Madden 22 drops soon, and EA has just announced the best-rated running backs, continuing with the annual tradition showcasing each of the top ten players per position.
The top-rated running back this year is Christian McCaffrey, but many fans appear to be really upset about this one. It’s not anything against ‘CMC,’ in fact, he is one of the best running backs in the NFL.
The problem is that EA continues to refuse to make Derrick Henry the top running back after two consecutive years of leading the NFL in both rushing yards and touchdowns. The issue has only been compounded by McCaffrey missing most of last season due to injuries.
Without further ado, here are the running backs with the highest overall ratings in Madden 22.
Madden 22 Best RBs (Running Backs)
Check out the list below for Madden 22’s best running backs:
- Christian McCaffrey, 97 overall, RB, Carolina Panthers
- Derrick Henry, 96 overall, RB, Tennessee Titans
- Nick Chubb, 96 overall, RB, Cleveland Browns
- Dalvin Cook, 95 overall, RB, Minnesota Vikings
- Alvin Kamara, 94 overall, RB, New Orleans Saints
- Aaron Jones, 91 overall, RB, Green Bay Packers
- Saquon Barkley, 90 overall, RB, New York Giants
- Josh Jacobs, 89 overall, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
- Ezekiel Elliott, 88 overall, RB, Dallas Cowboys
- Joe Mixon, 88 overall, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
Christian McCaffrey, 97 OVR
Christian McCaffrey goes from a 99 overall RB in Madden 21 to a 97 in Madden 22, but this doesn’t have anything to do with his talent or performances. He is still the main leader of the Carolina Panthers’ offense, and his short time on the field proved as much.
McCaffrey played three games in 2020, recording 225 rushing yards, 149 receiving yards, and six total touchdowns. This puts him on pace for 1,200 rushing yards and 750 receiving yards. These are similar numbers to his historic performance of 2019, when he joined Marshall Faulk and Roger Craig as the only three RBs to have 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in a season.
McCaffrey is a stellar back with tremendous talent, and we are sure that he’ll bounce back in 2021. Nonetheless, it’s hard to say that he was the best running back of last season, making his rating controversial.
Derrick Henry, 96 OVR
“King Henry” got snubbed! The Tennessee Titans running back became the 2020 Offensive Player of the Year after leading all running backs in rushing yards and touchdowns.
He recorded an almighty 2,027 rushing yards and 17 TDs. He was 78 yards short of breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record. To give some perspective to how dominant Henry was last season, the second-leading RB was 500 yards behind.
Looking back on his achievements, Henry deserved at least a 98 overall rating in Madden 22. We don’t have any doubt that he’ll prove EA wrong and become the top-rated running back at some point after the new game’s release, though.
Nick Chubb, 96 OVR
Nick Chubb is one of the most efficient running backs in the league. Even though the Cleveland Browns are a pass-heavy team, Chubb is an elite running back that plays his role extremely well.
Chubb scampered for 1,067 rushing yards in 12 games. He also averaged 5.6 yards per carry. These are impressive numbers that reflect his talent on the field. Chubb was given a 92 overall rating in Madden 21, and now he’s a 96 in Madden 22.
Although we don’t believe that he’s in the same tier as Henry, there isn’t any doubt that Chubb is a menace to defenses in Madden 22 and the NFL.
Dalvin Cook, 95 OVR
Dalvin Cook recorded his second 1,000-yard season and improved his Madden rating as a result. In Madden 21, Cook had a 91 overall rating. For Madden 22, EA has increased his overall rating by four points.
Cook came second in rushing yards among all running backs with 1,557 in 14 games. He made an impact on and off of the field with the Vikings in 2020, becoming an outstanding leader in the locker room.
The Florida State product is an elusive back that can make the most out of the smallest opportunities. We can’t wait to hand him the rock in Madden 22.
Alvin Kamara, 94 OVR
Alvin Kamara bounced back emphatically last season. The 2017 Rookie of the Year had an impressive season with the Saints, scoring 16 rushing touchdowns. Madden’s ratings team took notice and bumped his rating from an 88 overall in Madden 21 to a 94 in Madden 22.
Kamara had a good season, recording 932 rushing yards and 756 receiving yards. He stands as one of the best receiving backs in the NFL, finding success with New Orleans’ West Coast offense. In 2020, he had a stellar Christmas Day game against the Vikings, scoring six rushing touchdowns, tying the NFL single-game rushing TD record.
Kamara is a double threat running back that can dismantle defenses with his rushing attack or through the air.
These are the best running backs in Madden 22. Now, you can plan your schemes centered on these elite athletes.