NFL Stats Leader 2021: Who has the most rushing yards heading into Week 18?

The rushing yards leaders continue to take shape entering Week 18 of the 2021 NFL season. With just one game remaining, five running backs have already eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards, while ten others have more than 800 rushing yards. Here's how the top five stack up entering the final week of the 2021 NFL regular season.

NFL rushing yards leaders ahead of Week 18

#5 - Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings - 1,080 rushing yards

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook

Dalvin Cook has officially surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the third consecutive season. He is averaging 4.6 yards per carry this season. If he holds that average through the conclusion of Week 18, it would mean that, in all five of his NFL seasons, he has recorded 4.5 yards per carry or more. He has been one of the most consistent running backs in the NFL.

#4 - Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers - 1,172 rushing yards

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris

Najee Harris leads all rookies with 1,172 rushing yards this season. Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams is really the only other rookie that comes close, but he still trails Harris by more than 300 rushing yards. Harris is one of only three running backs in the entire NFL who is on pace to eclipse 300 carries this season.

NFL rushing yards leaders

Here are the players with the most rushing yards entering Week 18 of the 2021 NFL season.

#3 - Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns - 1,201 rushing yards

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb

In addition to being ranked third with 1,201 rushing yards, Nick Chubb also ranks third with 5.5 yards per carry among all running backs with, at least, ten carries this season. Chubb also ranks second in the NFL with 11 carries, resulting in 20 yards or more. His powerful running style has provided big plays and consistent production for the Cleveland Browns.

#2 - Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals - 1,205 rushing yards

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon

Joe Mixon ranks second in the NFL this season with 1,205 rushing yards and his 13 rushing touchdowns rank fourth. He is enjoying the best season of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals. He has already set new personal bests in carries, rushing yards, receiving yards and total touchdowns. He still has one more game remaining to increase his totals even higher.

#1 - Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts - 1,734 rushing yards

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor

It appears safe to say that nobody is going to catch Jonathan Taylor for the 2021 rushing yards title. He is more than 500 rushing yards clear of the competition with just one game remaining. In addition to leading the NFL in rushing yards, Taylor also leads the way in carries, rushing touchdowns, first downs gained and rushes for 20 or more yards.

Taylor is clearly the top running back of the 2021 NFL season. He has been so dominant that he is one of the top favorites to win the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year award and still has an outside chance of winning the 2021 NFL MVP award.