Madden 24 ratings: Best running backs (RBs) at launch

Madden Ratings Week has finally reached the running back position. Now that we know the ratings for wide receivers and offensive linemen, we turn our attention to the most under-appreciated position in the sport.

It’s been a tumultuous offseason for running backs as some high-profile names continue to go unsigned due to the stigma that “older” running backs lose their edge. For whatever reason, NFL teams don’t want to commit long-term money to the position and as a result, even the youngest stars at the position are having difficulty locking up long-term guaranteed contracts. Teams would rather roll with unproven names than signature stars who already have some miles under their legs.

Contract disputes don’t impact player ratings in Madden, but it’s interesting that some of the best running backs in Madden 24 are still unsigned. So let’s get into it. Below are the five best-rated running backs in Madden 24 at launch.

5. Saquon Barkley (New York Giants) – 93 Overall

Saquon Barkley is one of the running backs that I mentioned who is finding it difficult to sign a long-term contract. After failing to reach a deal with the New York Giants, the team placed the franchise tag on him, much to his disappointment. There’s a possibility that Barkley sits out the entirety of the season, but you’ll still be able to play as him in Madden 24, where he enters the game with a 93 overall rating.

Barkley is coming off career-highs in carries (295), yards (1,312). He also scored 10 touchdowns, the most since his rookie season. A dual-threat out of the backfield, Barkley added 57 receptions for 338 yards.

In Madden 24, Saquon Barkley boasts 93 Speed, 93 Acceleration, 95 Agility, 92 Awareness, 96 Carrying, 84 Trucking, 91 Change of Direction, 89 Spin Move, and 92 Juke Rating.

4. Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans) – 94 Overall

For years, Derrick Henry has been the best-rated running back in Madden video games. And even though he was second in total rushing yards and touchdowns, EA has dropped him three overall points to a 94 overall in Madden 24. That makes him the fourth best-rated back in the game. Normally, that’d be a bit surprising, but the guys EA has higher than him are either a bit more efficient, more versatile, and younger.

Derrick Henry checks into Madden 24 with 91 Speed, 86 Acceleration, 87 Strength, 84 Agility, 99 Awareness (the highest in the game), 92 Carrying, 94 Break Tackle, 90 Trucking, 92 Ball Carrier Vision, and a massive 99 Stiff Arm. Despite the drop in overall rating, Henry remains one of the toughest runners in Madden 24.

3. Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas Raiders) – 95 Overall

Last year’s leading rusher with 1,653 yards, Josh Jacobs is the third-best-rated running back in Madden 24 at launch. Like Barkley, Jacobs has also had a difficult time reaching a contract extension and will also likely play the season on the franchise tag. He’s only 25-years-old, which says a lot about the current status of the position in the NFL.

In his fourth season in the NFL, Jacobs set career-highs in carries (340), yards (1,653), and touchdowns (12). He also added 53 receptions for 400 yards. Jacobs is one of the most consistent players on the Raiders’ offense and is being rewarded as such in Madden 24.

In addition to his 95 rating, he has 90 Speed, 92 Acceleration, 87 Agility, 95 Awareness, 93 Carrying, 97 Break Tackle, 95 Toughness, 90 Trucking, 85 Change of Direction, 94 Ball Carrier Vision, 95 Stiff Arm, 81 Spin Move and 90 Juke Move.

2. Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers) – 96 Overall

Christian McCaffrey finally silenced his detractors who had him labeled as injury-prone. The 27-year-old played in all 17 games last season, his first fully healthy season since 2019. EA never penalized McCaffrey for his tendency to get injured as he also had a 96 overall in Madden 23 and a 97 in Madden 22. This year, he is the second-best-rated running back in Madden 24 with a 96 overall.

McCaffrey is one of the most dynamic and versatile running backs in the NFL. Not only does he have amazing vision when running the ball, but he’s also a threat in the passing game as well. Because of his playstyle and usage, he probably won’t lead the league in rushing yards, but he’s incredibly effective when he does get called on.

In 2022, McCaffrey rushed for 1,139 yards (4.7 yards/attempt) while also catching 85 passes for 741 yards. He had 8 rushing touchdowns and 5 receiving touchdowns.

What’s more impressive is that he put these numbers up while playing for two different teams. McCaffrey was traded from the Carolina Panthers to the San Francisco 49ers after Week 6 and he didn’t miss a beat, playing that very same week without even knowing the full playbook. While his usage might go down in San Francisco, as a result of all the weapons they have on offense, it should allow him to remain healthy and effective.

In Madden 24, McCaffrey 91 Speed, 93 Acceleration, 96 Agility, 91 Awareness, 98 Carrying (highest in the game), 85 Break Tackle, 93 Change of Direction, 93 Ball Carrier Vision, 80 Stiff Arm, 85 Spin Move, 93 Juke Move. His 83 Catching is the highest among running backs, while his 72 Catch in Traffic is third-highest.

1. Nick Chubb (Cleveland Browns) – 97 Overall

Nick Chubb is considered the best pure running back in Madden 24. Although he was third in total rushing yards last season, he was the most efficient back with 5 yards per attempt. In fact, for his career, he boasts a 5.2 yards per attempt average. In his fifth season in the NFL, Chub posted a career best 1,525 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’s not a major threat in the passing game, but he’s certainly capable.

In Madden 24, Chubb has a 97 Overall with 91 Speed, 90 Acceleration, 85 Agility, 94 Awareness, 94 Carrying, 99 Break Tackle (highest in the game), 92 Toughness, 93 Trucking, 82 Change of Direction, 95 Ball Carrier Vision, 96 Stiff Arm and 88 Juke Move.

Honestly, you could make the case for either McCaffrey or Chubb to be the best rated back in Madden. Last year, they both began the season rated 96. This year, EA gave Chubb the slight edge, but they both excel in different areas of the game and bring different skills to the field.

Other Notable Ratings

Colts’ running back Jonathan Taylor, who was rated a 95 overall when many thought he’d be the best back in the league last season, enters Madden 24 with an 89 overall. After amassing 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns in his second season as a pro, Taylor had season last year. A combination of injury and just poor offensive play around him, Taylor rushed for only 861 yards and four touchdowns in 11 games.

Here are the running back ratings from the 11-20 spots in Madden 24:

For those who only care about speed, Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert is the fastest running back in Madden 24 with a 95 Speed. He’s actually tied with fellow Dolphins running back Devon Achane, a rookie who was selected in the third round of this year’s draft.  Both are rated in the mid-70s in overall.

If you’re looking for the fastest running back with the best overall rating, that probably goes to Jonathan Taylor. He may not be where he was with last year’s overall, but he still does possess 94 Speed, tied with Kenneth Walker III (87 Overall). Lions rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs (77 overall) also has 94 Speed Rating.

Do you agree with the running back ratings in Madden 24? Check out the full ratings for the position here.