As the 2025 season approaches, let’s examine how the AFC West teams compare to one another. We will evaluate each team position by position, ranking them based on their overall strength in each category. While the performance of starters carries more significance, depth within the roster is also essential. Keep in mind, these are just preseason rankings and are subject to change throughout the year.
Previously, we looked at pass rushers and, to a larger extent, defensive lines. Today, we will be ranking each team’s running back room.
4. The Denver Broncos
Starters: JK Dobbins, RJ Harvey
Backups: Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, Blake Watson, Audric Estime
I apologize to Broncos fans, but it’s difficult to envision this unit making a significant impact. Sure, Dobbins will be productive… until he inevitably gets hurt. It’s not a question of if, but when. The real player to watch in this group is rookie Harvey; many people are very optimistic about him. However, it’s challenging to see a high ceiling for an undersized 24-year-old rookie. Thereafter, the rest of the backs on the roster have less than 300 career carries combined. While this young group may surprise some, they currently find themselves at the bottom of the list.
3. The Kansas City Chiefs
Starter: Isaiah Pacheco
Backups: Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell, Brashard Smith, Elijah Young
The Chiefs have a deep running back room filled with productive players. However, they lack standout talent. Pacheco is solid, but he is more of a committee leader than a true bell-cow. Behind him is an aging Kareem Hunt, a solid rotational back in Elijah Mitchell, and two rookies. Despite the presence of Patrick Mahomes at quarterback and Andy Reid’s ability to make things work, this group still needs improvement.
2. The Las Vegas Raiders
Starter: Ashton Jeanty
Backups: Raheem Mostert, Sincere McCormick, Zamir White, Dylan Laube, Chris Collier
This ranking is likely to change in the coming months. We expect Ashton Jeanty, one of the top prospects in this year’s draft class, to quickly rise among the league’s elite running backs. However, he still needs to prove himself on the field. Until that occurs, we can only speculate. Behind him, there are few players who inspire confidence. Raheem Mostert has been a stellar complementary back throughout his 11-year career; he is also ancient for the position. Then, you have somebody who can only run straight and a number of guys fighting to stay in the league.
1. The Los Angeles Chargers
Starters: Omarion Hampton, Najee Harris
Backups: Nyheim Miller-Hines; Hassan Haskins; Raheim Sanders; Janet Patterson; Kimani Vidal
This is another ranking that is subject to change. Allegedly, the goal is for Najee Harris to be back in time for the start of the regular season after injuring his eye in a 4th of July fireworks incident. His return would potentially give the Chargers a fantastic two-back combo with him and rookie first-round pick Omarion Hampton. However, even if Harris has to miss some time, Hampton has the potential to become a high-end lead back.
Furthermore, Los Angeles has some solid depth in Hassan Haskins and Nyheim Miller-Hines. Do not count out their other rookie, Raheim Sanders out of South Carolina, either. As long as Harris does not turn out to have permanent damage in his eye, this team is going to be a very well-rounded group.
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*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images