While there were some nerve-wracking games that came down to the final minutes, some players improved their game on the field and on the virtual field, as EA Sports compiled its weekly ratings update on Thursday before the start of the next week.
The biggest gainer is Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The Titans have been one of the best teams all season, and while most of the offensive praise goes to running back Derrick Henry, Tannehill has proven this season that he’s as much a part of their success as anyone else.
Although the Titans lost to the still-undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6—thanks to a missed Field Goal—Tannehill put on another great showing with 220 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions, and because of that, his overall rating has increased by five, leaving him at a respectable 88.
EA is citing Tannehill’s touchdown to interception ratio, which is at a ridiculous 15:2, as a huge reason for the jump in the ratings.
Every year, it’s interesting to see which rookies excel on the field and how that translates in Madden. Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has become a solid force of offense for the defending champions.
Two straight weeks of solid production, including that monster game against the Buffalo Bills, has made EA take notice and boost his overall rating to a solid 81. With Leveon Bell joining the team, Edwards-Helaire may see less touches, so we’ll see if that will affect his rating moving forward.
On the other side of the coin, reigning league MVP Lamar Jackson has taken a small hit to his overall rating this week. While the Baltimore Ravens quarterback continues to produce offense with his legs, his passing yards and completion percentage have taken a turn for the worst. Because of that, Jackson’s overall rating has gone down by one, to 92.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster is great, but EA hasn’t seen the production they’d want to see from a number one receiver on an undefeated team. A lot of that is because rookie Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson have stepped up and produced.
Smith-Schuster’s overall rating took a short hit, dropping by one to 86, but that can change with one great game.
If you’re looking to see if Madden 21 will feature another 99 overall rating—the highest possible in the game—a couple of names got close this week.
Defensive end Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns and Green Packers wide receiver Devontae Adams had their overall ratings increase to 97 and 96, respectively.
To see the entire list of ratings including the changes over on the EA Sports database.
What do you think of the latest ratings changes in Madden 21? Let us know in the comments section.
