NFL RB Index, Week 16: 3 fresh running backs who could impact playoff race; updated top-15 rankings

It's Week 16 in the NFL regular season, so you can bet that hardly any player taking the field feels 100 percent. The length of the campaign wears on these guys -- trust me.

That's why having depth is so important at this point in the season. Players get injured and others must step up. In other instances, teams are trying to lighten a starter's load to allow him to be at full strength in the playoffs.

Today, I'm looking at fresh-legged running backs who could greatly impact this year's postseason field, with divisional and wild-card races heating up as we head down the stretch. Here are three candidates, listed in alphabetical order.

Former NFL rushing leader and current NFL Network analyst Maurice Jones-Drew will survey all running backs and rank his top 15 each week of the 2023 season. His rankings are primarily based on this season's efforts. Here is MJD's list in Week 16.

NOTE: Arrows reflect changes from Week 15's rankings.

DROPPED OUT: Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders (previously No. 9); Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs (No. 13); De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins (No. 14).

The Ground Index presented by FedEx ranks NFL running back performances all season long. Check out the weekly FedEx Air NFL Players of the Week and cast your vote after Sunday Night Football.