NFL Player Rating Systems: An Investigation of the Passer Rating and Proposal for a Rusher Rating

The passer rating system (PRS) in the National Football League is designed to quantify a quarterback’s efficiency across seasons and careers. While many fans are aware of the measure, few truly know how the formula was designed or is calculated. This paper will analyze the already in place PRS, and propose a similar efficiency rating system for the position of running back. The PRS and rusher rating system (RRS) are then analyzed with player data by both season and career. A final addition is a look at adjusted ratings for seasons and careers based upon differences in yearly averages for both rating systems.