The Philadelphia Eagles' recent success highlights the importance of players in situational roles, who have often been pivotal in critical moments. Notably, during their Super Bowl appearances, third defensive tackle Milton Williams and slot corner Cooper DeJean stood out with impactful plays against the Kansas City Chiefs. Similarly, the 2018 roster featured key contributions from backup quarterback Nick Foles, who delivered a stellar performance, showcasing the effectiveness of role players.

These luxury players, such as Ameer Abdullah, excel in specialized assignments, demonstrating value beyond their limited snaps. The Bills' innovative use of a sixth offensive lineman, exemplified by Alec Anderson's performance, has reshaped their offensive strategy, allowing quarterback Josh Allen to thrive. Meanwhile, Atlanta's Kaden Elliss has emerged as a formidable pass rusher, ranking high in pass rush win rate, showcasing the importance of versatile defenders. In the Eagles' secondary, Cooper DeJean's emergence has solidified their defense further, making him a player to watch in 2025.

The Las Vegas Raiders are determined to bolster their struggling running game, having ranked last in the NFL for rushing yards last season. Key changes are on the horizon as the team seeks veteran leadership, with Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah not meeting expectations. The Raiders are eyeing Najee Harris from the Pittsburgh Steelers, who has consistently rushed for over 1,000 yards in his first four seasons. While concerns about Harris's durability exist, his ability to fit into a run-centric offense under new head coach Pete Carroll makes him a strong candidate. The challenge remains whether the Steelers would part ways with such a valuable asset.

The Las Vegas Raiders, once led by Josh Jacobs, are now facing a dire rushing crisis. After finishing the previous season with a disappointing rushing record, they have sunk to the bottom of the league this year. Blame has been placed on their current running backs like Zamir White, Alexander Mattison, and Ameer Abdullah, yet the root of the problem precedes their arrival. The Raiders' failure to establish a formidable ground game has hindered their quarterbacks' effectiveness, echoing issues seen in their quarterback carousel over the past seasons.

Looking ahead, the Raiders must take a hard look at their draft strategy. Holding the sixth overall pick, they face a critical decision between selecting a quarterback from a weak class or a potential game-changing running back. Given their history and current standing, the latter may be the wiser choice. Strengthening their rushing attack could alleviate pressure from their quarterbacks and improve overall offensive productivity.

After the departure of Josh Jacobs, the Las Vegas Raiders entered the 2024 season in search of a new running back. Their initial hope for Zamir White didn't pan out, as he fell short of expectations, while Ameer Abdullah and Alexander Mattison provided only moderate support. Despite some promising moments from Sincere McCormick, the team recognizes the need for a more reliable option. One potential candidate is Najee Harris, whose contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers is set to expire soon. Harris has been linked to the Raiders multiple times due to his impressive performance in previous seasons, but his relatively low average yards per carry raises questions about his fit. With ample cap space, the Raiders may weigh their options and consider addressing their running back needs through free agency or the draft.

The Las Vegas Raiders struggled significantly in their rushing attack during the 2024 season, ranking last in the NFL with an average of just 79.8 yards per game. Following the season, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy was dismissed due to his inability to develop an effective ground game, a stark contrast to his successful stint with the Chicago Bears. Analyst and former Raiders running back Maurice Jones-Drew criticized the team's leading rusher, Alexander Mattison, placing him last in the league. Mattison, who took over after Josh Jacobs' departure, only managed to rush for 420 yards, leaving him 53rd among all running backs. Meanwhile, Ameer Abdullah and Sincere McCormick outperformed him, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.

The Raiders aimed to revamp their running back lineup as both Mattison and Abdullah are set to hit free agency, creating uncertainty about their returns. This overhaul is crucial for the team’s competitiveness in the upcoming season, especially after a disappointing 2024 campaign.