Running Back (RB) Stats 2025-26

Breaking Down Running Back Stats

There are a lot of stats that can be accumulated by running backs these days. They work in the run game, and also have a big role in the passing game. We also have to look at how teams approach their running backs, whether that is using a committee or riding their workhorse back. Now starting with the rushing stats, you are going to see a breakdown of their attempts and overall production stats to go with it. The rushing attempts are simply the number of run plays they are getting. Yards are a production stat, but you can see how efficient a running back is with the number of yards they are gaining per attempt. We often like to view things on a per-game basis, so seeing their volume per game will give you an idea of how many touches they will see.

Getting to that 100+ yard mark is always going to be the eye-popping number for a running back, but it could also be a fantasy bonus for you as well. Everybody wants the touchdowns, of course, which are another production stat, but the "long" column will show you the longest rush of the season for that player. This could range from two yards to 99 yards. Fumbles can give away a starting job for a running back, so see what running backs are fumbling most often because there could be a change of scenery there if the fumbles continue.

Under the receiving yards, you can see all the receiving numbers for running backs. targets are going to showcase what running backs are seeing the most pass attempts thrown their way. Receptions, yards, and touchdowns are going to be those production numbers that you look for. You can also break down running backs by the 100+ yard mark for receiving as well, which is possible these days with how often backs are used in the passing game. Yards per reception will be a number that you can break down what backs are gaining the most per catch.

Snaps are important for running backs because of how often they can be split up. We have seen teams like Dallas give most of the snaps to their star running back, Ezekiel Elliott, and then a team like San Francisco will divide their snaps for a few different running backs. Each site has its default scoring system, and you will need to check and see what running backs score best where. This drop-down will break that up for you as you can see fantasy points per game and also total across a few of the popular fantasy sites.

The Modern Day Running Back

The modern-day NFL running back looks a lot different from prior eras. A running back must be able to work in the run game efficiently, but also be a part of the passing game. If they are ineffective at one and not the other, then you are likely looking at a committee approach. The role of a running back in the passing game is higher now than ever before, and that is because they are dangerous coming out of the backfield, but also because passing attempts are up. The days of a workhorse back are almost over, as we don’t see a ton of players getting 20+ rushing attempts a game. While they could see 20+ touches, that ground and pound style of offense is limited to just a few teams.

Let’s look at some of the complete backs in the league right now, and what they do. We often hear teams talking about complete backs and running backs that can play three-downs. That means being above average on run plays, and being a factor in the offense when it is time to pass. Now not every team views the position this way, but most do. Looking at backs like Ezekiel Elliott and Christian McCaffrey, they get the job done on all three downs. They are effective in all areas of the game, which is why you see them up top in overall touches.

Now just because a player doesn’t work in the run game more often or the passing game, they can still be an asset to the team. We have seen names like Duke Johnson be an exceptional receiving back, and Sony Michel is used more so on the ground. The modern-day running back can be created with two players, taking opposite strengths and turning them into one complete player. This is equivalent to baseball, where a team will use a player who hits left-handed pitching well and another who hits right-handed pitching well. Think of it as a platoon type of situation.

Top Running Backs

Christian McCaffrey is one of the best backs overall, and he qualifies much more than just a receiving back. He has been a workhorse since coming into the league, and his overall numbers have been tremendous. McCaffrey has averaged over 4.5 yards per carry in his career and has been a touchdown machine as well. For those teams who thought he was just a receiving back, they look pretty foolish these days. Staying in the NFC South, Alvin Kamara has developed into one of the top running backs. His volume stays pretty safe, as he doesn’t have quite the heavy role as others, but it is still more than enough for him to get the job done. He is a shifty back who is tough to bring down and is also one of the top receiving options for the Saints.

Getting to some more straight forward runners, it took some time, but Derrick Henry took over the Titans offense and has dominated on the ground. He won’t give you much through the air, but Henry is a workhorse who continues to produce monster yardage and touchdown seasons. We also see names like Dalvin Cook and Nick Chubb be those types of workhorse backs who get a majority of their production on the ground. Cook has come off a major injury to become one of the top backs in the game. Chubb has been a rock-solid producer over in Cleveland.

Ezekiel Elliot has been one of the most consistent running backs since coming into the league. He is often over 1,000 yards on the ground, and the touchdowns continue to pile up. He has also gotten more involved in the passing game over the last two seasons. Saquon Barkley was drafted to the Giants, and he has delivered as the top five pick he was drafted as. Barkley was one of the top prospects, and his overall numbers through the air and on the ground are strong.

Top Receiving Down Running Backs

Austin Ekeler is a decent running back on the ground, but he makes his living through the air. He is a pristine route runner and is a real advantage out of the backfield for the Chargers. He saw over 100 targets in 2019, and his role in the offense is carved out for a big role over the next few seasons. Tarik Cohen solely makes a living catching passes out of the backfield and is a small and shifty back. Cohen often makes the Chicago backfield a committee where he splits time with the other running back who is not usually much of a receiving threat.

James White has been one of the top New England Patriots weapons over the last few years, as the Patriots often rotated running backs often. White was used in a receiving down type role or would be used as the hot hand as well. He was also a major problem for opposing defenses in the red zone. While we haven’t seen much of Miles Sanders in terms of years, but we have seen enough to say he is a real threat out of the backfield in the passing game. He is also an efficient runner on the ground.

RB Stats FAQ

• What Running Back Averaged The Most Rushing Attempts Per Game?

• What Running Back Had The Most 100+ Yard Games?

• What Running Back Had The Most Rushing Touchdowns?

• What Running Back Had The Highest Yards Per Attempt?

• What Running Back Had The Most Fumbles?

• What Running Back Had The Most Receiving Touchdowns?