For most NFL franchises, operating an efficient run game is critical for success. While certain teams prefer to rely upon one bell-cow back to move the ball down the field, other teams prefer a one-two punch at the position.
The latter is where we have focused our efforts within this article. With some running backs now on new teams and others returning from injury, here are the best running back duos ranked.
10. Adrian Peterson and Derrius Guice, Washington Redskins
Peterson, 34, thrived in Washington last season. He managed 1,042 rushing yards and a total of eight touchdowns. He also made some really powerful (and youthful) plays. As long as old AP stays healthy, he should continue to have a big impact on offense.
Joining him is second-year running back Derrius Guice. Guice comes from a tremendous college background from LSU where he averaged 6.5 yards per attempt and scored a total of 32 touchdowns. He too should be relied upon heavily as part of an offense ran by quarterback Case Keenum should Guice return healthy from the torn ACL he suffered last year. Evidence seems to be pointing in that direction.
9. Mark Ingram and Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens
Mark Ingram is a new face in a new place. He is expected to keep Baltimore producing a top-tier run game. This former Heisman winner had a solid career in New Orleans, racking up a total of 7,605 yards and 55 touchdowns in his eight seasons as a Saint.
Edwards will certainly be there to pace Ingram. “Gus the Bus” impressed in his rookie year, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Though he found the end zone just twice. And, do not be surprised if quarterback Lamar Jackson occasionally steals Ingram’s or Bradley’s thunder on the ground this season.
8. Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman, Denver Broncos
Lindsay had a phenomenal rookie year and earned the lead back duties ahead of Freeman. There he recorded a combined 1,278 yards and 10 touchdowns. While Lindsay is worth promoting on his own, expectations might need to be tempered until we see what a Joe Flacco-led Broncos offense actually looks like.
Meanwhile, Freeman remains an excellent change of pace guy to spell Lindsay after producing five touchdowns last year. He is a solid force in goal-line opportunities, which will hopefully help the Broncos offense keep on the scoreboard.
7. Damien Williams and Carlos Hyde, Kansas City Chiefs
It will be interesting to see how the Chiefs plan to utilize this new duo. Williams did an awesome job when he assumed the starting role late last season following the release of Kareem Hunt. From that point, through the AFC Championship game, the 26-year-old running back piled up a stout 603 combined yards.
For this, the Chiefs inked Williams to a new two-year deal and then doubled down by recently signing Hyde. Hyde is a bulldozer in the red zone and his rushing touchdown count to date is 26 over his five years in the league. Look for Hyde to likely vulture in to steal the touchdowns on late downs.
6. Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers produced a rushing offense last season that helped the team make the playoffs for the first time since 2013. It was primarily manned by Gordon with Ekeler serving as a handy side piece. When healthy last year, Gordon was an unstoppable force, scoring 14 combined touchdowns in just 12 games. He also averaged a total of 114.6 yards per contest.
There to back up Gordon again this year will be Ekeler. This young running back has averaged a tremendous 5.3 yards per attempt since 2017. Then, there is the possibility that Justin Jackson could see some action from to time to keep Gordon fresh for a postseason run.
5. Jerick McKinnon and Tevin Coleman, San Francisco 49ers
Looking ahead to 2019, the 49ers are loaded at running back. McKinnon will return from his injury and makes for a versatile pass-catching back and nice weapon for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. After all, McKinnon sported a 73.6 catch rate during his four years playing for Minnesota.
Next in a crowded backfield is Coleman. He should be a natural working back with his former Falcons offensive coordinator and new head coach, Kyle Shanahan. Toss in Matt Breida — who rushed for an average of 5.3 yards per carry last year — and these three backs should make for one heck of a committee and fantasy football nightmare.
4. Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny, Seattle Seahawks
Seattle ran the most efficient offense in 2018 — that produced an average of 160 yards per game at an average pace of 4.8 yards per tote. Carson was an absolute beast when he had control of the backfield. As such, he finished the season with a career-high 1,151 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.
Though, if the Seahawks decide to roll with a committee in 2019, second-year back Rashaad Penny might see an uptick in work. In his limited attempts as a rookie, Penny averaged an impressive 4.9 yards per carry. Either way Seattle plays its cards, the team is in excellent hands heading into 2019.
3. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns
The Browns are finally deserving of nice things in life. This is after working their way out of the basement and producing a 7-8-1 record last year. With that said, Chubb was a key cog on offense after rushing for 996 yards and eight touchdowns at a clip of 5.2 yards per attempt. He also caught two receiving touchdowns. Chubb is young with fresh legs and is easily on course for a 1,000-plus yard season.
His counterpart for this year will be Kareem Hunt, who outside of his off-field issues, is a tremendous talent. He excels at catching passes out of the backfield as well, and when he returns from his suspension, will have a major impact. Throw in Duke Johnson and that makes for a mean three-headed running back committee.
2. Sony Michel and James White, New England Patriots
This Patriots one-two combo turned heads last year when Michel made his debut as a rookie. Michel averaged 71.6 rushing yards per game. And, he really poured it on thick in his three postseason games, recording 336 rushing yards.
All the while, White is an incredible dual threat gem, who drew 123 receiving targets and had 94 rushing attempts. This resulted in him striking career highs with 12 total touchdowns and 1,176 combined yards. There is nothing to suggest both White and Michel take any steps back in 2019.
1. Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray, New Orleans Saints
This fall, look for Kamara and his new partner in crime — Murray — to light it up in the backfield for quarterback Drew Brees. Kamara is a thrill to watch, not afraid to leap over defenders and has maintained an average of 5.1 yards per carry over his first two years. Plus, he has also averaged a whopping 1,573 total yards per season.
To keep Kamara paced, Murray joins the Saints as that big-bodied back who should be excellent in goal-line plays. He comes from two seasons last played with the Minnesota Vikings when he racked up 1,664 total yards and 14 touchdowns. Saints fans should be excited!