In the NFL’s pass-first era, the running backs are making noise at an old-school position. You could see his sarcasm begging for permission to bite. As Justice Hill listened to a question about the NFL’s running back revival, he pursed his lips and figured out how to respond the nicest way he could.

Compare Derrick Henry vs. Saquon Barkley in wins, trophies, rushing yards, touchdowns, and other key NFL stats.

The NFL's two best running backs meet Sunday in a potential Super Bowl preview. Seattle, Arizona and San Francisco also have key games.

Chief among them are the two best running backs in the game today, Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens and Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles. Both in their first season with their new teams,

Receiver Johnny Wilson (hamstring) and safety Sydney Brown (knee) are also questionable. Cornerback Darius Slay (concussion) has been ruled out, as expected. It would be unusual for a player to clear concussion protocol in less than a week.

Geno Smith faces the team that drafted him after turning his career around on his fourth stop and going to the Pro Bowl the past two seasons. The Seahawks are fighting for the playoffs while the Jets have fallen apart. Their coach and GM already have been fired. Aaron Rodgers’ future is uncertain. Yet, the team still has plenty of talent.

We’re just going to have a tough time stopping this running back that we’re playing,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said of Saquon Barkley as Baltimore prepares for its matchup with the Eagles.

Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley are spearheading a running back renaissance. Ravens legend Jamal Lewis calls them the ‘last of a dying breed.’

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 24: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)