2013 NFL Predictions: Top 5 Running Backs – Peterson, Charles, Foster the NFL’s Best Runners

2013 NFL Predictions: Top 5 Running Backs – Peterson, Charles, Foster the NFL’s Best Runners: Although many NFL offenses have shifted to a pass-first approach, there is still a place in the league for dominant running backs. In fact, the top three rushers from a year ago all played for teams that made the playoffs. Meanwhile, rushing leader Adrian Peterson won the NFL MVP Award, becoming the first running back since LaDainian Tomlinson in 2006 to receive the honor. Overall, 12 backs broke the 1,000-yard barrier, and six topped 1,400 yards. It may be a quarterback’s league, but running backs still play a vital role in helping teams win. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the top running backs in the NFL heading into the 2013 season.

1.      Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

His 2012 season was nothing short of incredible as Peterson led the NFL with 2,097 yards, won the MVP Award and came within nine yards of breaking the single-season rushing record. Meanwhile, he more than 1,000 yards after contact, and his 27 runs of 20-plus yards were 15 more than any other back. Throw in the fact that he has averaged 1,475 yards and more than 12 scores during his six-year NFL career, and it’s impossible to argue for any other back to be ranked No. 1.

2.      Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs

Although overshadowed by the comeback by Adrian Peterson, Charles also returned from an ACL tear with a bang in 2012. His 1,509 yards were the fourth-most in the NFL, and it was the third consecutive season that he has topped 1,100 yards on the ground. An argument can also be made that Charles is the most explosive rusher in the game today. For his career, he averages 5.8 yards per carry and 8.4 yards per reception. Charles has enough power and vision to run between the tackles, but it his ability to rip off huge chunks of yardage whenever he touches the ball makes him one of the game’s best backs.

3.      Arian Foster, Houston Texans

The bad news is that his yards per carry decreased for the third year in a row. The good news is that Foster’s 15 rushing touchdowns led all running backs, and he has now led the NFL in rushing touchdowns twice in the last three years. During the stretch, he has topped 1,200 yards each year and has at least 40 catches. What separates Foster from many of the other every-down backs is his power that allows him to finish off drives around the goal line.

4.      Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks

After underwhelming throughout his tenure in Buffalo, the move to Seattle has rejuvenated Lynch. He is one of the hardest runners in the game, and in his two full seasons with the Seahawks, he has averaged 1,400 yards and 11.5 scores. While he doesn’t provide much impact in the passing game, his physical style punishes and wears down defenses. Plus, Lynch always has “Beast” mode at his disposal when he needs to run over a tackler to get a few extra yards.

5.      Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens

Although he had his lowest rushing total since his rookie year in 2012, Rice remains one of the most complete backs in the game. After all, he finished last season with more than 1,600 yards from scrimmage, 61 grabs and 10 total scores. What he has lost in terms of explosiveness, he more than makes up for with his impact in the passing game. There aren’t a lot of backs that can be on the field regardless of the situation and formation, but Rice is as versatile as running backs come.

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