The NFC East running back position is stacked with talent, featuring a mix of proven vets and rising young stars. Here’s how the division’s top running backs rank heading into the 2025 season.
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1. Philadelphia Eagles – Saquon Barkley
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Saquon Barkley is undoubtedly the best running back in the NFL. In his final two seasons with the Giants, he totaled stats that were solid production for any NFL running back. But once paired with the elite Eagles roster and offensive line, Barkley delivered a historic campaign, surpassing 2,000 rushing yards and scoring 13 touchdowns. He was just 100 yards short of Eric Dickerson’s all-time single-season rush record. If you add his receiving stats, he totaled 2,283 scrimmage yards and 15 total touchdowns, an astonishing amount of individual production.
With that said, Barkley puts the Eagles running back room at the number one spot by himself alone. AJ Dillion didn’t have a rush attempt last season, and Will Shipley only averaged 2.7 yards a carry on 30 carries as a rookie last season. Barkley has proven he can carry this team to a Super Bowl offensively, and it wouldn’t be shocking if he does so once again.
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2. New York Giants – Devin Singletary, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Cam Skattebo
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Tyrone Tracy Jr. quickly emerged as the Giants’ primary ball carrier last year during his rookie season. He put up solid stats in his first year after taking over for the veteran Devin Singletary, putting up 839 rushing yards. While the Giants‘ backfield may no longer have a superstar like Saquon Barkley, what they do have is depth.
They drafted Cam Skattebo, a literal bowling-ball type rusher out of Arizona State, known for his physical, contact-heavy running style that wears down a defense. Positioned to take snaps behind Tracy and Singletary to start the season, Skattebo can likely work his way up to RB1.
3. Washington Commanders – Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler
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The Commanders enter the season with a crowded running back room. Brian Robinson Jr. returns as the likely starter, but questions remain about his consistency as he is yet to rush over 800 yards in a single season. Austin Ekeler provides veteran experience with his premier pass-catching ability out of the backfield, but his durability has been a concern as he missed significant time last season.
The Commanders’ backfield offers depth and versatility, but is still lacking a true RB1 threat. With a mix of experience and potential, if the running back room can stay healthy, it will be interesting to see if Washington can continue to build off their successful past season.
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4. Dallas Cowboys – Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders and Jaydon Blue
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The Cowboys’ backfield has been completely revamped. With a talented receiving core, the Cowboys are lacking a threat on the ground. With the free-agency signings of Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, they add veteran experience to lead the way. The supporting cast features rookies Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, who offer youth and upside
There is no clear-cut No. 1 running back on this roster. As of now, it’s Javonte Williams, but he hasn’t been his true self since his significant knee injury in 2022. It will be a battle for RB1 in Dallas, and it’s likely we will see a lot of shared reps.
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