Madden NFL 23 ratings and rankings

The start of training camps for most NFL teams is only a week away. After a brief break, football is back in the consciousness of the sports fan … if it ever really left. And with it comes the preparation for the latest Madden video game. But this year’s game, which will be released Aug. 19, is a little bit different.

Following the death of the series’ namesake, Hall of Fame coach John Madden, on Dec. 28, 2021, and EA Sports’ decision to put Madden on the cover, there’s a feeling of legacy around the game this year. But Madden always wanted the game to be about football and to approximate the reality of the sport he loved to coach, teach and talk about as closely as it could. He was the one who pushed for it to be 11-on-11 at the outset. He was the one who was still involved in aspects of the video game up until his death.

As the game grew in the zeitgeist of American culture, certain aspects stood out more than others. Ratings matter to players. They’ll complain on social media about their rating and sometimes raise questions to those who are doing it. The Madden staff has an entire crew dedicated to adjusting ratings throughout the year. It’s a big deal.

And with that in mind, here’s a breakdown of the initial ratings at launch of Madden 23, some top players at each position and the annual 99 club, which has turned into an honor around the sport. We’ll roll out more positions each day this week:

Wide receivers

1. Davante Adams, Raiders: 99

2. Cooper Kupp, Rams: 98

3. Tyreek Hill, Dolphins: 97

4. DeAndre Hopkins, Cardinals: 96

5. Stefon Diggs, Bills: 95

6. Justin Jefferson, Vikings: 93

7. Mike Evans, Buccaneer: 92

T-8. Terry McLaurin, Commanders: 91

T-8. Keenan Allen, Chargers: 91

10. Amari Cooper, Browns: 90

Dropped out from launch last year: Julio Jones (No. 5), Allen Robinson II (No. 10)

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