Commanders to face 4 of the top 5 NFL running backs in 2026

[ASFN Admin]

Washington Commanders fans, who are the best running backs in the NFL right now?

On Thursday, it was announced that the Commanders will retire John Riggins' No. 44. The former great Washington Redskins running back, who has the most significant play in franchise history, will be honored this season when the Commanders host the Los Angeles Rams on November 8.

They had 35 year old Bobby Wagner on Bijan Robinsonpic.twitter.com/PjBLKQmTgQ

— Underdog (@Underdog) September 28, 2025

So, it's altogether fitting that tonight we look at the ESPN survey results from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts to help them rank the top 10 current running backs in the NFL. Keep in mind this is not a ranking based upon their career accomplishments. This is a direct survey of the league to identify the top 10 running backs right now, entering 2026.

• 1- Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons: Robinson embarrassed the Commanders in their 2025 game, gaining 181 total yards from scrimmage (75 rush, 101 receiving). Washington will face Robinson again in 2026.
• 2- Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions: Gibbs embarrassed the Commanders defense even more, gaining 142 rushing yards on only 15 carries, averaging a ridiculous 9.5 yards per carry.
• 3- Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles: The Commanders defense has to face Barkley and the Eagles twice each season.
• 4- Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers: The Commanders travel to San Francisco for a Monday Night contest against McCaffrey and the 49ers on October 19.
• 5- Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts: The Commanders have to stop Taylor in a London game on October 4.
• 6- Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens: Henry gained 132 yards rushing, averaging 5.5 a carry, running for two touchdowns the last time he faced the Commanders.
• 7- James Cook III, Buffalo Bills: Commanders are glad not to face Cook in 2026. Last time, he averaged 6.5 yards per carry in a 2023 Bills rout of Washington.
• 8- De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins: Last season, Achane averaged 5.7 yards per carry on his way to a 120-yard rushing total in the Dolphins' win over the Commanders.
• 9- Kenneth Walker, Kansas City Chiefs: When the Seahawks routed Washington in 2025, the Commanders defense actually limited Walker to 42 yards and 3.8 yards per carry.
• 10- Breece Hall, New York Jets: Hall dominated the Washington defense in their last meeting, rushing for 95 yards and receiving 96 yards (191 yards from scrimmage).

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders to face 4 of the top 5 NFL running backs in 2026

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