📸 Image Credit: Indianapolis Colts
The 2025 NFL season has reminded fans why the running game still matters. After years dominated by aerial attacks and quarterback heroics, this year’s storylines are being written on the ground. Across the league, elite backs are exploding for long gains, carrying their teams through tough stretches, and redefining what it means to be a workhorse in modern football.
From Jonathan Taylor’s MVP-caliber form in Indianapolis to James Cook III’s breakout campaign in Buffalo, rushing attacks have become the backbone of championship-caliber offenses. The top 10 rushers of 2025 not only showcase talent and power but also represent a new era of balanced football — where speed, endurance, and efficiency decide who rises above the rest.
1. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts — 850 yards, 12 TDs
There’s no debate about who owns the NFL’s rushing crown at midseason. Jonathan Taylor has powered the Indianapolis Colts to a league-best 7-1 record, averaging a phenomenal 106.3 rushing yards per game and scoring 12 touchdowns in just eight outings.
Taylor’s 5.9 yards per carry shows his elite burst and balance, while his longest run of 80 yards remains one of the season’s signature highlights. What’s more impressive is his efficiency — zero fumbles on 143 carries. Taylor’s blend of speed, vision, and durability has put him squarely in the MVP conversation and made the Colts the NFL’s most dynamic rushing offense.
2. James Cook III, Buffalo Bills — 753 yards, 7 TDs
James Cook III has exploded into stardom in Buffalo. The younger Cook has transformed the Bills’ offense from pass-first to balanced, posting 6.0 yards per carry and averaging 107.6 yards per game, slightly more per game than Taylor.
With his ability to hit the edge and turn small openings into big gains, Cook gives Josh Allen a reliable ground option that takes pressure off the quarterback. His 64-yard long run is a reminder of his top-end speed, and his growth as a workhorse back could be the key to Buffalo’s playoff push.
3. J.K. Dobbins, Denver Broncos — 634 yards, 4 TDs
After years of injury setbacks, J.K. Dobbins is finally back to form — this time with the Denver Broncos. Through eight games, he’s averaging 5.3 yards per attempt and looks as explosive as he did in college.
His ability to break tackles and maintain momentum through contact has revitalized Denver’s run game. Dobbins’ patience in the zone-blocking scheme has been crucial, helping the Broncos control tempo and protect their young quarterback. If he stays healthy, he’s on pace for his first 1,200-yard season.
4. Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys — 633 yards, 8 TDs
The Dallas Cowboys bet big on Javonte Williams, and he’s delivered. With eight touchdowns and 5.1 yards per carry, Williams has been a bruising, relentless force.
Dallas has used him effectively in short-yardage situations, where his power running style shines. His longest run of 66 yards shows he’s not just a power back — he can break one open when given space. Williams’ resurgence has given Dallas a true identity on offense, pairing perfectly with their play-action attack.
5. Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers — 605 yards, 2 TDs
One of the biggest surprises of the 2025 season has been Rico Dowdle of the Carolina Panthers. Averaging 5.7 yards per carry, Dowdle has provided much-needed spark to a rebuilding team.
While he’s only scored twice, his consistency on early downs keeps the chains moving. Dowdle’s patience and field vision make him one of the more underrated backs in the league. With a few breakout games down the stretch, he could easily crack the 1,000-yard mark.
6. Breece Hall, New York Jets — 581 yards, 2 TDs
The Jets offense has had its share of ups and downs, but Breece Hall remains a bright spot. His 5.0 yards per carry and ability to catch passes out of the backfield make him a dual-threat weapon.
New York continues to rely on Hall to stabilize the offense, especially as the team works through quarterback inconsistencies. If the Jets can find balance, Hall’s production could surge in the second half of the season.
7. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons — 549 yards, 2 TDs
Bijan Robinson entered the league with massive expectations, and he’s beginning to meet them. Averaging 78.4 rushing yards per game, the Falcons’ young star is showing the patience and explosiveness that made him a top draft pick.
Despite limited red-zone opportunities (just two touchdowns), Robinson’s ability to make defenders miss and gain yards after contact makes him the centerpiece of Atlanta’s offense. Expect a strong second-half push as the Falcons open up more of their playbook around him.
8. De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins — 539 yards, 3 TDs
Speed defines De’Von Achane, and in Mike McDaniel’s offense, that’s deadly. With 5.0 yards per carry and five runs of 20+ yards, Achane has become one of the league’s most dangerous home-run hitters.
He’s averaging nearly 67.4 yards per game despite sharing touches with other Miami backs. When healthy, his acceleration through gaps and ability to turn the corner make him one of the NFL’s most electric playmakers.
9. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions — 526 yards, 6 TDs
Jahmyr Gibbs continues to prove that the Lions’ faith in him was well-placed. With 5.1 yards per carry and six touchdowns, he’s a scoring machine who thrives in both the running and passing game.
Detroit has used Gibbs creatively — lining him up in the slot and on screens — to maximize his agility and open-field vision. His 78-yard long run is a season highlight, showcasing his acceleration and balance. Gibbs is quickly emerging as one of the NFC’s most dynamic weapons.
10. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles — 519 yards, 4 TDs
Rounding out the top 10 is Saquon Barkley, now with the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite splitting carries in a deep backfield, Barkley has maintained steady production, averaging 4.1 yards per carry.
His power running complements the Eagles’ physical offensive line, and his experience has helped balance Jalen Hurts’ dual-threat approach. If the Eagles continue their postseason push, Barkley’s veteran presence and versatility will be vital.
Rushing Trends in 2025
The 2025 season marks a return to run-heavy football across the league. With several offenses shifting to balanced schemes, running backs are once again centerpiece players. Six of the top 10 rushers are averaging over 5 yards per carry, highlighting improved offensive line play and efficient play-calling.
It’s also notable that no quarterback appears in the top 10, a rare sight in recent years. This shows that traditional backs are reclaiming their place in offensive strategy.
Players like Taylor and Cook represent the new wave of dynamic runners — capable of carrying the ball 20+ times per game without sacrificing explosiveness. Meanwhile, younger names like Gibbs, Achane, and Robinson are proving that the NFL’s future at running back is in great hands.
Final Thoughts
At midseason, Jonathan Taylor remains the gold standard — efficient, explosive, and reliable. But the gap between him and the next tier isn’t insurmountable. James Cook III and J.K. Dobbins are closing fast, while young stars like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs look poised to make late-season runs.
If the current pace holds, 2025 could end as one of the most statistically impressive rushing seasons in two decades. Whether it’s Taylor chasing MVP honors or rookies rising into stardom, the ground game is alive and thriving in today’s NFL.
