NFL running back power rankings entering Week 6

Most NFL teams have five games under their belts, soon to be six. We’re now at the point in the season where things become increasingly less about what we thought would happen in preseason, and more about what’s happening now. The NFL season can be awfully quick, but also very long.

Take a spin through our top-15 running backs entering Week 6 of the NFL season. And then, we can see how much things will continue to change on a weekly basis. Spoiler alert, it’s a lot.

Oct 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) rushes during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

I’d say we enjoy this while it lasts with Jordan Mason ready to return from the Injured List soon, but Jones doesn’t appear to be willing to give back control of the backfield. And based on the performance in Week 5, I’m not sure Minnesota can justify it. Jones set season highs with 25 carries for 113 yards and a touchdown in what continues to be a successful year.

14. Jeremiyah Love, Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals were blown out by the Detroit Lions in Week 5, so that took the run game out of the equation. Love isn’t a factor in the passing game, so that does hold him back. The other problem is that while he did get 12 carries, Love only gained 22 yards. Facing the Rams won’t be easy in Week 6, but we shouldn’t overlook the talent and upside; just manage the expectations.

13. Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Welcome to the overreaction part of things. Irving should be a part of these rankings, but he’s yet to distinguish himself this season. He’s also a victim of Tampa Bay’s offensive struggles, but Irving had a big day in Week 5. He gained 165 yards on the ground while rushing for his second touchdown of the year. Irving also added a touchdown through the air. With 5.3 yards per carry, we really shouldn’t be ignoring Irving. However, he does need more games like this.

12. Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers

The idea of Rico Dowdle was nice while it lasted. He’s now missed three games due to injury, and Warren has been increasingly better in each one. Now, it’s not really going to matter when Dowdle returns, as Warren has, pardon the pun, run away with things. That’s what he did in Week 5 while scoring his first two touchdowns of the season. One came on an 80-yard reception, but Warren also found the end zone on the ground with 15 carries for 101 yards.

11. Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers

Jonathon Brooks is still on Injured Reserve, and Hubbard has full reign of the Carolina backfield. His yardage total increased in each of his four games this season, and his 122 yards in Week 4 were a season high. The Philadelphia Eagles have struggled against opposing running backs this season, so Hubbard should be able to keep it up.

Dec 25, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) runs onto the field for warmups before the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

10. Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys

It was a weird game for the Cowboys last Thursday, but it did afford Williams a few extra days of rest. He managed just 12 carries and only gained 45 yards, but Williams found the end zone for the sixth time this season, just one game in which he failed to score a touchdown. With the Packers allowing eight rushing touchdowns this season, Williams should be able to continue that streak.

9. Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders

The three passes Jeanty caught for 50 yards are what saved his day as he struggled to get anything going on the ground with just 10 carries for 27 yards. Facing the Buffalo Bills, especially with his skills as a receiver, should help change the narrative for Jeanty in Week 6 as he’s yet to really find his groove. However, his 22 catches for 215 yards and two touchdowns are well received.

8. Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams

Against a tough Buffalo Bills defense, Williams struggled to find room to run. He finished with just 49 yards on 16 carries, but a touchdown and six catches for 27 yards did save the day. There may be other backs more exciting, and while Williams doesn’t have more than 88 rushing yards this season (also games of 80 and 85), there are few options more dependable.

7. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers

It was a wild game in Seattle for the 49ers, and it was weird that McCaffrey really didn’t play a role. His 11 carries for 68 yards were successful; he just didn’t get enough work. It was also the second straight week in which he only caught three passes, and that’s a problem.

Wait, is there a void in the universe? For the first time all season, Henry didn’t run for a touchdown in Week 5. However, that doesn’t mean the running back didn’t find the end zone, as his lone reception was an 18-yard touchdown. Don’t worry, though; he did rush for 102 yards, so it’s not like he was a non-factor on the ground.

Dec 14, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III (4) runs for a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Another week, and guess what, another touchdown for Cook. This time, Cook found the end zone twice while also breaking the century mark for the third time in five games. Who cares that Cook only has seven catches for 31 yards on the season when he’s averaging 5.6 yards per carry with 532 rushing yards and six touchdowns? And guess what, the Las Vegas Raiders are allowing 5.2 yards per carry to opposing running backs. It’s going to be another good week.

4. Kenneth Walker, Kansas City Chiefs

I don’t love the fact that Walker had an early season bye week, but you play your schedule as it is and that’s all you can do. Walker has been one of the best offensive weapons in the league through the first four weeks of the season. It might not be the best matchup on the slate against the Chicago Bears, but Walker is fully rested and one of the best running backs there is.

3. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

Just play against the Tennessee Titans, and all will be corrected. That’s how this season is going as Taylor looks to rebound from a combined 82 yards in Week 5. Overall, he has 504 yards combined through five games with six touchdowns, so it’s hard to find much fault.

Only with Robinson can 17 carries for 86 yards and four catches for 32 yards be considered a bad day. Yes, it’s maybe a little frustrating that Robinson only has two touchdowns on the season, but there’s no reason to go searching for faults. Robinson is talented, and he continues to perform as such.

Update: as we thought last week, the sky isn’t falling. Gibbs bounced back after a rare mediocre game by rushing for 151 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. If you needed more production, Gibbs caught five passes for 56 yards as he continues to show why he’s at the top of these rankings.