AFC South Running Back Rankings 2025
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.
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1. Houston Texans – Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb
Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Heading into 2025, the Texans will boast one of the most experienced backfields in the league with both Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb. While both Mixon and Chubb are past their prime, they both bring immense value to Houston's 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.
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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's versatility. This will be a sneaky good RB duo heading into 2025.
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2. Indianapolis Colts – Jonathon Taylor and Khalil Herbert
Credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Jonathan Taylor remains the clear-cut RB1 for the Colts 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's capable of taking on a heavy workload and producing at a level up there with the league's best. Colts fans will be eager to see if Taylor can stay healthy and have another successful season.
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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't matter much if he can't stay on the field once again.
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3. Tennessee Titans – Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears
Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
It's been one full season since superstar running back Derrick Henry left the Tennessee Titans, and it's 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's 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's offense with his open-field quickness and receiving ability.
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While he's not the superstar Derrick Henry is, he can still heavily benefit the Titans' 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.
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4. Jacksonville Jaguars – Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby
Credit: Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Jacksonville Jaguars' 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't figure it out last season.
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Currently listed as RB2, Tank Bigsby enters the 2025 season with a chance to continue to carve out a larger role in Jacksonville's 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' offense. He excels in short-yardage and goal-line situations, areas where the Jaguars have struggled with consistency.
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