Bart Hubbuch’s playoff rankings
The Post continues its examination of certain aspects of the NFL playoff teams. Here’s a look at the RUNNING BACK CORPS:
1. Falcons
Atlanta’s two-headed monster of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman is also the NFL’s most versatile backfield. Both running backs are highly productive both as ballcarriers and pass-catchers behind Matt Ryan, combining for 19 rushing TDs and five TD receptions.
2. Cowboys
Dallas’ running game is essentially a one-man show — but wow, what a show. Ezekiel Elliott was astoundingly good from Day 1 and ended up leading the NFL in rushing (1,631 yards) and yards per game (108.7). Oh, and he scored 15 TDs.
3. Steelers
Le’Veon Bell posted rushing numbers in just 12 games (1,268 and seven TDs) that would be a fantastic year for most backs over 16 games. Pittsburgh also has the luxury of veteran DeAngelo Williams — who has twice led the NFL in rushing TDs — as Bell’s backup.
4. Raiders
Oakland has enviable depth and balance in the backfield in Latavius Murray, Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington. None has more than 788 rushing yards, but the three have combined for 1,746 yards and 15 TDs on the ground and will be counted on to carry the Raiders with Derek Carr out.
5. Patriots
LeGarrette Blount (1,161 rushing yards and 18 TDs) is a load, and backups Dion Lewis and James White are each averaging 4.3 yards per carry. As if Tom Brady and the unstoppable New England offense didn’t have enough weaponsw already.
6. Texans
LeadingLe rusher Lamar Miller ism missingis expected two back games after with an anklean injury, and with HoustonH starting Brock Osweiler, Miller’s return couldn’to come at a better time.tim The Texans ran for 100pluspl yards in eight consecutive games in the middle of the season, so they’re capable.
7. Chiefs
Kansas City misses Jamaal Charles and struggled to replace him with the middling combination of Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West. But sensational rookie wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who had 24 carries for 267 yards and three TDs as a ball-carrier, is an electrifying changeup.
8. Dolphins
Aside from a 206-yard outburst against the Bills in Week 16, Jay Ajayi has really fallen off after his sensational stretch and has scored just two rushing TDs since Week 9. Rookie backup Kenyan Drake had just 33 carries but is explosive, averaging 5.4 yards per carry.
9. Packers
Eddie Lacy is on injured reserve, James Starks isn’t likely to play in the wild-card round and converted wide receiver Ty Montgomery — while a fun story — hasn’t done much aside from his breakout, 162yard rushing performance against the Bears in Week 15. 10. Seahawks C.J. Prosise isn’t expected to play in the wild-card round because of a shoulder injury, and the combination of Thomas Rawls and Alex Collins behind Seattle’s woeful line doesn’t scare anyone. The Seahawks’ most dangerous ball-carrier continues to be Russell Wilson.
11. Giants
Big Blue had little to show for a four-man backfield for much of the season and finished 29th in rushing and last in rushing TDs. But rookie Paul Perkins came on strong down the stretch, and a breakout performance in the playoffs would not be a surprise.
12. Lions
Detroit’s leading rusher for the season was Theo Riddick with just 357 yards, and Riddick is done for the season with a wrist injury. The Lions ran for 100 yards just once in the season’s final 13 games. Bleak.