Win now teams are built or have an existing roster with the highest Overall rating. A contributing factor is a longer list of players at the peak of their careers. This season consists of a much deeper system when it comes to building each player individually. Players’ ages matter much more, as well as how their traits have been built. In Madden NFL 17, players at their peak perform much better than other players at the same skill level. However, the same player’s performance begins to decrease rather rapidly as they continue to age.
team 5
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have one of the best passing games in the league; with a veteran QB and enough speed on the field, it’s going to be tough to stop any air attack this team puts together. The Cardinals have only improved their roster since last year, making for a pretty strong depth chart. This season’s zone defense helps their defense excel, especially with Tryann Mathieu in the backfield.
team 4
PittsburgH Steelers
What will make or break the Steelers this year is whether they can score without allowing the other team to answer back. Pittsburgh’s defensive line is rebuilding, which means they will be able to keep more pressure on the offense and solve this problem. Having both the running and the passing game somewhat at a peak this season, the Steelers have another shot at going all the way. With their tough loss last year, they should be hungry this season and ready to get another great year under their belt.
team 3
Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is still in his prime, which means the Packers have another shot at the Super Bowl as long as the offensive line stays healthy. While this season’s ground control is the key to success, the short passing game is still extremely difficult to defend against when you have a QB like Rodgers. The Green Bay Packers benefit not only from having one of the best QBs, but also two of the top WRs in the league. Keeping to the air, while having Eddie Lacey’s acceleration and speed as the alternative, will always make the Packers a serious offensive threat.
team 2
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have made some major improvements in the last couple of years. The upset of last season’s Super Bowl has not discouraged their roster, keeping both the offense and the defense extremely strong. Cam Newton’s leadership and mobility provide an advantage against the blitz. What gives Carolina a major edge is the defensive linebackers and the fact that both Zone Coverage and Man defense will keep most offenses at bay. Luke Kuechly’s Awareness rating makes any play in his sector an extremely risky play for the offense.
team 1
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are easily the top rated team this season. Between Rob Gronkowski, Tom Brady, and Don’t’a Hightower, the depth chart is full of superstars. Because of how significantly Madden NFL 17 has been improved for age and experience, superstars are critical for a “win now” team. It’s important to mention that even though most of the superstars are on the offense, the depth chart on defense has the highest rating in the game. The ground war has given a major advantage to the Patriots.