Ranking the AFC West by running backs

After ranking the AFC West by the quarterback position yesterday, we now move to the running backs and see how each team stacks up.

1. Chiefs - Jamaal Charles, Knile Davis, Cyrus Gray

This four-time Pro Bowler and 2-time All Pro has never once averaged less than 5 yards per carry. And outside of his rookie year and an injury shorted 2011 season, he hasn't ran for less than 1000 yards in a season either. Heading into his 8th season, he is still just 28 years of age. Davis and Gray offer very little behind Charles, but as long as Charles is healthy, the team will ride him as well they should.

2. Broncos - C.J. Anderson, Montee Ball, Ronnie Hillman

This former undrafted Cal Bear blew up in his second season in the NFL. He ran for 849 yards and 8 touchdowns with just 7 starts. That included two big games over the Raiders - a 90-yard game and an 87-yard, 3 touchdown performance in the season finale. Ball and Hillman have both played well at times and offer some great depth at the position.

3. Chargers - Melvin Gordon, Danny Woodhead, Branden Oliver

This Heisman finalist ran for an incredible 2587 yards and 29 touchdowns at Wisnconsin last season. The Chargers just seriously upgraded from Ryan Mathews. Danny Woodhead is a scrapper with fantastic instincts who always seems to get it done. Oliver put up very respectable number last season in 7 starts, giving the Chargers three decent options.

4. Raiders - Latavius Murray, Roy Helu jr, Trent Richardson

There are a lot of hopes Murray can be the guy in Oakland. But at this point we just don't know. He had a couple of great games last season, but the sample size is too small to conclude that he can do it consistently. Helu is a good change of pace back and receiver out of the backfield. Richardson has a lot to do to prove he is not an outright bust at the NFL level. He could either compete for the starting job or not make the team. Hard to say at this point.

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