Yet again, official Madden NFL ratings have sent the sporting world into a frenzy. It’s almost tradition at this point — fans endlessly go back and forth regarding some numbers that Electronic Arts (EA) came up with as if it were ancient stone tablet etchings that everyone must agree with.
Nuts to that, we say.
In fairness, most of Madden NFL 23‘s rankings weren’t terribly off the mark. The highest-rated quarterbacks, wide receivers, edge rushers, running backs, cornerbacks, and defensive linemen were fine, as were the 99 club member additions and overall team stats. However, as is always the case, some ratings were questionable, missing, or downright controversial. At least in our opinion.
Our friends at For The Win already broke down their picks for the most overrated and underrated players, but us nerds at GLHF felt like drawing up a list too! Below, you’ll find a list of 10 athletes we believe deserve better overall ratings (OVR) in Madden NFL 23 for one reason or another.
Trevon Diggs, Dallas Cowboys, OVR 84
In 2021, Trevon Diggs had a reasonably historic season. We’re talking about the guy that totaled 11 interceptions, the most any player had grabbed since 1981 (17 years before he was born). So yeah, Diggs should be higher than 84.
Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints, OVR 90
While Kamara’s rating is nothing to scoff at, it’s a little low. After all, this man became the fastest athlete in NFL history to reach 3,000 yards in rushing and receiving. Plus, there’s the fact that he earned a fifth Pro Bowl nomination in five consecutive seasons. You’re probably picking up what we’re putting down by this point
Zach Wilson, New York Jets, OVR 73
Wilson is still relatively fresh in his career. Remember, he only went pro last year and was the top quarterback prospect during the 2021 NFL Draft. Yes, he didn’t have a practically glowing season, but a 73 means he’s not even in the top 20 among quarterbacks. Bit harsh, wouldn’t you say?
Tyrann Mathieu, New Orleans Saints, OVR 94
Look, we know Tyrann Mathieu is sitting pretty high at 94. As many fans have likely pointed out, though, he should be higher. At least by a couple of points! To be fair, he was a free agent for most of 2022 before signing with the Saints. Again, EA seems to consider factors like that while doing numbers.
Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers, OVR 85
Many believe Najee Harris was snubbed hard for not being in the top 10 running backs in Madden NFL 23. Last season, he came in second for advanced rushing, breaking 30 tackles. Numbers like that should lead to a much higher placement; it’s straight-up silly.
Breece Hall, New York Jets, OVR 76
Yet another rookie that most people believe is lower than they should be. While a 76 is not bad, many people are taking issue with his speed rating of 91. EA didn’t even rank Breece among the fastest running backs, which he also took issue with.
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles, OVR 89
Not many quarterbacks had strong openings like Hurts did during the 2021 season. After leading the Eagles to victory against the Atlanta Falcons, he also helped with wins over the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers — securing a playoff spot. Were it not for an unfortunate ankle injury, who knows how much higher he could’ve been on the rankings!
Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers, OVR 96
There’s no doubt that McCaffrey is one of the best running backs. His rating proves it, but as everyone knows, a particularly nasty hamstring injury kept him out of two games. Had that not happened, he might’ve overtaken Nick Chubb on the veteran rankings. The question right now is whether or not he can recapture what made him such a force to be reckoned with in 2020 and 2019.
Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders, OVR 87
Many believe Crosby should have been in the top 10 edge rushers in Madden NFL 23. In 2021, he set numerous personal records, including assisted tackles, combined tackles, and solo tackles. It’s a pretty impressive achievement. Unfortunately, none of it was enough to shift his 89 up to a 90. So close, yet so far.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Steelers, OVR 89
Probably the hottest take on this list. Most long-time fans can’t decide whether Fitzpatrick is worthy of an 89, especially since he was on the reserve list for a good chunk of last season. That doesn’t diminish his past accomplishments, though! Plus, it’s fun book-ending this sort of this with a spicy opinion.
Written by Kyle Campbell on behalf of GLHF.
