Ranking Every Starting AFC East Running Back
Although the running back position may be overlooked in the eyes of many teams and fans in the modern NFL, they still serve an important role in providing balance to a team’s offense. The best teams in the NFL can have a dependable rushing attack to take the pressure off their quarterback. When the weather gets cold around the playoffs, the running game can sometimes be the only thing that works for an offense. In the AFC East, these teams are no strangers to cold-weather games, and therefore, they frequently have good running backs to back up their quarterback. So, who are the best and worst starting running backs in the AFC East?
1. De’Von Achane - Miami Dolphins
A great combination of speed and toughness. De’Von Achane exploded onto the scene for Miami a few years ago and quickly took over the starting role. His game-breaking speed provided a nice complement to this already speedy Miami offense. Achane has had several games where he would find a hole and take off for a massive gain. Last year, he added a dimension to his game as he became a primary target for Tua Tagovailoa in the passing game. If the Dolphins can be more efficient on offense, Achane will likely have another big season.
2. James Cook - Buffalo Bills
After some rather uneventful years to open up James Cook’s career, he thrived last year alongside Josh Allen. Cook put up over 1000 rushing yards and 18 total touchdowns last season. With opposing defenses so focused on Josh Allen and the passing game, there were several games in hat James Cook just took over. If he can replicate what he did last year, he will soon be regarded as one of the top running backs in the NFL.
3. Breece Hall - New York Jets
After a great season in 2023, Breece Hall struggled in 2024. Most of his struggles were not within his control. The Jets’ offensive line failed to open up holes for Hall to run through, and Aaron Rodgers’ inability to run this offense effectively resulted in fewer opportunities for Hall. With the Jets trailing in most of their games this season, they couldn’t have a balanced offense and were forced to rely on the passing game. With Justin Fields looking like the new starting quarterback for the Jets, this offense should look very different, which should benefit Breece Hall to get back on track this upcoming season.
4. Rhamondre Stevenson - New England Patriots
Although Breece Hall struggled last year, many people can still agree that he is a talented running back. However, Rhamondre Stevenson is not in the same camp. Although the offensive line was tragically bad last year, I don’t believe that anyone in New England views Stevenson as a ground-breaking running back. Stevenson is strong and tough, but he doesn’t have the speed that is expected from an NFL running back. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Patriots look to draft a running back to at least split carries with Stevenson, as the Patriots look to improve massively from last year’s disappointing season.
