The NFC North is home to some of the NFL’s best backfields in the league. Whether it’s the electric speed of Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit or the veteran experience of Josh Jacobs in Green Bay, each team in this division brings a different strength to the table. Here’s how the NFC North running backs stack up heading into 2025.
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1. Detroit Lions – Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery
NFL: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions
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One of the best running back duos in the league, Gibbs provides a home-run playmaking ability, while Montgomery brings a more physical, bruising mentality that excels in the red zone. This RB duo gives the Lions the best run game not just in the NFC North, but one of the best in the entire league.
In his first two seasons, Gibbs is a two-time Pro Bowl selection. Averaging over 5 yards a carry each season, Gibbs is not only extremely efficient on the ground, but he’s one of the best receiving backs as well, making him a true dual threat out of the backfield. Not to mention, David Montgomery finished in the top 10 for touchdowns. He’s a force at the goal line and can wear a defense down. This duo complements each other perfectly, making them the perfect one-two punch.
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2. Green Bay Packers – Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson
NFL: NFC Wild Card Round-Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles
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Josh Jacobs is the definition of a powerful, downhill runner. He has excellent vision, balance, and a tackle-breaking ability that allows him to break big plays. Selected to the Pro Bowl three times and an All-Pro selection in 2022, Jacobs has had immense success as an RB1 in his career. He can handle a heavy workload and wear down defenses throughout a game. His physical style and ability to consistently move the chains make him one of the more reliable backs in the league when healthy. But at 27 years old, health may become an issue.
Finishing 6th in rushing yards last season at 1,329 yards and 4th in touchdowns with 15, Jacobs will look to continue his success for another year in Green Bay. His backup, Emmanuel Wilson, lacks a ton of experience, but as the true RB2, he is hopefully primed to take some of the workload off Jacobs.
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3. Minnesota Vikings – Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason
NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
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After a solid last season out of Aaron Jones, it will be interesting to see how much he has left in the tank as he’s 30 years old and will be entering his 9th season. He put up solid stats in 2024, with 1,138 yards on the ground. But with 255 carries last year, the Vikings have to lower his workload; it’s the only way fans can hope he keeps up his productivity.
Jordan Mason impressed during his time filling in for the injured Christian McCaffrey last season. He showed flashes of being a great running back, rushing for over 100 yards in 3 of the first 4 games for the 49ers. While he slowed down, he should be a solid RB2 option for the Vikings. It will be interesting to see how many snaps he gets, as Minnesota will likely aim to keep Aaron Jones healthy.
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4. Chicago Bears – D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson
NFL: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings
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D’Andre Swift had a decent first season for the Bears last year, but as a true RB1, you would expect better numbers. He didn’t reach the 1,000-yard rushing mark, and averaged only 3.8 yards per carry. With only one game over 100 rushing yards, he hasn’t proven that he still has that big-play ability. He’s a solid player no doubt, but he hasn’t proven that he can be ranked higher on this list.
Roschon Johnson also has struggled with yards per carry. With only 150 rushing yards from 55 attempts, the Bears will hope to see a jump in production during his third season in the league.
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