The New England Patriots are preparing for their first season without Bill Belichick leading the franchise since the turn of the century, and their schedule is difficult.
Heading into the year, the Patriots will likely rely on Rhamondre Stevenson as their top running back with Antonio Gibson and others getting touches as well.
Looking at their opponents, they'll face some of the best running backs that the league has to offer in 2024. So, let's take an early look at the opponents and rank their projected starting running backs from worst to best.
No. 14 - Zack Moss, Cincinnati Bengals
Moss is entering his first year with Cincinnati after spending the last year and a half with the Indianapolis Colts.
In 2023, he rushed for 794 yards and five touchdowns on 4.3 yards per carry while adding another 192 yards and two scores on 27 receptions.
No. 13 - J.K. Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers
Dobbins joined the Chargers this offseason after spending his first five years with the Baltimore Ravens. However, injuries have significantly impacted his play. He missed all of 2021, half of 2022 and 16 of the 17 games in 2023.
When Dobbins is on the field, he's a difference-maker, but after all of these injuries, can he still get it done?
No. 12 - James Cook, Buffalo Bills
Cook is entering his third season in Buffalo, and last year was his first as the main ballcarrier. He rushed for 1,222 yards and two touchdowns while adding another 445 yards and four touchdowns on 44 receptions.
No. 11 - Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans
Pollard heads to Tennessee after playing for the Dallas Cowboys for five seasons. In 2023, he rushed for 1,005 yards and six touchdowns on four yards per attempt while adding another 311 yards on 55 catches.
No. 10 - Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams
Williams burst onto the season last season, his second with the Rams, and made the Pro Bowl at just 23 years old. He rushed for 1,144 yards and an impressive 12 touchdowns on five yards per carry. He also recorded 206 yards and three touchdowns on 32 receptions.
No. 9 - Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars
After missing his rookie season, Etienne has been solid in Jacksonville. Last year, he rushed for 1,008 yards and 11 touchdowns on 3.8 yards per carry. As a pass-catcher, he caught 58 balls for 476 yards and one touchdown.
No. 8 - Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks
Walker has put up two solid seasons to start his career in Seattle. Last year, he rushed for 905 yards and eight touchdowns on 4.1 yards per attempt. He also caught 29 passes for 259 yards and another touchdown.
No. 7 - Breece Hall, New York Jets
After tearing his ACL as a rookie, Hall returned for a strong second NFL season in 2023, rushing for 994 yards and five touchdowns on 4.5 yards per attempt. He also added an incredible 76 receptions for 591 yards and four scores.
No. 6 - James Conner, Arizona Cardinals
Conner has been an impact player throughout his three years in Arizona. Last year, he rushed for 1,040 yards and seven scores on five yards per rush. He also added another 165 yards and two touchdowns on 27 receptions.
No. 5 - D'Andre Swift, Chicago Bears
Swift left the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason to return to the NFC North where he'll face his former team, the Detroit Lions, twice per year.
In 2023, Swift made it to the Pro Bowl after recording 1,049 yards and five touchdowns on 4.6 yards per carry as well as 214 yards and another score on 39 receptions.
No. 4 - Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins
Mostert is entering his third season with Miami after struggling to stay healthy during his time with San Francisco. Last year, he led the NFL in rushing touchdowns (18) while running for a career-high 1,012 yards on 4.8 yards per attempt. He also added another 175 yards and three scores as a receiver.
No. 3 - Joe Mixon, Houston Texans
Mixon will be starting his tenure with the Texans after spending his first seven seasons with the Bengals. Last year, he rushed for 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns on four yards per attempt. He continued to be a steady force in the receiving game as well, adding another 376 yards and three touchdowns on 52 receptions.
No. 2 - Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
Taylor, battling injuries and a strange contract situation last year, was still an impactful runner. He totaled 741 yards and seven touchdowns on 4.4 yards per rush. He wasn't used as much as he typically would be, recording just 19 receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown.
No. 1 - Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
McCaffrey is the best all-around running back in the league, and it's not particularly close at the moment. In 2023, another Pro Bowl and All-Pro season for the former Stanford Cardinal, he led the league in rushing yards (1,459) while finding the end zone 14 times on the ground on an impressive 5.4 yards per carry. He also added 67 receptions for 564 yards and seven touchdowns to make it a season to remember.
