Through two weeks of the NFL season, running backs are setting the tone with explosive plays, heavy workloads, and game-changing performances. Here’s a look at the top ten rushers ranked by total yards on the ground.

1. Jonathan Taylor (Colts) – 236 yards

Taylor looked like his All-Pro self in Week 2, torching Denver for 165 yards, including a 68-yard sprint, while also adding 50 receiving yards. Named AFC Offensive Player of the Week, he tied Edgerrin James for the most 200-yard games in Colts history. With his vision, burst, and workhorse role, Taylor is pacing toward a possible 2,000-yard season as the focal point of Indianapolis’ offense.

2. Travis Etienne (Jaguars) – 214 yards

Etienne has emerged as Jacksonville’s offensive spark, averaging 7.1 yards per carry and owning the season’s longest run at 71 yards. Against Cincinnati, he added 89 scrimmage yards and a receiving touchdown, showing off his versatility. His top speed of 22.38 mph ranks among the fastest in years, underscoring his home-run ability.

3. Derrick Henry (Ravens) – 192 yards

Henry opened the year with a vintage 169-yard, two-touchdown performance against Buffalo before Cleveland slowed him to just 23 yards in Week 2. Even so, he sits third in rushing yards. His blend of power and long speed remains dangerous when Baltimore adjusts its blocking to free him up.

What Derrick Henry is doing is truly remarkable.

Just a few seasons away from being the 🐐

(via @frankmikesmith)pic.twitter.com/Wy6m04Vaeu

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 19, 2025

4. James Cook (Bills) – 176 yards

Cook has been Buffalo’s steadying force, putting up 132 rushing yards and two touchdowns against the Jets, then 108 more and another score versus Miami. He now owns seven straight games with a TD, tying a team record, while leading the league in yards after contact. His 44-yard touchdown run highlighted his patience and balance, making him a true lifeline for the Bills’ offense.

READ MORE: Top-10 Highest-Paid RBs in 2025

5. Bijan Robinson (Falcons) – 167 yards

Atlanta has built its offense around Robinson, and he delivered with 143 yards on the ground against Minnesota, plus 125 more through the air. Coach Raheem Morris even called him the best player in football. His dual-threat ability gave rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. breathing room in Week 2, proving Robinson is the centerpiece of the Falcons’ attack.

6. Tony Pollard (Titans) – 152 yards

Pollard has shouldered Tennessee’s offense, handling 38 carries through two weeks and producing 92 yards against the Rams in Week 2. He hasn’t found the end zone yet, but his 90% snap share and 4.6 yards per carry show dependability. With rookie QB Cam Ward still settling in, Pollard’s volume and leadership make him essential.

7. Javonte Williams (Cowboys) – 151 yards

Williams is powering Dallas’ run game, highlighted by a 97-yard outing with a 30-yard touchdown against the Giants. Advanced metrics rank him among the league’s most efficient backs, and he’s proving he can handle a full workload after past injuries. His physical running style gives the Cowboys critical balance.

8. Josh Jacobs (Packers) – 150 yards

Jacobs has been Green Bay’s workhorse with 42 carries and a touchdown in each of his first two games, extending his streak to 11 straight games with a rushing score—tying a franchise record. Though his 3.6 yards per carry is modest, his physical style and red-zone reliability make him indispensable.

9. Saquon Barkley (Eagles) – 148 yards

Barkley hit a career milestone in Week 2, scoring his 50th career rushing touchdown while adding 88 yards against Kansas City. Averaging 3.7 yards per carry, he’s already found the end zone twice this season. Though explosive plays are missing so far, his high workload and red-zone role keep him central to Philadelphia’s offense.

10. Alvin Kamara (Saints) – 144 yards

Even at 30, Kamara remains the Saints’ offensive anchor. He rebounded in Week 2 with 99 rushing yards on 21 carries against San Francisco and added eight catches across two games. His dual-threat reliability eases rookie QB Spencer Rattler’s transition, while his leadership and consistency keep him vital to New Orleans.