Ashton Jeanty was the rare running back to get drafted as high as sixth overall, and he proved exactly why against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
After a slow start to his rookie season, Jeanty exploded for his best performance in the NFL to date for the Las Vegas Raiders. Even though the Raiders ultimately lost 25-24, Jeanty was responsible for all three of his team’s touchdowns. He also put together 155 yards from scrimmage, including 138 on the ground with 21 carries.
The hype surrounding Jeanty has returned with full force, but rookie running backs across the league put together impressive days to help break a NFL record.
Jeanty’s monster showing highlighted a great day for the rookies.
According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, Jeanty and the other rookie running backs combined for 737 rushing yards in Week Four, the most in the month of September in NFL history.
Rookie running backs ran for 737 yards this week. Most by any rookie class in any week of September football in NFL history.
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) September 30, 2025
Jeanty was not the only running back to help break this record. Looking at an AFC West rival, Omarion Hampton put together a dazzling day of his own in the Los Angeles Chargers’ shocking upset loss to the New York Giants. In the game, Hampton put together 128 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Jeanty and Hampton both have some injuries along the offensive line to worry about, but both now have serious momentum to build off of.
Both running backs were seen as favorites for Offensive Rookie of the Year, but slow starts dampened the prospects of both players. This includes the Week Two matchup between the Raiders and the Chargers, where the two combined for only 67 rushing yards in the game. However, both are now coming off their best games of the season, and the fact that no rookie player has truly impressed on offense yet means the race is wide open.
If Jeanty and Hampton keep the momentum going, the divisional rivalry could end up with the prestigious award hanging in the balance.
