5 Running Backs Poised to Snag Their First NFL Rushing Title in 2025 (And the Chaos That Comes With It)
Alright, buckle up, because the NFL’s rush to crown the king of the ground game is about to get wild. You think the parade belongs to the usual suspects like Saquon Barkley or Derrick Henry? Well, prepare to be schooled on some under-the-radar beasts ready to rip off 1,000-yard seasons and upend your fantasy league.
Last time anyone won back-to-back rushing titles was Henry in 2019 and 2020. That’s right: guy who looks like he might break your leg for fun and actually runs through people like a mosh pit. So the throne is ripe for the taking. This year’s candidates bring fire, fresh legs, and enough workload to make your fantasy QB sweat in envy.
1. Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman
Hubbard has been quietly elevating his game like a workaholic squirrel, grubbing up yards while the rest of Carolina Panthers’ offense looked like a group of caffeinated sloths. The man led the Panthers’ rushing in back-to-back seasons, clocking career highs with 250 carries and 1,195 yards in 2024. That’s like hauling grocery bags uphill in a blizzard, folks.
With a fresh four-year, $33.2 million contract, he’s basically the Panthers’ ground-and-pound version of a brand-new iPhone—except he’s not crashing every five minutes. The offense’s depth is thinner than my patience at a DMV, and with Jonathon Brooks out for the whole season again (seriously, how does this guy keep doing this?), Hubbard is the workhorse without a doubt.
Don’t expect Rico Dowdle, signed for pocket change, to snatch many carries. Instead, he’s the shaky utility guy in the flat routes—something Hubbard didn’t quite nail last year with an unimpressive 4 yards per catch.
Look, Carolina lost nine of twelve games by double digits last year, but if they get their act together (a mighty big if), and keep that efficient 4.6 yards per carry they managed, Hubbard’s name will be in the trophy conversation. Dark horse? Nah, dark death metal heavy hitter who deserves some spotlight.
2. Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders
Photo Credit: AP Photo/John Locher
The last rookie to snatch a rushing title was Kareem Hunt. That was eight years ago. Let that sink in.
Jeanty, fresh off a Boise State romp where he piled up nearly 4,000 yards and 43 touchdowns in two years, slid straight into Raider Nation with the weight of an entire city’s hope on his shoulders. Lucky for him, the Raiders’ offensive coordinator, Chip Kelly, is now doing his Michael Corleone impression, cooking up a ground-heavy, rough-and-tumble offense reminiscent of some glory days.
But here’s where it gets juicy—Raiders’ depth? Fragile. Mostert’s getting older and fraggier than a vintage antique vase, while the other backups have more health flags than a port authority on LSD. Jeanty’s not just the starter; he’s the franchise’s ticket out of mediocrity.
So the question isn’t if Jeanty will get the carries, but if he can keep his shiny new rookie legs from turning to jelly. Early betting favorites say yes, and frankly, I’m ready to put my money where my mouth is.
3. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Mike Stewart
Bijan Robinson is the Falcons’ not-so-secret weapon—a warp-speed, ridiculously talented back they clearly want to feed like he’s baby Yoda from the Mandalorian series. Last year, he almost snagged the rushing title, finishing third with 1,456 yards. Young? Yes. Hungry? Absolutely.
Coach Raheem Morris practically begged the offense to feed Robinson as much as possible and, lo and behold, they did. The man logged 304 carries, while second-year QB Michael Penix Jr. is expected to keep defenses honest with improved passing. This means Bijan will again have room to break off those glorious runs.
Despite being involved frequently in the passing game (119 catches last year!), Robinson hasn’t missed a game. That durability and workload means Robinson is sitting pretty as a prime candidate to finally grab that elusive rushing crown.
4. D’Andre Swift, Chicago Bears
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski
Swift has worn more hats than your favorite hipster’s coffee barista—rotational role with the Lions, starring back for the Eagles and Bears, and now full feature back with a coach who believes in actually running the ball: Ben Johnson.
High praise from Marquee Sports Network’s Scott Bair lays out a recipe for success: Swift is grinding to prepare for a heavy workload, backed by a beefed-up offensive line featuring the likes of Joe Thuney and burgeoning talents Drew Dalman and Jonah Jackson.
Johnson’s offenses ranked top 10 in rushing attempts last two years, and if Swift keeps his health in check (he’s had that pesky injury history, alright), expect a career year. It’s a big ask, but Swift’s talent and new coach should make for some serious yards on the ground.
5. Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Matt Slocum
Kyren Williams finished third in yards in 2023 with 1,144, moving to a career high of 1,299 yards in 2024, only to fall back to seventh. So what gives?
The Rams added fresh legs in the draft at RB, signaling they want to share the load. But don’t sleep on Williams—word is that extension talks are buzzing, and he should be one of the highest-paid backs in the league soon enough.
That cash comes with the understanding he’s still the guy. Even with backups like Blake Corum and rookie Jarquez Hunter ready to spell him, Williams’ prime production rates show he’s locked in as a top rusher come 2025.
In Conclusion: The NFL rushing crown isn’t just a shiny bauble for the usual suspects anymore. The sites are set for an electric showdown featuring rising stars and gritty veterans ready to shove defenders aside and sprint into glory. From Hubbard’s steady growth in Carolina to Jeanty’s rookie hype in Vegas, through Robinson’s electric speed in Atlanta, Swift’s steady grind in Chicago, and Williams’ prime form in L.A.—this 2025 race is a blue flame burning hotter than your morning coffee with too much creamer.
So, what’s my take? If you’re fantasy drafting or just love a good NFL ruckus, keep your eyes glued to these backs. Anything less than a thrilling race for the rushing title would be downright boring—and frankly, unacceptable.
And if you thought this article was just another snooze fest? Well, I hope your jerk-off fantasy team doesn’t tank because you ignored these guys. Just saying.
— Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report but could definitely use a hug.