AFC North running backs have earned the reputation for being tough and, as the kids say these days, built different. The division has maintained its tough, gritty nature, where running the football leads to success. All four teams in the division need to have a strong run game in order to even have a chance at claiming the division title.
With training camp just a few weeks away, it’s time to break down the best AFC North running backs ahead of the 2026 season.
Ranking Best AFC North Running Backs for 2026
These rankings are based solely on the idea of who is the most talented right now. It doesn’t look at upside, and who could potentially have a breakout season. It’s simply a matter of which player currently gives their team the best chance to win.
5. Rico Dowdle
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed Rico Dowdle in the offseason, following new head coach Mike McCarthy to Pittsburgh from the Dallas Cowboys. The organization brought him in on a two-year deal worth $12.25 million to help provide some depth in the running back room.
Dowdle surpassed 1,000 rushing yards last season and scored six touchdowns on the ground for the Cowboys. He’s not the type of player to change a game by himself as a workhorse running back. However, Dowdle can certainly be valuable when his snaps are limited, and his team finds ways to keep him fresh. He’s the best “backup” running back in the division by far, earning his spot in the rankings.
4. Jaylen Warren
Jaylen Warren is the other half of the duo in the running back room. Last season was the first time he was the top half of the 1-2 punch for the Steelers after previously being on the other side of things with Najee Harris. Warren finished last season with 958 yards and six touchdowns.
Warren is the 1A for Pittsburgh as things stand now, which is why he lands just above Dowdle. He’s not the type of player who can singlehandedly win his team a game, but Warren is capable of making an impact for the Steelers. That’s why he comes in at No. 4 on the AFC North running backs list.
3. Quinshon Judkins
We now move into the top three, all of which are players who could win the game for their respective teams by themselves. If this list was built based on upside and potential to become a superstar, Quinshon Judkins would be at the top of the list. However, after a season with the Cleveland Browns where he finished with just 827 yards and seven touchdowns, he comes in at the middle of the rankings.
Judkins’ first season in the league showed everyone what he can do with explosiveness and agility to make high-level plays. He fell victim to a weak offensive line last season, but the goal is for that unit to improve significantly this fall. Judkins still has enough talent to surpass both Steelers players but not a few other AFC North running backs.
2. Chase Brown
Chase Brown is one of the most talented running backs in the NFL, and he has the ability to change the game as a rusher and a receiver. The Cincinnati Bengals love to utilize his pass-catching abilities out of the backfield and rightfully so. He recorded 69 receptions last season while also surpassing 1,000 yards on the ground in an offense that was without quarterback Joe Burrow for much of the year.
Brown is only 26, so the opportunity is there for him to continue to solidify himself as one of the best in the division. When you have a running back that averages 4.4 yards per carry like the Bengals do, it sets your offense up to move the ball very efficiently. He’s one of the most well-rounded running backs in the league who can do it all for you offensively, which is why he is in the top two among AFC North running backs.
1. Derrick Henry
There’s a reason why he is known as “King Henry,” because Derrick Henry is far and away the best among AFC North running backs. He’s built like an old-school running back but has the acceleration and strength of a modern-day athlete. Many questioned when he would start to decline, and the Baltimore Ravens would have to go in a different direction in their backfield, but he has continued to be among the best in the league in his first two seasons in the division.
Henry greatly benefits from a lot of work at the goal line for the Ravens, but he is known for finding ways to keep his legs moving. It’s why he accumulated just under 1,600 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns last year. Until someone else can put up numbers the way he has over the last two seasons, he’ll remain the best among AFC North running backs.
Main Image Courtesy of Charles LeClaire – Imagn Images
