In week nine, some great running backs continued to dominate on the ground and make opposing defenses look silly as they led their teams to victory.
However, some running backs struggled and couldn’t get past opposing defenses as the midway point of the NFL season closed. Hold onto your seat, as a lot can still happen on the ground game in the second half of the season. We NFL fans want to see who emerges as the best running back of the season when the regular season concludes in January.
Here are the grades for all 32 NFL teams’ running backs after week nine.
Who are the top running backs in the NFL after week 9?
Arizona Cardinals: James Conner: A-
Conner and the Cardinals’ rushing attack had a great afternoon in their 29-9 victory over the Chicago Bears. Conner rushed for 107 yards on 18 carries and caught three receptions for 12 yards. Conner may not have scored a touchdown, but his fellow teammates, running backs Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and NFL tight end Trey McBride each scored rushing touchdowns in the victory. Conner and the Redbirds remain home in week 10 and host the New York Jets for a showdown in the desert.
Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson: B
Robinson had a very nice afternoon for the Falcons as they defeated the Dallas Cowboys 27-21. Robinson rushed for 86 yards on 19 carries and caught seven receptions for 59 yards but didn’t score a touchdown. Robinson continued to show why he’s a very talented dual-threat NFL running back in the Falcons’ offense, as he made quick work of the Cowboys’ defense. Robinson and the Falcons now have to get prepared for their week 10 match-up against the New Orleans Saints on the road.
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Baltimore Ravens: Derrick Henry: A
Henry had another dominating performance for the Ravens, as they demolished the Denver Broncos 41-10. Henry rushed for 106 yards on 23 carries, scored two rushing touchdowns, and caught a reception for 27 yards. Henry and the Ravens continue dominating their opponents on the ground and strike fear against opposing defenses, who have to face Henry.
Buffalo Bills: James Cook: C-
Cook had an average afternoon for the Bills, as they narrowly defeated the Miami Dolphins 30-27. Cook rushed for 44 yards on 10 carries and caught five receptions for 25 yards. It would’ve been nice to see Cook score a rushing touchdown, but it didn’t happen. Meanwhile, rookie NFL running back Ray Davis shined with 70 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. Cook and the Bills need to get focused on their week 10 match-up against the Indianapolis Colts on the road.
Carolina Panthers: Chuba Hubbard: B+
Hubbard had a nice afternoon for the Panthers as they defeated the New Orleans Saints 23-22. Hubbard rushed for 72 yards on 15 carries, scored two rushing touchdowns, and caught two receptions for no gain. Hubbard continues to be one of the few bright spots for the Panthers all season long, and he came through for them with two rushing touchdowns against the Saints.
Chicago Bears: D’Andre Swift: C-
Swift had a rough game for the Bears, as they were smacked by the Arizona Cardinals 9-29. Swift rushed for 51 yards on 16 carries and caught six receptions for 31 yards. Not the worst performance for Swift. He should be able to bounce back for the Bears in the coming weeks. Swift and the Bears will return home and will host the New England Patriots in week 10.
Cincinnati Bengals: Chase Brown: A-
Brown had a very nice afternoon for the Bengals, as they made quick work of the Las Vegas Raiders in their 41-24 victory at home. Brown rushed for 120 yards on 27 carries, caught five receptions for 37 yards, and scored a receiving touchdown. Brown continued to shine for the Bengals as he led the Bengals’ rushing attack to victory over the Silver and Black. Brown and company move onto week 10, where they’ll get prepared for their match-up against the Baltimore Ravens on the road in prime time.
Also Read: Grading All 32 NFL Teams Running Backs After Week 8 Games Of The 2024 Season
Cleveland Browns: Nick Chubb: D
Chubb had a rough afternoon at home, as the Browns lost 10-27 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Chubb rushed for 39 yards on 15 carries and caught a reception for negative four yards. A brutal afternoon for Chubb and company as they enter a bye week in week 10 for some well-needed rest and to regroup for the team’s Week 11 showdown against the New Orleans Saints on the road.
Dallas Cowboys: Rico Dowdle: C+
Dowdle had a decent afternoon for the Cowboys, even though they lost 21-27. Dowdle rushed for 75 yards on 12 carries, caught five receptions for 32 yards, and scored a touchdown pass. The Cowboys’ running back continues to be a sign of life for this team as they continue to deal with struggles and injury woes during their NFL campaign. Dak Prescott went down with a hip injury in the third quarter. Dowdle and the Cowboys return home for week 10 as they get prepared to welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to town.
Denver Broncos: Javonte Williams: D+
Williams and the Broncos had a rough afternoon in Baltimore, as they were flattened 10-41 against the Baltimore Ravens. Williams rushed for 42 yards on 12 carries and caught two receptions for 42 yards. It would’ve been nice to see Williams cross the goal line for a touchdown, but the Ravens’ defense kept the Broncos out of the end zone for most of the game.
Detroit Lions: Jahmyr Gibbs: B+
Gibbs and the Lions had a very nice afternoon in the rain as they defeated the Green Bay Packers 24-14. Gibbs rushed for 65 yards on 11 carries, scored a rushing touchdown, and caught a reception for 11 yards, while David Montgomery rushed for 73 yards on 17 carries. A nice afternoon for Gibbs and Montgomery as they dominated in the rain.
Green Bay Packers: Josh Jacobs: B
Jacobs had a good afternoon on the ground for the Packers, even though they lost 14-24 against the Detroit Lions. Jacobs rushed for 95 yards on 13 carries and caught two receptions for 13 yards. Jacobs is continuing to have a good season for the Packers, but it would’ve been nice to see him get into the end zone more often.
Houston Texans: Joe Mixon: A
Mixon was one of two shining lights for the Texans as they fell to the New York Jets 13-21. Mixon rushed for 106 yards on 24 carries and scored the team’s only touchdown. The reliable NFL running back looked very good against the Jets, but the rest of the offense fell flat as they’re truly missing Stefon Diggs while he recovers from his ACL injury. Mixon and the Texans return home for week 10 as they welcome the Detroit Lions to town on Sunday Night Football.
Indianapolis Colts: Jonathan Taylor: D
Taylor and the Colts’ offense had a rough Sunday night in their 13-21 loss against the Minnesota Vikings. Taylor rushed for 48 yards on 13 carries and caught three receptions for 11 yards. Unfortunately, Taylor and the Colts’ rushing attack was kept out of the end zone all game long as the offense unraveled against the Vikings’ hard-hitting defense. Taylor and the Colts return home in week 10 and will welcome the Buffalo Bills to town.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Etienne Jr.: F
Etienne Jr. and the Jaguars rushing attack had a brutal afternoon in their 23-28 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. Etienne Jr. rushed for 24 yards on three carries and caught two receptions for six yards. The rest of the Jaguars’ rushing attack was held to a combined 60 yards on the ground. Etienne Jr. and the Jags need to improve quickly, especially as they get prepared to host the Minnesota Vikings in week 10.
Kansas City Chiefs: Kareem Hunt: A-
Hunt had a very nice night for the Chiefs in their 30-24 overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football. Hunt rushed for 106 yards on 26 carries, scored the game-winning touchdown, and caught a reception for 11 yards. Hunt has made the Chiefs’ rushing attack a lethal threat, even with Isiah Pacheco still on injured reserve. Hunt secured hero status for the Chiefs in their overtime win against the Bucs.
Las Vegas Raiders: Alexander Mattison: D
Mattison and the Raiders’ rushing attack struggled as they were crushed by the Cincinnati Bengals 24-41. Mattison rushed for 36 yards on nine carries but didn’t score any touchdowns. Mattison and the rest of the Raiders rushing attack combined for 60 yards on the ground, while Zamir White had 10 rushing yards on six carries and scored a rushing touchdown. The Raiders fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy just before the week 10 bye week. Mattison and company will have the week off until week 11 when they’ll square off against the Miami Dolphins on the road.
Los Angeles Chargers: J.K. Dobbins: A-
Dobbins had a nice afternoon in the Chargers’ backfield as he helped the team dismantle the Cleveland Browns 27-10. Dobbins rushed for 85 yards on 14 carries, scored two rushing touchdowns, and caught two receptions for 20 yards. Dobbins had a very productive afternoon, even though the rest of this team’s running backs couldn’t top seven yards. Dobbins and the Bolts return home as they prepare to host the Tennessee Titans in week 10.
Los Angeles Rams: Kyren Williams: C
Williams had a good day on the ground for the Rams, as they defeated the Seattle Seahawks 26-20 in overtime. Williams rushed for 69 yards on 22 carries and caught a reception for 26 yards. It would’ve been nice to see Williams score a rushing touchdown. In the end, his contributions on the ground helped the Rams secure the victory.
Miami Dolphins: De’Von Achane: A-
Achane had a solid afternoon for the Dolphins despite losing 27-30 against the Buffalo Bills. Achane rushed for 63 yards on 12 carries, scored a rushing touchdown, caught eight receptions for 58 yards, and scored a receiving touchdown. Achane continues to be a reliable dual-threat NFL running back, as the Dolphins are slowly getting their offensive groove back now that Tua Tagovailoa is back in the lineup. Achane and the Dolphins have to regroup and get prepared for their week 10 match-up against the Los Angeles Rams on the road.
Minnesota Vikings: Aaron Jones: C
Jones had an alright Sunday night as he and the Vikings defended their home turf and won 21-13 against the Indianapolis Colts. Jones rushed for 64 yards on 21 carries and caught four receptions for 18 yards. Jones helped keep the Vikings’ ship afloat during the game as they ended up the victors by the end of the night, which is all that matters most of the time in sports.
New England Patriots: Rhamondre Stevenson: C-
Stevenson had a somewhat decent afternoon as he helped the Patriots reach overtime against the Tennessee Titans before losing 17-20 in the overtime period. Stevenson rushed for 16 yards on 10 carries, scored a rushing touchdown, caught five receptions for 38 yards, and scored the tying touchdown at the end of regulation, which sent the game to overtime until the Pats lost 17-20. Not the best afternoon for Stevenson, but he does try his best each week despite the offensive line woes for the majority of the season so far.
New Orleans Saints: Alvin Kamara: A-
Even though the Saints lost 22-23 against the Carolina Panthers, Kamara had a nice day on the ground. The well-known NFL running back rushed for 155 yards on 29 carries and caught six receptions for 60 yards but didn’t score a touchdown. Even with the Saints struggling and losing their seventh straight game, Kamara continues to be a bright spot on the Saints’ offense as the Saints turn the page with Darren Rizzi becoming the interim head coach immediately after the team fired Dennis Allen.
New York Giants: Tyrone Tracy Jr.: C
Tracy Jr. had a decent day for the Giants on the ground, even though the team lost a tough 22-27 divisional battle against the Washington Commanders. Tracy Jr. rushed for 66 yards on 16 carries and caught a reception for three yards. However, Tracy Jr. didn’t score a touchdown all game. Regardless, Tracy Jr. had a good afternoon on the ground and ran through the Commanders’ defense despite the loss. Tracy Jr. and the Giants have to get prepared for their week 10 showdown against the Carolina Panthers in Munich, Germany.
New York Jets: Breece Hall: B-
Hall had a good night for the Jets, as they stunned the Houston Texans 21-13. Hall rushed for 74 yards on 15 carries and caught two receptions for 11 yards. It would’ve been very nice to see Hall score a touchdown on the night, but it didn’t happen. Hall and the Jets have a tough week 10 road trip ahead of them as they get prepared to take on the Arizona Cardinals in the desert.
Philadelphia Eagles: Saquon Barkley: A-
Barkley had a very impressive afternoon for the Eagles as they defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 28-23. Barkley rushed for 159 yards on 27 carries, scored a rushing touchdown, caught three receptions for 40 yards, and scored a receiving touchdown. Barkley lost a fumble, which was recovered by Travon Walker, who scored a touchdown with it. However, that was forgotten about because of Barkley’s freakishly good athletics and his reverse hurdle over Jaguars’ cornerback Jarrion Jones. The star NFL running back’s production continues to make his old team (Giants) fans weep, as his domination in the rushing attack continues with the Eagles.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Najee Harris: Bye Week
With Wilson leading the Steelers’ offense, Harris should form a great on-field chemistry with him and help the Steelers’ ground game out as the second half of the season begins.
San Francisco 49ers: Isaac Guerendo: Bye Week
Guerendo is a decent NFL running back to have in the lineup. However, there is some good news for 49ers fans: Christian McCaffrey is back at practice, which is a good sign of the team’s rushing attack.
Seattle Seahawks: Kenneth Walker III: B
Walker III had a good afternoon on the ground, statistically, while the Seahawks fell to the Los Angeles Rams 20-26 in overtime. The star NFL running back rushed for 83 yards on 25 carries and caught three receptions for 24 yards. Walker III had a nice bounce-back game for the Seahawks after a tough week eighth loss, but Walker III and company couldn’t get the job done in the end. Walker III and the Seahawks have a bye week in week 10 and will return to action in week 11 when they face the San Francisco 49ers on the road.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bucky Irving: F
Irving and the Bucs’ rushing attack had a painful Monday night, as they struggled in their 24-30 overtime loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. Irving rushed for 24 yards on seven carries and caught three receptions for 10 yards. A painful night for Irving and the Bucs’ rushing attack as they struggled against the Chiefs’ formidable defense coached by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Irving and company need to bounce back quickly, as they return home for a week 10 showdown when the San Francisco 49ers come to town.
Tennessee Titans: Tony Pollard: A-
Pollard had a very nice afternoon on the ground for the Titans as they defeated the New England Patriots. Pollard rushed for 128 yards on 28 carries and caught three receptions for 26 yards, but Pollard didn’t score a single touchdown all game. A solid afternoon for Pollard, nonetheless, as he continues to be one of the few bright spots for the Titans team now and moving forward.
Washington Commanders: Chris Rodriguez Jr.: C
No Brian Robinson Jr. due to a hamstring injury, no problem. Chris Rodriguez Jr. stepped up and had a decent afternoon on the ground for the Commanders as they defeated the New York Giants 27-22. Rodriguez Jr. rushed for 52 yards on 11 yards but didn’t score a touchdown. Despite not scoring a touchdown, Rodriguez Jr. earned high praise from head coach Dan Quinn, who said Rodriguez Jr. was ready to play just 90 minutes before kickoff. Rodriguez Jr. also helped the Commanders run out the clock, giving them the win.
