If you’ve spent any time watching the Dirty Birds lately, you know that the Atlanta Falcons RB depth chart isn't just a list of names. It is a massive, high-speed collision of elite talent and a "thunder-and-lightning" philosophy that has kept defensive coordinators up at night.
Honestly, it's pretty rare to see a team commit this hard to the ground game in a league that has gone pass-happy.
Most people look at the roster and see Bijan Robinson as the clear-cut alpha. They aren't wrong. But labeling this backfield as a "one-man show" is a huge mistake. Between a record-shattering lead back and a bruising secondary option that could start for half the teams in the NFL, Atlanta has built something special.
The Top of the Atlanta Falcons RB Depth Chart: Bijan Robinson’s Record Year
Basically, Bijan Robinson is the sun that the entire Atlanta offense orbits.
In the 2025 season, he wasn't just good; he was historic. We're talking about 2,298 yards from scrimmage—a number that led the entire NFL and put him 12th on the all-time single-season list. He carried the ball 287 times for 1,478 yards, but it was his work in the passing game that really separated him. Robinson hauled in 79 catches for another 820 yards.
Those aren't "running back" numbers. Those are "offensive weapon" numbers.
Why He's Unstoppable
You've probably seen the highlights. The "dead leg" juke that leaves linebackers grasping at air is his signature, but his vision in Zac Robinson’s zone-blocking scheme is what truly pays the bills. He’s the first Falcon to hit back-to-back Pro Bowls at the position since the days of Warrick Dunn and Michael Turner.
He had a 93-yard touchdown run against the Rams late in 2025. That was the longest rushing play in the history of the franchise. It’s that kind of home-run threat that makes him the undisputed #1 on the Atlanta Falcons RB depth chart.
The Muscle: Tyler Allgeier is More Than a Backup
If Robinson is the lightning, Tyler Allgeier is the sledgehammer.
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It’s easy to forget that Allgeier actually holds the franchise record for rushing yards by a rookie (1,035 yards in 2022). Even with Robinson taking the lion's share of the touches, Allgeier remains a vital piece of the puzzle. In 2025, he actually led the team in rushing touchdowns with eight.
Think about that for a second. The "backup" scored more on the ground than the All-Pro starter.
Allgeier is a 225-pound bruiser who excels in short-yardage and "four-minute" situations where the Falcons are just trying to salt the game away. He’s the kind of guy who loves contact. He doesn't avoid it; he seeks it out.
"He’s a starting-caliber back playing a relief role," is a sentiment you'll hear often around Flowery Branch.
However, things are getting interesting. Allgeier is heading into the 2026 offseason as an unrestricted free agent. There is a lot of chatter that he might want to test the market to see if he can be "the guy" somewhere else. For now, he is the premier insurance policy in the league.
The Rest of the Room: Nathan Carter and the Depth Pieces
Behind the big two, the Atlanta Falcons RB depth chart gets a bit more experimental.
Nathan Carter has carved out a niche as the third option. While he only saw limited action in 2025—nine carries for 60 yards—the coaching staff likes his burst. He’s a change-of-pace guy who mostly contributes on special teams right now, but he’s the next man up if the injury bug bites.
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Then you have guys like Carlos Washington Jr. and Jase McClellan.
- McClellan was a late-round flyer with a physical style similar to Allgeier.
- Washington has bounced between the practice squad and the active roster, mostly providing depth during training camp and late-season stretches.
- Avery Williams is the wildcard. He’s technically a running back, but his real value is as one of the best return men in football.
The Zac Robinson Scheme Factor
You can't talk about the depth chart without talking about the system. Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson (no relation to Bijan) brought a heavy dose of the Sean McVay "Rams-style" offense to Atlanta.
They run a ton of outside zone.
This requires backs who can "one-cut and go." While the offense struggled at times in 2025—ranking 28th in points per game at one point—the run game remained a top-10 unit. They averaged over 123 rushing yards per game. The Falcons' offensive line, led by Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary, is arguably the best run-blocking unit in the NFC.
When you have that kind of push up front, even the RB3 looks like a star.
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Looking Ahead: The 2026 Outlook
The big question for the 2026 season is whether the Falcons can keep this duo together. If Allgeier walks in free agency, Atlanta will have a massive hole to fill. You can't just replace a guy who gives you 500+ yards and 8 touchdowns on limited touches.
If they lose him, expect the Falcons to look at the draft for a mid-round "bruiser" to pair with Bijan. They need someone who can take the pounding of 10-12 carries a game so Robinson doesn't burn out by December.
What to Watch For:
- Bijan’s Load Management: Can he repeat a 350-touch season without breaking down?
- The Allgeier Sweepstakes: Will a team like the Giants or Raiders overpay for a proven "power" back?
- The Penix Transition: As Michael Penix Jr. takes more snaps under center, does the run game face more stacked boxes without Kirk Cousins' veteran presence?
The Atlanta Falcons RB depth chart is currently the envy of the league, but it’s in a state of flux. Enjoy the Robinson-Allgeier pairing while it lasts, because a backfield this talented rarely stays together for long in the salary cap era.
If you're looking to track the roster moves as we head into the draft, keep a close eye on the "reserve/future" signings. That’s usually where the next Nathan Carter is hiding. Watching how they value the backup role will tell you everything you need to know about the 2026 offensive identity.