Where Christian McCaffrey ranks among the best running backs in the NFL

The Stanford legend ranks near the top of the Madden rankings

Author:
Kevin Borba
Publish date:
Jul 20, 2023 2:24 PM EDT

In this story:

While running backs are currently fighting what seems to be an uphill battle in regards to their wages, they are well represented in the popular football video game, Madden.

Not the best consolation prize, but you'd be surprised as to how many professional athletes actually care about what their video game rating is. Over the past few days, the ratings for the next rendition of the game were released, and as Stanford and San Francisco 49er fans could expect, star running back Christian McCaffrey was among the highest rated players at his position.

While he wasn't the highest ranked running back, he did rank well within the top-5. Let's take a look at where he ended up.

5. Saquon Barkley (New York Giants)

Jan 21, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) looks on in the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports — Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Rating: 93

Currently the face of the running back wages issue, Barkley had his best season since his rookie year in 2022. He rushed for over 1,300 yards for the first time since then, and it was also the first time he amassed 13 games since his rookie year as well.

4. Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans)

26. Titans (28): Apparently they're running it back one more time with QB Ryan Tannehill and RB Derrick Henry ... and running it forward and laterally, as it's still not clear what kind of production they'll get from this receiving corps. Syndication The Tennessean — syndication The Tennessean

Rating: 94

For the third time in the past four seasons, Henry surpassed 1,500 yards rushing and also ran in 13 touchdowns. He continues to be one of the most talented running backs of this era even despite being in year eight.

3. Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas Raiders)

Jan 7, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports — : Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Rating: 95

After receiving a career high 340 carries which is 67 more than his previous career high, Jacobs would go on to become the new rushing champ. He also was quite effective in the passing attack.

2. Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) scores a 23-yard touchdown run against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. — Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Rating: 96

San Francisco ended up being the perfect place for the former Stanford back, as he accumulated 1,210 scrimmage yards in 11 games for San Francisco. Had it not been for their bad luck at the quarterback position, he and the team were bound for a title appearance.

1. Nick Chubb (Cleveland Browns)

Jan 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) runs the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh won 28-14. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports — Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Rating: 97

People often forget how good Nick Chubb is because he is more on the quiet side, but in 2022 he set career marks in carries, rush yards and total touchdowns in 2022. He also averaged 5-plus yards per run, which is something he has been able to every single year.