Best Running Backs in Madden NFL 23

Despite the modern game of football being more directed towards pass-heavy offenses and strong quarterback play, running backs still matter. As the game gets tight and the level of competition rises, a team’s ability to run the ball effectively, in various weather conditions, becomes incredibly important.

So, since Madden NFL 23 released its running back ratings on July 20th, 2022, it’s time to break down some of the best running backs in the game.

Best Running Backs in Madden NFL 23

We’ve already reviewed the top running back ratings and rankings previously. So, the following list takes a look at a variety of other important statistics for the RB position, aside from just the player’s overall rating. Including speed (SPD), strength (STR), acceleration (ACC), agility (AGI), carrying (CAR) and their break-tackle ability (BTK), to name a few.

Related: Madden NFL 23 – All Team Ratings and Rankings Revealed

Taking this into account, these are the best all-around running backs in Madden NFL 23:

1. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans (97) – Not only does King Henry carry the best overall rating amongst RBs but also one of the more balanced stat lines in Madden NFL 23. He’s the fourth-fastest RB in the game with a speed rating of 93, has the second-best carrying rating at 96 and is in the top ten in BTK at 91. Meaning that he’s essentially impossible to catch or bring down in Madden (once again).
2. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns (96) – Nick Chubb lands above McCaffrey on our list because he possesses the best break tackle rating in the game at 98, and lands in the top ten in every other major statistical category. Including speed (92), strength (85), carrying (95), ball-carrying vision (92) and awareness (98).
3. Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers (96) – Where McCaffrey shines (much like in real life) is with his agility (96) and pass-catching ability (83). Though he also carries tremendous all-around RB stats as well. With a speed rating of 91, an acceleration rating of 93, a carrying rating of 96, a ball carrying vision rating of 94 and a break-tackle rating of 83.
4. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts (95) – Jonathan Taylor was arguably the best running back in the NFL last season. So, it’s no shock to see him this high on the list. He carries the second-best speed rating (94) and break-tackle rating (95) amongst RBs, and lands in the top ten in most other major categories. Including acceleration (93), agility (87), awareness (96), carrying (95), and ball-carrying vision (97).
5. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings (94) – Personally, I believe this is where we begin to enter the second tier of RBs in Madden NFL 23. Dalvin Cook is a well-rounded ball carrier but he’s just a step below the previous four names mentioned. That being said, he still lands in the top ten in break-tackle ability (93), agility (95), awareness (92), and ball-carrying vision (95). He also holds the top spot in change of direction (95).
6. Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals (93) – Joe Mixon’s rating in Madden NFL 23 is actually a bit of a surprise, and his name could even be higher on this list as a result. His speed (91), acceleration (93), and agility (91) aren’t going to blow you away, but he’s arguably the most well-rounded running back in Madden NFL 23. He’s got a strength rating of 83, a break-tackle rating of 89, a ball-carrying vision of 95 and a carrying rating of 96. Meaning that he’s the definition of balanced and consistent.
7. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers (88) – Next up we’ve got Austin Ekeler. Even though he’s technically rated lower than Kamara and Jones, I think he’s still a better all-around talent in Madden NFL 23. With a speed of 91, an acceleration of 92, agility of 92, and a strength rating of 82, his physicals are not to be questioned. However, he also has a strong awareness rating of 93, carrying rating of 88, a ball-carrying vision of 85 and a break-tackle rating of 85. It doesn’t hurt that he’s one of the better pass-catching backs in the game either, with a catch rating of 79.
8. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints (90) – Kamara is rated above Ekeler from an overall standpoint but he lacks in a few key areas. Falling behind in strength (77), awareness (90), and speed (89). Luckily, he still ranks well in ball-carrying vision (91), break-tackle ability (90), carrying (92) and acceleration (94). While it’s basically a toss-up between him and Ekeler, I personally prefer the strength and versatility of Ekeler.
9. Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers (89) – Next, there’s Aaron Jones. Who’s speed (90), agility (93), acceleration (93), carrying (90), break-tackle ability (87), and ball-carrying vision (89), all rank near the top of Madden NFL 23. The issue is that he’s not quite as strong (71), or fast (90) as other running backs on this list. Still, he’s certainly a top ten running back in the game.
10. Leonard Fournette, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (87) – Lastly, we’ve got Leonard Fournette. I have Fournette ranked higher than both Ezekiel Elliott and Josh Jacobs because he’s got far better physicals and is more reliable with the ball in his hands. His speed (90), acceleration (88), agility (84), strength (84) and break-tackle ability (87) show how dominant of a physical force he is. While his awareness (95), carrying (97), and ball-carrying vision (82) display how well-rounded he is as an NFL running back.

That’s everything you need to know about the best running backs in Madden NFL 23. Before you go, be sure to check out some of our other Madden NFL 23 content here at Gamer Journalist. Like all changes to Franchise Mode in Madden NFL 23 or everything included with each edition of Madden NFL 23.