Picking a team to use in a head-to-head game is a big decision, but choosing which team to potentially start the next NFL dynasty with is an even bigger one. This isn’t something you should take lightly. If you want to have success, take a minute to think about your gameplay style and what teams are going to fit it. Most players simply select their favorite team, which is a great option, but if you want to compete in a user league, maybe it is a good idea to go with the best? If you’re simply playing offline for fun, maybe you want to try to get a team out of cap jail and into the playoffs? The choice is yours, and the best part is that there are no wrong answers.
TOP 5 Win Now Teams
Bragging rights are one of the most crucial parts of playing Madden NFL 16, so if you want to beat your friends, this list is for you. Here are the teams that have the pieces in place to start winning now, so why wait? Match up your style with one of the teams below and a playoff berth is more than likely!
Dallas Cowboys
- Offensive Scheme: Balanced
- Defensive Scheme: Base 4-3
- CFM Overall: 89
- Offense: 97
- Defense: 85
The Cowboys went on a tear through the NFC East last season and nearly pulled off the upset win at Lambeau in January. This season, Dallas returns to the gridiron with not just an amazing QB/WR combo, but one of the youngest and most physical lines in the game. Although HB DeMarco Murray left town, you should still be able to rack up yards on the ground with a back off the free agent wire. Otherwise, allow Tony Romo to spread it out and expect to get the protection he needs to deliver a big play to star WR Dez Bryant. To extend the window, work on the defense, which won’t win you any games right now but has some solid young talent in place. Expect high-scoring games and many victories in Big D this season.
Denver Broncos
- Offensive Scheme: Zone Run
- Defensive Scheme: Attacking 3-4
- CFM Overall: 85
- Offense: 87
- Defense: 89
Most players think of the Broncos as an offensive juggernaut, which they are. However, they also have one of the best defenses in the game, led by LOLB Von Miller. QB Peyton Manning is as accurate as they come for players who like using pocket passers. Although he won’t have TE Julius Thomas anymore, there are still plenty of great targets to light up the scoreboard with. Extend the window by getting backup QB Brock Osweiler plenty of XP during the season. Give Peyton plenty of rest and keep him as healthy as possible heading into January. Play plenty of man defense and focus on stopping the run, as it is your only weakness on defense.
New England Patriots
- Offensive Scheme: Spread
- Defensive Scheme: Hybrid
- CFM Overall: 87
- Offense: 89
- Defense: 91
The New England Patriots are the reigning Super Bowl champions and should be in consideration for players who want to win right now. QB Tom Brady is an elite pocket passer who can still make all the throws. New England is perfect for a player who wants to spread out their opponent on offense. TE Rob Gronkowski is a matchup nightmare in the seam. On defense, the Patriots did lose some veterans in the secondary, but they have more than enough young talent to make up for it at LB. This will be a season packed with high-scoring matchups, but their defense should find that crucial turnover for you in a big spot.
Green Bay Packers
- Offensive Scheme: West Coast
- Defensive Scheme: Attacking 3-4
- CFM Overall: 88
- Offense: 97
- Defense: 83
QB Aaron Rodgers is one of the most accurate QBs in the game and will make passing the ball a breeze. Target WR Jordy Nelson on aggressive catches with WR Randall Cobb running underneath using RAC (run after catch). The Packers also benefit from having one of the top power backs in the game, which allows you to change up your scheme from week to week. On defense, Green Bay still has plenty of players left in the secondary that allow them to play some unique coverage. Send LBs Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers after the QB and you should rack up the wins.
Seattle Seahawks
- Offensive Scheme: Power Run
- Defensive Scheme: Attacking 4-3
- CFM Overall: 92
- Offense: 89
- Defense: 97
Defense wins championships, and the Seahawks are the only team on this list with a truly lockdown D. The size and speed possessed by Seattle, especially in their secondary, make them one of a kind. On offense, they extended their own window by bringing in TE Jimmy Graham. You can extend it by making sure QB Russell Wilson sticks around for the rest of his career. Don’t forget to take the pressure off by handing the ball to HB Marshawn Lynch, who is the premiere power back in the game. Seattle’s formula for a third straight Super Bowl appearance is controlling the ball and playing shutdown defense.
TOP 5 Teams for the Future
One of the best parts of CFM is selecting a team that might not be ready to dominate right away but still has some solid pieces in play. With some good development and confidence building, you can turn an average team into a consistent playoff contender. Here are a few teams that your friends won’t see coming in just a few seasons. Whether it is a draft pick, free agent pickup, or simply getting XP, these teams will be ready to win in the future!
- Honorable Mention: Houston Texans, St. Louis Rams
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Offensive Scheme: West Coast
- Defensive Scheme: Attacking 4-3
- CFM Overall: 80
- Offense: 81
- Defense: 83
The Jaguars have transformed from a team that required a serious rebuild into a potential contender. Focus on getting and keeping the confidence of QB Blake Bortles high and the Jaguars will go as far as he can take them. There is plenty of young talent at WR, so make grabbing a franchise HB a priority in the draft. On defense, the Jags are a solid group in the front seven, but grab a new SS to go with their young rushers off the edge.
Oakland Raiders
- Offensive Scheme: Power Run
- Defensive Scheme: Base 4-3
- CFM Overall: 78
- Offense: 81
- Defense: 79
The Raiders now have an excellent combination with rookie WR Amari Cooper and QB Derek Carr. This will be the foundation of the Raiders’ return to the top tier. On defense, LB Khalil Mack proved he is the real deal and will be the centerpiece moving forward. There is also some great young talent in the secondary, but a leader will need to emerge once FS Charles Woodson closes out his career.
Tennessee Titans
- Offensive Scheme: Spread
- Defensive Scheme: Zone Blitz 3-4
- CFM Overall: 82
- Offense: 83
- Defense: 85
Tennessee made a commitment to the QB position with the #2 overall selection of Marcus Mariota. Mariota has good athleticism and a sharp command of a spread offensive system. This should be great news for the development of the offense and WRs like Kendall Wright. Defensively, the Titans should be better with the signing of veteran LB Brian Orakpo. Overall, there a solid mix of veterans on that side of the ball, but keep injecting young talent to build for the long haul.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Offensive Scheme: Balanced
- Defensive Scheme: Tampa 2
- CFM Overall: 79
- Offense: 81
- Defense: 85
Tampa Bay went with QB Jameis Winston as the #1 overall selection in the NFL Draft partly due to his excellent arm strength. Winston has two big targets on the outside and should be able to deliver a full passing offense early. Make sure to get HB Doug Martin’s confidence up rather than spend another pick in the draft. Instead, focus your draft picks on defense, especially in the secondary. Tampa Bay is pretty solid up the middle, but picking up some talent for the outside will help speed up your success.
Miami Dolphins
- Offensive Scheme: West Coast
- Defensive Scheme: Base 3-4
- CFM Overall: 81
- Offense: 83
- Defense: 85
The Dolphins solidified their place on top of this list with their offseason moves of extending QB Ryan Tannehill’s contract and signing DT Ndamukong Suh. Tannehill gives the entire offense a fresh scheme going forward and allows for new signings like TE Jordan Cameron to be in position to make plays. Suh is now the leader of an already solid defense with players like DE Cameron Wake that should be a force against opposing passers. Keep building up the confidence of your young WRs and look to stack your CBs in the draft.
TOP 5 Teams for Rebuilding
CFM is excellent because it allows you to impart your knowledge of football into the game. It allows you as the fan to make the draft pick or sign the player who can turn the franchise around. Do you have what it takes to find the next Drew Brees in New Orleans? This is your chance to prove it with a team that needs some rebuilding. All of the teams on this list have a piece of the puzzle, but your vision will shape it into a winner.
- Honorable Mention: Washington Redskins
San Francisco 49ers
- Offensive Scheme: Power Run
- Defensive Scheme: Base 3-4
- CFM Overall: 86
- Offense: 91
- Defense: 85
The best news for 49ers faithful is that QB Colin Kaepernick and MLB Navorro Bowman are still franchise talents to build around. The 49ers must continue to develop their young HB, Carlos Hyde, who will be filling in for HB Frank Gore, who gave the team its power run identity. On defense, they must build up their depth at the LB position; fortunately, they have some good young options there. The challenge becomes whom to develop to fill in for the players who brought so much success over the last few seasons.
Chicago Bears
- Offensive Scheme: West Coast
- Defensive Scheme: Base 3-4
- CFM Overall: 82
- Offense: 91
- Defense: 75
The Bears have always been known for having a solid 4-3 defense but are now switching over to a 3-4. Is this a good opportunity to start a full rebuild, or do you have what it takes to get their players in a position to succeed, no matter what the scheme? QB Jay Cutler is as talented as anyone out there, but he will no longer have WR Brandon Marshall to catch passes. Thankfully, the Bears drafted an excellent rookie WR in Kevin White, who should pair nicely with red zone threat Alshon Jeffery. The Bears’ line will be a piece to monitor and must be rebuilt if it can’t keep Cutler upright.
New Orleans Saints
- Offensive Scheme: Vertical
- Defensive Scheme: Attacking 3-4
- CFM Overall: 80
- Offense: 85
- Defense: 81
New Orleans traded excellent TE Jimmy Graham to the NFC Champion Seahawks in the offseason. This move earned them a first-round selection, which should help deliver some talent to QB Drew Brees, who is still capable of leading the Saints deep into the postseason. The question for the rebuild revolves around either quickly trying to reload or taking your time via the draft. The Saints could use some help at multiple positions of defense, so it is totally up to you about how to start the process. No matter what, make sure to get some big targets for Brees to take advantage of his excellent accuracy and the Saints’ vertical passing attack.
New York Giants
- Offensive Scheme: Balanced
- Defensive Scheme: Attacking 4-3
- CFM Overall: 81
- Offense: 85
- Defense: 79
The Giants may not seem like an obvious choice for a rebuild effort, but they have some needs along both lines of scrimmage. If you can develop their young offensive linemen, this job shouldn’t take long. However, the defense is in need of a playmaker at either the LB or safety spot. Push hard to make it rookie SS Landon Collins by keeping his confidence high. On offense, continue to spread the ball around to keep your playmakers happy. Consider the cost of all your talent going forward and find the best way to maximize it.
Indianapolis Colts
- Offensive Scheme: Balanced
- Defensive Scheme: Base 3-4
- CFM Overall: 80
- Offense: 85
- Defense: 77
The Colts geared up this offseason by signing veteran playmakers like HB Frank Gore and WR Andre Johnson. These two players will support excellent QB Andrew Luck and hopefully push Indy into the Super Bowl in the AFC. The Colts need to make sure they keep developing their young talent and can afford to keep it while making their push, which can be a delicate balance. On defense, the Colts struggle to stop the run, which can make certain matchups tough. Build your defensive line in the draft; otherwise, it won’t matter how many points you can score if your opponent is always in possession of the ball.
TOP 5 Sleeper Teams
Sleeper teams are a great way to surprise a player who isn’t expecting much from a certain team. All the teams on this list possess special talent at a certain position or can play a challenging style that can give opponents headaches. Focus on using all the talent available to you with depth chart and formation subs to get the most out of your team on Sundays.
- Honorable Mention: Houston Texans
Cleveland Browns
- Offensive Scheme: Power Run
- Defensive Scheme: Base 3-4
- CFM Overall: 83
- Offense: 87
- Defense: 89
Cleveland has quickly put together a solid defense that will keep them in nearly every single game. If you can generate some turnovers and win the field position battle, it will make life easy for the offense. The key to the offense is finding the right QB for the job. QB Johnny Manziel allows Cleveland to play a unique style that opponents may not be ready to defend. Make sure to run the ball and take advantage of their excellent offensive line, which is the real reason they are on this list.
Buffalo Bills
- Offensive Scheme: Power Run
- Defensive Scheme: Hybrid Defense
- CFM Overall: 83
- Offense: 85
- Defense: 87
What makes the Bills a tough team to play against is their multiple fronts, which can bring pressure from seemingly anywhere. Consistently line up the pass rushes at different angles to really throw off your opponents. On offense, QB E.J. Manuel gives the offense the best chance to run a scheme that can frustrate defenses who aren’t set to stop the run. Pound the rock early to make way for WR Sammy Watkins later in the game, and then let him take over.
Washington Redskins
- Offensive Scheme: West Coast
- Defensive Scheme: Base 3-4
- CFM Overall: 80
- Offense: 85
- Defense: 81
The Redskins can be a tricky team to defend for players who can’t stop the power run game. HB Alfred Morris requires a commitment to take down, which can open up things for QB Robert Griffin III. Griffin still has the physical skills to cause nightmares for the defense but requires the right scheme to really excel. Rather than looking to take shots downfield to your speedy WRs, get them in space across the middle for running after the catch, which should really help your offense move the chains and surprise opponents.
New York Jets
- Offensive Scheme: Spread
- Defensive Scheme: Attacking 3-4
- CFM Overall: 82
- Offense: 83
- Defense: 91
The signing of CB Darrelle Revis in the offseason makes the Jets’ defensive scheme a nightmare for opponents who rely on a number one WR. With a stacked defensive line that can stop the run without any help, the Jets will have plenty of extra defenders to move around to cause confusion for the offense. Rely on your stable of powerful HBs to shorten the game and open things up for your new playmaker at WR, Brandon Marshall. By limiting turnovers on offense, the Jets will force other teams to beat their defense, which won’t be easy.
Minnesota Vikings
- Offensive Scheme: Balanced
- Defensive Scheme: Attacking 4-3
- CFM Overall: 85
- Offense: 85
- Defense: 91
The Vikings’ offense is still built around HB Adrian Peterson. However, their QB, Teddy Bridgewater, allows them to run a unique scheme. Bridgewater proved the Vikings had talent on the outside last year and should repeat that success again this year. On defense, the Vikings have great young playmakers in the secondary who should match up well with all the good passing teams in the division. Expect to get pressure with the front four, and allow LB Anthony Barr to develop into the franchise’s star.
TOP 5 Rebound Teams
The teams on this list have all had runs to the playoffs in recent seasons but couldn’t repeat. Their fans know they have the talent, and they want to see it manifest on the field. Take these teams that are built for success and see if you can quickly rebound them back into contention. The talent is there; try to get the most out of it.
- Honorable Mention: Pittsburgh Steelers
Detroit Lions
- Offensive Scheme: Vertical
- Defensive Scheme: Attacking 4-3
- CFM Overall: 86
- Offense: 85
- Defense: 89
The Lions are looking to make back-to-back playoff appearances after a strong showing last year. While they did lose some defensive pieces in the offseason, they brought in some new players who will need to be fitted into the scheme. They are still extremely strong in the middle of their defense. On offense, they will need to find a replacement for HB Reggie Bush, who provided a great option on third down. Thankfully, they still have one of the best combos in football with QB Matt Stafford and WR Calvin Johnson.
Kansas City Chiefs
- Offensive Scheme: West Coast
- Defensive Scheme: Base 3-4
- CFM Overall: 85
- Offense: 85
- Defense: 89
The Chiefs had a winning record last season but failed to return to the playoffs, which would have been their second straight season. Kansas City has plenty of talent on offense, with HB Jamaal Charles carrying the load, and he will get support from newly signed WR Jeremy Maclin. On defense, the Chiefs can be a challenge for any team that likes to pass the ball because of the tremendous pass rush from their LBs. Can you lead the Chiefs to another winning season and their first playoff victory since 1993?
San Diego Chargers
- Offensive Scheme: Balanced
- Defensive Scheme: Base 3-4
- CFM Overall: 81
- Offense: 87
- Defense: 81
The Chargers finished with the same record the last two seasons, but only one led to a playoff appearance. With a tough division opponents in Denver and Kansas City, San Diego will need to rebound strongly to get a hold on the lead in the AFC West. San Diego has an excellent mix of pass catchers who should be the focal point of your offense. Use each one’s unique talents. Look to turn HB Melvin Gordon into a star to keep their excellent run going even longer.
Carolina Panthers
- Offensive Scheme : Balanced Offense
- Defensive Scheme: Base 4-3
- CFM Overall: 87
- Offense: 89
- Defense: 89
Carolina won its first playoff game since 2005 last season, but overall the season was a struggle as they finished with a 7-8-1 record. The bulk of the talent from a 12-4 finish the year before is still there, and everyone expects the Panthers to rebound this season. Carolina committed to QB Cam Newton and his dynamic playmaking ability this offseason. With options like TE Greg Olsen and WR Kelvin Benjamin in the passing game, things should really open up. The defense is stacked, especially with MLB Luke Kuechly being the anchor in the middle of the defense. Continue to build the secondary and Carolina should be a contender for years to come.
Philadelphia Eagles
- Offensive Scheme: Spread
- Defensive Scheme: Attacking 3-4
- CFM Overall: 86
- Offense: 91
- Defense: 87
No team has taken such an active approach to rebounding as the Eagles did this offseason. Out are HB LeSean McCoy and QB Nick Foles, in are QB Sam Bradford and HB DeMarco Murray, the latter from division rival Dallas. This gives the Eagles some excellent pieces to continue building their unique offensive scheme around. Keep building up the defense, especially around LB Kiko Alonso, whom they received via the McCoy trade. Their 3-4 defensive style will really improve from his presence in the lineup and could get them back to the postseason.