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Ranking starting running backs on the Steelers' 2024 schedule

OWINGS MILLS, MD - AUGUST 12: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens participates in a drill during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center Baltimore Ravens on August 12, 2024 in Owings Mills, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
OWINGS MILLS, MD - AUGUST 12: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens participates in a drill during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center Baltimore Ravens on August 12, 2024 in Owings Mills, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

On paper, the Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 schedule is daunting, presenting the third-toughest based on opponents' 2023 win percentage. The run defense isn't what it used to be (19th, yards per game; 21st, yards per carry), and the unit will face some of the best rock-toters in the NFL, starting with Bijan Robinson in Week 1.

Here is our ranking of all the starting running backs on the Steelers 2024 schedule.

1. Derrick Henry - Baltimore Ravens

2. Bijan Robinson - Atlanta Falcons

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 17: Bijan Robinson #7 of the Atlanta Falcons carries the ball during the second half of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 17: Bijan Robinson #7 of the Atlanta Falcons carries the ball during the second half of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

3. Nick Chubb - Cleveland Browns

Jan 3, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) runs with the ball en route to scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) runs with the ball en route to scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

4. Saquon Barkley - Philadelphia Eagles

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 09: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 09, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 09: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 09, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

5. Jonathan Taylor - Indianapolis Colts

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 28: Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after a first down against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter in the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 28: Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after a first down against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter in the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

6. Breece Hall - New York Jets

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 02: Breece Hall #20 of the New York Jets runs with the ball while being tackled by Alex Highsmith #56 and DeMarvin Leal #98 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium on October 02, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 02: Breece Hall #20 of the New York Jets runs with the ball while being tackled by Alex Highsmith #56 and DeMarvin Leal #98 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium on October 02, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

7. Isiah Pacheco - Kansas City Chiefs

Oct 29, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) runs the ball as Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke (6) defends in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) runs the ball as Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke (6) defends in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

8. Brian Robinson Jr. - Washington Commanders

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 10: Brian Robinson Jr. #8 of the Washington Commanders reacts prior to the preseason game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on August 10, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 10: Brian Robinson Jr. #8 of the Washington Commanders reacts prior to the preseason game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on August 10, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

9. J.K. Dobbins/Gus Edwards - Los Angeles Chargers

Jun 13, 2024; Costa Mesa, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (27) during minicamp at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2024; Costa Mesa, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (27) during minicamp at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

10. Javonte Williams - Denver Broncos

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 10: Javonte Williams #33 of the Denver Broncos stiff arms Arthur Maulet #35 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field on October 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 10: Javonte Williams #33 of the Denver Broncos stiff arms Arthur Maulet #35 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field on October 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

11. Zack Moss - Cincinnati Bengals

CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 10: Zack Moss #21 of the Indianapolis Colts carries the ball during the first half of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 10: Zack Moss #21 of the Indianapolis Colts carries the ball during the first half of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

12. Ezekiel Elliott - Dallas Cowboys

Nov 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) is hit by Pittsburgh Steelers defenders during the first half of their game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) is hit by Pittsburgh Steelers defenders during the first half of their game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

13. Zamir White - Las Vegas Raiders

Jan 7, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) gains yardage against the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) gains yardage against the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Ranking starting running backs on the Steelers' 2024 schedule