Madden 18 is set to be released on August 25, but there’s no reason to wait until the game is fired up on your console of choice to find out which players will begin the season as the top-ranked at their respective positions.
EA Sports lets football fans play out their NFL fantasies each year with its exclusive video game title, and Madden 18 is the latest for 2017. For the casual and competitive player alike, the game brings fans closer to the real game on the field.
In devising a strategy of how to win at Madden, it’s important to ascertain the strengths of a particular roster in comparison to the style of play that a particular game player prefers.
While EA updates player ratings throughout the NFL season based on the actual on-field performances of the players, there has to be a starting place for each player in the game. EA uses factors like a player’s career statistics, injury history, tenure in the league and predictions on how the coming NFL season will go for each player in determining an initial ranking.
EA has released that initial ranking information for the top 5 players at each position ahead of the actual release of Madden, allowing players feeling the anticipation to get a little bit of a fix and begin their planning. Obviously, players will have to wait until the game drops to get a glimpse at full rankings for every player featured in the game.
The positions as listed by EA are quarterbacks, running backs, fullbacks, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen, defensive tackles, defensive ends, middle linebackers, outside linebackers, cornerbacks, safeties, kickers and punters.
Quarterbacks
1. Tom Brady
After claiming a fifth Super Bowl victory by leading the New England Patriots to the biggest comeback in a Super Bowl ever, it’s not difficult to ascertain why Brady appears on Madden 18 as the only quarterback with a 99 overall rating.
2. Aaron Rodgers
Just a tick under Brady with a 98 overall rating, Rodgers is the highest-rated NFC quarterback for many reasons. His ability to buy time with his feet and allow his receivers to get open is unmatched in the launch ratings.
3. Matt Ryan
Ryan will look to get the bad taste of a Super Bowl defeat out of his mouth on the field this season, and Madden players should take advantage of that expectation. Ryan has a 96 overall rating to start the season.
4. Drew Brees
If Rodgers is already claimed by an opponent, Brees is just as good if a player likes to use a quarterback with the ability to make precise throws while in motion. Brees’ overall 92 rating isn’t as strong as his predecessors on this list, but players could do much, much worse.
5. Ben Roethlisberger
An overall 91 rating isn’t bad for beginning the season following an off-season in which Big Ben mulled hanging up his cleats. He is still among the hardest for opposing defense to actually bring down, creating lots of opportunities for players.
Running backs
1. Le’Veon Bell
Gamers don’t have to wait until Bell resolves his contract situation with the Pittsburgh Steelers to enjoy Bell’s power and speed. At 97 overall, he’s a powerful weapon for any Madden player.
2. David Johnson
Johnson will not only be a force on offense, in both the running and passing attacks, but also on special teams as well. Players who have mastered the art of the kick return will enjoy playing with Johnson’s 94 overall rating.
3. LeSean McCoy
At 92 overall, McCoy is the focal point of the offense of any player using the Buffalo Bills. His lethal combination of elusiveness and speed in the game make him a delight for those who are able to make defenders miss with Madden‘s controls.
4. DeMarco Murray
See above and apply the same principle when playing with the Tennessee Titans. At 91 overall, getting the ball to Murray early and often is a great way to set up the rest of an offensive scheme.
5. Ezekiel Elliott
Players have no reason to fear a suspension in Madden. The second-year back begins this season with a 90 overall rating. It could be higher if not for his low marks as a part of the passing game, but he more than makes up for that in other ways.
Fullbacks
1. Kyle Juszczyk
Juszczyk enters the season with a 91 overall rating, making him not only the top rated fullback in the game but one of the highest rated offensive players in the game at any position. His versatility earns him those high marks.
2. James Develin
Another member of the New England Patriots makes an appearance on this list, and for good reason. There are few “battering ram” type fullbacks with or without the ball left in the NFL, and Develin is the best. His 84 overall rating is proof.
3. Patrick DiMarco
One of the best run blockers at his position in the league, the Madden DiMarco begins the season with an overall rating of 84. Players who are able to get him out in front of LeSean McCoy should see plenty of open field.
4. Aaron Ripkowski
Players who find themselves in short-yardage situations or ones in which they are expecting the opponent to send a blitz will be happy with Ripkowski’s skills that shine in those circumstances, leading to his 83 overall rating.
5. Andy Janovich
Janovich is another of the backs here who excel at blowing holes in opposing defenses. His 82 overall rating doesn’t include him being much of a receiving option in the passing game, but he’s still one of the best at blocking.
Wide receivers
1. Julio Jones
Even if Jones didn’t have the third-highest rated quarterback in the game to start the season with, Jones would make the Atlanta Falcons offense one for players to enjoy. Not only is he capable of the spectacular catches but able to avoid defenders after the catch as well with a 98 overall rating.
2. Antonio Brown
Playing with Brown’s 97 overall rating may make game players want to post Facebook Live videos after their wins. He is the best in the game at getting defenders out of position to make a tackle on him.
3. A.J. Green
The real Green may not get the media attention that he deserves because of where he plays, but the Madden Green is sure to demand attention from opposing defenses any time he is on the field with a 94 overall rating.
4. Odell Beckham Jr.
He wants to be the highest-paid player on the real field. With an overall rating of 93, he stands a good chance to be the most-played player on the Madden field.
5. Dez Bryant
If you’re looking for a receiver who you can throw a lob pass to in the end zone and trust to come down with the ball for six points, look no further than Bryant and his 91 overall rating.
Tight ends
1. Rob Gronkowski
Brady and Gronk work to augment each other’s Madden ratings like peanut butter and bananas combined to make Elvis’ favorite sandwich. In all honesty, however, it would be difficult to defend Gronk’s 98 overall rating regardless of who the quarterback was.
2. Travis Kelce
If a gamer is using the Kansas City Chiefs and not building the attack around Kelce and his 94 overall rating, he/she is asking to get beaten. Kelce is probably the most difficult tight end to get a hand on after he makes the catch.
3. Jimmy Graham
If setting the tight end up to make highlight-reel catches is part of the offensive plan for a game player, he/she should look no further than Graham’s 93 overall rating. Even in a crowd, Graham is more than capable.
4. Delanie Walker
After players competing with the Titans get their opponents focused on Murray, it’s time to bust out Walker’s 93 overall rating to add contrast to the game plan. He is great at everything a player wants from a tight end.
5. Greg Olsen
It’s likely that defenses will key on Olsen when a player uses the Carolina Panthers, but that shouldn’t deter players from focusing on him. His 92 overall rating can handle the best coverage.
Offensive linemen
1. Marshal Yanda
With an overall rating of 98, game players will enjoy Yanda’s ability to protect Joe Flacco when playing with the Baltimore Ravens as much as Flacco enjoys that ability on the real field of play.
2. Zack Martin
Clearing the way for Elliott and giving Bryant time to get into position is Martin. The impeccable footwork he displays in the real game help give him an overall rating of 95 to start the season in Madden.
3. Trent Williams
Protecting the blindside for right-handed quarterbacks in today’s NFL is a tough job, but few others in the game do it better than Williams. His 95 overall rating is proof of his reputation.
4. Tyron Smith
Smith’s overall talent earn him a 94 overall rating, and the fact that he is part of the Cowboys’ star-studded line doesn’t hurt his chances to maintain or even build upon that rating as the season goes on.
5. Travis Frederick
Every snap displaying the communication and power of the Cowboys’ offensive line literally begins with Frederick. His 93 overall rating makes him Madden‘s best center to start the season.
Defensive tackles
1. Ndamukong Suh
If a player’s opponent doesn’t account for Suh on every single offensive play, any player using the Miami Dolphins won’t have to worry about giving up a lot of points. Not only does the 93 overall rating make Suh the best defensive tackle in the game, but one of the top defenders overall.
2. Geno Atkins
Among the best defenders in the league at diagnosing what an opposing offense is trying to do and putting himself in position to disrupt that, his package of skills give him a 91 overall rating to start the season.
3. Fletcher Cox
Gifted with rare quickness for his size, Cox and his 91 overall rating will regularly become a nuisance for opposing players facing players using the Philadelphia Eagles.
4. Gerald McCoy
McCoy’s ability to occupy blockers and free his teammates to attack ball carriers play a huge part in his 90 overall rating. Gamers shouldn’t worry about their opponents running up the middle with McCoy on the field.
5. Damon Harrison
Harrison is poor at recovering if he gets out of position, but that’s a rare occasion with his intelligence, size and strength. Those attributes combine to give him an 89 overall rating.
Defensive ends
1. Aaron Donald
Donald becomes the second member of the near-perfect rating club, as his overall 99 rating is earned by his impressive speed and strength.
2. J.J. Watt
Perhaps the most well-known defensive player in the NFL begins the new season of Madden with a 98 overall rating, topping all AFC defensive ends.
3. Brandon Graham
When paired with Cox, Graham’s 95 overall rating makes the Eagles’ defensive line one to be feared. Players should enjoy frustrating opponents’ offensive game plans with Graham’s ability to disrupt.
4. Cameron Jordan
Jordan is the master of the bull rush on the real field of play, and when used correctly by Madden players, his 92 overall rating makes him an equally daunting opponent on the electronic field.
5. Calais Campbell
With an overall rating of 91, Campbell is very adept at finding ways to penetrate an opponent’s backfield to make himself a general nuisance. When playing with the Jacksonville Jaguars on defense, players should control Campbell and wreak havoc.
Middle linebackers
1. Luke Kuechly
Kuechly’s overall rating of 98 comes courtesy of his outstanding ability in every facet of the game for a middle linebacker. He is a sure tackler, a quick read and adept in pass coverage.
2. Bobby Wagner
Last season’s league-leading tackler begins this Madden campaign with a 93 overall rating. His power and speed make him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
3. Dont’a Hightower
If a player’s opponent schemes to block Hightower with just one man or a chip, that scheme will be short-lived. Hightower’s ability to shed blocks is a big reason why he’s rated 89 overall.
4. C.J. Mosley
One of Mosley’s biggest strengths is his adeptness at pass coverage. That can free up players to do all kinds of creative blitz plays, knowing Mosley’s 89 overall rating is there to help cover the pass.
5. Navarro Bowman
At 88 overall, Bowman is one of the biggest playmakers at his position. Players who know how to get him close to the ball will discover the truth of that statement quickly.
Outside linebackers
1. Von Miller
There are only three players who will start this season on Madden with a 99 overall rating, and Miller is one of them. If a player can’t disrupt the opponent’s offense using Miller, that player needs more practice.
2. Khalil Mack
Last season’s Defensive Player of the Year begins this season of Madden rated at 97 overall. There are so many ways that Mack can impact a play, opponents have to account for him before each snap.
3. Justin Houston
The top three outside linebackers to start this season of Madden all play for AFC West teams, as Houston is rated 93 overall. It must be frustrating to be an offensive lineman on an AFC West team.
4. Sean Lee
Pass coverage is where Lee outperforms most outside linebackers in the league, and is a big part of the reason why he is rated 91 overall. Players should mix up their coverages using Lee often to confuse opponents.
5. Chandler Jones
At 88 overall, Jones is perhaps the best pure pass rusher of the top 5. Players should use the Arizona Cardinals’ defensive line to occupy blockers and let Jones do his thing.
Cornerbacks
1. Chris Harris Jr.
Harris Jr. can blanket receivers and take away parts of the field better than anyone else in Madden with his overall rating of 94. Players using the Denver Broncos should feel comfortable putting him on an island against the opponent’s best receiver.
2. Aqib Talib
Talib is the bookend corner to Harris Jr., starting the season with an identical overall rating of 94. Paired with Harris Jr. and Von Miller, the Broncos’ defense is one to be reckoned with in Madden.
3. Malcolm Butler
The best tackler of the top 5, if an opponent is able to get the ball to a receiver that Butler is covering, players shouldn’t worry about giving up yards after the catch. That certainty and his coverage skills are why he’s rated 92 overall.
4. Patrick Peterson
With speed and agility to burn, Peterson’s 91 overall rating is partially because of his dangerous proficiency on special teams and after he makes an interception. Users playing with Peterson should expect highlight reels plays.
5. Josh Norman
Norman is never out of position, and in Madden, his 90 overall rating is because he seems to have a sixth sense about what the opposing offense is about to do. Players should use Norman to bait opposing quarterbacks into throwing interceptions.
Safeties
1. Kam Chancellor
At 95 overall, the Madden version of Chancellor is just as scary for opponents as the real one is. Players should dare opponents to run crossing routes across the field in front of Chancellor.
2. Eric Berry
When a man has beaten lymphoma to return to the NFL, opposing offenses are easy to conquer in comparison. Berry has a 94 overall rating to begin this season, thanks largely to his playmaking ability.
3. Earl Thomas III
Thomas III gives the Seattle Seahawks a nightmare secondary for opposing receivers, starting this season at 94 overall. Opponents facing players using Seattle should avoid the middle of the field.
4. Harrison Smith
Coverage, physicality, turnover potential, Smith has everything a players wants from a free safety. Players should trust his 93 overall rating and focus on maximizing his potential.
5. Eric Weddle
There’s no fooling Weddle, regardless of how intricate an offensive scheme or flawless its execution may be. At 93 overall, Weddle is a talent that can’t be missed in Madden.
Kickers and punters
1. Justin Tucker
Not every drive in Madden is going to conclude in the end zone, and that’s where a great kicker can be invaluable. Tucker is tops in this category, rated 87 overall.
2. Johnny Hekker
At 86 overall, Hekker is the top-rated punter in Madden to start this season. Coffin corner and hang time are both strong suites of his, along with directional punting.
3. Matt Bryant
Kicker is a position at which the best can play forever, and Bryant is a great example of this. Entering his age 42 season, he is rated 85 overall.
4. Bryan Anger
One of the most highly-paid punters in NFL history, Anger can be used by players to show off his 85 overall rating by turning over field position and even running the occasional fake punt.
5. Marquette King
King is one of the most personable punters in the NFL. In Madden, he backs up the personality with an 85 overall rating.
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These numbers will fluctuate somewhat throughout the season, as players have down years, get injured and others rise to outperform them. To start off the new Madden cycle, however, the players listed give gamers the best chances at victory.