Bijan Robinson is statistically tracking alongside Hall of Fame caliber running backs during his first 55 games. His rare combination of vision and versatility confirms he is an elite offensive weapon whose long-term market value is trending toward historic highs.
PERFORMANCENFL
Is Bijan Robinson the best running back since Barry Sanders? Here's what the numbers say
The Falcons star's first 55 games compare favorably with Barry Sanders and several modern legends, putting him on a potential path to Canton Every once in a while, an athlete comes along whose abilities literally jump off a TV. An athlete who makes everything seem almost effortless. Robinson, 24, has quickly become one of the NFL's best offensive players. And if he isn't a household name yet, he will be by season's end. After flying under the radar during the season's first two weeks, Robinson ran like a man possessed during Atlanta's wins over the Packers and Saints. Robinson torched Green Bay's defense for 194 yards and two touchdowns. Against New Orleans, Robinson rumbled for 145 yards and two more scores. His 59-yard touchdown set the tone for Atlanta's 45-24 win. Robinson's recent success mirrors what he did over the past two seasons, when he emerged as one of the league's top running backs. Robinson was already considered an elite running back entering the 2026 season, but now, it's fair to ask if he is the best running back to come along since Barry Sanders, the Lions' legendary runner who abruptly retired after the 1999 season. Video 12Audio 3Audio 41/1 Skip Ad Continue watching after the adVisit Advertiser websiteGO TO PAGE In an effort to see just how good Robinson's NFL career has been so far, CBS Sports Research put Robinson's numbers through 55 games alongside some of the century's other great backs over their first 55 games. Sanders was also included.
By Bryan DeArdoOctober 10, 2026CBS Sports
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