Top 10 RB rankings on Madden 26 revealed

Just behind Saquon Barkley in the Madden 26 ratings is Derrick Henry. Over the course of his career, Henry has proven to be one of the best running backs of his generation. Now, he’s proven the ability to maintain that success over a long career and multiple franchises. So, it’s not really a surprise he’s a 98 overall.

Last season, Henry rushed for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also had 193 receiving yards and a pair of receiving touchdowns. Together, alongside Lamar Jackson in the backfield in Baltimore, the hope is that they’ll lead the Ravens to another Super Bowl. He would sign a two-year extension with Baltimore in the offseason, and now he’s ready to make himself felt on the field next season.

3. Jahmyr Gibbs – Detroit Lions, 95 overall

The Detroit Lions have a two-headed beast at running back. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs share carries in the backfield there. There’s a chance that one back can overshadow the other in systems like that, but there’s no chance that anybody can overshadow what Gibbs has done in Detroit, and his Madden rating reflects that.

Last season, Gibbs had 1,412 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. He also had 517 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns. That came in just his second season in the NFL. Now, the hope is he can build on that and be a key reason why Detroit makes it all the way to the Super Bowl for the first time in their program’s history.

4. Christian McCaffrey – San Francisco 49ers, 94 overall

The 2024 season was a difficult one for Christian McCaffrey. He only played in four games as he battled injuries throughout the season. Even in that time, he only had 202 yards rushing. So, he’s going to be looking to bounce back next season.

After that kind of year, most players could expect to see a major drop-off in their Madden rating. In particular, the RB position with its shorter shelf life can see its ratings drop quickly. So, still being this high is a credit to the successful career that he’s had, and it goes to show there are some expectations he can bounce back next season.

5. Bijan Robinson – Atlanta Falcons, 92 overall

A former first round pick, Bijan Robinson has proven himself early into his young NFL career. 2024 was just his second NFL season. However, in that time, he was able to rush for 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also had 431 yards and a touchdown in the passing game, making him a major threat all over the field. It also landed him his first Pro Bowl selection.

Now, Bijan Robinson is hoping to take strides in his third NFL season. If he can do that, then the Atlanta Falcons could be looking at a much-improved season from where they were a year ago. Certainly, the folks at Madden think he can make that happen.

6. Joe Mixon – Houston Texans, 91 overall

The Houston Texans brought in Joe Mixon ahead of the 2024 season. That came after he had previously made a name for himself in Cincinnati. In some ways, it would be a return to form for Mixon, who made the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career last year.

Mixon finished the season with 1,016 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. He also had 309 receiving yards and another touchdown through the air. Between that, and what has been a consistently successful career, he was rewarded by Madden with this 91 overall ranking.

7. Josh Jacobs – Green Bay Packers, 90 overall

Expectations are high for the Green Bay Packers in 2025. A big part of that is that they have a running game to take pressure off Jordan Love next season. That’s where Josh Jacobs steps in, sporting a 90 overall ranking in the released Madden rankings.

Jacobs is going into his seventh NFL season and his second with Green Bay. Last year, in his first season with the team, he rushed for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also had 342 receiving yards and another receiving touchdown. That would be in a Pro Bowl effort.

8. James Cook – Buffalo Bills, 89 overall

After being taken in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, James Cook has made a name for himself with the Buffalo Bills as one of the best running backs in the AFC. He’s been selected to go to the Pro Bowl for each of the last two seasons. Now, he’s hoping to help get the Bills over the hump in the postseason too.

Last season, James Cook finished with 1,009 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in 16 games. Receiving, he added 258 yards and another two touchdowns. That’s a run of success that Madden recognized, making him one of the 10 highest rated running backs in the upcoming game.

9. Jonathan Taylor – Indianapolis Colts, 88 overall

The Indianapolis Colts’ offseason has been highlighted by concerns about the quarterback position. So, getting the most out of their running game is going to be key to take some of the pressure off. That’s where Jonathan Taylor, coming off a Pro Bowl season, comes in.

In 14 games last season, Taylor rushed for 1,431 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also had 136 receiving yards and a touchdown. Injuries have become an issue at times for Taylor. However, when healthy, he’s still one of the best backs in the league. That’s what Madden certainly still sees in Taylor.

10. Kenneth Walker – Seattle Seahawks, 88 overall

Rounding out the 10 highest RB ratings in Madden 26 is Kenneth Walker. The Seahawks star has been with the team since 2022. He’s yet to play a full 17-game season with Seattle, and appeared in 11 games last year. Still, even in that limited time, he’s flashed some excellent talent.

Walker had 573 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground last year. He also had 299 receiving yards and another touchdown. Walker is healthy now, and assuming that he’s able to maintain his health throughout the season, then there is a good chance for him to breakout among the best running backs in the NFL.