Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday will officially conclude the 2023 NFL season and the sixth season of the RB Index. But before we leave, I’m taking on the daunting chore of ranking every running back who appeared in a game during the 23 season. This is my ranking, from 1 to 72.From the beginning of the season, when he dominated Week 1 with a season-high 152 rush yards and a score, until the end, when he was the only player who wasn’t a quarterback to make the MVP contender list, McCaffrey was the finest running back in the league. In terms of rushing yards, touches, scrimmage yards, and scrimmage touchdowns, McCaffrey was the league leader. He made it simple to place him first for the second consecutive year in this category.
Early in the season, the Rams sent Cam Akers to Minnesota, placing all of their eggs in Williams’ basket. The second-year pro finished the season leading the league in run yards per game (95.3), surpassing expectations by amassing more than 100 scrimmage yards in nine of his twelve outings. He fits Sean McVay’s scheme perfectly.Despite having a somewhat quiet season by his standards, “King Henry” led the league in carries and second-most rushing yards. Henry, who has led the NFL in attempts in four of the last five years, had a workload that was consistent with previous seasons. Although he has probably played his final down in Tennessee, the four-time Pro Bowler’s career as a starter in this league is far from done.
Despite missing the last two games of the regular season due to injuries to his knee and ankle, Mostert set a franchise record for the Dolphins with his 18 running touchdowns, leading the NFL, and his 21 scrimmage scores. In addition, the ninth-year back gained 1,000 rush yards and made his first-ever Pro Bowl trip. Even at thirty-one, he’s still at the peak of his game and in the ideal system for his style.In his second professional season, Cook made history by becoming the first Buffalo back to gain 1,000 yards from the line since 2017 and the first running back for the Bills to make the Pro Bowl in either his first or second season since Marshawn Lynch in 2008. Buffalo had a 6-1 regular season when Cook had at least 17 touches, compared to 5-5 in all other games. This indicates that getting Cook engaged paid off.
With Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield, the Lions had the greatest 1-2 punch in 2023. In many cases, the rookie spearheaded the passing attack while the veteran led the way in the run game. Even though the Gibbs productivity in Year 1 was amazing, he probably doesn’t appreciate it without Montgomery’s physical running style setting the tone. Seeing Monty succeed so greatly in his debut season in Detroit was wonderful.Three players on the Eagles’ running squad saw at least 80 carries, ranking them among the top 10. In his rookie season in Philadelphia, Swift became the starting running back and recorded his first 1,000-yard season. Swift was a bright spot on an inconsistent Eagles offense because of his production as a receiver and runner. Swift, a free agency this offseason, may sign a new contract and return to Philadelphia.
In 2023, Jones divided his time between Arizona and New Orleans. He played most of his carries for the Saints, who at the time did not have Alvin Kamara. In Week 2, Jones recorded the only two touchdown runs of his career.
Midway through the season, Henderson played every game for the Rams, who lost three of the four games in which he started. Henderson had two touchdowns in those tilts, but he was unable to establish a rhythm, averaging just 3.5 yards per rush. When Kyren Williams returned in late November, Henderson was waived.Jackson began the Colts’ season opener because Zack Moss and Jonathan Taylor were both sidelined. Jackson was released following a lackluster effort (14 yards on 13 runs), and he signed with the Browns and Giants for the remainder of the season. In Week 9, Jackson saw action with the Giants.
