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AFC West running back rankings: Are the Chiefs at the bottom?

By Grant Tuttle

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 13: Running back Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball as cornerback Kendall Fuller #23 of the Kansas City Chiefs defends during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 13, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 13: Running back Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball as cornerback Kendall Fuller #23 of the Kansas City Chiefs defends during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 13, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 25: Phillip Lindsay #30 of the Denver Broncos is tackled by Vince Williams #98 of the Pittsburgh Steelers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 25, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 25: Phillip Lindsay #30 of the Denver Broncos is tackled by Vince Williams #98 of the Pittsburgh Steelers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 25, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

2. The Denver Broncos

Projected running backs: Philip Lindsay, Royce Freeman, Theo Riddick

While the Chargers running back group tops the list, a case could definitely be made for the Denver crew. Lindsay and Freeman burst on to the scene last season and had an explosive year despite having a lackluster offense. While the offense is not expected to be much different than last year, the running backs are a bright spot for the transitioning Broncos.

The most surprising part of the season last year for the Broncos was, without a doubt, the emergence of Phillip Lindsay. He surprised everyone with his burst and ability to break tackles. In fact, Lindsay was so good last season that he finished with an average of 5.4 yards per carry. While it is not surprising how fast Lindsay is, given his build, it is surprising how shifty and quick he is. It is unlikely that the first tackler will tackle him in open space.

Along with Lindsay is Royce Freeman who is built like a truck. As the short-yardage guy on offense, he is an extremely effective runner. Freeman is among the best number two backs in the NFL.

The Broncos also added Theo Riddick who has struggled with injury throughout his career and waived by the Detroit Lions earlier this summer. Riddick will be competing with Devontae Booker for the final spot on the roster.

Projected stats:

Phillip Lindsay: 231 carries, 4.6 avg, 1062 rushing yards, 9 TDs. 30 receptions, 289 receiving yards, 3 TDs.

Royce Freeman: 89 carries, 4.3 avg, 383 rushing yards, 4 TDs. 15 receptions, 141 receiving yards, 1 TD.

Theo Riddick: 21 carries, 4.4 avg, 93 rushing yards, 0 TDs. 7 receptions, 89 receiving yards, 1 TD

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