The NFC South Suddenly Has a Running Back Renaissance—But Will It Matter? originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
For what was widely considered the NFL’s weakest division last season, the NFC South is making a surprising case for backfield dominance in 2025. According to Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report, three of the league’s top five running back duos reside in the South. That’s right—the same division that sent a sub-.500 team to the playoffs might suddenly have the strongest ground game in the league.
Of course, there’s a caveat. A strong rushing attack only takes you so far without competent quarterback play—especially when you’re trailing. Still, let’s set aside the aerial concerns and take a closer look at the South’s loaded RB depth charts.
New Orleans Saints (Unranked)
Technically outside the Bleacher Report Top 10, the Saints round out this list. Alvin Kamara remains the Swiss Army knife of the offense, but age, injuries, and a changing offensive identity raise questions. With a youthful QB room, Kamara may be leaned on more than ever—though it remains to be seen if his production can still carry the load in 2025.
Atlanta Falcons (No. 5 overall)
Call them “Thunder and Lightning.” Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier emerged as one of the league’s most exciting young tandems last season. Robinson was electric, tallying over 1,400 rushing yards and approaching 1,000 receiving. Meanwhile, Allgeier handled the dirty work—dominating red-zone touches and short-yardage situations. With just five combined seasons between them, this duo gives Atlanta a young, versatile, and increasingly dangerous ground game.
Carolina Panthers (No. 3 overall)
If you’re looking for the most underrated backfield in football, look no further than Carolina. Chuba Hubbard just turned in a career year (1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns), cashing in with a new deal. And the addition of Rico Dowdle—fresh off his own 1,000-yard campaign—adds real juice to the mix. The big question: Can they maintain that production while splitting carries in an offense still searching for an identity?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No, 2 overall)
The only backfield in the division with real postseason credentials. Bucky Irving and Rachaad White combined for 2,520 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns in 2024, offering interchangeable value across all three downs. Irving led all rookies in rushing, while White quietly logged over 1,000 scrimmage yards and nine TDs. Despite losing OC Liam Coen, Tampa promoted Josh Grizzard from within—preserving continuity and setting up more success for this ascending duo.
Related: Chuba Hubbard tells reporter stop using ‘fake narratives’ about me
Outside the division, the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles round out the top five duos at No. 1 and No. 4, respectively—but down South, the ground game is officially back.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.