The running back position may have been diminished in recent years, but it's still one of the most important positions in the sport. Here are the guys that are the best in the league:
5) Arian Foster, Houston Texans
Foster has been the focal point of the Texans offense for years, and he nearly carried them to the playoffs last season despite putrid quarterback play. He's an excellent one-cut back with an effortless running style, and his ability to make plays in the passing game are a huge bonus.
4) Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers
In just two seasons in the league, Lacy has already established himself as one of the premier power backs. He rushed for 1,139 yards last year despite getting just 246 carries (4.6 yards per carry), and is excellent in the screen game. He also got 690 of his yards after contact, a number topped by only four other players.
3) Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers
As great as Lacy and Foster are in the passing game, Bell emerged as the best two-way back in the game. His 1,361 rushing yards and eight touchdowns were complemented by 854 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Bell is facing a short suspension at the start of the season, but he'll be ready once he steps onto the field.
2) Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
We all know how good "Beast Mode" has been in Seattle. Lynch is the only running back to rush for over 1,200 yards in each of the past four seasons, recording 11+ touchdowns each year as well. Seattle started to use him more in the passing game last season (career highs in catches, yards, and touchdowns), and if the Seahawks continue to use him in that way, he may jump to No. 1 by the end of the season.
1) Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
Peterson sat out all of last season while dealing with child abuse allegations, and now he's back and ready to prove he still has a lot left in the tank. He's rushed for 10 or more touchdowns every year in his career (with the exception of 2014), and his career 5.0 yards per carry mean he should be wreaking havoc on opposing defenses again in 2015.
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