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NFL Power Rankings, preseason mode: Top 7 running backs in the AFC East

By Tarringo Basile-Vaughan

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 18: Running back Rhamondre Stevenson #38 of the New England Patriots stiff-arms cornerback Nate Hobbs #39 of the Las Vegas Raiders before being tackled in the first quarter of their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Patriots 30-24. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 18: Running back Rhamondre Stevenson #38 of the New England Patriots stiff-arms cornerback Nate Hobbs #39 of the Las Vegas Raiders before being tackled in the first quarter of their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Patriots 30-24. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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With both Dalvin Cook and Ezekiel Elliott joining the division, the AFC East has some serious firepower at the position.  In this addition of the NFL Power Rankings, we will explore who will emerge as the prime running backs in AFC East and reveal who currently holds the top spot.

While the New York Jets are deep with the addition of Cook and the return of Breece Hall, the New England Patriots now have a two-headed monster in Rhamondre Stevenson and Elliott.  The question is really who will emerge as the top backs for the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins?

The Bills have second year running back James Cook looking to make a leap in 2023 and the Dolphins have an interesting battle going down in South Beach.  Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. are the top two running backs, but Myles Gaskin, Salvon Ahmed and 2023 third-round pick De’Von Achane are competing for lead back reps for the Dolphins.

At this stage in the preseason, who are the Top 7 running backs in the division?  Here are the sure bets to start off the 2023 NFL season as factors on offense for their perspective teams.

No. 7: Damien Harris looking to be a factor with the Bills

The Buffalo Bills running back is looking to add more spice to the team’s rivalry with the New England Patriots.

As injuries limited his success during his days in Foxboro, Damien Harris has shown he can be a force on the ground when healthy.  The Alabama hammer is just a couple seasons removed from nearly gaining 1,000 yards with the Patriots.  During that season, Harris had a huge 64-yard touchdown run against the Bills.

In fact, Harris had some of his best games against Buffalo with two 100-yard rushing performances in the team’s two matchups during that 2021 NFL season.  Coming off sort of a down year in his fourth NFL season, Harris is looking for an emergence with the Bills.  That will of course depend on health as Harris is already nursing a knee injury that has limited his action in the preseason.

No. 6:  Raheem Mostert/Jeff Wilson Jr. will share the rock in South Beach

Raheem Mostert isn’t standing out as one of the top featured backs in the AFC East, but the potential to be effective in a high-powered Dolphins offense is there.

Coming off an inaugural season in Miami in which he rushed for 891 yards on 181 attempts with 3 rushing touchdowns, Mostert is functional in the lead back role or in tandem with Jeff Wilson Jr. who he shares the No. 6 ranking with.

Wilson, who rushed for 392 yards in 8 games with the Dolphins after coming over from the 49ers, will be a reliable backup for Mostert at the very least.  As he enters his prime, there is a good chance he can overtake Mostert as the season moves forward.  Both running backs should get competition from Achane.

The rookie running back is talented and will compete for reps at running back in the 2023 season as well.

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