Top 10 Best Running Backs Duos in the NFL Today 2025
Running back by committee isn’t just a trend — it’s the standard in today’s NFL. With the demands of a 17-game season and defenses faster than ever, teams are leaning on dynamic duos to carry the ground game. From power-speed tandems to dual receiving threats, these backfields feature the Best Running Back Duos in the NFL heading into the 2025 season.
You can also check out my rankings for the best cornerback duos in the NFL or best wide receiver duos in the NFL!
Table of Contents
- #10
- #9
- #8
- #7
- #6
- #5
- #4
- #3
- #2
- #1 – Best Running Back Duo in the NFL
- Honorable Mentions
- FAQ – Best Running Back Duos in the NFL
- Conclusion – Top NFL RB Duos Ranked (2025)
Best Running Backs Duos in the NFL – James Cook & Ray Davis (Bills)
#10 – James Cook & Ray Davis (Buffalo Bills)
James Cook finally flashed RB1 juice last season, topping 1,500 scrimmage yards with sneaky burst in the open field. He’s still not a power guy, but he proved he can carry a full workload and rip off chunk plays. Ray Davis, on the other hand, is the exact type of physical runner Buffalo’s been missing. The second-year back runs angry, lowers the boom, and showed out in minicamp as a guy who could get real goal-line work early.
Together, they bring a thunder-and-lightning combo Buffalo hasn’t had in years — and the added threat of Josh Allen only makes their job easier. Cook’s the engine, but Davis could be the sledgehammer this offense’s been missing.
Aaron Jones & Jordan Mason (Vikings) – Ranked #9 among the best RB duos entering 2025
#9 – Aaron Jones & Jordan Mason (Minnesota Vikings)
Aaron Jones might not be in his prime anymore, but when healthy, he’s still one of the smoothest backs in the league. He’s a proven weapon in the passing game, makes defenders miss in space, and brings leadership to a young Vikings offense that desperately needed a steady veteran in the backfield.
Jordan Mason is the curveball here. He runs angry — low pad level, tons of leg drive, and never shies away from contact. He looked explosive in limited snaps with the Niners, and now he’s stepping into a much bigger opportunity behind Jones.
This duo isn’t flashy, but it’s balanced. Jones brings the finesse, Mason brings the fire, and together they give Minnesota one of the most underrated backfields in the NFC.
Green Bay’s thunder-and-lightning duo features veteran Jacobs and Lloyd.
#8 – Josh Jacobs & Marshawn Lloyd (Green Bay Packers)
Josh Jacobs feels like the kind of back who will continue to thrive in Green Bay as long as he stays healthy. He’s a true workhorse — physical between the tackles, underrated as a receiver, and always falling forward. Jacobs can still carry an offense when he’s rolling.
Marshawn Lloyd steps in as the wild card. He flashed serious juice during the preseason and looks like the kind of back who could break a game open with one cut. But he suffered a season ending injury last year too early.
If Jacobs stays healthy and Lloyd grows into his role, this pairing could go from “solid” to “scary” real quick. It’s a thunder-and-lightning setup with real upside.
The Seahawks return with the NFL’s most bruising sophomore combo.
#7 – Kenneth Walker III & Zach Charbonnet (Seattle Seahawks)
Kenneth Walker doesn’t just run — he attacks. He’s one of the most explosive backs in football, always one broken tackle away from housing it. He’s had some boom-or-bust weeks, but when he booms, it changes the game. Walker also improved as a receiver in 2024, which was a needed wrinkle in his development.
Zach Charbonnet might not have Walker’s home-run gear, but he’s steady, strong, and efficient. He does the dirty work — short yardage, pass pro, clock control — and he’s built to wear defenses down.
This duo works because it’s two different flavors of violence. Walker brings the highlight plays, Charbonnet brings the muscle. Seattle’s run game stays dangerous no matter who’s on the field.
The Ravens Derrick Henry has not lost a step.
#6 – Derrick Henry & Justice Hill (Baltimore Ravens)
Derrick Henry isn’t done yet. He may not be ripping off 200-yard games like it’s 2020, but he’s still a nightmare to tackle and thrives in downhill, gap-heavy schemes. Baltimore’s offense feels like a natural fit for what he does best — punish defenses and close out games.
Justice Hill isn’t flashy, but he’s reliable and fast enough to bounce outside when the defense is keyed in on Henry. His role might not wow on paper, but he gives the Ravens a pace change and solid third-down reliability.
Henry brings the legend status, Hill brings the glue. Together, they give Baltimore a functional, veteran-led backfield that can grind out wins in the AFC North.
The Eagles made a splash adding and Dillon in the offseason with Saquon already being the best running back in the NFL.
#5 – Saquon Barkley & AJ Dillon (Philadelphia Eagles)
Saquon Barkley in an offense with a real O-line again? That should terrify people. His lateral burst is still elite, and he looked healthy throughout OTAs. Philly’s RPO-heavy offense should open up clean lanes for him to do what he does best — make people miss and hit chunk plays.
AJ Dillon is the hammer. He struggled in Green Bay’s scheme last year but looked revitalized in Eagles camp, especially in short-yardage work. He’s still got the thighs of a fridge and falls forward more often than not.
Barkley gives the Eagles fireworks. Dillon brings the finishing move. That kind of balance could make Philly’s offense even tougher to deal with in the red zone.
The Bucs’ tandem of Irving and White is ranked #4 for 2025.
#4 – Bucky Irving & Rachaad White (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Bucky Irving is someone I believe could break out to become a superstar next season. In the second half of the 2024-25 season, he was everything advertised and more.
Rachaad White took a big step forward in 2024 only to take a step back in 20225. At this point he’s a capable every down back but mainly a pass catching specialist.
White sets the floor. Irving raises the ceiling. If both stay healthy, this duo could become a serious problem for defenses by midseason.
CMC returns as the top dog with Guerendo adding depth.
#3 – Christian McCaffrey & Isaac Guerendo (San Francisco 49ers)
Christian McCaffrey is still that guy if he can stay healthy. In 2023 he posted another 2,000+ scrimmage yard season, led the league in touchdowns, and looked like the engine of the 49ers offense. And then he got injured.
Isaac Guerendo’s hype train is picking up steam. With McCaffrey out, he looked like a star in the making only to get injured as well.
CMC is the proven star. Guerendo is the track-speed lottery ticket. If both can stay healthy, they can become the best running back duo in the NFL.
Atlanta’s duo is built to dominate with balance and explosiveness.
#2 – Bijan Robinson & Tyler Allgeier (Atlanta Falcons)
Bijan Robinson looked great last season and still somehow hasn’t lived up to the hype. Even with nearly 2000 yards from scrimmage, there are expectations that he can be even better.
Tyler Allgeier remains one of the most underrated RB2s in the league. He’s tough, dependable, and brings that north-south element Bijan doesn’t always thrive in.
Bijan is the star. Allgeier is the backbone. Together, they give Atlanta a complete one-two punch built for any situation.
Best Running Backs Duos in the NFL – Jahmyr Gibbs & David Montgomery (Lions)
#1 – Jahmyr Gibbs & David Montgomery are the Best Running Back Duo in the NFL
Jahmyr Gibbs is lightning. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry, scored 20 total touchdowns, and looked more comfortable as the season progressed. He’s the perfect modern weapon — someone who can line up anywhere and break games wide open.
David Montgomery is thunder. He led the Lions in rushing touchdowns, consistently converted in the red zone, and brought the kind of grit that fit perfectly with Dan Campbell’s run-first identity.
They don’t just complement each other — they make each other better. Gibbs lightens Montgomery’s workload. Montgomery sets Gibbs up with fresh legs and better matchups. This is the gold standard for modern RB tandems in 2025.
Honorable Mentions
Kyren Williams & Blake Corum – Los Angeles Rams
Joe Mixon & Nick Chubb – Houston Texans
De’Von Achane & Jaylen Wright – Miami Dolphins
Breece Hall & Braelon Allen – New York Jets
Chuba Hubbard & Rico Dowdle – Carolina Panthers
FAQ – Best Running Back Duos in the NFL
Who has the best running back duo in the NFL right now?
The Detroit Lions currently hold the crown for the best running back duo in the NFL, with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery leading the charge. Their combination of elite speed, physicality, and versatility makes them the most complete 1-2 punch in the league heading into 2025.
Are any rookie running backs part of a top NFL backfield in 2025?
While no rookies cracked the top 10 this year, Ashton Jeanty is one of the best running backs in the NFL today.
How do teams benefit from having two good running backs?
Having two effective running backs helps manage workload, reduces injury risk, and keeps offensive schemes unpredictable. In today’s NFL, where wear and tear is real and offensive creativity matters, elite RB duos can shift momentum and dominate time of possession.
What’s the difference between a committee backfield and a true RB duo?
A committee backfield splits carries situationally without a clear structure, while a true running back duo features two clearly defined and complementary roles — usually a lead back and a change-of-pace option. The best NFL RB duos have chemistry, defined usage, and consistent production.
Conclusion – Top NFL RB Duos Ranked (2025)
Whether you’re a fan of power backs bulldozing through defenders or electric playmakers dancing in space, the 2025 NFL season has no shortage of elite backfield duos. From proven veterans like Derrick Henry and David Montgomery to explosive young stars like Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson, these RB pairings bring a mix of balance, depth, and versatility that can completely change the game.
In a league that’s often pivoting to pass-heavy schemes, the teams with the most dangerous ground-and-pound combos still hold a serious edge — especially come playoff time.
As the season unfolds, don’t be surprised if a few of these duos rise even higher… or if a sleeper pair sneaks into the conversation by midseason.
Which running back duo do you think got snubbed? Who’s going to dominate in 2025?
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