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Who Will Be The Top-Five NFL Running Backs In The 2022 Season?

Top 5 in 2022?
Publish Date: 07/27/2022
Fact checked by: Simon Briffa
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Joe Mixon #28 of the Cincinnati Bengals carries the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Top 5 Projected Running Backs for the 2022 Season

These projections are made by which five running backs will have the best season. Christian McCaffery would be in the top five because when he is healthy, he is top three. That said, I am going the route of waiting and seeing when it comes to McCaffery’s health. Check out the best bookmakers for betting on the NFL.

5) Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers

Austin Ekeler is a dual-threat running back who ranks among the top in the league.

He had 911 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. He also recorded 70 catches, 647 receiving yardage, and eight receiving bonus TDs.

Only three running backs in the past three seasons have made at least 75 conversions and first downs. Ekeler is one of them.

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4) Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals

Mixon has been stuck behind an awful line early in his career, but that could change in Cincinnati. The Bengals made significant upgrades on the offensive line in the off-season, and I know everybody is excited for Joe Burrow, but Joe Mixon could have a career year behind an improved line.

3) Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns

If DeShaun Watson misses significant playing time, the entire load of the offense will be shouldered by Chubb. I think he has a great shot at ending the 2022 season as the leading rusher in the NFL. I think he tends to get overlooked, but he is as good as anybody in the NFL. If anybody can handle it, he can.

2) Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

With 1,811 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns, Taylor led the league in both rushing yards and rushing TDs. Taylor ran an average of 5.5 yards per rush attempt last year. He had 40 receptions, receiving 360 yards and two receiving.  Although his numbers might be down, he will still have plenty of rushing yards this season. Taylor will play with an offense with more weapons this year, led by Matt Ryan.

1) Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans

King Henry will return this year to take his place as the best running back in the NFL. Before getting hurt on Halloween, he ran at a high pace and only played eight games last year. Henry made 219 rushing attempts, rushing for 937 yards and ten touchdowns.

A.J.Brown was the star wideout traded by the Titans. They will also rely more on Henry than ever before because of that. Henry finished ninth in rush yards and tied fifth in rushing touchdowns despite only playing eight games. Henry had more than 2,000 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns in 2020. Henry had 1,540 yards of rushing in 2019 and 16 rushing touchdowns.

Fan Duel gives Derrick Henry +450 odds to be the league’s leader in rushing yards. Jonathan Taylor is second at +500 odds.

Henry will have the most rushing yards in 2022 if he can play the entire season.

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