EA update Madden 21 ratings after reviewing the results of every NFL game. As a result, there can be some drastic changes throughout the season. Injuries and incredible performances can catapult players to a rating much higher than at the beginning of the season.
This year, there were a number of running backs that proved they were better than their initial rating in Madden 21. A few of the names were surprise additions to this list due to their top-level play in the final games of the season.
10 Salvon Ahmed 63-69
Ahmed's week 10 and week 16 performances earned the running back deserved upgrades from a 63 to 69 rated card. The speedy Dolphins backup earned a limited role in the offense with impressive performances in a few tight games. The first-year player averaged more than four yards a carry on limited chances in the 2020 season. He looks to be in the rotation next year in a crowded Miami backfield.
9 Damien Harris 69-75
The second-year pro has an impressive 5 yard average on 175 carries for New England. His steady performance coupled with no fumbles lost earned the player a +6 upgrade this year. New England loves to rotate in a lot of runners, so it will be tough for Harris to get a lot of touches. However, the Alabama product has shown that he can compete in the league.
8 Alvin Kamara 88-94
Kamara continues to improve every year. His versatility and route running make him one of New Orleans' top weapons. A combination of speed, strength, and balance makes him unstoppable in the open field. The Tennessee running back will be one of the top franchise pieces in the league for years to come.
With his only competition for touches being Latavius Murray, much of the offense will flow through him next year. A hall of fame career is already in the making for the talented Kamara.
7 Mike Davis 75-81
Despite having to fill in for Christian McCaffery, Davis had a respectable campaign with the Panthers. He scored a total of eight touchdowns and caught almost 60 passes during the year. The third-down back is now on the Falcons, who will certainly appreciate the veteran's consistency. In his five-year career, Davis has only lost two fumbles.
6 Cam Akers 73-80
Cam Akers was a rookie this year, putting up some impressive numbers behind talented players on the Rams. His contribution was enough to earn a rating of 80 by the time the season was over.
The Rams took advantage of his speed, agility, and toughness, all attributes that made him a great running back at Florida State in 2019. Akers' share of touches will definitely increase in the coming seasons.
5 Jonathan Taylor 73-81
Everyone knew how talented Taylor was after setting records in college, but few knew his abilities would transfer to the NFL in just his first season. Taylor took over the reins in Indianapolis, averaging 5 yards a carry and totaling more than 1,100 yards.
The rookie scored 11 touchdowns on just 232 carries. Even better, Taylor caught 36 passes for almost 300 yards as well. Very few first-year players have the success and impact that Taylor did at such a young age.
4 Myles Gaskin 66-74
The scatback emerged as one of Miami's best weapons in his second season. Gaskin can catch the ball and run between the tackles. He nearly managed to net 1,000 total yards on the season, taking a much bigger role in the Miami offense. Gaskin may not have broken free for huge gains, but he demonstrated the ability to make smart plays as a possession runner. Miami is lucky to have the young running back on their team in 2021.
3 Antonio Gibson 69-79
The Washington Football Team had a tough year on and off the field. The team name controversy and fallout provided a huge distraction for the players. One of the bright spots on the squad was Gibson, who was thrust into a bell-cow role due to depth issues. Gibson was efficient between the tackles and crafty in the open field for Washington this year. In total, Gibson managed to rack up more than 1,000 total yards in his first season with the team.
2 Clyde Edwards-Helaire 74-84
Edwards-Helaire was a member of the legendary undefeated LSU Tiger team that barreled through everyone on the way to the BCS National Championship. Like his fellow teammates, Helaire proved that he could dominate in the NFL too.
The stocky back was a perfect fit for the run and gun Chiefs offense. Having Mahomes as a quarterback and a good offensive line does not hurt either. Damien Williams opted out of the 2021 season, which provided the young back the opportunity to display his prowess in the running game.
1 James Robinson 63-84
The end of the Fournette saga in Jacksonville opened a spot for one of the lesser-known running backs on the depth chart. Robinson rose to the occasion with a fantastic season on the ground and through the air. The rookie managed to move up a whopping 21 ranks as a result.
Jacksonville lucked out on the Walter Payton Award winner, who was an undrafted free agent just over one year ago. Robinson went from an undrafted rookie from Illinois State to one of the best running backs in the league in just a few months.