5 NFL Running Backs Who Will Improve In 2017 (And 5 Who Won't)

10. Down - Adrian Peterson

Adrian Peterson is low on this list, despite his age and significant injury history. Peterson is the greatest running back of an entire generation of NFL players. He's a 7 time Pro-Bowl-er, a 3 time rushing champion, and a former MVP. His past accolades have earned him the benefit of the doubt, no matter how bad things may look. That being said, things are looking bad for AP.

In 2015, he ran for a league high 1,485 yards and 11 touchdowns on an average of 4.5 yards per carry. In 2016, however, he played in just 3 games before being sidelined with a meniscus tear, carrying the ball 37 times for a grand total of 72 yards.

While it's a small sample size, those 3 games were the worst he's ever looked in his 10 year NFL career. 2017 could be a revival for AP, as he's left the Minnesota Vikings and their stagnant offense for the much more dynamic New Orleans Saints, it's hard to see a full return to form for the future Hall of Famer.