under his belt and all the help that they gave the young QB in the passing game. The Rams are going to be much more explosive through the air, which is going to give Jackson a lot of running room in 2011.

13. Jahvid Best

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 14: Jahvid Best #44 of the Detroit Lions runs against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills won 14-12. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Team: Detroit Lions

2010 Stats

Games: 16

Att: 171

Yds: 555

Avg: 3.2

TD: 4

Rec TD: 2

Best was severely hindered by turf toe in his rookie season, so I think he is going to bounce back very strong in 2011. He is as explosive as they come out of the backfield, and can be a threat in both the running and the passing game.

12. Matt Forte

Larry French/Getty Images

BALTIMORE - DECEMBER 20: Matt Forte #22 of the Chicago Bears runs the ball during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 20, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Bears 31-7. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Imag

Team: Chicago Bears

2010 Stats

Games: 16

Att: 237

Yds: 1,069

Avg: 4.5

TD: 6

Rec TD: 3

Forte is such an integral part of the Bears offense. He is their main threat on the ground, but is also just as likely to make a big play catching the ball. The Bears need him to be consistent in 2011 and I think he is going to come up really big for them.

11. Peyton Hillis

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 24: Peyton Hillis #40 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on October 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Team: Cleveland Browns

2010 Stats

Games: 16

Att: 270

Yds: 1,177

Avg: 4.4

TD: 11

Rec TD: 2

Hillis is known for absolutely demolishing defenders on his way to the end zone. Along with being one of the most entertaining runners to watch, he is easily one of the better all-around backs in the NFL. Will the Madden curse affect this monster though?

10. James Starks

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: James Starks #44 of the Green Bay Packers runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Team: Green Bay Packers

2010 Stats

Games: 3

Att: 29

Yds: 101

Avg: 3.5

James Starks came on at the end of the year in a big way for the Green Bay Packers. He played huge in the playoffs, if only because he gave the Packers a constant running threat. Starks has a knack for always falling forward and getting the extra yards. He can also make a move or two in the open field. I’m excited to see what he can do during the course of a full season.

9. Maurice Jones-Drew

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 12: Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars walks off the field during the game against the Oakland Raiders during the game at EverBank Field on December 12, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/G

Team: Jacksonville Jaguars

2010 Stats

Games: 14

Att: 299

Yds: 1,324

Avg: 4.4

TD: 5

Rec TD: 2

Jones-Drew has been one of the most consistent running backs in the NFL for years, but he has been on an almost irrelevant team down in Jacksonville. That being said, I think we will see another big year out of MJD.

8. Ray Rice

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 09: Running back Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens pauses during a break in the action against the Kansas City Chiefs during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 9, 2011 in Kansas City, Missou

Team: Baltimore Ravens

2010 Stats

Games: 16

Att: 307

Yds: 1,220

Avg: 4.0

TD: 5

Rec TD: 1

I think that Baltimore is going to be the class of the AFC this year, and Rice is going to have to play a huge part again. The Ravens went out and got some good pieces to supplement the offense in the draft; now all Rice has to do is make plays.

7. Michael Turner

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Michael Turner #33 of the Atlanta Falcons runs upfield during the game against the Carolina Panthers at the Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Team: Atlanta Falcons

2010 Stats

Games: 16

Att: 334

Yds: 1,371

Avg: 4.1

TD: 12

Turner was one of the best backups in the league for years when he was in San Diego. Now, he’s one of the best backs in the league. When this guy starts rolling, you better get out of his way. I expect a huge year out of him on this dangerous Falcons offense.

6. Arian Foster

Bob Levey/Getty Images

HOUSTON - JANUARY 02: Running back Arian Foster #23 of the Houston Texans rushes past linebacker Kirk Morrison #52 of the Jacksonville Jaguars at Reliant Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Team: Houston Texans

2010 Stats

Games: 16

Att: 327

Yds: 1,616

Avg: 4.9

TD: 16

Rec TD: 2

Foster had a breakout year last season with the Texans. I think 2011 is going to be even more important for the speedy back, and he will have to step up even more for Houston. His team can't afford to miss the playoffs.

5. Jamaal Charles

Tim Umphrey/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Running back Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs down field in a game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tim Umphrey/Getty Images)

Team: Kansas City Chiefs

2010 Stats

Games: 16

Att: 230

Yds: 1,467

Avg: 6.4

TD: 5

Rec TD: 3

Charles is one of the most explosive backs in the league. He can beat you in a split second on the ground or in the passing game. If you see the back of his jersey you know it’s too late to catch him. I’m expecting him to be one of the best this season.

4. Adrian Peterson

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 28: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings runs against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 26, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Team: Minnesota Vikings

2010 Stats

Games: 15

Att: 283

Yds: 1,298

Avg: 4.6

TD: 12

Rec TD: 1

Peterson had somewhat of an off year last year, and when you look at his stats that really says a lot because they are still pretty good. With a new quarterback, the Vikings are really going to look to AP.

3. Darren McFadden

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 19: Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders runs with the ball during their game against the Denver Broncos at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 19, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Team: Oakland Raiders

2010 Stats

Games: 13

Att: 233

Yds: 1,157

Avg: 5.2

TD: 7

Rec TD: 3

The Raiders are surprisingly one of the better up and coming teams in the league. McFadden was a huge part of the team last year, and I think his stats and contribution are only going to improve.

2. Chris Johnson

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 02: Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans runs for a touchdown during NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Team: Tennessee Titans

2010 Stats

Games: 16

Att: 316

Yds: 1,364

Avg: 4.3

TD: 11

Rec TD: 1

Johnson is one of the only established weapons that the Titans have right now, so they are going to go to him early and often. I expect his production is going to be huge in 2011.

1. LeSean McCoy

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 12: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Philadelphia Eagles at Cowboys Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Team: Philadelphia Eagles

2010 Stats

Games: 15

Att: 207

Yds: 1,080                             

Avg: 5.2

TD: 7

Rec TD: 2

The Eagles are just a step or two away from being dominant. I think that, in order to do so, they will have to rely very heavily on McCoy and the running game in 2011.

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