The Buffalo Bills have an uphill climb in 2026 as they prepare to face one of the toughest schedules in football. That said, they have one of the best offenses in football and one of its best running games. As it turns out, their division – the AFC East – is loaded with talent at running back.
The AFC is absolutely stacked when it comes to starting running backs, but how do they compare to one another? We took the time to rank the four teams in the AFC East based on their starting running back heading into the 2026 season.
The best starting RBs in the AFC East heading into 2026
4.) TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots
Henderson came on down the stretch, big play after big play while playing in tandem with Rhamondre Stevenson. Henderson had an impressive 911 yards on the ground and nine touchdowns, giving the Patriots a legitimate running game to help quarterback Drake Maye.
Henderson has tremendous big-play potential as evidenced by big run after big run he had against the Bills. With A.J. Brown added to the mix, the Patriots offense is going to be more formidable. That should open up even more opportunities for Henderson.
3.) Breece Hall, New York Jets
One could argue for Henderson above Hall, especially given how different their situations are. Hall has flashed elite potential, and had a solid 2025 season on one of the worst teams in football. His 1,065 yards (and 350 receiving yards) were impressive despite the offense being one of the least talented in the league.
The offense made some additions and will get receiver Garrett Wilson back, which could give Hall the space needed to thrive in 2026. He has the talent and moves to be a big-play threat and lend another dimension to the Jets offense.
2.) De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins
Achane has quickly become one of the elite talents in the league after tantalizing during his first two seasons. Achane broke out in 2025, rushing for 1,350 yards (and a league-best 5.7 yards per attempt) and eight touchdowns while adding 488 yards through the air and another four touchdowns.
The Dolphins are ushering in an almost completely new offense in 2026, so they will lean heavily on Achane. He has elite burst and wiggle, making him incredibly difficult to tackle. His versatility in the passing game only serves to make him more dangerous and new quarterback Malik Willis will no doubt turn to him often.
1.) James Cook, Buffalo Bills
How else could it be anyone other than then 2025 NFL rushing champion? Coupled with Josh Allen, the Bills have the potential to bring home some individual hardware in addition to pursuing the first Super Bowl championship in franchise history.
Cook led the league with 1,621 yards on the ground and 12 touchdowns. He led the NFL in rushing yards per game, and it feels like he can build on the 291 yards and two touchdowns he had through the air. Cook is hitting his prime and is the guy to take pressure off Allen on offense.
The AFC East is loaded at RB
The Jets and Dolphins should be abysmal teams once again, but the division is stacked when it comes to the running back position. Cook won the rushing title but it feels like Achane, Hall, and Henderson could make a run in the right season.
Hall and Achane are limited by bad offenses, but Henderson feels like he could become a threat to Cook this season. It will take a big effort, though, because Cook is in one of the best offenses in the league and has 28 rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons.
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