Headlined by rookie phenom Ashton Jeanty, the AFC West has some exciting new faces. Here is how the division running back rankings stack up heading into 2025.
1. Los Angeles Chargers – Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton
Consistency is rare and invaluable at the running back position in the NFL. But that is exactly what Najee Harris has proven he is: durable and reliable. He is the only active RB with four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and has never missed a game due to an injury. It is truly unbelievable. In his first season with the Los Angeles Chargers, he will look to continue this trend of consistency.
At RB2, you have Omarion Hampton, the Chargers’ first-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft. His upside is limitless and extremely versatile. When you combine consistency with potential, this Chargers backfield could very well be one of the best in the league.
Related: Best NFL running backs right now, 10 best running backs in NFL
2. Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Jeanty and Raheem Mostert
NFL: Las Vegas Raiders Minicamp
Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
Ranking the Las Vegas Raiders running back room at number one was tempting, but the truth is Ashton Jeanty is yet to play a snap in the NFL. We all know about his illustrious college career, but the rookie hasn’t proven anything in the league just yet. Taken with the 6th pick in this year’s NFL draft, Jeanty is expected to fix what was arguably the worst running back unit in the league last year. Jeanty will be a star, but he can’t quite be number one on this list just yet. But one thing is for sure: the whole world is excited to see what he brings to the NFL.
Read More: Best NFL receivers 2025, ranking 10 best NFL wide receivers right now
Raheem Mostert will be a speedy and versatile option as RB2. The veteran flashes elite burst and home-run ability when healthy, but at 33 years old, health isn’t guaranteed. This backfield could easily emerge as one of the best in the league if they can stay healthy and live up to the high expectations.
3. Denver Broncos – J.K Dobbins and R.J Harvey
NFL: Combine
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Denver Broncos have added a powerful running back in J.K. Dobbins, who agreed to a one-year, $5.25 M deal after rushing for a career-high 905 yards and nine TDs in 13 games with the Chargers in 2024. Though injury-prone, when healthy, Dobbins is a very solid RB1. Paired with him is the second-round rookie R.J. Harvey out of UCF. He’s a shifty runner with elite vision and explosive playmaking.
Dobbins offers stability and experience; you know what you’re getting with him as your RB1. Harvey on the other hand, provides a spark and a versatile upside. It’s a complementary duo that could become one of the AFC’s most intriguing in 2025.
Read More: Best NFL receiving corps 2025
4. Kansas City Chiefs – Isiah Pachecho and Kareem Hunt
NFL: Super Bowl LIX-Kansas City Chiefs at Philadelphia Eagles
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Given the Kansas City Chiefs unbelievable postseason success in recent years, it feels wrong to put them last on any list. But, if we’re being honest, from a running back talent perspective, they are the weakest link in the division. Cheifs RB1 Isiah Pachecho suffered a fractured fibula in Week 2 of the regular season and spent much of Kansas City’s 2024 campaign on the Chiefs’ injured reserve list. But in the 7 games he played, he only put up 300 yards on the ground. His production was down after the injury, so the Chiefs can only hope that he will bounce back this season.
Read More: Best NFL tight ends 2025, ranking 10 best NFL tight ends right now
At 29 years old, RB2 Kareem Hunt has been a solid RB2 for the Chiefs, but he doesn’t have the same burst he once did, and only averaged 3.6 yards per carry last season. As long as they have Patrick Mahomes as their quarterback, the Chiefs will be competitive, but their running back room, without a doubt, needs improvement.