NFC North RB Rankings for 2025

Adam New |

Jun 9, 2025

Sep 29, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) runs onto the field before a game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images.

In my quest to find out where the Vikings lie within the division at the different position groups, following on from my QB rankings, it’s time to give my NFC North RB rankings for 2025.

VikingsTerritory gives you NFC North RB rankings for the 2025 season.

Once again, the Detroit Lions showcase why they have been the division’s dominant force over the last couple of seasons with this group. Instead of the unknown quantity at QB, the Vikings display a veteran presence at this position.

Here is how I rank the groups, with the main focus on each team’s top two backs.

1. Detroit Lions — Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery

The success of the Lions’ offense has been built on their run game, which starts with a dominant offensive line. In 2023, they signed David Montgomery and drafted Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round. The double dip at RB raised some eyebrows as the Lions ended a 30-year division-winning drought to claim back-to-back wins in the last couple of seasons.

Oct 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) reacts with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and offensive tackle Penei Sewell (rear) after running for an 8-yard touchdown during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

Gibbs has developed into the main guy, with Montgomery, a man most teams in the league would be excited to have as their lead back, the number two.

In 2024, Gibbs and Montgomery combined for 2187 rushing yards and 28 rushing touchdowns. Throw in 858 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns (all from Gibbs), and that is phenomenal production. Gibbs is a star and, at 23, should have plenty more to give, while Montgomery is just 28, which is closer to the end of most RBs’ shelf life.

Being the number two should help keep him fresh, and I expect nothing short of exceptional production from the pair again in 2025. Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki round out the Lions’ RB room.

2. Green Bay Packers — Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson

Green Bay paid big money to bring in Josh Jacobs last season, and he didn’t disappoint. One thousand three hundred twenty-nine rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns are what you want from a $12 million a year running back. A three-time Pro Bowler, Jacobs has been consistently good over the six seasons he has been in the league. At 27, he should still have tread left on the tyres to continue leading the Packers’ rushing attack.

Nov 24, 2024; Green Bay, WI, USA; (Editors Note: Hand gestures) Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) celebrates scoring a touchdown with wide receiver Bo Melton (80) against the San Francisco 49ers during their football game Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-Imagn Images.

AJ Dillon has left for the Philadelphia Eagles, which leaves Emanuel Wilson and MarShawn Lloyd behind Jacobs. Neither has a ton of experience, but Wilson did rush for 502 yards and four touchdowns last year. Lloyd is a 24-year-old third-round pick from last year who played in just one game and rushed for just 15 yards on six attempts. Chris Brooks is the Packers’ fourth back.

3. Minnesota Vikings — Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason

Aaron Jones had a good first year in Minnesota, rushing for 1138 yards and five touchdowns, with a further 408 yards and two touchdowns through the air. The question is how much he has left after eight seasons in the league and turning 31 during the season. With a stronger offensive line to run behind, I don’t expect a huge drop-off from Jones this year, but we do need to be on the lookout for signs of decline.

Dec 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Trent Sherfield Sr. (11) against the Chicago Bears in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

Jordan Mason has been very good deputizing and spelling Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco over the last couple of seasons. If he can maintain his career average of 5.3 yards per carry, he will be a success in Minnesota. Mason has three rushing touchdowns in both of the last two seasons. Minnesota’s head coach referred to Jones being at his best in a 1A and 1B situation, which was the reasoning for the trade for Mason.

The Vikings also have Ty Chandler and veteran fullback CJ Ham on the roster.

4. Chicago Bears — D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson

It was a good first season for D’Andre Swift in Chicago, but he was the only one of the four lead backs in the division who didn’t reach 1000 rushing yards in 2024. He fell just short with 959 yards and six touchdowns. He remains a good pass-catching back with 386 receiving yards, but he had the least impressive season of the RB1, which is why the Bears are in last place.

nfc north rb — Nov 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) runs for a 39-yard touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images.

Roschon Johnson made a name for himself in Chicago last year as the go-to guy in short-yardage situations and at the goal line with six rushing touchdowns. He had an impressive six touchdowns last season but only 150 rushing yards from 55 attempts. Can he have a more rounded role on the Bears’ offense, or is he just a battering ram when they need a yard or two?

The Bears also have Travis Homer and seventh-round rookie, Kyle Monangai, on the depth chart.