Week two of the 2024 regular season saw some very productive running backs cut through opposing defenses, like proverbial butter, and help their respective teams to victory, while other running backs struggled due to injuries to key members on the offensive line, or lack of protection from the offensive line. Regardless, it was a very busy day for these running backs, as they laser focus on accomplishing more in the coming weeks.
Here are the grades for all 32 NFL teams’ starting running backs after week two.
Who are the top running backs after the second week of the games?
Arizona Cardinals: James Conner: A-
Conner and the Cardinals’ offense had a very strong day as they flattened the Los Angeles Rams 41-10. Conner rushed for 122 yards on 21 carries, scored a rushing touchdown, and caught one reception for two yards. Conner is starting to flourish for the Red Birds with this dominating win over their NFC West rival. Hopefully, Conner will earn his first Pro Bowl since 2021, depending on how the rest of the season plays out.
Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson: B-
Robinson had a decent night on the ground, as he and the Falcons earned a 22-21 come-from-behind victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Robinson rushed for 97 yards on 14 carries and caught four receptions for 25 yards. Robinson commanded a solid ground game, even though he didn’t score a touchdown. Hopefully, Robinson will score his first touchdown of the season in week three.
Baltimore Ravens: Derrick Henry: B+
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Despite the Ravens losing to the Las Vegas Raiders 23-26, Henry had a good day on the ground. Henry rushed for 84 yards on 18 carries, scored a rushing touchdown, and caught one reception for 12 yards. Adding Henry in the offseason was a great move by the Ravens, but they still need to capture that elusive first win of the 2024 season. Hopefully, the team can do that in week three.
Buffalo Bills: James Cook: B+
Cook played a solid game on the ground in the Bills 31-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Cook rushed for 78 yards on 11 carries, scored two rushing touchdowns, caught one reception for 17 yards, and scored a receiving touchdown. Similar to Josh Allen, Cook also knows how to find a way to win, and he did so without getting stopped by the Dolphins’ defense.
Carolina Panthers: Chubba Hubbard: C-
Despite the Panthers getting crushed 3-26 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Chubba Hubbard was the lone bright spot for the team in week two. Hubbard rushed for 64 yards on 10 carries in the loss. Hubbard stepped up after only rushing for 14 yards in week one, but the Panthers as a whole need to step it up on all sides of the ball if they want to earn that first win of the 2024 season.
Chicago Bears: D’Andre Swift: F
It was an awful night for Swift and the Bears, as they fell to the Houston Texans 13-19. Swift rushed for 18 yards on 14 carries and caught four receptions for 24 yards. It also didn’t help that the Bears’ offensive line struggled in their Sunday Night matchup against the Texans’ defense. Swift couldn’t find any openings for a strong run. The Bears need to get their entire offense straightened out for the coming weeks.
Cincinnati Bengals: Zack Moss: F
It was a very brutal performance for Zack Moss on the ground, as he was held to 34 yards on 12 carries and caught one reception for 13 yards. Moss just needs to improve. He was brought in to be the Bengals’ main running back after Joe Mixon left in free agency. Hopefully, running backs coach Justin Hill and offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher can help develop Moss’ performance come week three and beyond.
Cleveland Browns: Jerome Ford: C
Ford may not have scored a touchdown in the Browns’ 18-13 win, even though he performed okay. Ford rushed for 64 yards on seven carries. Ford may not be able to replicate Nick Chubbs’ production, yet he can still get the job done and help his team out on the ground. At the end of the day, a win is still a win.
Dallas Cowboys: Rico Dowdle: D
It was a brutal day for the Cowboys’ running backs, as they were held to 68 rushing yards all game in their 19-44 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Rico Dowdle led the team in rushing yards with 30 yards on seven carries. Dowdle outplayed Ezekiel Elliot, as he had 16 rushing yards on six carries. The Saints’ defense was just too much for the Cowboys run game.
Denver Broncos: Javante Williams: F
Williams and the rest of the Broncos’ rushing attack struggled in their 6-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Williams rushed for 17 yards on 11 carries and caught five receptions for 48 yards. A very painful afternoon for the Broncos’ rushing attack, as they were held to 64 rushing yards all game long. Williams and company need to step it up. Otherwise, it may be time for some coaching changes in Denver.
Detroit Lions: Jahmyr Gibbs: B
Even though the Lions lost a tough one to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jahmyr Gibbs had a good afternoon on the ground. Gibbs rushed for 84 yards on 13 carries and caught seven receptions for 22 yards. However, David Montgomery scored a rushing touchdown for the Lions. The duo of Gibbs and Montgomery continues to play well despite the 16-20 loss to the Bucs, thanks to the Lions’ offensive line being ranked number one before the start of the 2024 season, per Pro Football Focus.
Green Bay Packers: Josh Jacobs: B
Despite not scoring a touchdown, Jacobs had another very productive day in the Packers’ 16-10 victory. Jacobs rushed for 151 yards on 32 carries on the afternoon, but Jacobs did lose a fumble to the Colts in the second quarter. Jacobs is once again flourishing in the Packers offensive scheme, coached by offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich and running backs coach Ben Sirmans. However, Jacobs hasn’t scored a touchdown for the Packers yet. When he eventually scores that elusive touchdown, it’s going to be well deserved.
Houston Texans: Cam Akers: F
Despite the Texans earning the 19-13 victory over the Chicago Bears, none of the Texans’ running backs had a productive day on the field. Cam Akers rushed for 32 yards on seven carries and caught one reception for three yards. Akers weren’t able to score any touchdowns during the entire game. To make matters worse, literally adding insult to injury, Joe Mixon left the game with an ankle injury he suffered from an illegal hip drop tackle from T.J. Edwards, who wasn’t penalized for it. Hopefully, the Texans’ running game steps back up in week three.
Indianapolis Colts: Jonathan Taylor: B-
After a very quiet week against the Houston Texans, Taylor emerged and had a good game despite the Colts losing 10-16 and not scoring a touchdown. Taylor rushed for 103 yards on 16 carries and caught two receptions for 32 yards. Seeing Taylor do what he does best was one of the few bright spots for the Colts in their tough road loss, yet it could’ve been even better to see him score a rushing or receiving touchdown. Maybe next week?
Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Etienne Jr.: C
Filling in for Tank Bigsby, who left the game early with a shoulder injury, Etienne Jr. played fair despite the Jaguars losing to the Cleveland Browns 13-18. Etienne Jr. rushed for 52 yards on 13 carries, scored a rushing touchdown, and caught three receptions for six yards. Losing Bigsby is going to hurt, but Etienne Jr. should be able to replicate his production on the field.
Kansas City Chiefs: Isiah Pacheco: B-
Pacheco had a good game on the ground in the Chiefs’ 26-25 victory but didn’t score any touchdowns throughout the entire game. Pacheco rushed for 90 yards on 19 yards and caught five receptions for 21 yards. Unfortunately, Pacheco suffered a broken fibula and will be out for some time. Pacheco’s production will be missed, as the other running backs on the roster will be heavily relied on to pick up the slack in his absence or sign a veteran free agent for the roster for the time being.
Las Vegas Raiders: Zamir White: F
It was a brutal afternoon for Zamir White and the Raiders’ rushing attack, as they were held to under 30 yards despite the team getting the upset 26-23 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. White rushed for 24 yards on nine carries, while Alex Mattison scored a rushing touchdown. The Raiders have been missing Josh Jacobs since his move to Green. White and the rest of the Raiders’ running backs need to show they can add value to the game moving forward.
Los Angeles Chargers: J.K. Dobbins: A-
It was another solid day on the ground as Dobbins and the Chargers cruised past the Carolina Panthers in a 26-3 beat-down victory. Dobbins rushed for 131 yards on 17 carries and scored a touchdown. Dobbins continues to flourish under Harbaugh’s offense and can potentially win Comeback Player of the Year if he continues to play strong and stay healthy throughout the season.
Los Angeles Rams: Kyren Williams: D+
It was a very brutal afternoon for Williams and the Rams’ rushing attack as they were flattened by the Arizona Cardinals 10-41. Williams rushed for 25 yards on 12 carries, scored a rushing touchdown, and caught four receptions for 27 yards. The Rams’ offensive line has been stung with injuries, which has made life miserable for the Rams’ offense all game long. Williams and the company need to find a way to step it up in week three.
Miami Dolphins: De’Von Achane: B-
Despite the Dolphins getting dropped 10-31 by the Buffalo Bills, Achane played very well, and Raheem Mostert was out due to a chest injury. Achane rushed for 96 yards on 22 carries, caught seven receptions for 69 yards, and scored the Dolphins’ only touchdown of the night. Achane is a very reliable running back and was the lone bright spot for the Dolphins, as he did everything he could to help his team.
Minnesota Vikings: Ty Chandler: B+
Chandler had a solid ground game in the Vikings 23-17 victory. Chandler rushed for 82 yards on 10 carries, while his teammate, Aaron Jones, rushed for 32 yards on nine carries. Despite not scoring a rushing touchdown, Chandler torched the 49ers’ defense on the ground, as he and Jones are forming into a great running back duo for the Vikings.
New England Patriots: Rhamondre Stevenson: B+
Stevenson had a good day on the ground despite the Patriots losing 20-23 in overtime to the Seattle Seahawks. Stevenson rushed for 81 yards on 21 carries and scored a rushing touchdown, while his teammate, Antonio Gibson, rushed for 96 yards on 11 carries on the afternoon. Stevenson continues to show that he is the Patriots’ main running back in the post-Belichick era. He is flourishing under offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt’s system.
New Orleans Saints: Alvin Kamara: A
Kamara truly skyrocketed as he and the Saints cruised past the Dallas Cowboys 44-19. Kamara rushed for 115 yards on 20 carries, scored three rushing touchdowns, caught two receptions for 65 yards, and scored a receiving touchdown. Kamara is a special dual-threat running back, and if he continues playing to the caliber he did against the Cowboys, he can potentially reach his first 1,000-yard season as a rusher and possibly return to the Pro Bowl for the first time since the 2021 season.
New York Giants: Devin Singletary: B
Singletary’s performance drastically improved in week two despite the Giants losing to the Washington Commanders 18-21. Singletary rushed for 95 yards on 16 carries and scored a rushing touchdown. Singletary may not be able to replicate Saquon Barkley’s production. However, he performed respectably despite the loss to the Giants’ NFC rival.
New York Jets: Breece Hall: B-
Breece Hall is similar to a Swiss army knife, as he and the Jets cut through and defeated the Tennessee Titans 24-17. Hall rushed for 62 yards on 14 carries, caught four receptions for 52 yards, and scored a receiving touchdown. Hall is truly a gem for the Jets when they need him most, and winning with him is a great feeling. We hope he has his first 1,000 rushing-yard season and potentially his first Pro Bowl nod if he continues performing strong.
Philadelphia Eagles: Saquon Barkley: B-
Barkley and the Eagles played a very competitive game but ultimately fell short as the Atlanta Falcons defeated them in a come-from-behind victory. Barkley rushed for 95 yards on 22 carries and caught four receptions for 21 yards. However, Barkley dropped what could’ve been a game-winning touchdown with less than two minutes left in the fourth quarter. Instead, the Eagles had to settle for a field goal before Kirk Cousins threw the game-winning touchdown to Drake London a minute later. Barkley and the Eagles will bounce back in the coming weeks.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Najee Harris: C
As the Steelers defeated the Denver Broncos 13-6, Najee Harris had an all right day on the ground. Harris rushed for 69 yards on 17 carries and caught one reception for five yards on the day. Harris may not be considered an elite running back, but he still can get the job done and help his team secure the win, which is all that matters at the end of the day.
San Francisco 49ers: Jordan Mason: A-
One of the lone bright spots for the 49ers came in the form of Jordan Mason, as he had another solid day on the ground in the team’s 17-23 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Mason rushed for 100 yards on 20 carries and scored a rushing touchdown. With Christian McCaffrey still on injured reserve as he recovers from his Achilles tendinitis and calf tightness, Mason is flourishing quite nicely so far and can potentially become a Pro Bowler if he continues to perform strong.
Seattle Seahawks: Zach Charbonnet: D+
It was a hard-fought win, with no Kenneth Walker III in the game. With Walker III listed as inactive, the Seahawks had to turn to Zach Charbonnet. Charbonnet rushed for 38 yards on 14 carries, scored a rushing touchdown, and caught five receptions for 31 yards. Charbonnet may not have replicated Walker III’s production, but he scored a touchdown and helped the team secure the win in overtime.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bucky Irving: D
It was not an easy day for Irving on the ground, despite the Bucs defeating the Detroit Lions 20-16. Irving rushed for 22 yards on seven carries on the day. However, quarterback Baker Mayfield led the Bucs in rushing as he had 35 rushing yards and scored a rushing touchdown. One of the reasons why Irving and the Bucs’ rushing attack couldn’t get it going was the Lions’ defense led by Aidan Hutchinson. Irving and company will certainly bounce back, depending on how the Bucs do in the coming weeks.
Tennessee Titans: Tony Pollard: C-
Pollard may not have scored a touchdown in the Titans’ 17-24 week two loss to the New York Jets; however, he played fairly well. Pollard rushed for 62 yards on 17 carries and caught five receptions for 40 yards. The Titans adding Pollard was a smart move, as he has given the Titans’ offense a glimmer of hope so far this season. His production is similar to what he did for the Dallas Cowboys during his first few seasons in the league.
Washington Commanders: Brian Robinson Jr.: C+
Robinson Jr. had a good day on the ground, even though no one on the Commanders scored a touchdown in their 21-18 victory over the New York Giants. Robinson Jr. rushed for 133 yards on 17 carries and caught one reception for three yards. Robinson Jr. played well, but it would’ve been very nice to see him bulldoze his way to the end zone and score a touchdown or two. The good news is there is still a lot of football left to play.
Also Read: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams’ No. 1 Running Back For The 2024 Season From WORST To FIRST
