Top 10 Running Backs 2020 – #7 Joe Mixon
#7 – Joe Mixon
I don’t think I can overstate just how horrible the Bengals were last season, but was it a blessing in disguise? After the greatest season in NCAA history, Joe Burrow will make this Bengals offense a lot better.
I mention Joe Burrow because teams will now have to respect the passing attack even more. They added Tee Higgens, but also expect a healthy A.J. Green and John Ross. This is one of the most underrated receiving cores in the NFL who will take a lot of pressure off Mixon.
Joe Mixon had no right rushing for over 1100 yards last season yet he did. Teams knew that all the Bengals had was their rushing attack, but Mixon continued to shine as a rusher.
I think Joe Mixon is a top 5 running back in terms of overall talent and it will become more evident this season on a better Bengals team. Expect his yards per carry to shoot up from 4.1 in 2019 closer to 4.9 in 2018.
Top 10 Best Running Backs in the NFL 2020 – #6 Alvin Kamara
#6 – Alvin Kamara
Last season was upward trending for Alvin Kamara. He was fresh off a season in which he scored 18 touchdowns while in a two headed backfield with Mark Ingram. The speculation was that Kamara would become the clear lead dog, but Latavius Murray spoiled that theory.
I don’t see Kamara as an every down running back, but that’s ok. What makes Kamara so good is his ability as a pass catcher. Kamara has tremendous wiggle and burst which shines in the open field. Sean Payton is an offensive wizard and will continue to put him in spots where he flourishes.
This Saints offense is one of the most efficient in the NFL which makes Kamaras touches far more valuable. This offensive line got even better with 1st rounder Cesar Ruiz and even with Latavius Murray taking some of the redzone touches away I foresee Kamara in the double digits for touchdowns once again next season.
Top 10 Running Backs 2020 – #5 Derrick Henry
#5 – Derrick Henry
Derrick Henry was monstrous last season and the Titans rode him to 303 carries on route to the playoffs. I ranked him as the 2nd best running back based off last seasons performance and rightfully so. That being said this list is based on next season and I think we just saw the ceiling of Derrick Henry.
I still believe in his talent and on a contract year he is going to be running harder than ever. He wants to get paid and we will continue to see some highlight runs from this physical freak.
The problem for me is the opportunity. The Titans will not be as good as last season and Henry won’t have the luxury of controlling the clock while leading as much. Their offensive line got worse after losing Jack Conklin to the Browns and Henry operates best while leading.
Derrick Henry can catch the ball and turn screens into big plays, but he isn’t much of a route runner. I don’t see him getting 300 carries again this season and he isn’t the best guy to put out their in passing situations.
