LEGITIMATE NO. 1s (10)
Atlanta: The Falcons used a fourthround pick on Devonta Freeman in 2014, and he made the Pro Bowl in 2015-16 after consecutive years of 11 rushing touchdowns (1,056 and 1,079 yards).
Buffalo: A six-time Pro Bowler, Lesean Mccoy eclipsed 10,000 career rushing yards in 2017. Mccoy is durable (seven years of at least 15 games), shifty (4.6 yards per carry) and effective in the passing game (441 catches).
Chicago: Jordan Howard, a former fifth round pick, has finished second (1,313 yards) and sixth (1,122) in rushing in his two years. He has a career 4.6-yard per carry average.
Dallas: Elliott led the NFL in carries (322) and rushing yards (1,631) as a rookie but missed six games for suspension last year (983 yards). It’s a big year for Elliott, who will have to carry an offense that is without receiver Dez Bryant (released) and tight end Jason Witten (retired).
Jacksonville: Leonard Fournette’s per-carry average wasn’t great (3.9), but he reached 1,040 yards in 13 games. The Jaguars led the league in rushing attempts and then they signed left guard Andrew Norwell in free agency to help Fournette.
Kansas City: Kareem Hunt won the league rushing title as a rookie last year (1,327 yards) and averaged 4.9 yards per attempt. The third-round pick also had 53 catches.
Los Angeles Chargers: Melvin Gordon didn’t have much rookie success (no touchdowns in 184 carries) but has developed nicely, rushing for 2,102 yards and 18 touchdowns the last two years.
Los Angeles Rams: The 10th pick in 2015, Todd Gurley has 786 carries for 3,296 yards and 29 touchdowns. He was an all-pro selection last year.
Pittsburgh: A three-time Pro Bowler, Le’veon Bell is the league’s best two-dimensional back. He led the league with 321 carries last year (after skipping training camp) and had a whopping 85 catches. He continues to wait for a long-term deal.
Philadelphia:
Some may disagree here, but Jay Ajayi is a No. 1 back. He rushed for 1,272 yards (4.9 average) for Miami in 2016. He gained 873 yards for Miami/ Philadelphia last year.