The running game in Madden NFL 24 is only overlooked by new players to the franchise. Despite how the modern NFL is moving beyond strong running games, veterans will often elect to play with a team that has a stronger running game than a passing game.
Being able to control the clock in Madden NFL 24 is a significant advantage that gives players a tremendous advantage. By slowing down the pace, teams can get an additional couple of possessions over their opponents. Of course, the best running backs don't just grind, they rack up yards and score.
10 Joe Mixon - 87 OVR
Joe Mixon had a small setback last year coming off of a Pro Bowl season but this was largely due to a new offensive line that took a long time to come together. By the end of the year, things had mostly gelled and Mixon was back to form.
This means great things going into the upcoming season. With a revamped line and elite quarterback and wide receiver play, Mixon is ready to feast in 2023.
9 Tony Pollard - 88 OVR
Tony Pollard may have the most unbelievable stat of anybody on this list. Despite playing backup to Ezekiel Elliott and only starting 4 games last year, Pollard broke 1,000 yards and made it to the Pro Bowl. This was one year after Pollard started no games and yet still broke 700 yards.
When the best safeties in the league take on a backup running back, it feels like they should win every time. But Pollard is something else, breaking tackles and putting on the jets. If Pollard is starting somewhere soon, it would be a travesty for football fans everywhere.
8 Aaron Jones - 88 OVR
The Packers fell out of elite status last season but Aaron Jones had arguably his best season, topping 1,120 yards for the first time in his career. Without Davante Adams, Jones stepped up and also had a career-high in receptions.
When even the best defensive linemen don't know how to limit Aaron Jones, it's a safe bet that his value is partially due to being so multi-dimensional. Green Bay fans are happy to see him on the field even when other superstars take off.
7 Jonathan Taylor - 89 OVR
Two years ago, Jonathan Taylor had a season for the ages, leading the league in rushing yards, touchdowns, and attempts. Unfortunately, that breakout Pro Bowl year didn't get followed up with another one as the entire Colts team had setbacks in 2022.
While on the field, Taylor is still one of the most explosive players around. With some solid offensive line play and a quarterback who can make the passing game a threat, it's easy to envision a scenario where Taylor regains his footing in this upcoming year.
6 Austin Ekeler - 89 OVR
Ekeler's strength is not in rushing yards as he has never rushed for more than 1,000 yards. But he's one of the best weapons in the league as he often makes catches out of the backfield. Over the last two seasons, Ekeler has 900+ yards rushing and 640+ plus yards receiving in each.
This split may not look great on the stat sheet when looking only at running statistics but this is what makes Ekeler special. When Madden NFL 24 was announced, gamers who know how to get running backs in motion got excited to play in San Diego.
5 Saquon Barkley - 93 OVR
After getting to the Pro Bowl in his rookie season (2018), Saquon Barkley has had some rough years due to a mix of injuries and a team in turmoil. The Giants got it together last year and Barkley made it to his second Pro Bowl as he set career highs in yards and attempts.
As Madden looks to possibly skip a year, as of this writing, Barkley is also considering skipping a year of play due to contract negotiations not working out. New York fans are hoping for a positive outcome and a longer contract while the rest of the league is eager to make a deal.
4 Derrick Henry - 94 OVR
Derrick Henry has led the league three times in rushing attempts, including last season. The three-time Pro Bowl selection has also led the league in yardage and touchdowns twice with a rare 2,000+ yard season and a maximum 99-yard touchdown run.
A workhorse like this deserves respect. Many players shy away from overuse to stay fresh for the playoffs but Henry takes the role head-on. Gamers try to guess where the league's best players will rank up and Henry is always a safe bet to be in the contention for best running back.
3 Josh Jacobs - 95 OVR
The Raiders has a disappointing season last year but none of that can be attributed to Josh Jacobs. He led the league in rushing yards and had the longest run of the year on an 86-yard touchdown dash. With strength and speed, Jacobs is no afterthought in the Las Vegas offense.
The Raiders have elite players in many positions but are in the middle of a shakeup at quarterback. If the next man for the job is even average, Jacobs is set for another year stuffing the stat charts.
2 Christian McCaffrey - 96 OVR
While two seasons derailed by injuries, some felt Christian McCaffrey might never be the same again. But he came back last year and got right back to another Pro Bowl. Even with a midseason trade, McCaffrey didn't miss a beat, throwing, catching, and running for a touchdown in a game with his new team.
As gamers guess who the cover stars might be, McCaffrey is one of those players who might find himself in this kind of superstar status soon. San Francisco just needs some average quarterback play to win a championship thanks to players like McCaffrey on the squad.
1 Nick Chubb - 97 OVR
As one of the most underrated running backs in the league for a few years, it feels like the league is finally giving Nick Chubb the recognition he deserves. The ratings adjusters have certainly responded and made him the highest-rated halfback in the game.
Chubb set career highs last year in yards, touchdowns, and attempts on a Browns team that had some superstars. Already having one of the best wide receivers in the game, if Cleveland gets some solid play from the quarterback position, they're going places.
Madden NFL 24 will be released on August 18th, 2023 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.