I have embarked on a mission to put together a series of position rankings for the NFC North division – it started with quarterback. Part two of my NFC North position rankings sees me taking a look at the running back position.
The landscape has changed a bit since my 2025 RB rankings, with one notable player leaving the division in David Montgomery.
Minnesota’s Backfield Lands behind Three Division Rivals
The NFC North boasts some of the best backs across the league, which will make the battle on the ground important during head-to-head games. Here is how I rank the RB groups this year, with the main focus on each team’s top two backs.
1. Detroit Lions — Jahmyr Gibbs and Isiah Pacheco
Jahmyr Gibbs is in the conversation for best RB in the league. His rushing numbers were slightly down on his phenomenal 2024 season, but the 2025 season still brought 1223 rushing yards at 5 yards per carry and 13 touchdowns. Gibbs is a dual-threat RB, catching 77 passes for 616 yards and 5 touchdowns last season.
The Lions have dominated on the ground in recent seasons, but the loss of Montgomery, who was like a 1b to Gibbs’ 1a, and some big losses on the offensive line have weakened them.
Detroit will hope that free-agent signing Isiah Pacheco can rediscover his form from a couple of years ago, or at least be a competent RB2. The fact that Gibbs is now a clear RB1 raises the question of what he is capable of if his carries over the course of the season reach the 300 mark for the first time in his career.
2. Chicago Bears — D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai
D’Andre Swift had to play second fiddle for three years in Detroit, but a move to Philadelphia gave him his first 1,000-yard rushing season and a trip to the Pro Bowl. A big money move to Chicago followed, and Swift has flourished in the Windy City as the team’s clear RB1.
Swift had his best season yet in terms of rushing yards and touchdowns under the guidance of new head coach Ben Johnson last season, while continuing to be effective in the passing game. Chicago’s seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai proved to be a capable backup in his rookie year with 783 yards and five touchdowns. Under Johnson’s leadership, the Bears should be aiming to
3. Green Bay Packers — Josh Jacobs and Chris Brooks
Green Bay signed Josh Jacobs to a huge 4-year, $48 million contract in 2024, and Jacobs has delivered over 2000 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns across his first two seasons as a Packer. One of the best rushers in the league, Jacobs gives the Packers an excellent spearhead to their rushing attack.
Green Bay finds itself in third place because there’s not much behind Jacobs, with Chris Brooks currently slated to be RB2. Brooks has less than 400 rushing yards to his name across three seasons in the league so far. It’s a concern, especially with an off-field issue hanging over Jacobs.
4. Minnesota Vikings — Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones
Turning 32 during the season, this is possibly Aaron Jones’ last rodeo, with Father Time and injuries catching up with him. For me, Jordan Mason should be RB1 this season. He led the team in rushing yards and touchdowns last year, and while he’s not the most dynamic back around, he will churn out yards and has a nose for the end zone.
Running back was an area many thought the Vikings might look to improve this offseason; however, the only addition was sixth-round rookie Demond Claiborne. The Vikings’ rushing attack looks somewhat off compared to their divisional counterparts and will need to find enough consistency so it doesn’t become a problem.
