Connected Franchise Mode

CFM Team Rating: 76

Offensive Scheme: Balanced

Defensive Scheme: Attacking 4-3

Strengths: QB, WR, LT, LOLB, CB

Weaknesses: HB, C, LE, DT, SS

Offensive Scouting Report

• QB Peyton Manning is a 15-year NFL pro. That’s good and bad for your front office. It means your team is ready to win right now. It also means that you will need to rebuild the franchise when he retires. Keep your eye out for under-the-radar rookies in the coming years.
• The Broncos are in desperate need of an elite HB. Your first order of business with the Broncos is to find a halfback in the draft or free agency. Look for two while you’re at it—an every-down player and a shifty third-down back.
• Free agent splash pickup WR Wes Welker will help the Broncos immediately. Whatever you do, don’t keep him for a second contract. You have two stud WRs who need more long-term attention in Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker. Keep them around as long as you have Peyton.

Defensive Scouting Report

• In the secondary you have three lockdown cover corners: 35-year-old Champ Bailey, 24-year-old Chris Harris, and 27-year-old Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Bailey is costing you $10 million a year. Get rid of him, sign Rodgers-Cromartie long-term, and call it a day.
• LOLB Von Miller is 24 years old and is already one of the league’s best pass-rushing linebackers. His contract is up in two years. With the money you save by dumping Champ Bailey you can sign Miller to a long-term deal now. Miller is the future; Bailey isn’t.
• In the draft you will need to look for defensive linemen. Look for DEs who rush the passer and DTs who have enough strength to anchor the middle of the field.

Owner & Coach Profiles

Key Players

QB #18 Peyton Manning

• Manning has lost some zip on his fastball, but he can still make every throw you need. An elite DAC rating is tough to come by in Madden NFL 25, and Manning has it.
• Don’t even think about running any type of option offense with Manning. If he gets hurt your team will be in trouble.

LOLB #52 Von Miller

• Miller can create pressure for your defense without blitzing. Play a lot of 2 Man Under coverage and send Miller after the QB.
• Not only can Miller rush the QB, he can also deliver big-time hits. His 89 POW rating goes great with his 95 TAK rating.

PRE-GAME Setup:

Key Running Substitution

Who: HB Ronnie Hillman

Where: Starting HB

Why: He might only have a 72 OVR rating, but he is the best overall HB on this team. He has just enough speed and quickness to be a threat to opposing defenses.

Key Stats: 91 SPD, 94 AGI, 93 ACC, 92 ELU

Key Passing Substitution

Who: WR Trindon Holliday

Where: Deep ball and screen plays

Why: Holliday has blazing speed. Get him the ball in space and it can result in instant points for your offense.

Key Stats: 98 SPD, 95 AGI, 97 ACC

Key Run Defense Substitution

Who: DT Sealver Siliga

Where: #2 DT

Why: Siliga might only have a 65 OVR rating, but he has an 87 BSH rating, which is the second best on the line. If you need to stop the run get him in the game.

Key Stats: 87 BSH, 89 STR

Key Pass Defense Substitution

Who: FS Quinton Carter

Where: Starting FS

Why: Carter has a little pop in his bat. A 92 POW rating means you see the field, no matter what.

Key Stats: 92 POW, 70 PUR