In the NFL, we’ve witnessed a resurgence in the running game, highlighted by running backs securing lucrative contract extensions. This trend saw Saquon Barkley shatter the league’s single-season rushing record, while Derrick Henry launched a standout debut with the San Francisco 49ers before the Baltimore Ravens and Christian McCaffrey faced injuries in 2024.
Only a few quarterbacks incorporate significant rushing capabilities into their play styles, enhancing their teams’ offenses. So, who holds the title for the best rushing duo in the NFL, combining the talents of running backs and quarterbacks?
Fox Sports Research has identified the top 10 rushing duos heading into the 2025 season:
Las Vegas Raiders: Jeanti, the Raiders’ sixth overall 2025 draft pick, joins Mostert, who rushed for 1,012 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2023. Despite the Raiders having the league’s lowest rushing average (79.8 yards/game) last year, this duo is promising.
Washington Commanders: Robinson, consistent over three years with 776 rushing yards and five touchdowns per season, complemented by Daniels, the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year, who threw 25 touchdowns and added 891 rushing yards with six scores.
Carolina Panthers: With Hubbard rushing for 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024, and Dowdle, who overcame injury setbacks, this backfield showcases depth and scoring ability.
Atlanta Falcons: Rookie Allgeier rushed for 1,035 yards in 2022, while Robinson, a 2024 Pro Bowler, added 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns, making this one of the league’s strongest backfields.
Seattle Seahawks: Walker, impressive since 2022 with over 1,000 yards rushing, plus a quick rookie back, form a dynamic rushing attack.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Irving, the 2024 fourth-round pick, excelled with 1,122 rushing yards and 47 receptions, alongside White, who balances the attack with rushing and receiving contributions.
Buffalo Bills: Cook, a two-year Pro Bowler with over 1,000 yards per season, pairs with MVP quarterback Allen, who averages 592 rushing yards and nine touchdowns per season, blending power and agility.
Philadelphia Eagles: Barkley rushes for over 1,000 yards per season and scored 13 rushing touchdowns in 16 games last year, while Hurts, a Super Bowl LIX MVP, adds 695 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns annually.
Detroit Lions: Gibbs, a prolific rusher and receiver with 1,412 yards and 16 touchdowns last year, teams with Montgomery, who provides consistent scoring despite missed games.
- Baltimore Ravens: Henry, an NFL leader with 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024, complements Jackson, who excels with 4,172 passing yards and rushed for 915 yards and four touchdowns in the same year.
Fan Take: This highlight of top rushing duos showcases how vital versatile, dynamic running games have become in modern NFL offenses. For fans, it’s thrilling to see the blend of power and agility shaping team strategies and changing the game’s pace, promising more explosive plays and memorable seasons ahead.
