Derek Antoine

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A veteran and three emerging talents. Said another way – the state of the union for the running back position in the AFC West. One veteran remains as the steady presence, while the rest of the backfields belong to the next generation. Here’s how I stack ‘em heading into 2025.

New Team On Top? AFC West Running Back Power Rankings

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/isiah-pacheco/1592">Pacheco</a> runs with noticeable intensity and physicality, and sets up as a prototypical Andy Reid-style back. At the end of the day, however, he’s a solid (not spectacular), injury-prone back who benefits from riding shotgun in the NFL’s best offense.

4. Isiah Pacheco – Kansas City Chiefs

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/omarion-hampton/86052">Hampton</a> runs like he’s trying to punish defenders for daring to tackle him. The Chargers need an identity and consistency at the position, and Hampton gives them that hammer. Forget <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/najee-harris/2169">Najee Harris</a> – Hampton is the guy.

3. Omarion Hampton – Los Angeles Chargers

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/rj-harvey/86138">Harvey</a> possesses impressive elusiveness as a runner and receiver, and has a real chance to carve out a role in an emerging offense. Said another way – juice. For now, he’s more “potential” than “production,” but I expect big things from him in this offense.

2. RJ Harvey – Denver Broncos

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/ashton-jeanty/86054">Jeanty</a> walks into this league and immediately looks like he belongs. He’s explosive, versatile, and already feels like he could be the Raiders’ best offensive weapon.

1. Ashton Jeanty – Las Vegas Raiders

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Derek Antoine ranks the starting running backs in the AFC West. Are three rookies going to be starting Week 1 - and are they all better than the incumbent?

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