Week three was another great week for running backs as some runners carried their offense to victories thanks to their dominating performances in the ground attack. Some running backs improved and look ready for week four.
However, some running backs struggled in the backfield thanks to powerful defenses or sloppy play throughout the week. Regardless, there’s still room for improvement whether someone played well or struggled on the field.
Here are the grades for all 32 NFL teams’ running backs after week three.
Who are the running backs that stood out after week three of games?
Arizona Cardinals: James Conner: F
Even though the Cardinals tried to put up a fight against the Detroit Lions, Conner was completely shut down by the Lions’ defense. Conner rushed for 17 yards on nine carries and caught one reception for eight yards. A brutal afternoon Conner would like to forget about, as the Lions’ defense was vicious in shutting down the Cardinals’ rushing attack. Conner and company need to bounce back as they head into week four and prepare for their matchup when the Washington Commanders come to town.
Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson: D+
Robinson may not have had the best performance in the Falcons’ Sunday night 17-22 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs, even though he did help the Falcons get some points on the board. Robinson rushed for 31 yards on 16 carries, scored a rushing touchdown in the second quarter, and caught two receptions for 21 yards. Despite the rough game, Robinson should bounce back in week four as the Falcons get prepared for their NFC South rivals, the New Orleans Saints, to come to town.
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Baltimore Ravens: Derrick Henry: A
Derrick Henry had a monster performance in the Ravens’ 28-25 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Henry rushed for 151 yards on 25 carries, scored two rushing touchdowns, and caught one reception for 23 yards. As the Cowboys’ defense had trouble containing Henry, he continued to cook and burn the defense with his intense speed and strength. We can’t wait to see what else Henry does on the field moving forward.
Buffalo Bills: James Cook: C-
Despite a light night, Cook had a decent night on the ground and a better night in the passing game. Cook rushed for 39 yards on 11 carries, scored a rushing touchdown, and caught four receptions for 48 yards. Cook should bounce back from a disappointing night on the ground, although the Bills week four matchup won’t be easy, as they hit the road and square off against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football.
Carolina Panthers: Chuba Hubbard: B+
Hubbard had a very nice performance on the ground in the Panthers’ shocking 36-22 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Hubbard rushed for 114 yards on 21 carries, caught five receptions for 55 yards, and scored a receiving touchdown. A great performance by Hubbard, as the Panthers currently have a newfound life. Now the question is, will Hubbard and the Panthers continue winning games? We’ll just have to wait and find out.
Chicago Bears: D’Andre Swift: F
It was another brutal afternoon for D’Andre Swift and the Bears’ rushing attack in their 16-21 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Swift rushed for 20 yards on 13 carries, while Roschon Johnson rushed for 30 yards on eight. The Bears’ rushing attack was also held to 63 yards on the ground all game, as the Colts’ defense made things very difficult for the Bears’ offense for a solid chunk of the game. It also doesn’t help that the Bears’ offensive line isn’t the best unit in the league, as they allowed Caleb Williams to get sacked four times in the game.
Cincinnati Bengals: Zack Moss: C-
Moss and the Bengals may not have gotten the win in their Monday night showdown against the Washington Commanders, but Moss did make contact with the end zone. Moss rushed for 58 yards on 12 carries, scored a rushing touchdown, and caught five receptions for 39 yards. Moss and the Bengals need to bounce back from their 0-3 start as they head into week four and get prepared for their matchup against the Carolina Panthers on the road.
Cleveland Browns: Jerome Ford: D
It was a rough afternoon for Ford and the Browns’ rushing attack as they fell to the New York Giants 15-21. Ford rushed for 37 yards on 10 carries and caught three receptions for 33 yards. It also didn’t help Ford that the Browns had three offensive linemen leave the game with injuries, which made things tougher against the Giants’ defense. Hopefully, Ford bounces back in week four against the Las Vegas Raiders as Nick Chubb continues recovering well.
Dallas Cowboys: Rico Dowdle: D-
Rico Dowdle and the Cowboys’ rushing attack had a very painful afternoon as they lost 25-28 to the Baltimore Ravens despite a comeback attempt by the Cowboys’ offense. Dowdle rushed for 32 yards on eight carries and caught three receptions for 24 yards. The Cowboys are truly missing Tony Pollard and the production he brought to their offense in 2022 and 2023. However, the Cowboys have to put the work in with Dowdle and hope he can have a career year.
Denver Broncos: Tyler Badie: C
Tyler Badie may not have scored a touchdown in the Broncos’ shocking 26-7 upset victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he played a role in this victory. Badie rushed for 70 yards on nine carries, while Jaleel McLaughlin rushed for seven yards on five carries, scored a rushing touchdown, and caught one reception for seven yards. Badie did have a nice 43-yard run in the fourth quarter, which led to the Broncos scoring the last field goal of the game. However, it would’ve been very nice to see Badie and his teammates make more contact with the end zone.
Detroit Lions: David Montgomery: A-
Montgomery had another very strong game, as he and the Lions earned a very nice 20-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Montgomery rushed for 105 yards on 23 carries, scored a rushing touchdown, and caught three receptions for 17 yards. Ever since signing with the Lions, Montgomery has flowed very nicely in their system, along with fellow running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who scored a receiving touchdown in their victory over the Red Birds. We would like to see Montgomery named to the Pro Bowl as he continues to have a strong season.
Green Bay Packers: Emanuel Wilson: B
Wilson had himself a solid afternoon as he and the Packers defeated the Tennessee Titans 30-14. Wilson rushed for 50 yards on 12 carries, caught two receptions for 35 yards, and scored a touchdown, while Malik Willis led the Packers in rushing yards with 73 yards on six carries, and he scored a rushing touchdown. Wilson gave a nice performance, as he and Willis kept the Packers’ ground game in check in their strong road victory over the Titans.
Houston Texans: Cam Akers: D-
Despite scoring the Texans’ only touchdown in week three, Cam Akers and the Texans’ rushing attack had a miserable afternoon against the Minnesota Vikings in their 7-34 loss. Akers rushed for 21 yards on nine carries, caught one reception for eight yards, and scored the only touchdown for Houston. It was a disastrous afternoon for Akers and the Texans, as the team combined for 38 rushing yards. It also didn’t help that Joe Mixon didn’t play, as he was out with an ankle injury. This is one of those games the Texans would like to forget about as they return home for a divisional showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in week four.
Indianapolis Colts: Jonathan Taylor: A-
Despite the Colts’ passing game being almost nonexistent, Jonathan Taylor showed up and performed strong for the Colts. Taylor rushed for 110 yards on 23 carries, scored two touchdowns, and caught one reception for 25 yards. Taylor is the heart and soul of the Colts’ offense. He was simply a raging bulldozer who the Bears’ defense couldn’t stop all game long. As long as Taylor continues playing strong, the Colts have a strong shot of winning more games.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Etienne Jr.: C-
Even though the Jaguars had a horrific Monday night in Buffalo, Travis Eitenne Jr. had a decent night, statistically. Etienne Jr. rushed for 68 yards on 11 carries and caught four receptions for 17 yards. Unfortunately, Etienne Jr. didn’t make contact with the end zone, as the Jaguars were flattened by the Bills 10-47. Hopefully, Etienne Jr. and the Jags will bounce back in the coming weeks.
Kansas City Chiefs: Carson Steele: C
As Isiah Pacheco recovers from a fractured fibula, Carson Steele had to step in, delivering a good Sunday night on the ground. Steele rushed for 72 yards on 17 carries and caught one reception for two yards. Steele may not be able to replicate Pacheco’s production, but he should fill in okay as their running back as Pacheco recovers. Hopefully, Steele will score his first NFL touchdown very soon.
Las Vegas Raiders: Zamir White: D-
Zamir White and the Raiders’ rushing attack didn’t have the best Sunday as they were held to a combined 55 rushing yards thanks to the Panthers’ defense playing a strong game. White led the Silver and Black with 34 rushing yards on 10 carries, while Alexander Mattison rushed for seven yards on three carries and scored a rushing touchdown. The Raiders’ run game needs to improve. Otherwise, more opposing defenses will leave them dry in the dust.
Los Angeles Chargers: J.K. Dobbins: D+
After two very productive weeks, Dobbins’ production went down against the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense, as the Chargers lost 10-20. Dobbins rushed for 44 yards on 15 carries and caught three receptions for 10 yards. It was an off day for Dobbins, but the Steelers’ defense is currently one of the best defensive units in the NFL. Dobbins should be able to rebound as the season progresses.
Los Angeles Rams: Kyren Williams: A-
Williams had himself a nice afternoon as he and the Rams stunned the San Francisco 49ers in their 27-24 victory. Williams rushed for 89 yards on 24 carries, scored two rushing touchdowns, caught two receptions for 23 yards, and scored a receiving touchdown. Williams looks to continue building on a strong 2023 season, where he was named to the Pro Bowl. Hopefully, Williams and the Rams will continue to win more games as the season continues despite the injuries they’re currently dealing with.
Miami Dolphins: De’Von Achane: D-
Achane and the Dolphins had a very rough afternoon as they were crushed 3-24 against the Seattle Seahawks on the road. Achane rushed for 30 yards on 11 carries and caught three receptions for 28 yards. An afternoon Achane and the Dolphins would like to forget about as they return to the drawing board and get prepared for their week four matchup against the Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football.
Minnesota Vikings: Aaron Jones: B+
Jones had a great game on the ground as he and the Vikings pounded the Houston Texans 34-7. Jones rushed for 102 yards on 19 carries, caught five receptions for 46 yards, and scored a touchdown. Jones had a great afternoon, as he continues to flourish with the Vikings’ offense. Jones now has to prepare for the Vikings’ week four matchup on the road against the Green Bay Packers.
New England Patriots: Rhamondre Stevenson: F
It was a brutal Thursday night for Stevenson and the Patriots as they were flattened by the New York Jets 3-24 in primetime. Stevenson rushed for 23 yards on six carries and lost a fumble. However, his teammate Antonio Gibson rushed for 29 yards on five carries. It didn’t help Stevenson’s night that the Patriots’ offensive line has gone from one of the best under Tom Brady’s reign to one of the worst ever since Brady left the Patriots in 2020. The Patriots’ run game was also held to 78 yards on the ground all night in this humiliating loss. It’s time for the Pats to move on.
New Orleans Saints: Alvin Kamara: B-
Even though the Saints lost a very close 12-15 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Alvin Kamara still played very well. Kamara rushed for 87 yards on 26 carries and caught three receptions for 40 yards. Despite the tough and very close loss, Kamara and company will bounce back from this loss as the Saints get prepared for their road trip in week four against the Atlanta Falcons.
New York Giants: Devin Singletary: B+
Singletary is starting to shine as the Giants defeated the Cleveland Browns 21-15. Singletary rushed for 65 yards on 16 carries, scored a rushing touchdown, and caught four receptions for 43 yards, but he lost a fumble in the game. Singletary may not be able to replicate Saquon Barkley’s production, yet he was able to help the Giants earn their first win of the 2024 season.
New York Jets: Breece Hall: B+
Breece Hall had a very decent night on the ground as he and the Jets cruised past the New England Patriots 24-3 in blowout fashion. Hall rushed for 54 yards on 16 carries, scored a rushing touchdown, and caught four receptions for 29 yards. Hall and company shined in primetime action, as the heavily improved Jets offensive line allowed Hall to make the runs he needed against the team’s greatest foe in the AFC East. They look like the team to dominate the Patriots from here on out.
Philadelphia Eagles: Saquon Barkley: A
Barkley had himself an elite game in the team’s 15-12 very close win against the New Orleans Saints. Barkley rushed for 147 yards on 17 carries, scored two touchdowns (including a two-point conversion), and caught four receptions for nine yards. Barkley’s game proved all he needed was a stronger offensive line to truly up his game further. He is stronger now than when he was with the New York Giants.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Najee Harris: C-
As the Steelers came back and defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 20-10, Najee Harris had an all-right day on the ground. Harris rushed for 70 yards on 18 carries and caught five receptions for 16 yards, but he didn’t score a touchdown in the Steelers’ victory. After the game, Harris was seen with a sling on his right arm, making his status questionable for the Steelers’ week four matchup at the Indianapolis Colts. If Harris is out long-term, Cordalle Patterson and Jaylen Warren will need to step it up.
San Francisco 49ers: Jordan Mason: C+
Mason may not have scored a touchdown in the 49ers 24-27, but he did have a nice game on the ground. Mason rushed for 77 yards on 19 carries and caught two receptions for 11 yards. As McCaffrey continues to recover, Mason continues to produce a strong season for a rookie running back. If he continues to have success in the 49ers’ backfield, he can potentially be named to the Pro Bowl.
Seattle Seahawks: Zach Charbonnet: B+
Charbonnet had a very nice game against the Miami Dolphins, even though he may not be able to replicate Kenneth Walker III’s production throughout the season. Charbonnet rushed for 91 yards on 18 carries, scored two rushing touchdowns, and caught three receptions for 16 yards. A very nice afternoon for Charbonnet as he helped the Seahawks to a dominating victory.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bucky Irving: C-
Despite the Buccaneers shockingly losing 7-26 to the Denver Broncos, Irving had a decent day on the ground. Irving rushed for 70 yards on nine carries and caught three receptions for 14 yards. It was not the greatest afternoon for Irving, but he played a decent game, even though it would’ve been nice to see him score a touchdown. He and the Bucs will bounce back from this humiliating loss.
Tennessee Titans: Tony Pollard: F
It was an awful afternoon for Pollard and the Titans’ rushing attack, as they were held to a mere 33 yards, all game in their week three 14-30 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Pollard rushed for 14 yards on six carries and caught three receptions for 15 yards. The Packers’ defense made things extremely rough for Pollard and company. The Titans’ offensive line is considered one of the worst units in the NFL. Pollard and company need to put this awful game behind them and move on to squaring off against the Miami Dolphins come week four.
Washington Commanders: Austin Ekeler: C-
Austin Ekeler had a decent day on the ground and passing game, as the Commanders defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 38-33, but Ekeler left the game with a concussion. Ekeler rushed for 39 yards on 12 carries, scored a rushing touchdown, and caught two receptions for 22 yards. Despite the somewhat quiet night for Ekeler, he did help the Commanders in the victory. We wish Ekeler a speedy recovery.
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