Fantasy Rushing Leaders: Running Back Age Trends Predict Peak Performers

The running back position is physically demanding and punishing, and it can (and will) take its toll on a player’s body. That’s evident in the list of players who have won the NFL’s rushing title over the last 32 years. If you’re into fantasy football, enjoy player props or both, you might want to sit back and continue to read.

Since 1990, 20 running backs have combined for the last 32 rushing titles. What do the majority of them have in common? Youth. No, not the two yutes. I said youth!

The NFL’s rushing leader has been 21-23 years old 11 times in the last 32 years. That’s 34%. The top rusher has been 24-26 years old 12 times, or 38% of the time. That total shrinks to 22% among rushing…