The running back position is one of the most important in football, and with so many versatile ways to use an effective back, even having a good one can help your team win ballgames, but fortunately for these teams, they're getting elite production out of the backfield. There were a handful of impressive performances over the weekend, and while not all of them effected a win, the following 3 names were the best of the best around the NFL in Week 1.
3. Deandre Swift
Stat line: 15 carries, 144 Yards, 1 Touchdown, 3 catches, 31 receiving yards.
There is a huge sense of optimism around the Detroit Lions, and after they took it down to the wire against the Eagles and had some huge performances from their young guns, there's no reason why that should change anytime soon. Amon Ra St. Brown had himself a day in the 38-35 loss, but it was Swift who stood out among the pack, and if those names on offence can continue to improve, this Lions team could be challenging for a Wild Card spot in 2022.
2. Jonathan Taylor
Stat line: 31 Carries, 161 Yards, 1 Touchdown, 4 catches, 14 yards receiving.
Jonathan Taylor was by far and away the best running back in the NFL a season ago, and although his Colts stumbled to a tie with the division rival Houston Texans, Taylor was back to his best, and clearly hasn't missed a beat from 2021. The young back still has plenty of juice left in his legs, and if he can continue on this path, he will solidify his spot as the best running back in the game, and give this Colts team a very good chance at taking out a dreadful AFC South division crown.
1. Saquon Barkley
Stat line: 18 carries, 164 yards, 1 Touchdown, 6 catches, 30 yards receiving.
Saquon Barkley's return to the NFL was long awaited by Giants fans, and in their upset of the Tennessee Titans, he was absolutely fantastic, as he produced almost 200 all-purpose yards en route to the 21-20 victory. When healthy, we've all seen that Barkley can be one of the best running backs in the game, and if his first game back from injury is any indication, the best of the former Penn State stud is still yet to come.
Photo Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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