Ranking All 32 of the NFL's Backup Running Backs

Few things are more correlated with winning teams than having a solid running game that can move the chains. Even as teams shift to a more pass-oriented offense (looking at you, Green Bay Packers), it’s still rare to find teams that can fully back away from gaining yards in the ground game.

However, in using the run game, it’s a good idea to have a little bit of depth. Running the ball is physical work, and extended usage can take its toll.

In other words, you need a good backup. In the next 32 slides, the top backup running backs in the league will be broken down in a complex formula of usage, yardage, scores and things that make sense to me as I write this. Each team will have one representative in the list.

For purposes of this list, only the best backup from each team will be taken (hello LaDainian Tomlinson, goodbye Joe McKnight), and injuries will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. To avoid confusion, this list of running backs will only include running backs (sorry Michael Vick, Cam Newton and Tim Tebow).

Here is the breakdown of the best backup running backs in the NFL.

*All depth charts are compiled from NFL.com.

32. Ronnie Brown, Philadelphia Eagles

He may not be the least talented of this bunch, but the Philadelphia Eagles’ Ronnie Brown falls into last place for two reasons:

1. The Eagles tried desperately to get him out of town (only failing after potential trade piece, Detroit Lions running back Jerome Harris, learned he possibly had a brain tumor).

2. This bizarre fumble/lateral, the worst mental mistake of the year.

31. Javon Ringer, Tennessee Titans

A ranking this high might be unfair to the Tennessee Titans running back Javon Ringer, but then again he is the backup in the worst rushing attack in the league.

These are the breaks.

30. Jason Snelling, Atlanta Falcons

File this ranking in "Underused." Playing behind carry machine Michael Turner, the Atlanta Falcons' Jason Snelling has only seen 15 carries this year. With only 2.6 yards per carry, he currently stands at 39 rushing yards.

29. Justin Forsett, Seattle Seahawks

It’s tough for me to say I’ve been all that impressed with the output of the Seattle Seahawks' Justin Forsett. Playing behind Marshawn Lynch, he’s only had 25 carries for a paltry 67 yards, an average of under three yards per carry. Those yards have allowed him to put up a whopping two first downs.

28. Toby Gerhart, Minnesota Vikings

There’s been a lot of disappointment with the Minnesota Vikings this year, as it finds itself with no way to keep up with its much better division rivals (the Baltimore Orioles is to MLB’s AL East, as the Minnesota Vikings is to the NFC North).

I want to put Toby Gerhart higher, because I enjoyed watching him run when he was at Stanford. However, his numbers this season (17 carries, 100 yards) show me this is about as high as I can go.

27. LaRod Stephens-Howling, Arizona Cardinals

While Arizona Cardinals running back LaRod Stephens-Howling has been helpful in the aerial attack (six receptions for 126 yards and a touchdown), it’s disappointing that he’s been such a non-factor in the rush (12 carries for 36 yards this season).

Given the injuries and adjustments in the Cardinals backfield, he has to be kicking himself for not doing more with his opportunity.

26. Mewelde Moore, Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Mewelde Moore has shown off a wide range of skills, and has been able to contribute almost exactly equally in both the air and ground offense.

He has 15 carries for 92 yards, to go with six catches for 90 yards and a touchdown.

This veteran jack of all trades may be master of neither, but I’m sure the team is appreciating the production.

25. C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills

He may have future Pro Bowler written all over him, but the hot hand of running back Fred Jackson has left C.J. Spiller hanging in the cold.

While Jackson leads the league in rushing yards, Spiller has been able to put up a so-so 113 yards on 18 carries, to go with 64 yards on 13 receptions.

This may not be his year, but he’s showing small signs of his future potential.

24. Kregg Lumpkin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It may be tough to break through in a backfield shared with LeGarrette Blount, but Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kregg Lumpkin has shown he has the tools to be a contributor.

So far he’s put up 73 yards on 18 carries, to go with 140 receiving yards on 21 receptions.

It may be a while before he gets a real moment to shine, but his efforts are definitely getting noticed.

23. Deji Karim, Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Deji Karim, who may have the toughest time finding a mug with his name on it at a novelty gift shop, has been pretty versatile going behind the consistent Maurice Jones-Drew.

He’s put up 125 yards rushing on 55 carries, and added another 120 yards on 12 catches.

It may be a rebuilding year down in Jacksonville, but Karim may find himself on several rosters to come.

22. D.J. Ware, New York Giants

The New York Giants have been getting blasted by injuries, so it's fortunate that they have a runner like D.J. Ware ready to take the lead.

Ware has been able to average more than three yards a carry in limited action, putting up 102 yards on 30 carries.

With the Dallas Cowboys charging with a strong backup runner of their own (we'll get to him later), there's no doubt the Giants will need a starter effort from Ware.

21. Roy Helu, Washington Redskins

Things may not be all so good in the nation’s capital, but the production of Washington Redskins running back Roy Helu has been a very pleasant surprise.

In addition to 213 rushing yards on 43 carries, he’s also added a nice 210 yards on 29 receptions.

If only there was any type of consistency at the quarterback position!

20. Delone Carter, Indianapolis Colts

It couldn’t get much worse in Indianapolis, but the Colts' backup running back Delone Carter has tried to make the best of it.

With limited quarterback and line help, he’s put up 327 yards on 84 carries.

One can only hope during the offseason the team might add some parts to make life a little easier for the team’s rushing attack.

19. Montario Hardesty, Cleveland Browns

Times have been hard (as usual) for the Cleveland Browns, and with Madden cover star/running back Peyton Hillis sidelined, it has been up to running back Montario Hardesty to step up for the team.

In addition to 244 rushing yards on 75 carries, he’s added 113 yards on 12 receptions.

It may not be enough to win games, but given the team’s problems it’s tough to imagine anybody succeeding in a major way in that rushing role.

18. Dexter McCluster, Kansas City Chiefs

With the team’s leading rusher from 2010, Jamaal Charles, out for the whole year, the Kansas City Chiefs have leaned on running back Dexter McCluster to get the job done.

He may not have solved all the team’s rushing problems, but he has been putting up a decent set of stats. He’s put up over 400 overall yards, and pulled in 29 catches for 143 yards.

With the AFC West race set to go to the wire, the Chiefs will need to see more out of him in the next few weeks.

17. Danny Woodhead, New England Patriots

He may be small, but New England Patriots running back Danny Woodhead can pack a punch in his backup role.

While his numbers (186 yards on 44 carries, 103 receiving yards on 12 catches) are not amazing, he does put in solid work in the stat-less portions of the game.

Watching replays of the Patriots game against the Jets Sunday, and it was clear Woodhead was a big part of the effort to ensure quarterback Tom Brady would see as little pressure as possible. Woodhead frequently sacrificed his body to make a block on an oncoming defender.

16. Maurice Morris, Detroit Lions

His numbers may not be the best, but Maurice Morris gained this spot for filling in a tough spot for the Detroit Lions. With starter Jahvid Best sidelined with a concussion, Morris stepped in, putting up 172 yards on 41 carries (better than four yards a carry) and adding a touchdown.

While the Lions have been flat the past few weeks, I don’t think it’d be fair to say that blame would fall to Morris and the rushing attack.

15. Bernard Scott, Cincinnati Bengals

Like Maurice Morris, Bernard Scott of the Cincinnati Bengals had to fill in after starter Cedric Benson received a one-game suspension for an offseason arrest. Stepping in, he’s put up 223 yards on 65 carries.

While the Bengals lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday, Scott and Benson will both have a role to play as the team faces another division rival, the Baltimore Ravens.

14. Marion Barber, Chicago Bears

He may not be a yardage freak, but its clear Chicago Bears running back Marion Barber has a nose for the end zone. He's already scored four touchdowns on the season.

With the Chicago Bears already having a stellar rusher in Matt Forte, the addition of Barber could make for a pretty ferocious combo.

13. Cadillac Williams, St. Louis Rams

In another injury fill-in, I was definitely impressed by the work Cadillac Williams was able to do in a few weeks of replacing all-pro running back Steven Jackson.

In only a matter of games, Williams put up 237 yards on 60 carries, just under four yards a try.

While Williams now finds himself on the injured list, the Rams have to be happy with the effort they got while their superstar Steven Jackson recovered.

12. Ricky Williams, Baltimore Ravens

While he may have raised a lot of attention for his off-the-field problems with the Miami Dolphins, running back Ricky Williams has done well running behind starter Ray Rice.

Picking up 230 yards on 54 attempts, Williams is getting comfortable in a support role.

For a team that could find itself a major contender, having Williams could be a major asset.

11. Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers

His numbers may not be all that hot (251 yards on 69 carries), but Green Bay Packers running back Ryan Grant knows how to get the job done in the backup role.

While the team has shied away from the running game with its success in the aerial attack, it has to be encouraging for the team to see Grant average nearly four yards per rush.

He may not be in the same role he was during last season's Super Bowl run, but it's clear Grant has a lot to contribute to the Packers squad.

10) LaDainian Tomlison, New York Jets

He may not be the spry chicken he used to be, but New York Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson can still make it happen. His numbers are way down, he's only put up 167 yards and a touchdown on 46 carries to go with 312 receiving yards and a touchdown on 25 receptions, but he has in recent weeks found himself as a bigger part of the offense (at least until he was injured)

The Jets will have to find a way to rebound after a painful loss to rival New England Patriots—why not go with the ground game and the proven commodity (once he's healthy).

9. Lance Ball, Denver Broncos

While much of the attention in Denver has gone to quarterback Tim Tebow, the play of running back Lance Ball is sure to turn heads. Putting up 96 rushing yards Thursday against the New York Jets, Ball is on course to smash his mark for best season.

With Willis McGahee making a rapid career turnaround, him and Ball could make a pretty dynamic threat as the team does whatever it can to make sure Tebow doesn't pass.

8. Daniel Thomas, Miami Dolphins

While the Miami Dolphins are clearly struggling toward a losing season, that record is definitely not a result of a poor effort from the rushing attack, including backup Daniel Thomas.

Thomas has already put up 356 yards on 99 carries, to go with a touchdown through the air.

While the team has a long final slate of games to go, look for Thomas to be a continual contributor in the years ahead.

7. Michael Bush, Oakland Raiders

Paired with running back Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders running back Michael Bush has shown he can be an incredibly dangerous and versatile threat. In addition to 490 rushing yards and 229 receiving yards, Bush was responsible for five Raiders touchdowns.

With the Raiders fully enjoying its win over the San Diego Chargers last Thursday, there's no doubt the team will find more ways to take advantage of Bush's skill set.

6. Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers

San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews has stepped up in a backup role to starter Mike Tolbert.

Putting up 543 yards and three touchdowns on 117 carries and adding another 365 yards on 33 receptions, Mathews has shown himself to be a big contributor to the offense's success.

With the AFC West race set to be tight, the Chargers will most likely need all the help Mathews can provide.

5. Darren Sproles, New Orleans Saints

Coming in from the San Diego Chargers, running back Darren Sproles has shown that as a New Orleans Saint he can be a major provider for the offense.

In addition to putting up 348 yards and two touchdowns on 51 rushes, he's added 448 yards and three touchdowns on a solid 60 receptions.

The Saints, who just came off a huge win over the Atlanta Falcons, will be sure to continue to call on the short-sized rusher as they look to seal the NFC South.

4. Kendall Hunter, San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers have been the surprise team of the year, and a big part of that has been the rushing attack, in which running back Kendall Hunter plays a big role.

Hunter, a rookie out of Oklahoma State, may have had his biggest contribution Sunday, as Frank Gore was injured during the team's tough matchup against the New York Giants.

Stepping in, Hunter was able to carry the load fine by himself, and the Niners were able to come out with the major victory.

If the team can keep up its dynamic rushing attack, there's no telling how far this team may be able to go.

3. Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart probably wasn't thrilled to see his backfield partner DeAngelo Williams pull in a huge contract in the offseason, but instead of moping he found a better solution. He has made the team's management regret the deal.

Stewart has found himself the main portion of the team's rushing attack (outside of quarterback Cam Newton), and has put up 350 rushing yards on 75 carries along with another 242 yards on 27 receptions.

The team is clearly in a rebuilding phase, but the team may have some serious questions to ask if it wants to go forward with anybody but Stewart.

2. Ben Tate, Houston Texans

With much of the attention entering the season on (reluctant) fantasy football star Arian Foster, Houston Texans backup running back Ben Tate had to step up early. Foster missed a good bit of action early in the season, and somebody had to take those carries.

Tate has flourished, picking up 686 yards on 122 carries.

With the loss of Matt Schaub for the season, the team will have to rely on the efforts of both Foster and Tate if they want to continue their playoff push.

1. DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys

We've hit the final slide of the list, and it's clear nobody deserves the honor of being the No. 1 overall more than Dallas Cowboys rookie DeMarco Murray. Since stepping in as an injury replacement, Murray has exploded for 674 yards on 100 carries, to become one of the league's most dangerous scoring threats.

Murray may be a backup, but his play is forcing a lot of opposing defenses to back up to contain him. If he keeps it up, he'll have a great shot to skip this list next year. He'll be the starter.