Lynch is 'second-best back in the league' - Peterson

Adrian Peterson has good reason to believe he is the best running back in the NFL after he won the league's rushing title this season. But who is a close second?

Marshawn Lynch of the Seattle Seahawks, according to Peterson.

"I remember coming out [of college] with him," the 30-year-old. "We trained together in Arizona, and I knew he was going to be a force to be reckoned with.

"He's 'Beast Mode' for a reason: He's a physical runner. He plays fast. His lateral movement, cuts, his vision is top of the line. Even though he didn't play much this year, I would say he's probably the second-best back in the league. I'd give it to him, hands-down."

Lynch - a five-time Pro Bowl representative - missed a large chunk of the season with an abdomen injury and only amassed 417 yards in seven games. However, the past four campaigns saw the 29-year-old run for at least 1,200 yards each.

Peterson will put his statements to the test this Sunday when the Minnesota Vikings take on the Seahawks in the first round of the play-offs.

"I'm a guy with a little more speed. I don't think he's got the same jump-cut as me," Peterson said.

"But his lateral movement, his ability to get through guys is amazing."