Top 5 RBs with the highest YPC in 2024 NFL season feat. Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley and more

In the NFL, which is now more focused on the passing game, the running back position might never be as important as it once was. However, the 2024 season confirmed that an effective running back can still lead his team to success if he is used properly and has the right support.

Below, we have ranked the top five running backs from the 2024 regular season based on their yards per carry (YPC).

YPC leaders among RBs in 2024

#1 - Derrick Henry (Baltimore Ravens) - 5.9 YPC

Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens - Source: Getty

It's remarkable that Derrick Henry didn't finish as the league's rushing leader despite recording nearly 2,000 yards in 2024.

The 30-year-old running back recorded his fourth 1,500+ rushing yard season and his second 1,900+ rushing yard season in 2024. King Henry produced a stellar 5.9 YPC in 2024 with 325 rushing attempts and 1921 rushing yards.

#2 - Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles) - 5.8 YPC

Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles - Source: Getty

Saquon Barkley produced one of the most outstanding running back campaigns in NFL history in 2024 after rushing for an incredible 2,005 yards in his first season with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Barkley led the NFL in each of these three categories at the end of the regular season: rushes (345), rushing yards (2,005) and scrimmage yards (2,283). Additionally, he produced a remarkable 5.8 yards per carry.

#3 - Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions) - 5.6 YPC

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs walks off the field - Source: Imagn

Jahmyr Gibbs, who set a team record of 20 scrimmage touchdowns in 2024, is perhaps the most dangerous offensive asset in the Detroit Lions' stacked attack.

Considering that the second-year running back still managed to record nearly 2,000 total offensive yards while sharing the backfield with David Montgomery, it's quite incredible.

Gibbs gained 1,412 yards on 250 rushing attempts, averaging 5.6 yards per carry.

#4 - Bucky Irving (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) - 5.4 YPC

Bucky Irving of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Source: Getty

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense improved steadily during the season, and Bucky Irving stood out as a superb playmaker.

The rookie running back greatly aided the Bucs' late-season pursuit to secure their fifth consecutive postseason berth. He averaged an amazing 5.4 yards per carry on 207 rushing attempts for 1,122 rushing yards. Irving appears to have a bright future.

#5 - Jordan Mason (San Francisco 49ers) - 5.2 YPC

Jordan Mason of the San Francisco 49ers - Source: Getty

Fans of the San Francisco 49ers had a difficult 2024 season as the team had to deal with several injuries to important players, such as running back Christian McCaffrey, who was named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year in 2023.

In McCaffrey’s absence, Jordan Mason appeared to be in total control of the Niners’ backfield during the first month of the season, recording three 100-yard running performances. He eventually sustained injuries, though, which ultimately restricted his ability to play in the second half of the season.

Mason had 153 carries for 789 rushing yards in 12 games in 2024, averaging 5.2 yards per carry.