Six Running Backs Ready to Run for the 2026 Rushing Crown

After a decade spent fading into the periphery, running backs have returned to the forefront in the NFL. The 2024 season saw Saquon Barkley top 2000 yards and lead the Eagles to a title, while this past offseason featured three tailbacks joining Barkley above the $20 million per year threshold.  

Once more the lifeblood of their respective offenses, there are six tailbacks with odds of 10/1 or shorter to lead the league in rushing this season. 

Derrick Henry (+600) 

It's a testament to Henry's singular career that, at 32, he's one of the favourites to pace the league. Henry's 1595 yards last year was good for second in the league, and he continues to hold Father Time off with his vintage, vicious stiff arm. Aided by Lamar Jackson's rushing ability, helping to skew the numbers in the Ravens' favour in the running game, Henry's primed for another monster season. 

Jonathan Taylor (+600) 

With a contract bump and a 1585-yard, 18-touchdown season in recent months, it's good to be Jonathan Taylor. The Colt has been a big-play runner throughout his career but could find it hard running in 2026 unless the team can recapture the brilliant efficiency they enjoyed during the first half of last season. 

James Cook (+640) 

Last year's leading rusher, James Cook enjoyed a career year with 1621 yards and 12 scores. Like Henry, Cook benefits from his quarterback's running threat skewing the math in the offense's favour. Under new head coach Joe Brady, there's potential for the Bills' offense to go nuclear, and Cook's production would follow suit.  

Jahmyr Gibbs (+700) 

One of the most dynamic offensive weapons in the NFL, it feels like a matter of time before Gibbs has a historic season. But, in an offense featuring one of the league’s best 1-2 punches at receiver and a quality tight end, he’ll have plenty of competition for touches. One of the league’s most efficient runners last year, Gibbs will no doubt continue to produce at a high level.   

Bijan Robinson (+700) 

A first-team All-Pro last year, Robinson hit a career high in rushing and broke 2000 scrimmage yards for the first time... and is only approaching his prime. Stuck on a considerably worse team than the others listed here, Robinson might be slightly limited, but he'll continue to stake his claim as the league's best running back. 

Saquon Barkley (+1000) 

Not even Barkley was immune to the Eagles' offensive dysfunction last season. The 2024 Offensive Player of the Year was held to the lowest 16-game total of his career, clocking just 1140 yards on a paltry 4.1 yards per carry. Still just 29, Barkely's capable of a resurgent season, provided Philly's offense as a whole can do the same.  

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Odds as of September 2, 2026.