Madden 23 arrived for console game systems, and one of the biggest things fans want to look at is how the game ranks the players this season. With Madden 23 hitting shelves on August 19 for Xbox and PlayStation systems, as well as Microsoft Windows platforms, the game's designers guessed at how the players would enter the season, ratings-wise, after all the offseason trades and free agent moves between teams.
When breaking down the best players in the game this season, in a surprising development, only one quarterback ranked in the top 10 players for the season, and it might not be who many fans would expect. The game also put a premium on offensive and defensive linemen and tight ends, while the highest-ranked wide receiver made a huge jump this season into the top spots.
Tom Brady (QB) - 97
With so many hot young quarterbacks in the NFL, from Patrick Mahomes to Lamar Jackson, the highest-rated player at the position remains none other than Tom Brady. Brady starts off Madden 23 with the same rating he had in Madden 22 at a 97.
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At 45, Brady wasn't even sure he would return this season, but he will be back to lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers once again. It isn't a surprise, since Brady had his highest yardage and touchdown numbers in a decade in 2021, so players should expect his video game counterpart to be a solid player this season as well.
Derrick Henry (RB) - 97
Derrick Henry missed half the 2021 season injured, but he still managed to run for 937 yards and 10 touchdowns. As a result, his Madden 23 score shows that the game designers believe he can rebound and remain dominant this season as well.
Henry ran for over 2,000 yards in 2020 and there is a chance he could do so again if healthy. In Madden 23, it looks like Henry is the running back to target, and he even has a high injury score, meaning his game counterpart shouldn't suffer an injury this season.
Zack Martin (RG) - 98
Zack Martin is one of two offensive linemen to receive a score of 98 or better in Madden 23, which was as high as his Madden 22 rating. Martin has been the best blocker for the Dallas Cowboys since they drafted him, but he has dealt with injury problems keeping him sidelined often.
Despite that, Madden 23 has given Martin a 98 and ranked him based on his potential, and doesn't seem worried about injuries hurting his on-field play as he gets older. His top general stats are for his strength (95), injury (93), stamina (93), and toughness (96), so expect his durability never to come into question in the game.
Jalen Ramsey (CB) - 98
Jalen Ramsey is the only defensive back to earn a rating of 98 or higher in Madden 23. A cornerback for the Super Bowl-defending Los Angeles Rams, Ramsey is the best Man to Man Archetype in the game, meaning quarterbacks will find it hard to throw to the receiver he defends on plays.
Ramsey is almost flawless with his general ratings. Madden 23 has him listed at a 90 or higher on every rating in the category except for strength and injury. However, he shines most on pass defense, where he has a flawless 99 on zone coverage and press coverage, making him a lockdown player for any gamer.
Cooper Kupp (WR) - 98
Cooper Kupp is the second of three members of the Los Angeles Rams to rank at 98 or higher on Madden 23 this season. He is also the second-best wide receiver in the game, although there are some fans who might think he deserves the top spot.
While catching passes for the Super Bowl champions last season, Kupp had 145 receptions for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns. That ranked first in every category, and he even won the Super Bowl MVP last season. Madden 23 still has one receiver ranked above him, so Kupp might have something to prove this year to his doubters.
Travis Kelce (TE) - 98
Travis Kelce is the only tight end to have a Madden 23 rating of 98 or higher. The Kansas City Chiefs star has remained the best tight end in the NFL for the last four seasons, and while his 92 receptions for 1,125 yards in 2021 were his lowest numbers in that time, he was still dominant.
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Based on his ratings, Madden 23 doesn't expect him to drop in production again this season. His pass-catching ratings are tremendous, with a 96, and his stamina level of 97 means that players won't need to worry about him wearing down as the game wears on.
Myles Garrett (RE) - 99
The highest rating in Madden 23 is a 99, and there are two defensive linemen that check in at that milestone. One of these men is Cleveland Browns' defensive end, Myles Garrett. The man is a beast and puts fear in the hearts of any quarterback who sees him coming.
His defensive ratings are incredible for tackling and rushing the quarterback, with a monster 98 for power moves and 97 on pursuit. With these numbers, there is little chance that a running back will get past him and quarterbacks better get the ball out fast because he will burst through the line more often than not.
Aaron Donald (RE) - 99
The second defensive linemen to get a 99 rating in Madden 23 is the reigning Super Bowl champion, Aaron Donald. The differences between Donald and Myles Garrett are minimal. Both men can blow past offensive linemen and put a hurt on anyone who comes in their path.
For Donald, his best ratings are in power moves and play recognition, which both top out at a 99. He also has the bonus of enjoying a 98 injury rating, meaning he won't miss anytime, and a 97 toughness rating, which means when he hits someone, they are the ones who will end up on the ground.
Trent Williams (LT) - 99
The only NFL offensive lineman that received a perfect 99 in their Madden 23 ratings is Trent Williams. This comes as a slight surprise since Williams had not played a full season in eight seasons, thanks to injuries. His 15 games in 2021 was the best since 2013.
However, Madden 23 ratings are based on skill set and promise, and don't consider missed time. That means, if he stays healthy, the game considers him the best blocker in the NFL this season. His injury rating is lower (87), but he has perfect Impact Blocking and Run Block Finesse scores.
Davante Adams (WR) - 99
The best skill position player in Madden 23 ratings is wide receiver Davante Adams. This is surprising. Cooper Kupp had more receptions, yards, and touchdowns than Adams last season, and that was with Aaron Rodgers throwing Adams the ball.
In 2023, Adams is on a new team, catching passes from David Carr with the Las Vegas Raiders. However, based on his Madden 23 ratings, the developers believe he will be even better than he was with Rodgers (96 in Madden 22). The Raiders have to hope that is true, with the new big contract he just received.
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