[GameSpot] - Best Madden 24 RBs: Top Running Backs By OVR Rating

[343iBot]

Madden 24 has continued ratings week and today it's the running back position in the spotlight. This is one of the most skilled positions on an offense in Madden and the key to having a balanced offensive attack. In the past, the overall ratings for the running backs in Madden have been highly controversial, but this year has delivered a fairly solid top 10 list.

There are incumbents such as Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey, and Dalvin Cook in addition to some newcomers. Running backs had a stellar year as a whole during the 2022-23 NFL season, and many of them were rewarded with higher ratings in Madden 24. However, there were some RBs that fell down the ratings charts and find themselves outside of the top 10 to start the season. They can, of course, break back into the top 10 with a rating adjustment, so don't get too attached to your favorite back's rating just yet. For now, though, we can look at the initial top 10 running backs in Madden 24 by OVR.

Top 10 RBs in Madden 24

There are only three differences between this year's top 10 list and last year's, which is par for the course when we look at other positional groups in Madden 24, such as the wide receivers. However, the positions of certain running backs in the top 10 have drastically changed, as there's a new back at the top of the list. You can see the full ratings for running backs on EA's website once you check out the top 10 below.

1. Nick Chubb - 97 OVR

Last year, it was Derrick Henry leading the charge for the running back position, but Cleveland's Nick Chubb has leapfrogged him in Madden 24. Chubb turned in his best all-around season yet in 2022-23 and was the best player on the Browns' offense all year. With a solid offensive line in front of him, Chubb should continue to set the standard for the running back position.

2. Christian McCaffrey - 96 OVR

Last season, Christan McCaffrey was finally freed from Carolina's woeful offense and traded to somewhere where his talents can truly shine in San Francisco. After being dealt to the 49ers, McCaffrey looked like his former self. He was a dominant force in both the passing and running game. If he can manage to stay healthy, a full off-season with the 49ers should mean an even better season for the former Stanford product.

3. Josh Jacobs - 95 OVR

The rushing champ from the 2022-23 season comes in at third on the top 10 list. Josh Jacobs' future in Las Vegas might seem shaky at the moment, but there is no denying that he has cemented himself as one of the best backs in the NFL. We'll have to wait and see if Jacobs actually plays this season while on the franchise tag. Surprisingly, this is Jacobs' first time appearing on the top 10 running backs list in Madden.

4. Derrick Henry - 94 OVR

The top dog has been dethroned. Derrick Henry still turned in a decent season in 2022-23, but it wasn't enough to hold off Nick Chubb or Josh Jacobs from passing him in the ratings. With a revamped Tennessee offense for 2023-24, though, perhaps Henry will be able to return to form and get his rating increased as the season rolls on.

5. Saquon Barkley - 93 OVR

Last season, we finally got to see a New York Giants offense operate with a fully healthy Saquon Barkley, and it was incredible to watch. Paired with the maturity of QB Daniel Jones, Barkley was able to have a career year. He posted his most rushing yards ever and turned in an additional 10 TDs. Assuming Barkley plays in 2023-24, he should be able to at least match those numbers in Brian Daboll's second year as head coach and an improved Giants offense.

6. Dalvin Cook - 91 OVR

The only member of this list that remains unsigned at the time of writing is Dalvin Cook. Cook was released by Minnesota in the off-season and has yet to find a home as training camp rolls around. We'll have to wait and see where Cook signs to know how big of a role he will play in 2023-24. However, Cook has been one of the most consistent backs in the NFL for years, and it's doubtful that changes much outside of Minnesota.

7. Austin Ekeler - 89 OVR

Austin Ekeler was every fantasy football owner's best friend last season. Ekeler is what made the Chargers offense go, playing an equally big role in the passing game as he did in the run game. He managed over 1,600 all-purpose yards to go along with 18 total TDs. Ekeler should see the same number of targets this season, which means he could be in for another big year.

8. Jonathan Taylor - 89 OVR

Jonathan Taylor suffered a small fall from grace last season, and that's reflected in his Madden 24 rating. He was rated a 95 OVR out of the gate in Madden 23 after an outstanding campaign during the 2021-22 season. Hopefully, Taylor can return to form with a steadier Colts offense overall.

9. Tony Pollard - 88 OVR

Dallas' new leading man had a breakout year in 2022-23. Tony Pollard played alongside Ezekiel Elliott for most of the season, but at times it seems like Pollard was being played more than Zeke. The Cowboys rewarded Pollard's efforts by making him the lead running back for the upcoming season. Time will tell if Pollard can continue his upward trend.

10. Aaron Jones - 88 OVR

Rounding out the list is Green Bay's Aaron Jones. Jones continues to be a workhorse for the Packers out of the backfield and in the passing game. He and fellow back A.J. Dillon are among the best running back duos in the NFL, and they appear to be a bright spot for the Packers on offense following the exit of QB Aaron Rodgers. With new QB Jordan Love in place, Jones should see even more work come his way as the team tries to relieve some pressure off of Love's shoulders.

Honorable Mentions

There are two running backs with an 87 OVR rating that just missed the cut for the top 10 list. Those running backs are Seattle's Kenneth Walker II and Cincy's Joe Mixon. Mixon was a member of the top 10 list last year while Walker is a true up-and-comer for a potent Seattle offense.

Check back the rest of the week to see even more position ratings in Madden 24, including the tight ends and quarterbacks.

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