{"id":149337,"date":"2025-06-22T06:48:15","date_gmt":"2025-06-22T06:48:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/149337\/"},"modified":"2025-06-22T06:48:15","modified_gmt":"2025-06-22T06:48:15","slug":"afc-south-running-back-rankings-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/149337\/","title":{"rendered":"AFC South Running Back Rankings 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The AFC South brings some new faces and dynamic duos to the division. With a mix of emerging stars and veteran workhorses, here are how the AFC South running back rankings stack up heading into the 2025 season.<\/p>\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/article\/best-nfl-quarterbacks-2025-ranking-110000227.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:Best NFL quarterbacks 2025: Ranking the 10 best NFL quarterbacks right now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Best NFL quarterbacks 2025: Ranking the 10 best NFL quarterbacks right now <\/a><\/p>\n<p>1. Houston Texans \u2013 Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb<img alt=\"NFL: AFC Wild Card Round-Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/30e00775db5fcffe96134e1a5c3e27f5.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Heading into 2025, the <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Texans;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Texans<\/a> will boast one of the most experienced backfields in the league with both Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb. While both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/stats\/_\/id\/3116385\/joe-mixon\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Mixon;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Mixon <\/a>and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/stats\/_\/id\/3128720\/nick-chubb\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Chubb;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Chubb <\/a>are past their prime, they both bring immense value to Houston\u2019s offense. With a resume of many past 1,000-yard seasons, respectively, both former stars know how to run the ball efficiently and reliably, and will bring an immense level of physicality to the run game.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Mixon, at 28 years old, is still producing efficiently as he continues building his great career resume with yet another 1,000-yard season on the ground in 2024. Chubb, on the other hand, suffered a serious knee injury in 2023 and is yet to return to his previous form. If healthy, Chubb will add a downhill, punishing element that will perfectly complement Mixon\u2019s versatility. This will be a sneaky good RB duo heading into 2025.<\/p>\n<p>Related:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/nfl\/best-nfl-running-backs-right-now\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Best NFL running backs right now, ranking the 10 best running backs in 2025;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Best NFL running backs right now, ranking the 10 best running backs in 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<p>2. Indianapolis Colts \u2013 Jonathon Taylor and Khalil Herbert<img alt=\"Syndication: The Indianapolis Star\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1aae2fdeee8f5d65a75b1036a354d5b3.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Credit: Grace Hollars\/IndyStar \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Jonathan Taylor remains the clear-cut RB1 for the <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/indianapolis-colts\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Colts;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Colts<\/a> after a stellar past season. In 14 games played, he went off for over 1,400 yards on the ground. When healthy, Taylor has shown that he can be one of the best running backs in the league. He\u2019s capable of taking on a heavy workload and producing at a level up there with the league\u2019s best. Colts fans will be eager to see if Taylor can stay healthy and have another successful season.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Herbert is a good RB2 option, but has struggled immensely with injuries over the last two seasons. Herbert complements Taylor well as a shifty, elusive runner who can contribute in the passing game, but that doesn\u2019t matter much if he can\u2019t stay on the field once again.<\/p>\n<p>Check out:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/highest-paid-nfl-players\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Highest-paid NFL players, highest-paid running backs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Highest-paid NFL players, highest-paid running backs<\/a><\/p>\n<p>3. Tennessee Titans \u2013 Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears<img alt=\"NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/936dc5695df831e5381deb706cace540.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s been one full season since superstar running back Derrick Henry left the <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/tennessee-titans\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Tennessee Titans;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Tennessee Titans<\/a>, and it\u2019s safe to say the new RB1, Tony Pollard, did a decent job giving Tennessee the RB production they are used to. The truth is, nobody can replace Henry; he\u2019s a one-of-a-kind player, but Pollard thrived in his first year at the RB1 role. He rushed for over 1,000 yards, offering a new dimension to Tennessee\u2019s offense with his open-field quickness and receiving ability.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>While he\u2019s not the superstar Derrick Henry is, he can still heavily benefit the Titans\u2019 offense in 2025 if he continues to improve on his production. Tyjae Spears also brings a gritty, do-it-all skill set, and together they form a rather complementary duo. With a rookie QB in Cam Ward, it will be interesting to see how Tennessee relies on their backfield in 2025.<\/p>\n<p>Read More:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/nfl\/best-nfl-coaches-2025\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Best NFL coaches 2025;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Best NFL coaches 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<p>4. Jacksonville Jaguars \u2013 Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby<img alt=\"Syndication: Florida Times-Union\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"788\" height=\"524\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cb989adbaad37850bf22e9e25af0fecc.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Credit: Corey Perrine\/Florida Times-Union \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/jacksonville-jaguars\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Jacksonville Jaguars;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Jacksonville Jaguars<\/a>\u2018 backfield is seemingly promising in 2025 and will look to bounce back from struggling last season. Current RB1 Travis Etienne Jr. went for over 1,000 yards during his first two seasons in the league, but he struggled immensely last year. He rushed for only 558 yards on the ground and 3.7 yards\/carry, a huge dip in production. The talent is there, but it seemed that Etienne just couldn\u2019t figure it out last season.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Currently listed as RB2, Tank Bigsby enters the 2025 season with a chance to continue to carve out a larger role in Jacksonville\u2019s offense after rushing for over 700 yards last season. Known for his physical running style, Bigsby brings toughness, strong lower-body balance, and a relentless motor to the Jaguars\u2019 offense. He excels in short-yardage and goal-line situations, areas where the Jaguars have struggled with consistency.<\/p>\n<p>Read More:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/nfl-power-rankings-all-32-teams-updated-weekly\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:NFL power rankings 2025, evaluating all 32 teams;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">NFL power rankings 2025, evaluating all 32 teams<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Related Headlines<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The AFC South brings some new faces and dynamic duos to the division. With a mix of emerging&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":149338,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2056],"tags":[1466,127,292,7,221,253,2368,392,125,3608,1753,34315,4976,6,587,5657,394,222,34316,10562,10555],"class_list":{"0":"post-149337","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-houston-texans","8":"tag-afc-south","9":"tag-cam-ward","10":"tag-derrick-henry","11":"tag-football","12":"tag-houston","13":"tag-houston-texans","14":"tag-houstontexans","15":"tag-indianapolis-colts","16":"tag-jacksonville-jaguars","17":"tag-joe-mixon","18":"tag-jonathan-taylor","19":"tag-jonathon-taylor","20":"tag-khalil-herbert","21":"tag-nfl","22":"tag-nick-chubb","23":"tag-tank-bigsby","24":"tag-tennessee-titans","25":"tag-texans","26":"tag-thomas-shea-imagn","27":"tag-tony-pollard","28":"tag-tyjae-spears"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/114725683547615850","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/149337","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=149337"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/149337\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/149338"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=149337"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=149337"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=149337"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}