Story byChris Roling, Bengals WireSun, January 18, 2026 at 8:35 PM UTC·1 min readCincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown had a solid year in 2025, continuing to lock down the lead-back role in Joe Burrow’s offense. Brown went up over the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career in the process, averaging 4.4 yards per carry with six rushing scores and 69 catches with another five scores as a receiver. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThere are plenty of rankings out there analyzing the running back position, but one is more notable than others. Former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew ranked the league’s top players at the position and put Brown 16th:“Brown registered career highs in carries, rush yards, targets, receptions and TD receptions in 2025. He's a dynamic player but deserves more touches in Cincinnati's pass-heavy offense. The Bengals ranked in the bottom four of the league in carries and rushing.