Ranking players in any sport is extremely hard. Especially when a lot of the players are injured or hurt. The way I ranked players was not but a “scouting report” ranking but rather a production crossed with skills ranking. The main difference between these two types of ranking is the product . In my ranking unlike those of bleacher report’s I ranked the players higher if they had a great season and not if they are going to have a great season next year. That is why players like Adrian Peterson are not shown on my rankings.

To be completely clear this is my ranking for how the running backs of the NFL performed during the 2014-2015 season.

1. DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys

Stats: TTL YDS: 2,261, TTL TD: 13, ATT: 392, RYDS: 1,845, RTD: 13, AVG: 4.7, REC: 17, RCYDS: 416, RCTD: 0, FUM: 5 GP: 16/16

Speed: 9/10    Power: 9/10    Rushing: 10/10     Receiving: 6/10    Efficiency: 7/10    Intangibles: 9/10

A healthy Murray is great Murray. A 4.41 combined with a mean stiff arm make Murray the most dangerous running back in the NFL. DeMarco Murray showed that when he is healthy he is unstoppable. DeMarco led the NFL in rushing yards and tied for rushing touchdowns and also set a record for the most consecutive 100 yard games to start a season in NFL history. Murray was the staple of the Cowboys offense creating an almost recreation of the 1990’s Cowboys trio along side teammates Tony Romo and Dez Bryant. Murray beat out bell with the slightest margin due his high usage and his ability to pound the ball in on goal line situations. Even though Murray might have seemed to be almost irrelevant in the passing game, with no receiving touchdowns and only 416 receiving yards, he was actually a huge part of their passing game as a distraction to the defense. Because he led the NFL in rushing defenses had to put more players in the box and were more likely to bite on the play action opening up big passing lanes for quarterback Tony Romo. A lot of people might argue that the only reason why he has such good numbers is because he has so many carries. But that can also be used as a huge argument for him because why would you give a running back so many carries if he can’t handle it or if he does not produce, as Demarco averaged 4.7 yards per carry. DeMarco did have a little bit of an issue in the fumbling department as he led all running backs in fumbles this season, which almost got him a second place finish on the list with an efficiency rating of 8/10. Murray has had almost no off field issues since joining the Cowboys, but Murray has misted quite a bit of playing time do to some of his injuries. This year Murray managed to play in every game for the Cowboys, but was limited in the last few due to a wrist injury. Overall DeMarco is an amazing back and the Cowboys will no doubt miss his production in the upcoming season.

2. Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers

Stats: TTL YDS: 2,215, TTL TD: 11, ATT: 290, RYDS: 1,361, RTD: 8, AVG: 4.7 REC: 83, RCYDS: 854, RCTD: 3, FUM: 0 GP: 16/16

Speed: 6/10    Power: 9/10    Rushing: 9/10    Receiving: 10/10    Efficiency: 10/10    Intangibles: 7/10

Le’Veon Bell just missed out on the number one spot. This year he was the catalyst for the Steeler’s offense. If it wasn’t for him having to share some carries with LeGarrette Blount in the first half of the season he would have been my choice for number one running back. Bell was effective both on the ground rising the ball and in the air receiving wise. Bell finished with a fantastic 1,361 rushing yards which landed him second overall in the NFL. But that was still 500 yards off from the number one spot which is why he receives a 9/10. Receiving wise Bell was incredible he led all running backs in receptions and receiving yards. Because of Le’Veon’s versatility on offense the Steeler’s were able to mix it up very well when it came to play calling. Bell was also very efficient on offense wit no fumbles, which is an amazing feat for a running back with that many carries and receptions. Bell’s size is most likely the key to why he’s such a great blocker in the passing game. During the offseason before the 2014 NFL season Bell was arrested with his ex-teamate, LeGarrette Blount, on Marijuana. The charges however have not did not affect him in the 2014-2015 season as he will be suspended 3 games in the 2015-2016 season. Bell did however miss the team’s only playoff game due to a knee injury. With a combination of the off the field issue and his injury Bell receives an intangible grade of 7. Overall, Bell is still one of the greatest backs of the 2014-2015 season.

3. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks

Stats: TTL YDS: 1,673, TTL TDS: 17, ATT: 280, RYDS: 1,306, RTD: 13, AVG: 4.7, REC: 37, RCYDS: 367, RCTD: 4, FUM:3 GP: 16/16

Speed:  8/10    Power: 10/10    Rushing: 8/10    Receiving: 8/10    Efficiency: 8/10 Intangibles: 10/10

“Beatsmode” as he likes to be called is the heart of the Seahawks offense. Lynch proved to the Seahawks that he is irreplaceable. He put up career highs in receiving yards, receiving touch downs, and rushing touchdowns and was just short of reaching his career high for rushing yards. Lynch isn’t really known for being a speedy back, even though he is capable of outrunning almost any defender in the league, but he is known for his ferocious stiff-arms and deadly trucks. In 2014 Lynch just proved that he is still one of the most deadly weapons in the NFL at any position. Even though Lynch did fumble three times he was able to average 4.7 yards per carry with an enormous payload of carries (280). Receiving wise Lynch did was still a pretty good option out of the back field for Russell Wilson. He had 367 yards and 4 receptions. Lynch also opened up rushing and passing lanes for Wilson due to how dangerous he was on the ground and the number of defenders defensive coordinators had to put on him. Off the field Lynch did have some contract disputes in the off season and is known for his media antics by refusing to talk to them. But, he did not miss any games due to suspension and his team did not appear to suffer at all from these small dramas as he was able to lead them to a first place finish in the NFC. Saying the Seahawks will be fine without Lynch because they have Robert Turbin and Christine Michael is just absurd, Lynch was the heart and soul of the Seahawks offense, without him there’s no way they make it to the Super Bowl for a second straight time.

4. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

Stats: TTL YDS: 1,846, TTL TDS: 10, ATT: 266, RYDS: 1,038, RTD: 6, AVG: 3.9, REC: 102, RCYD: 808, RTD: 4, FUM: 2,  GP: 16/16

Speed: 8/10    Power: 7/10    Rushing: 8/10    Receiving: 10/10    Efficiency 8/10    Intangibles: 10/10

Matt Forte was extremely hard to rank. Over the years I believe that he was one of the most underrated running backs in the NFL. Forte has put up some of the greatest receiving yards for a running back over his career. Forte’s 4.46 may not still be around but he still can outrun most defenses in the league when he gets into open space. Running over players has not been a huge part of Forte’s game over his career as he tends to use the stiff arm and juke move to evade defenders. Forte has put up pretty decent, but nothing to brag about, on the ground numbers. He averaged 3.9 yards per attempt which was pretty average this year. Receiving wise Forte had number one reciever numbers, which was especially surprising because he played along side two of the best receivers in the league (Alshon Jeffrey & Brandon Marshall). His 102 receptions lead all running backs by ALOT, and was a close second in receiving yards. Forte’s receiving ability was the main reason why he landed in the top 5, these numbers could not go unnoticed. Averaging 3.9 yards per carry was a would have been a reason to give Forte a 7 in efficiency but his receiving totals combined with a lack of fumbling make up for his mediocre yards per rush number. Off the field Forte saw no issues and he played every game of the 2014-2015 season, making it 2 straight years where he did not miss a game due to injury or suspension. Overall, I would say that Forte is one of the most versatile players in the NFL based on the great numbers that he put up this year.

5. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs

Stats: TT YDS: 1,324, TTL TDS: 14, ATT: 206, RYD: 1,033, RTD: 9, AVG: 5.0, REC: 40, RCYD: 291, RCTD: 5, FUM: 5. GP: 15/16

Speed: 10/10    Power: 6/10    Rushing: 8/10    Receiving: 8/10    Efficiency: 8/10    Intangibles: 8/10

A 4.36 combined with an unstoppable juke move make Charles a lethal force. This year Charles’ numbers are all down across the board but he’s still a force on the field. Even though Charles didn’t get his 2,000 yards that he said he would’ve gotten in the offseason he still had a pretty impressive year on the ground with 1.033 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns. Through the air he was not able to put up the incredible numbers as last year but just like his rushing totals they were also affective. Receiving wise Charles was tied second amongst running backs when it came to receiving touchdowns. Efficiency wise it was hard to rank Charles. What I mean by that is; Charles averaged 5.0 yards per carry which was fourth among running backs with at least 100 carries on the season, but he had 5 fumbles to go along with it which was tied for the most amongst running backs. So when it came down to it I had no choice but to dock him a couple of points for efficiency. Intangible wise he did see a decrease in carries which was probably in part to the chiefs trying to reduce his carries due to the amount of injuries he has piled over his career, he also missed one game this year due to a high ankle sprain during the opening series of a the Chiefs game against the Broncos. Because of his injury history and his previous injury this year he received an intangible grade of 8 even though he had a squeaky clean off the field sheet record.

6. Arian Foster, Houston Texans

Stats: TTL YDS: 1,573, TT TDS: 13, ATT: 260, RYDS: 1,246, RTDS: 8, AVG: 4.8, REC: 38, RCYD: 327, RCTD: 5, FUM: 2, GP: 13

Speed: 7/10    Power: 7/10    Rushing: 9/10    Receiving: 8/10    Efficiency: 8/10    Intangibles: 8/10

If Foster didn’t miss three games due to injury who knows what type of numbers foster would have put up. On the ground Foster was a monster he was sixth in rushing yards and eighth in rushing touchdowns. But he also did some damage in the air. even though Foster only had 327 receiving yards, Foster was second among running backs in receiving touchdowns with 5. Efficiency wise Foster had 4.8 yards per carry, which was well above the league average, and he only had 2 fumbles to go along with it. Foster was a huge part of the Texans offense last year, especially with them having a struggling quarterback situation, if he would’ve been ablate to stay healthy for the entire NFL season we might have seen the Texans make the playoffs with a wildcard spot. When it comes to off the field issues with Foster, there are none. When it comes to it, Arian Foster is an elite back of the NFL; he just needs to stay healthy.

7. Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers

Stats: TTL YDS: 1,566, TTL TDS: 13, ATT: 246, RYD: 1,139, RTD: 9, AVG: 4.6, REC: 42. RCYD: 427, RCTD: 4, FUM: 3,  GP: 16/16

Speed: 8/10    Power: 10/10    Rushing: 8/10    Receiving: 7/10    Efficiency: 8/10     Intangibles: 9/10

Coming off a strong rookie campaign I thought Lacy was going to be a victim of the “sophomore slump”. I thought this because defensive coordinators would have figured him out and with the return of Aaron Rodgers he would see a reduce in carries. But that was no where near what actually happened to him this year. In the 2014-2015 season Lacy did see a reduction in carries like I predicted but he also increased his yards per carry by .5, and even though he had 2 less touchdowns that his rookie year he did have 4 receiving touch downs which was 4 more than his rookie season. Over his short NFL career and college career Lacy hasn’t been known for his speed, even though he runs a 4.44 he’s been know for his over-powering running style; trucking and stiff-arming defenders. His over-powering running style however has affected him, and might continue to affect him in the long run. In his rookie year Lacy missed one game due to a concussion and almost missed some playing time this year for the same reason, and with that type of playing style his future doesn’t look so certain. Lacy has known to be has known to be very efficient, he was able to break multiple tackles while not coughing up the ball, but this year he produced three fumbles while averaging 4.6 yards per carry.

8. Justin Forsett, Baltimore Ravens

Stats: TTL YDS: 1,529, TTL TDS: 8, ATT: 235, RYD: 1,266, RTD: 8, AVG: 5.4, REC: 44, RCYD: 263, RCTD: 0, FUM: 1

Speed: 7/10    Power: 7/10    Rushing: 8/10    Receiving: 5/10    Efficiency: 10/10    Intangibles: 10/10

Justin Forsett was in my eyes, was my breakout player of the year. Setting career highs all across the board, Forsett was able to rejuvenate his career in his move to Baltiore. Forsett was hard to grade because he was neither over power or fast, he was just a great runner. After missing almost half of the 2013 season due to a foot injury, it looked like Forsett’s short career was coming to an end. The Ravens signed him as a third string running back behind starter Ray Rice and back up Bernard Pierce, but after Pierce was injured Forsett quickly moved up the back up. Then with Ray Rice Being suspend due to an offseason altercation with fiancé, Forsett was moved to starter, which would be a start to the best season of his NFL career. Forsett ended up to lead the league in yards per carry while having 235 carries. He finished fifth in rushing yards with 1,226 and tied eighth  with 8 rushing touch downs. In the air Forsett was pretty irrelevant; only racking up 263 yards and 0 receiving touchdowns through the air. Efficiency wise here is where Forsett pull ahead of those behind him, Forsett only had 1 fumble to go with 235 carries and 44 receptions, and pairing that with a league leading 5.4 yards per carry he is one of the most efficient running backs in the NFL. Forsett had no off the field issues and also missed no playing time due to injury making him a back that you can rely on. Another main reason why Forsett was able to beat out the guys behind him on the list was his ability to carry this Ravens team to the playoffs. With Forsett on the field the Ravens looked like a completely different team.

9. Lamar Miller, Miami Dolphins

Stats: TT YDS: 1.374, TT TDS: 9, ATT: 216, RYD: 1,099, RTD: 8, AVG: 5.1, REC: 38, RCYD: 275, RCTD: 1, FUM: 3, GP: 16/16

Speed: 9/10    Power: 8/10    Rushing: 7/10    Receiving: 6/10    Efficiency: 8/10    Intangibles: 10/10

Lamar Miller finally broke out in his third year as a Dolphin. Lamar Miller is a pretty speedy back with a 4.4 40 time and he uses that speed to elude defenders. Even though Lamar Miller did break out he was still tenth in the league in rushing and tied eight in rushing touch downs. In the air Miller wasn’t really that effective as he only had 275 receiving yards and one touchdown. Not missing a game and keeping his nose clean did however make Miller look like has a bright future. All in all Miller did have a pretty good year even though the dolphins were not able to make the playoffs.

10. Jeremy Hill, Cincinnati Bengals

Stats: TT YD: 1,339, TT TD: 9, ATT: 222, RYD: 1,124, RTD: 9, AVG: 5.1 REC: 27, RCYD: 215, RCTD: 0, FUM: 5, GP: 16/16

Speed: 7/10    Power: 8/10    Rushing: 8/10   Receiving: 4/10    Efficiency: 8/10    Intangibles: 10/10

The Rookie Jeremy Hill certainly made a great case for rookie of the year, He racked up over 1.000 yards and 9 touchdowns in his fantastic rookie year. Hill isn’t really a speedy guy running a 4.66, but he certainly is powerful and elusive. Efficiency wise he was pretty split he had a great yards per carry average which was second in the league, but he also was tied in the lead league with fumbles for a running back, because of this he receives an 8 for his grade. On his rise to stardom Hill was able to stay healthy playing all 16 games this season and had no off the fuel issues. With this being his rooking season in is not hard to say that it looks like Jeremy Hill is going to have a bright future in the NFL

11. Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins

Stats: TT YDS: 1,229, TT TD: 8, ATT: 265, RYD: 1,074, RTD: 8, AVG: 4.1, RCYD: 155, RCTD: 0, FUM: 2, GP:16/16

Speed: 7/10    Power: 9/10    Rushing: 7/10    Receiving: 4/10    Efficiency: 7/10    Intangibles: 10/10

Alfred Morris’s numbers continue to drop from his incredible rookie year, and that has to be in part by the absence of RGIII. Without RGIII opposing defenses primary concerns against the Redskins offense is their Morris. Morris is a guy known for his great cuts and powerful trucking ability, but not for his around the corner up the field speed bursts. This year Morris did put up good numbers but not good enough to put him into the top 10. Morris was pretty average when it came to yards per carry, only averaging 4.1 which is mown from both of his two previous seasons. Morris however did have more of a role in the receiving this year, but not enough to affect their offense. Morris is coming off his third straight injury free season in which he has not missed a game due to injury or suspension which gives him a perfect 10 out of 10 for his intangibles grade. Overall, Morris had a down year which made him slip to a slightly above average back instead of a superstar back, which he was his rookie year.

12. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers

Stats: TT YDS: 1.217, TTL TDS: 5, ATT: 255, RYD: 1,106, RTD: 4, AVG: 4.3, REC: 11, RCYD: 111, RCTD: 1, FUM: 2, GP: 16/16

Speed: 7/10    Power: 8/10    Rushing: 7/10    Receiving: 4/10    Efficiency: 6/10    Intangibles: 10/10

It could be seen during the 2014-2015 campaign for Gore, that he was sorta being pushed out of the system he had way less goalie carries and less involvement in the passing game. But that also might be in part by the struggles of Collin Kaepernick. This year Gore only had 4 rushing touchdowns to go along with 1,106 rushing yards. The yards is not much of a problem as the touchdowns are. Receiving wise Gore was pretty irrelevant with only 19 receptions and just over 100 yards. Gore had an pretty average yards per carry which was 4.3 and to go with only two fumbles during the season that makes him an average player when it comes to efficiency. For the fourth straight season Gore was able to stay healthy and stay out of trouble making his intangible grade a perfect 10/10.

Speed:

13. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles

Stats: TT YDS: 1.474, TT TDS: 5, ATT: 312, RYD: 1,319, RTD: 5, AVG: 4.2, RCYD: 155, RC TD: 0, FUM: 4, GP: 16/16

Speed: 8/10    Power: 6/10    Rushing: 8/10    Receiving: 4/10    Efficiency: 6/10    Intangibles: 10/10

McCoy has excellent speed to go along with his filthy, absolutely filthy juke moves. To be completely honest I believe that McCoy has the best juke moves in the NFL and the only other player coming close to his moves is Reggie Bush when completely healthy (which is never). LeSean McCoy really looked like he was being pushed out of the system in 2014 for the Eagles. We saw him have way less involvement in the passing game and also less involvement in their goalie game. His involvement in their passing game was most likely due to the addition of Darren Sprolles, who is one of the best receiving backs in the league, and his involvement in their goalie offense had to do with Chris Polk taking a lot of carries on the goalie. Because of his decreased role in their offense he was not able to put up very many touchdowns at all only totaling 5 touchdowns this season, which were all rushing. Efficiency wise McCoy received a lot of carries but put up rather mediocre yards per carry numbers. McCoy was mostly docked in his efficiency ratings due to his 4 fumbles to go along with his 4.1 yards per carry. The upside about McCoy this year was his ability to stay healthy and play every game for the second straight season.

14. C.J. Anderson, Denver Broncos

Speed: 8/10    Power: 8/10    Rushing: 7/10    Receiving: 6/10    Efficiency: 8/10    Intangibles: 9/10

15. Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints

Speed: 7/10    Power: 8/10    Rushing: 8/10    Receiving: 4/10    Efficiency: 7/10    Intangibles: 7/10

16. Isaiah Crowell, Cleveland Browns

Speed: 8/10    Power: 7/10    Rushing: 8/10    Receiving: 3/10    Efficiency: 7/10    Intangibles: 10/10

17. Joique Bell, Detroit Lions

Speed: 6/10    Power: 8/10    Rushing: 7/10    Receiving: 6/10    Efficiency: 5/10    Intangibles: 9/10

18. Chris Ivory, New York Jets

Speed: 6/10    Power: 9/10    Rushing 7/10    Receiving: 5/10    Efficiency: 7/10    Intangibles: 10/10

19. Andre Williams, New York Giants

Speed: 6/10    Power: 9/10    Rushing: 8/10    Receiving: 4/10    Efficiency: 7/10    Intangibles: 10/10

20. Stephem Jackson, Atlanta Falcons

Speed: 6/10    Power: 9/10    Rushing: 7/10    Receiving: 4/10    Efficiency: 8/10    Intangibles: 8/10

21. Giovanni Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals

20. Knile Davis, Kansas City Chiefs

Speed: 9/10    Power7/10    Rushing: 6/10    Receiving: 6/10    Efficiency: 6/10    Intangibles: 10/10

21. Darren Sprolles, Philadelphia Eagles

Speed: 10/10    Power: 3/10    Rushing: 6/10    Receiving: 8/10    Efficiency: 8/10    Intangibles:8/10

22. Ahmad Bradshaw, Indianapolis Colts

Speed: 8/10    Power: 5/10    Rushing: 5/10    Receiving: 9/10    Efficiency: 7/10    Intangibles: 6/10

23. C.J Spiller, Buffalo Bills

Speed: 9/10    Power: 6/10    Rushing: 7/10    Receiving: 7/10    Efficiency: 5/10    Intangibles: 4/10