Ranking every RB room in the NFL by tiers: Lions backfield duo of Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery top group
Here’s a look at where each running back room stacks up in the NFL.
Who didn’t love the running back resurgence in 2024? After a rough few seasons, running backs made a comeback. Following significant offseason changes, many enjoyed impressive performances. Notably, Saquon Barkley became vital for the Philadelphia Eagles as they clinched the Super Bowl LIX title, while Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson formed a dominant rushing partnership for the Baltimore Ravens.
Despite limited movement in the offseason, the NFL Draft introduced exceptional talent, featuring players like Ashton Jeanty for the Raiders and Omarion Hampton for the Chargers.
With the draft and free agency concluded, it’s the perfect moment to evaluate each backfield across the league. Below, we categorize each team’s running backs into seven tiers, from “Dynamic Duos” to “Work in Progress”.
Tier 1: Dynamic Duos
The Lions excel with a powerful duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, known as “Sonic and Knuckles” last season. In 2024, they set a record as the first duo with 10+ rushing touchdowns in consecutive seasons. They also complemented each other, allowing for consistent performance, while Gibbs amassed 1,929 scrimmage yards and 20 touchdowns last season.
The Atlanta Falcons boast a promising combination with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, where Robinson’s remarkable 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns create a significant offensive threat.
Surprisingly, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a solid statement in rushing yards, ranking fourth in 2024, largely thanks to Bucky Irving, who logged impressive stats early in his career.
