Running backs are one of the most important positions on any football team. They need to be fast and strong, able to carry the ball long distances and make big plays. In this article, we’re going to take a look at the Top five running backs for 2022. We’ll tell you what to watch for in their careers, and give you some advice on who you should draft if you want to win your fantasy league this season.
David Johnson
David Johnson, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Johnson is one of the most explosive running backs in the NFL. He has the speed and agility to run away from defenders and the power to break through tackles. He is a danger as a receiver out of the backfield and can make big plays downfield. Johnson ranks first in the NFL in rushing yards (1,327) and touchdown runs (14). He has also caught 94 passes for 902 yards and four touchdowns. Johnson is a triple-threat player who will be difficult to stop on offense this season.
Alvin Kamara
Alvin Kamara burst onto the NFL scene as a rookie in 2017 and quickly emerged as one of the league’s most dynamic running backs. The Tennessee Titans drafted Kamara with the 57th overall pick and he made an immediate impact, rushing for 1,227 yards and seven touchdowns on only 158 carries. He proved to be a versatile weapon, capable of handling heavy workloads both in the backfield and out wide as a receiver. In 2018, Kamara continued his impressive play, rushing for 1,554 yards and eleven touchdowns on 246 carries. He finished second in the league in rushing yards and fourth in touchdowns. Kamara has elevated his game every year since entering the league and is now one of the top running backs in the NFL.
Kamara is a versatile running back who can both run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield. He has excellent speed and quickness, making him difficult to bring down even when he is tackled by larger defenders. Kamara also possesses very good elusiveness and body control, which allows him to make tough cuts and avoid defenders at high speeds. He is an explosive player who can take advantage of any space that is open on the field. Kamara is also known for his durability; he has not missed a single game due to injury since entering the league in 2017.
Kareem Hunt
There are only a handful of running backs that can truly be considered elite in the NFL. Fewer still can boast of having had an MVP-caliber season. One such back is Kareem Hunt of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Coming out of Toledo, Hunt was initially projected as a strong receiver. However, after impressing scouts at the NFL Combine and his Pro Day, they took notice of his ability to run with power and explosiveness.
Hunt made an immediate impact on the Chiefs’ offense in his rookie season, rushing for 1,327 yards and 12 touchdowns on 261 carries (4.9 YPC). He also caught 34 passes for 251 yards and a touchdown. His effort put him in contention for Rookie of the Year honors – which he ultimately won.
In 2016, Hunt continued to dominate opposing defenses, rushing for 1,521 yards and 13 touchdowns on 272 carries (5.1 YPC) while catching 54 passes for 571 yards and four touchdowns. This performance landed him himself a spot on the Associated Press All-Pro First Team and berth in the Pro Bowl.
This past season was yet another stellar one for Hunt as he rushed for 1,327 yards on 241 carries (5.2 YPC) with nine touchdowns while also catching 49 passes for 472 yards and three scores – good for 10th in the league in receiving yards despite playing just 11 games due to a suspension caused by violating the league’s Personal Conduct
Todd Gurley
Todd Gurley is an electrifying physical runner with world-class speed and agility. He has the ability to get skinny through small holes and break tackles.
Gurley was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the 1st round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He had a breakout rookie season, rushing for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns on 291 carries (5.1 yards per carry). In 2015, he had an even better season, rushing for 1,305 yards on 299 carries (5.3 yards per carry) and 12 touchdowns.
In 2016, Gurley once again had a tremendous year, rushing for 1,813 yards on 283 carries (6.0 yards per carry) and 17 touchdowns. His performance earned him a spot on the Pro Bowl team and First Team All-Pro honors from both the Associated Press and Football Writers Association of America. Gurley is one of just two players in NFL history to rush for at least 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons (the other player is Emmitt Smith).
Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley may be the most talented running back in the NFL. He has the speed, strength and agility to tear through defenses. However, he also has a unique ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. This allows him to become a versatile weapon on offense.
Barkley was drafted by the New York Giants with the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He had an outstanding rookie season, rushing for 1,272 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also caught 52 passes for 460 yards and three more scores. Barkley is already being compared to legendary running backs like Barry Sanders and Jamaal Charles.