Projecting the NFL’s Top 10 Running Backs

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The NFL is constantly looking for ways to change the game. Of late, running backs have altered the game for the foreseeable future. Below are the projected top ten running backs for the 2015 season, noting impact to their team, as well as statistics.

10. Justin Forsett, Baltimore Ravens

Justin Forsett came onto the scene in 2014 like no other. The Baltimore Ravens have lacked a true running back following the Ray Rice dilemma in early in the 2014 season. Forsett viewed the indefinite suspension to Rice as an opportunity.

In 2014, Forsett rushed for 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns. In addition to those statistics, Forsett also averaged 5.4 yards per carry, most among running backs.

2015 should look no different for Forsett and the Ravens. After reaching the AFC Divisional Round, Forsett continued his success by rushing for 129 yards on 22 attempts. Forsett’s motivation and story is one to admire, as well as contribute to his future success.

9. C.J. Anderson, Denver Broncos

After the Denver Broncos lost Knowshon Moreno to the Miami Dolphins, they were in search for someone to step up. Initially it was supposed to be Montee Ball, but he suffered an injury. Ronnie Hillman followed, but was soon injured. Lastly was 24-year-old C.J. Anderson. Anderson has opened eyes in Denver, as well as around the league.

Anderson played in 15 games in the 2014 season and has added another dynamic level to the Broncos’ offense. With Peyton Manning at the helm, having a dominant rushing game aids Manning and the offense as a whole.

The 24-year-old rushed for 849 yards with eight touchdowns on 179 attempts. Looking forward to 2015, the Broncos should expect Anderson to be their three-down back. Adding Hillman and Ball should be purely for change of pace due to Anderson proving himself in the 2014 season.

8. DeMarco Murray, Philadelphia Eagles

How could the leading rusher in all of football be ranked eighth just a season later? The answer is simple; a change of teams. DeMarco Murray has all the talent in the world, and will remain a premier running back in the 2015 season. Replicating his 2014 numbers will be difficult for anyone to do, let alone himself yet again.

Murray exploded during the 2014 season. Some of that credit must go to the Dallas Cowboys offensive line. In 2014, Murray rushed for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns on 392 attempts. In addition, Murray averaged an astonishing 115.3 rushing yards per game.

So how could Murray fall back to eighth? After signing with the Philadelphia Eagles, Murray has given up the luxurious Cowboys’ offensive line. Keep in mind, Murray has had a history with injuries and fumbling the ball as well. The positive aspect is that Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles will accompany Murray in Philadelphia, easing the wear and tear on the reigning rushing champion.

7. Arian Foster, Houston Texans

Arian Foster is one of the most dynamic rushers in the NFL. He has the intangibles to wreck havoc among almost any defense. The main issue has been his health. Foster has played a full season -16 games- only twice in his six year career. The last time it occurred was in 2012 where he rushed for 1,424 yards and 15 touchdowns.

If Foster remains healthy for the 2015 season, you could expect the 28-year-old running back to provide spectacular numbers.

6. LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills

During the off-season LeSean McCoy’s name has been fluttered around the league. First, it started with the 27-year-old being traded to the Buffalo Bills, in stunning fashion. Later it was brought up that McCoy was hosting a party that was only permitted to women; strange.

Nonetheless, McCoy remains poised to bounce back from, what many have called his 2015 season, disappointing. In 2014, McCoy rushed for 1,319 yards and accumulated five touchdowns.

Now under head coach Rex Ryan, McCoy should be expected to be vital to the Bill’s offense. Their quarterback situation remains hazy, but with a dominant run game and solidified defense, the Bill’s could become a threat to the AFC East.

5. Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers look poised for a tremendous 2015 season. Led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Packers offense is lethal. Of recent years, the addition of Eddie Lacy has installed another dynamic level to their destructive offense.

Lacy has been consistent throughout his short two-year career thus far. In 2014, Lacy rushed for 1,139 yards and nine touchdowns behind Rodgers.

Looking forward to the 2015 season, Lacy should continue to play a prominent role in the Packers’ offense behind Rodgers and head coach Mike McCarthy.

4. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs

It could be argued that Jamaal Charles is the most agile running back in the NFL. His rushing abilities alone are prolific, but his passing threat in what makes him unique.

In 2014, Charles rushed for 1,033 yards and nine touchdowns. Through the air, via passing, Charles accumulated 291 yards and five touchdowns.

Charles has been a vital key to the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense, noting that no wide receiver recorded a touchdown in 2014. With the addition of Jeremy Maclin and emergence of Travis Kelce, Charles could see less pressure on himself, thus providing an outlook of a positive 2015 season.

3. Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers

Le’Veon Bell was arguably the best running back in football last season. In his second season of his career, Bell took the NFL by storm by rushing for 1,361 yards and eight touchdown. Not only did he contribute on the ground, but quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had an additional target in the backfield in Bell. Through the air, Bell totaled 845 yards and three touchdowns.

Looking forward to the 2015 season, Bell was initially suspended for three games, but it has since been reduced to two games. Even with two games down, one can assume Bell to be a major contributor to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense, as the young running back has stated he wants to be more involved in the passing game.

2. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks

Marshawn Lynch is the most dependent running back in the system he is in place with. The Seattle Seahawks have been a run first team since Lynch had arrived in 2010. Since then, Lynch has rushed for 5,930 yards in five seasons.

Although it was rumored that Lynch could potentially retire this season, or next, he will remain a vital asset for the team’s offense in 2015. No other team relies on their running back than the Seahawks do with Lynch.

1. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

It’s tough not to choose Minnesota Vikings’ Adrian Peterson here. Coming back from being put on the commissioner’s exempt list and being suspended, Peterson seems to have every muscle in his body ready for football.

The last time Peterson was out for an extended period of time was due to a torn ACL. The following season Peterson would threaten Eric Dickerson‘s single-season rushing record, falling nine yards shy of the record.

Situations are different now; Peterson has not suffered an injury, but has been revolved around off-field issues. Fact of the matter is, Peterson is focused on football and has publicly stated that he intends to break the single-season rushing record; it’s a scary thought.