Takeaways from 'Madden NFL 24' RB ratings

Chubb leads the pack

Topping the "Madden" rating list is 27-year-old Nick Chubb of the Cleveland Browns. 

Chubb has established himself as one of the top rushers in the NFL, posting a career-year in 2022. He recorded his highest yardage total (1,525) and tied his previous career high in rushing touchdowns (12). He also led the league in runs of 20 yards or more.

But his lack of production as a receiver makes him a bit of a surprising pick as the highest-rated RB heading into 2023. Of the 10 highest-ranked backs, only Jonathan Taylor of the Colts finished last season with fewer receiving yards than Chubb. 

When will they play?

Despite being among the best at their position, many names on the "Madden" list have uncertain futures. 

Neither Las Vegas' Josh Jacobs (No. 3) nor the Giants' Saquon Barkley (No. 5) have agreed to long-term deals with their teams. Both refused offers to play under the franchise tag, which would pay them both $10.091M, per ESPN.

As they didn't sign their franchise tender, both players can sit out of training camp without losing money.  Tony Pollard (No. 9) also failed to reach a deal with the Dallas Cowboys, but he signed his tender and would be fined if he chooses to hold out. 

Dalvin Cook (No. 6) is still a free agent after the Vikings released him in June. 

While all of these players will likely play in 2023, the state of the running back market is obvious. Teams simply don't want to pay lots of money for players so quickly run into the ground.

Many of the other running backs on this list, including No. 2 Christian McCaffery (49ers), No. 4 Derrick Henry (Titans) and No. 7 Austin Ekeler (Chargers), voiced their displeasure with this trend on Twitter. 

This is a debate where there is understandable concern from both sides. 

Running backs take a beating. Their exorbitant amount of touches inevitably leads to getting hit hard with regularity, and the resulting toll their bodies take is high. The best ones are also largely responsible for many of a team's touchdowns, as they are effective on the ground and through the air. 

However, owners are becoming increasingly reluctant to reward this since the large contracts given to Todd Gurley and Ezekiel Elliott, whose declines began in the years after they got their money. Since then teams have been looking to younger backs (like Isiah Pacheco in Kansas City last season) out of the draft to spell and eventually replace their bell cow backs. 

Whatever happens in the next few years, running back negotiations will be interesting to watch.