NFL Top 10 Best Running Backs of the 2010s

This list is the best running backs of the past decade. It is considering the overall statline and accomplishments of each running back from the 2010 to 2019 season. If you want to follow along with new lists and join in on fan voting, follow me on instagram @sogfootball.

Top 10 Best Running Backs of the 2010s – #10 Todd Gurley

#10 – Todd Gurley

Don’t let recency bias consume your opinion about Todd Gurley. This past season was a flop, but let’s rewind to his rookie season in 2015.

Todd Gurley had no right rushing for 1106 yards and 10 touchdowns in only 13 games. He was averaging 4.8 yards per carry behind an offensive line that was not good at all. Jeff Fisher was a terrible coach who assembled a terrible team, but the talent of Gurley shined over that. He single handedly won them some games including some very impressive performances versus a then stingy Seahawks defense.

Once Sean McVay took over Gurley started scoring at a historic pace. Over the 2017 and 2018 seasons he scored a combined 40 touchdowns.

Gurley ened up scoring 70 touchdowns over 73 games as a Ram. He may have only been in the NFL over the final 5 season stretch of the decade, but I cannot ignore his dominance over others who played throughout the full 10 years.

NFL Top 10 Best Running Backs of the 2010s – #9 Leveon Bell

#9 – Leveon Bell

Imagine going from running behind the Steelers offensive line to the Jets. He may have become a much richer man since joining the Jets, but it was his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers that earns him the spot on this list.

Over that time Le’Veon Bell earned a reputation as the most versatile running back in the NFL. He was one of the first running backs to get frequent snaps at receiver. If you had a linebacker who had Bell as his assignment, Bell was winning every time. He wasn’t overly fast, but Bell has a quick burst and tremendous route running ability.

Le’veon Bell also earned a reputation as one of the most patient RBs in the NFL. It worked perfectly with the maulers he had in front of him in Pittsburgh as he has some Xbox like highlight reels to show for it.

NFL Top 10 Best Running Backs of the 2010s – #8 Arian Foster

#8 – Arian Foster

I was shocked to see Arian Foster this low on the fan voting. His 6527 rushing yards are 10th for the decade and he only really played 4 full season before retiring with a lot left in the tank.

In 2010 he rushed for 1616 yards and 16 touchdowns averaging 4.9 yards per carry with an average supporting cast around him. Arian Foster was not the popular name, but this undrafted free agent quickly turned into one of the best all-around RBs in the NFL.