2024 NFC North Position Rankings: Running Backs

Throughout their history, the Chicago Bears have generally been known for a strong run game, and last year was no different, they finished with 2,399 yards on the ground, which was second-most in the NFL. But much of that production came from quarterback Justin Fields, who is no longer with the team. It’s what motivated GM Ryan Poles to make a big splash in free agency and sign running back D’Andre Swift.

Will the Bears struggle to run the ball this year? And how do their running backs stack up in the NFC North?

Let’s take a look.

Detroit Lions: David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki

Montgomery needs no introduction to Bears fans. He is one of those bell-cow backs that does everything well.

Gibbs was a highly rated prospect who Detroit drafted 12th overall in the 2023 NFL draft. He produced at a high level as a rookie, providing the lightning to Montgomery’s thunder. As long as these two are in Honolulu blue, they will be a problem for the rest of the division.

Reynolds is a solid third option for the Lions. He carried the rock 41 times in 2023 for 4.4 yards per carry (YPC), but he did lose two fumbles. Vaki, a fourth-round rookie, will probably struggle to see the field.

Minnesota Vikings: Aaron Jones, Ty Chandler, Kene Nwangwu, Myles Gaskin

Acquiring Jones was a big move for Minnesota this offseason. He may be entering his twilight years as a running back, but NFC North teams need no reminder of the damage he can still do on the ground and in the passing game. Jones will be one of J.J. McCarthy’s best friends this year.

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Chandler looked the part of a solid RB2 last season, rushing 102 times for 461 yards and 3 touchdowns. Nwangwu has carried the ball just 27 times in 3 NFL seasons, and Gaskin spent last season on the practice squad, leaving these two on the roster bubble.

Green Bay Packers: Josh Jacobs, AJ Dillon, MarShawn Lloyd, Emanuel Wilson

The Packers made a big splash in free agency when they signed Jacobs to a hefty contract. I have my concerns about whether they’ll get enough return on investment, but there’s no denying Jacobs is one of the best running backs in the league and will be a threat in 2024.

Dillon has been a fan-favorite in Green Bay as an old-school bruiser, the kind of back that runs straight into tacklers and dares them to bring him down. Unfortunately for Green Bay, those tacklers have been bringing him down more and more often: his YPC has dropped every year of his NFL career, falling to just 3.4 YPC in 2023.

Lloyd was a third-round draft pick last month and will be intriguing to watch. In his final college season at USC, where he was teammates with Chicago’s Caleb Williams, he racked up an absurd 7.1 YPC and nine touchdowns. Wilson is a second-year undrafted player who may struggle to make the roster.

Chicago Bears: D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, Khalil Herbert, Travis Homer

The Bears made their own free agency splash at the running back position, signing former Eagle (and Lion) Swift. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2023 but benefited from one of the best offensive lines in football. While much improved, the Bears’ offensive line is no match for Philly’s or Detroit’s. Hopefully, Swift will prove that he can create his own opportunities on the field and will contribute more in the passing game, too.

Johnson had a solid rookie season and will be looking to build on that success. Herbert had another strong year in 2023 and will fight Johnson for that RB2 spot on the roster. Homer is sitting squarely on the roster bubble.

Detroit Lions running backs lead the way.

Just as it went with quarterbacks, the Detroit Lions have the top running back room in the NFC North, and it’s not particularly close. The Packers come in second, thanks to Josh Jacobs, but their depth is either too inexperienced or too old.

I wasn’t sure which team should be last between the Bears and Vikings, but I’ll put the Chicago Bears in third ahead of the Vikings. Aaron Jones is just a bit better than D’Andre Swift, but the Bears have significantly better depth.