Feb 4, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy during the Super Bowl XLIX victory parade. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (TEAM 91 OVR)
Seems a bit high after loosing Revis, but the Patriots come out on top in the Madden rankings. Here’s what Madden says about the New England defense that keeps the team floating in the rankings:
"Defensive standouts include FS Devin McCourty (94 OVR) and ROLB Dont’a Hightower (93 OVR). Jabaal Sheard (84 OVR) is a quality new addition at DT. After some turnover in the secondary, Super Bowl hero Malcom Butler (76 OVR) should be a starter at CB."
MIAMI DOLPHINS (TEAM 81 OVR)
A perfect, middle of the road rating for a highly successful offense and a new-look defense. Rookie DeVante Parker gets a 76 rating, while new-comer Ndamukong Suh scores a team high 96 rating.
"Ryan Tannehill (85 OVR) starts at QB along with new TE Jordan Cameron (84 OVR), while Lamar Miller (84 OVR) returns at HB."
BUFFALO BILLS (TEAM 79 OVR)
For a team with playoff asperations, a 79 seems low, yet somewhat appropriate. With all three quarterbacks sitting in the low-to-mid 70’s (Matt Cassell (75 OVR), E. J. Manuel (73 OVR), and Tyrod Taylor (72 OVR)), the defense and running backs pull the Bills back up the rankings. LeSean McCoy is given an 88, down from his incredible 97 rating from last season. The teams’ first draft pick Ronald Darby sneaks in with a 70.
NEW YORK JETS (TEAM 76 OVR)
Another team with a poor quarterback rating but a solid defense to hold it up. Matt Cassell and Geno Smith actually rate better than the Bill’s scrubs, Ryan Fitzpatrick getting a 78 and Geno Smith with a 76. The defense is clearly the key to this team, as shown by the crazy ratings on that side of the ball:
"The Jets’ defensive line could be dominant, with LE Muhammad Wilkerson (96 OVR) and Sheldon Richardson (91 OVR) being bookended by Damon Harrison (88 OVR). Keep an eye on first-round pick Leonard Williams (80 OVR) as well. The Jets have reunited the band at cornerback, with Darrelle Revis (97 OVR) being joined by Antonio Cromartie (86 OVR)."
Next: AFC North