Top 5 Running Backs in the AFC North: Nick Chubb Leads Elite Ground Game Division
The AFC North remains a run-heavy division, with several elite running backs leading their respective offenses. Here's a definitive ranking of the top 5 running backs in the division:
- J.K. Dobbins (Ravens)
- 805 yards and 9 touchdowns in rookie season
- Averaged 6.0 yards per carry
- Shares carries with Gus Edwards and Lamar Jackson
- 22 runs of 10+ yards on 153 carries
- Najee Harris (Steelers)
- First-round draft pick from Alabama
- Coming off 1,466 yards and 26 TD senior season
- Expected to be immediate three-down back
- Brings fresh legs to Pittsburgh's backfield
- Joe Mixon (Bengals)
- Back-to-back 1,100+ yard seasons before 2020
- Consistent receiving threat with ~300 yards per season
- Limited to 6 games in 2020
- Success dependent on offensive line improvement
- Kareem Hunt (Browns)
- 841 rushing yards and 6 TDs in 2020
- Added 304 receiving yards and 5 receiving TDs
- Versatile threat in both run and pass game
- Top-tier backup who could start elsewhere
- Nick Chubb (Browns)
- 1,000+ yards despite missing 4 games in 2020
- Career-high 12 touchdowns
- League leader in broken tackle rate (124 broken tackles on 488 carries)
- Elite vision and power running ability
- Clear top running back in the division
Unlike many NFL divisions shifting toward pass-heavy offenses, the AFC North maintains its identity through powerful running games led by these talented backs.
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