Let’s talk about running backs. Out of all the stats we’ll see this reveal season, it seems like Madden 23’s top 10 running backs are the most predictable. They’re also the most hotly debated, though. We’ve looked at wide receivers and their defensive counterparts. Now, let’s check out Madden 23’s top 10 running backs.
Madden 23 – Top 10 Running Backs
Derrick Henry – Tennessee Titans – 97 OVR
I’m not sure what needs to be said about Derrick Henry at this point. Man’s a machine. The only thing that’s ever held him back is playing for the Tennessee Titans. A 97 overall seems low, but Henry is coming off an injury so it may be appropriate.
Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers – 96 OVR
Christian McCaffrey’s 96 overall rating has been the product of some questions on Twitter. Namely, how does a man who has only played 10 games in 2 seasons still break Top 2? Well, head ratings adjuster Dustin Smith says he played 7 damn good games last season. Enough said.
He was still very good in the 7 games he played last year?
— Ratings Adjustin Smith (@Equipment_Guru) July 20, 2022
Nick Chubb – Cleveland Browns – 96 OVR
Another perennial powerhouse, Nick Chubb is deserving of a Top 3 spot on paper. Which is good, considering he’ll likely have to carry a Browns offense that has fumbled this off-season worse than any team in recent memory.
Jonathan Taylor – Indianapolis Colts – 95 OVR
Indianapolis’ Jonathan Taylor is an easy Top 5 and poised to possibly be higher after midseason adjustments. He led the league in rushing yards and touchdowns last season. Taylor will be in the backfield for a Colts squad that has brought in its third veteran quarterback in as many seasons. He’ll get the reps to continue proving himself.
Dalvin Cook – Minnesota Vikings – 94 OVR
Dalvin Cook rounds out Madden 23’s Top 5 running backs, though number 4 may have been more fitting this season. Cook didn’t quite hit his career-high 2020 season in 2021, but there’s no reason to believe he’ll slow down much in 2022.
Joe Mixon – Cincinnati Bengals – 93 OVR
Joe Mixon is coming off a career-best season in which his Cincinnati Bengals made it to the Super Bowl. No one on this list has quite as much momentum. Legitimately excited to see how he capitalizes, and how this translates over the season in Madden 23.
Alvin Kamara – New Orleans Saints – 90 OVR
Alvin Kamara starts the season in a weird spot. A battery charge in February means he could start the 2022 season suspended. Obviously, this doesn’t affect his place in the Top 10 right now but missing early games could affect his overall rating later in the season.
Aaron Jones – Green Bay Packers – 89 OVR
Although the Packers have moved to split the running back work between Aaron Jones and teammate A.J. Dillon (80 OVR), Jones still finds his place among Madden 23’s Top 10 running backs. Jones ranks third among the Top 10 in catch rating, a stat he earned throughout a 2021 season that saw many of Green Bay’s wide receivers out for various reasons.
Austin Ekeler – LA Chargers – 88 OVR
Austin Ekeler had a career-high 911 rushing yards last season, nearly breaking 1000 for the first time in his career. He is the second player in Chargers history to score 20 touchdowns in a single season. He’ll be key in helping a Chargers squad with high potential make a playoff birth.
Ezekiel Elliot – Dallas Cowboys – 88 OVR
Ezekiel Elliot registered his fourth 1000-yard season in 2021, despite suffering from several injuries throughout the season. These lingering issues will play a big factor in how his stats change through the 2022 season, as well as how much he splits the work with fellow running back Tony Pollard (81 OVR).