Week 1 of the NFL season is in the books, and the ground game did not disappoint. From veteran powerhouses to surprise standouts, plenty of players made a statement with their rushing performances. Here’s a look at the top 10 rushing leaders after Week 1 — starting from #10 and working our way to the top, according to CBS Sports.
10. Jayden Daniels (QB, WAS)
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs the ball against New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (0) during the second quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Attempts: 11
Yards: 68
Team: Washington Commanders
9. Christian McCaffrey (RB, SF)
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) runs the ball during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Attempts: 22
Yards: 69
Team: San Francisco 49ers
8. Trey Benson (RB, ARI)
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) at Caesars Superdome. Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Attempts: 8
Yards: 69
Team: Arizona Cardinals
7. Lamar Jackson (QB, BAL)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson gets ready to take the field during the second half of their game against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Sept. 7, 2025. Credit: Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Attempts: 6
Yards: 70
Team: Baltimore Ravens
6. RJ Harvey (RB, DEN)
Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey (12) rushes the ball against the Tennessee Titans in the second half at Empower Field at Mile High. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Attempts: 6
Yards: 70
Team: Denver Broncos
5. Jonathan Taylor (RB, IND)
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) rushes up the field Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Attempts: 18
Yards: 71
Team: Indianapolis Colts
4. Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB, WAS)
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (22) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the New York Giants at Northwest Stadium. Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Attempts: 10
Yards: 82
Team: Washington Commanders
3. Breece Hall (RB, NYJ)
New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) runs with the ball, Sunday, September 7, 2025, in East Rutherford. Credit: Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Attempts: 19
Yards: 107
Team: New York Jets
2. Travis Etienne (RB, JAC)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) takes the field prior to a game against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at EverBank Stadium. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Attempts: 16
Yards: 143
Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
1. Derrick Henry (RB, BAL)
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) runs with the ball for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Attempts: 18
Yards: 169
Team: Baltimore Ravens
Final Thoughts
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs the ball against New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (0) during the second quarter at Northwest Stadium. Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
And that’s a wrap on Week 1’s top rushers! Whether it was a breakout performance or just business as usual, these players set the tone early. With the season just getting started, expect this list to shake up fast — but for now, these are the names leading the charge.
By Rory Vitale 
Angel Atienza-Romero