The Top Five Running Backs in the NFL

Though the NFL is making the shift to a passing league, the running back position is by no means a dying breed. It is still filled with players who can make an impact every time they touch the ball. These are the top five running backs in the NFL any team would be lucky to have.

Adrian Peterson - Minnesota Vikings

Since joining the NFL in 2007, Peterson has been a force behind the Vikings running game. He has amassed 5,782 yards in four seasons. And even though we saw him rush for a career low in 2010 with 1,298 yards, do not expect him to drop off the radar anytime soon. In fact, with the Vikings refocusing their efforts on getting Peterson the ball, you can expect him near the top of the rushing categories at the end of the season.

Michael Turner - Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons proved they made the right move when they brought Turner over from San Diego back in 2008. As a member of the Falcons, Turner has shouldered the load, carrying the ball for 3,941 yards. On top of it, he has developed a nose for the endzone, scoring 39 touchdowns in 42 games. The Falcons continue to develop their passing game, which is going to help open more running lanes for Turner.

Arian Foster - Houston Texans

In 2010, Foster broke onto the scene during his second year in the NFL when he led the league he rushed for 1,616 yards and scored 16 touchdowns. What was even more impressive about his standout season was that he had eight games with 100 rushing yards or more. While the start of his 2011 season has been marred by a hamstring injury, Foster has all the makings of being one of the top five running backs in the game.

Chris Johnson - Tennessee Titans

No one was sure if Johnson was going to be able to shoulder the load of being an every down back on his 5'11" 190lb frame. That was until his magnificent 2009 season where he ran for 2,006 yards, becoming the sixth player in NFL history to break the mark. Even though we saw the expect drop off last year, Johnson has been able to maintain a career average of 4.9 yards every time he touched the ball. The big question for 2011 is how much his holdout will affect his on the field performance.

Ray Rice - Baltimore Ravens

If you are looking for a dual threat running back, Rice fits the mold. He is able to use his stout frame to run between the tackles while showing excellent hands, averaging over 60 receptions the last two years. With the addition of fullback Vonta Leech, Rice will have the chance to excel and be the top back in 2011.

Honorable Mention

Matt Forte - Chicago Bears

When you are discussing underrated NFL players, Forte fits the bill. He has racked up 3,326 yards on the ground while proving to be a more than reliable receiving threat by hauling in at least 50 receptions each year he has been in the league. On top of it, he has yet to miss a game since his rookie campaign.

Jamal Charles - Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs and their fans knew they had something special in 2009 when Charles showed the magic he could make when he held the ball. Since then he has ran for over 1,000 yards each season and averaged at least 5.9 yards per carry. He also has shown a decent ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Though you have to wonder why the Chiefs' coaching staff continues to limit the number of touches he has. As of writing this, Charles is lost for the 2011 season due to a ACL tear.