The AFC East running backs have been the key performers on offense for the division. Entering 2026, the AFC East reminds fans how important a strong running game is in a league focused on passing. New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has the benefit of two talented running backs in the backfield who helped the Patriots return to the Super Bowl.
Former MVP quarterback Josh Allen may be the star in upstate New York, but he’s joined by one of the best running backs in the league in his backfield. While 2025 as a whole didn’t go their way, the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins have stellar running backs as well. Let’s review the AFC East running backs heading into the 2026 season.
The Best AFC East Running Backs For 2026
Number Four: TreyVeon Henderson, New England Patriots
He might be the youngest running back on here, but TreyVeon Henderson is arguably on pace to be on top the best AFC East running backs in a few years. After winning a National Championship in his final year at Ohio State, the young running back became a key element in the New England Patriots offense. While quarterback Drake Maye has rightfully gotten his flowers, the former Buckeye played his role in helping the Patriots return to the Super Bowl.
The 38th overall pick had a great rookie season. Despite having to compete with veteran running back Rhamondre Stevenson, Henderson ended his rookie season with 50 more carries in the regular season than his experienced counterpart. However, during the Patriots Super Bowl run this postseason, the veteran Stevenson was relied upon more by New England. While Stevenson had 28 more carries during the playoffs, the upside with Henderson is hard to ignore and not to be overlooked if you’re Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
Henderson finished 2025 with 911 yards on 180 carries, averaging 5.1 yards per carry with nine touchdown runs. He flashed his potential as a receiver with 221 yards on 35 catches from 42 targets and a receiving touchdown. With the Patriots investments on the offensive line this year, between the signing of run-blocking left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and rookie offensive tackle Caleb Lomu, New England will have an easier time creating running lanes. If Henderson can maintain this level of production, the second-year running back could get his first 1,000-yard rushing season.
Number Three: Breece Hall, New York Jets
If the adage adversity builds character is true, New York Jets running back Breece Hall would be Don Quixote. Since arriving in the league in 2022, the Jets running back has dealt with a lot. A torn ACL ended his rookie season in seven games. 10 different starting quarterbacks. New offensive coordinator Frank Reich makes that the fourth new coordinator he’s outlasted. Despite all that, Hall’s impact on this offense is crucial. Breece Hall might not be the best running back in the AFC East, but he’s pretty close.
After all the Jets organizational mishaps, Breece Hall finished 2025 with his first 1,000+ rushing yard season, the eighth running back to do so in franchise history. Despite only having four touchdown runs, Hall ended the season with 1,065 yards on 243 carries. Along with 36 catches on 48 targets for 350 yards and a touchdown. With over 875 rushing yards and 300 receiving yards in each of the last three seasons, the New York Jets rewarded Hall with a new three-year, $45.75 million contract extension.
As terrible as the 2025 season was, one highlight for New York came when the Jets ended the team’s then seven-game losing streak thanks to three fourth-quarter touchdowns from Hall. Among them was Hall throwing the go-ahead touchdown pass to rookie tight end Mason Taylor just after the two-minute warning.
But like the Jets, Breece Hall isn’t satisfied with just three wins. Instead, Hall is looking forward to hopefully playing with the best overall offense he’s played with yet. New offensive coordinator Frank Reich developed Jonathan Taylor into this generation’s version of MVP candidate running backs, à la Marshall Faulk & Edgerrin James for the Indianapolis Colts. Along with a veteran gunslinger in Geno Smith, and paired with new first-round picks Omar Cooper Jr and Kenyon Sadiq at wide receiver and tight end, Hall and star wide receiver Garrett Wilson are in a good spot right now.
Number Two: Devon Achane, Miami Dolphins
Despite an offseason full of change in Florida, Miami Dolphins fans’ worries are eased knowing number 28 is still in their backfield. After moving on from head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins hope it doesn’t negatively impact the performance of running back Devon Achane. While Cook remains the best AFC East running back, Achane’s production wasn’t far off.
Despite having 71 fewer carries than Cook, Achane finished third in the league in rushing yards with 1,350, along with eight touchdowns. Not to mention, despite playing in an offense that featured two talented wide receivers in Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, Achane had 145 receptions on 172 targets for 1,080 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns over the last two seasons.
The 2023 84th overall pick out of Texas A&M is undeniably talented enough to unseat the Bills running back as the best AFC East running back. However, questions remain about the offseason changes under the new Dolphins regime under head coach Jeff Hafley. Retaining Bobby Slowik by promoting him to offensive coordinator will help ease the transition, but the Houston Texans struggled in their running game when he ran their offense from 2023 to 2024.
In addition, after moving on from Hill, Waddle, and starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, defensive coordinators are likely to limit his running lanes by loading the box next year. However, one benefit for Achane is gaining relatively limited experience, but a promising dual-threat quarterback in the new starter, Malik Willis. After showing promise in 11 games the last two years in Green Bay, Willis averaged 6.2 yards per carry with the Packers. If they do, Willis can easily roll out and check down to Achane, which bodes well for his impact as a receiver.
Number One: James Cook, Buffalo Bills
As of this moment, James Cook of the Buffalo Bills is the undisputed king of the AFC East running backs. Despite playing with the then-reigning MVP Josh Allen, Cook became more of a focal point in Buffalo’s offense. After leading the league in rushing yards with 1,621 yards on 309 carries and 12 touchdowns, Cook has become one of the best in the league in less than four seasons. Along with 33 catches on 40 targets, Cook had 291 receiving yards with two touchdowns.
After such production, Cook has a great chance of remaining the best AFC East running back. However, one factor that could hurt his production is his offensive line. As a whole, the Bills’ o-line returns four starters. But, widely regarded left guard David Edwards signed with the New Orleans Saints. Fortunately for Buffalo, newly signed Austin Corbett should ease those concerns.
One major confidence booster should be retaining a familiar face in the building. After Sean McDermott was fired, uncertainty hung over how Cook would be utilized with a new coach this year. Thankfully, with offensive coordinator Joe Brady promoted to head coach, Cook’s production should continue to keep him among the best running backs in the AFC East, but one of the best in the league.
The Best of Position Series 2026
With days to go before training camp starts, Last Word on Sports returns with its The Best of Position series, analyzing the best players of each position group in all eight divisions between both 16-team conferences in the NFL. After reading about the best AFC East running backs, what about the best AFC East quarterbacks of 2026? Has second-year quarterback Drake Maye, after his first Super Bowl appearance with the New England Patriots, taken over as king of the east? Or is 2024 MVP Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills still the man to beat?
Main Photo: [Ron Chenoy] – Imagn Images
