Selecting a team is the most important moment of any Madden 26 franchise. Choose wisely and you set yourself up for success all year. Choose poorly and you are destined for mediocrity. From those categories, we computed the overall score of each team giving them their 1-32 ranking, as you can see below: To download the excel file: Click Here So without further ado, let's dive in!
Our goal with these power rankings is to give you an idea of the best teams to take and why. Obviously, your personal preferences will come into play and there is no way we can account for that so please keep that in mind as you are going through this article.
We are also going to assume that our league will last for at least 4+ seasons. The teams best equipped to win right now are often mediocre teams by the 2nd or 3rd year of your franchise.
So in this article, teams are broken down into 9 categories. Inside of these 9 categories teams are graded 1-32, with 1 being the best and 32 being the worst:
The Ravens return to the top of the rankings in Madden �26, and it�s clear why � this roster is
loaded on both sides of the ball. Lamar Jackson gives Baltimore one of the most dynamic quarterbacks
in the league (QB Rank: 2nd), and he�s supported by a versatile set of weapons (4th)
that can stretch defenses horizontally and vertically. The offensive line (19th) isn�t elite,
but Jackson�s mobility makes up for protection lapses and keeps the offense humming.
Defensively, the Ravens are as complete as it gets. They boast the #1 coverage unit in the game,
making passing against them a nightmare. Pair that with a top-10 run defense (7th) and a
respectable optimal rush (14th), and you�ve got a defense that can stifle opponents in any
game plan. Their draft capital (9th) and cap space (15th) provide enough flexibility to keep the core
intact without major sacrifices.
The Youth Power Index (YPI: 4th) only strengthens their case as the league�s top pick. Baltimore
not only wins now, but they�ve got the young stars in place to stay elite for seasons to come. Any coach
landing the Ravens is walking into a championship-caliber roster from day one.
The Buccaneers slot in at #2 overall, built on balance and long-term stability. They�re led by a solid
quarterback room (QB Rank: 7th) and an offensive line that holds steady at 9th, giving coaches
enough protection to run a versatile scheme. Their weapons (11th) aren�t elite but provide dependable
production, especially with depth across the roster. The Bucs� offense isn�t flashy, but it�s reliable and
consistent, which makes them an attractive pick for coaches who value control.
On defense, Tampa Bay is one of the best all-around units. They rank 4th in run defense, 8th in coverage,
and 14th in optimal rush, giving you the flexibility to shut down the ground game and keep passing attacks
in check. That defensive versatility makes them one of the toughest matchups in Madden �26. Add in strong draft
resources (Draft Cap: 6th) and a favorable salary outlook (11th), and the Buccaneers are a team with
both immediate strength and future flexibility.
The Youth Power Index (YPI: 9th) shows they�ve got a healthy mix of young contributors and proven veterans.
Tampa might not dominate any one category, but their lack of weaknesses makes them one of the safest and most
well-rounded picks in the entire game.
The Broncos come in at #3, and their roster is built to frustrate opponents on defense while giving
coaches enough offensive balance to stay competitive every week. Denver is led by a solid quarterback
group (QB Rank: 9th) and a steady offensive line (12th), which keeps their scheme versatile.
The weapons (25th) are clearly the weak spot, so coaches will need to be creative in maximizing
their skill talent.
On defense, the Broncos shine. They boast an elite coverage unit (2nd overall) paired with a
top-10 run defense (10th), making them one of the toughest teams to move the ball against. Their
optimal rush (11th) adds to that formula, letting them get after the quarterback without selling
out on blitzes. Denver�s draft capital (11th) and cap space (12th) keep them flexible for long-term
roster building, giving coaches options to add playmakers in future offseasons.
The Youth Power Index (YPI: 2nd) is what makes this team so appealing in franchise play. With one
of the strongest young cores in the league, the Broncos are built not just to win now but to stay in
the championship conversation for seasons to come. Outside of the lack of elite weapons, this roster
checks every box.
The Chiefs sit at #4, and as always, it starts with Patrick Mahomes. Kansas City owns the #3 QB ranking,
giving them one of the most dangerous single players in Madden �26. The supporting cast on offense is more
balanced than explosive: weapons rank 10th and the offensive line checks in at 5th, giving Mahomes
a sturdy foundation to operate behind. This combination makes them one of the scariest passing attacks in the
game, capable of putting up points in a hurry.
Defensively, Kansas City is solid but not bulletproof. Their coverage unit (10th) and optimal rush (6th)
mean they can hang with most teams, but the run defense (21st) is a clear weak point and may force coaches
to scheme aggressively against ground-heavy opponents. Draft flexibility is decent (Draft Cap: 15th), but the
salary cap situation is tight (32nd), so coaches will need to plan carefully for the future.
The Youth Power Index (YPI: 1st overall) puts this roster over the top. Kansas City isn�t just built around
Mahomes � they have one of the strongest young cores in the league, giving them long-term dominance potential.
For coaches who want both immediate firepower and a dynasty blueprint, the Chiefs are one of the premier picks.
The Eagles check in tied near the top thanks to a roster that wins where it matters most: up front and at the skill spots.
Philadelphia boasts the #1 offensive line in Madden �26, a group that can keep the pocket pristine and pave lanes all day,
and a lethal set of weapons (2nd) that turn short throws into chunk plays. While the quarterback room sits at 20th, that elite
protection and playmaker group raise the floor of the entire offense. Draft capital (5th) and a steady salary outlook (14th) give
coaches room to keep retooling without gutting the core.
Defensively, Philly is solid across the board if not overwhelming: optimal rush 18th, run defense 15th, and
coverage 17th. You can scheme pressure with numbers and trust the offense to carry the explosive moments. The youth profile is
encouraging, too � YPI: 6th overall � signaling a core that should hold its value over multi-season franchise play.
Bottom line: if you want immediate control of the trenches and firepower outside, the Eagles are a premium pick. The O-line and
weapons let you dictate tempo, and with strong draft assets and a healthy cap, you�re built to contend now and keep stacking wins later. they don�t dominate any one category, but their depth, balance, and youth
make them one of the safest and smartest picks on the board.
The Los Angeles Rams land at #6 in the Madden �26 rankings, powered by a strong combination of veteran leadership and exciting young talent.
The Rams sit at #6 thanks to a sturdy, well-balanced build that can win right away and still develop over multiple seasons.
Offensively, they�re steady across the board: a mid-tier quarterback room (13th) operating behind a solid O-line (13th) with
a dependable set of weapons (13th) that can work every level of the field. The defense is where L.A. really pops against the run
� a top-tier run defense (3rd) paired with a respectable optimal rush (12th) gives you control of early downs and keeps games on script.
Draft flexibility is strong (Draft Cap 5th) and the cap picture is stable (Salary Cap 14th), so you can keep layering talent without tearing
down the core.
The tradeoff: the secondary is the clear weak spot (Coverage 25th). You�ll want to lean on pressure, mix your coverages, and let the front
handle the heavy lifting while the offense plays efficient, controlled football. The youth profile is encouraging as well �
YPI: 6th overall � signaling that your best players still have room to grow in franchise mode.
Bottom line: if you want a tough, run-stuffing defense with good picks in your pocket and a balanced offense, the Rams are a smart,
high-floor choice that can contend immediately and keep improving.
The Bills slide into the top 10 at #7, built around one of the very best quarterbacks in Madden �
Josh Allen and a QB room ranked 1st overall. With elite arm strength and mobility, Buffalo�s
offense can attack every blade of grass. The supporting cast is solid too: a mid-pack O-line (16th)
and weapons (20th) give enough firepower to keep the passing game dangerous without needing
to rely solely on Allen�s heroics.
On defense, the Bills are steady across the board. They boast a top-10 run defense (8th) and
respectable coverage (9th), which pairs nicely with Allen�s big-play potential to give this
team balance on both sides. Their optimal rush sits 3rd, meaning they can collapse the pocket
quickly and make life miserable for opposing QBs. Add in solid draft flexibility (9th), though a
tougher salary cap situation (23rd), and you�ve got a contender built to win now with just enough
resources to keep things steady moving forward.
The Youth Power Index isn�t elite (YPI: 15th), so this is more of a win-now roster than one
designed to peak in the future. Still, with Allen leading the charge and a defense built to pressure
and cover, the Bills are one of the safest and most explosive options for a coach looking to make an
immediate run at the Lombardi.
The Lions come in at #8, carrying over the momentum of their rise into one of the league�s most
exciting rosters. Detroit�s offense starts with a steady quarterback group (19th) but really shines
in the trenches, with a strong O-line (7th) that anchors the attack. Their weapons rank 8th,
giving coaches a mix of young stars and versatile threats who can win in different ways. While QB
play isn�t elite, the supporting cast makes this a very user-friendly offense.
Defensively, the Lions offer strength across the front. They�re 6th in optimal rush and
22nd in run defense, meaning they can get after quarterbacks but may give up some chunk yards
on the ground. The secondary is middle of the pack (coverage 5th), but more than capable of
holding up if the pass rush gets home. Draft capital is a bit tricky (26th), and the cap
situation isn�t great (30th), but the roster�s core talent is already in place to contend
immediately.
The Youth Power Index (YPI: 1st overall) is the real selling point here. Detroit has the
league�s most exciting young core, combining high talent with long-term growth. If you want a team
that can win now and develop into a dynasty in franchise mode, the Lions are one of the very best
picks on the board.
The Texans technically land in a tie for 8th, and they�re built to win with defense-first fundamentals and timely
offense. C.J. Stroud headlines a solid quarterback room (QB Rank: 12th), and a top-10 group of
weapons (8th) gives you plenty of playmaking. Protection is the concern � the O-line (26th)
will require quick game, rollouts, and the screen/RPO menu to keep Stroud clean until you can invest
resources. Fortunately, you�ve got them: Draft Cap: 3rd and a manageable Salary Cap: 19th
set you up to plug holes early in franchise mode.
Defense is where Houston pops. The secondary is elite with Coverage: 2nd, and the front can hunt
with a top-10 Optimal Rush (9th), creating a nasty pass-defense combo. The soft spot is against
power looks (Run D: 24th), so expect to commit bodies on early downs or prioritize a run-plugger
with that strong draft position. YPI: 18th signals a middle-of-the-pack youth profile � not
overflowing with blue-chip youngsters, but enough ascending talent to grow with the right upgrades.
Bottom line: Houston is a great pick for coaches who want to win with coverage and pressure while
developing the trenches. Shore up the run D, add a lineman or two, and this becomes a balanced
contender built to hang in every game.
The Seahawks crack the top 10 with a defense-first profile that can win right away if you play to their strengths.
Offensively, the challenge is real: the quarterback room sits at 28th and the O-line is 32nd, so you�ll want
a quick-game menu�RPOs, screens, play-action rollouts�and to lean on a solid weapons group (14th) to manufacture
yards after the catch. Sustained drives will come from staying on schedule and minimizing long-developing concepts until
you upgrade the trenches.
The defense is the selling point. Seattle is nasty against the run (Run D: 6th) and tight on the back end
(Coverage: 7th), with a steady pass-rush foundation (Optimal Rush: 13th) that lets you mix pressures without
living in zero. The organization is also set up to improve quickly�Draft Cap: 9th and Salary Cap: 7th give
you the ammo to fix OL and explore a QB plan in Year 1 or 2.
The youth profile is strong�YPI: 7th�with room to grow once you invest those premium resources. Bottom line: the
Seahawks are a great pick for coaches who love defense and ball control. Shore up protection, find your quarterback
answers, and this roster can surge from scrappy to scary in a hurry.
The Chargers come in at #11, and this roster revolves around the superstar arm of Justin Herbert. With a #4 QB ranking
and a strong O-line (5th) in front of him, you�ve got one of the cleanest passing setups in Madden �26. The problem is
the weapons (30th) � one of the weakest groups in the league � which will force coaches to be creative with route combos,
timing, and scheme until reinforcements are added.
On defense, the Chargers have some work to do. They�re 26th in run defense and 28th in optimal rush, leaving them
vulnerable in the trenches. Coverage is steadier at 13th, but this is a unit that will bend against physical teams. The
good news is that the roster is extremely flexible: with Draft Cap: 9th and a fantastic Salary Cap: 3rd, Los Angeles
has the resources to quickly rebuild the weak spots around their franchise QB.
The Youth Power Index (YPI: 11th) makes them appealing long-term � they�ve already got Herbert and a foundation of young
talent. For coaches who want a top-tier passer and the resources to mold the roster into a contender, the Chargers are one of the
smartest picks on the board.
The Steelers are a defensive sledgehammer with a lot of work to do on offense. Pittsburgh boasts the
#1 run defense and the #1 optimal rush, plus a steady coverage unit (11th)�a combination that
can suffocate drives and flip field position all game. This is classic Steelers football: win at the line,
dictate tempo, and force opponents into mistakes.
The challenge is on offense. The QB room ranks 32nd, the O-line is 23rd, and the weapons are 31st,
so you�ll need a ball-control approach: condensed splits, heavy formations, play-action shots, and manufactured
YAC to stay on schedule. The good news is you have resources�Draft Cap: 6th and a healthy Salary Cap: 10th�
to target a QB plan and add two or three instant contributors at OL/WR early in franchise mode.
With a middle-tier youth profile (YPI: 17th), the defense gives you a championship identity now while the
front office retools the offense. If you love winning ugly and letting your defense close the door, Pittsburgh is
an outstanding pick.
The Colts land at #13, and they�re a fascinating roster for coaches who love balancing upside with a few
clear challenges. Anthony Richardson gives Indy a strong foundation (QB Rank: 11th), and he�s supported
by a solid O-line (10th) and a capable weapons group (16th) that can keep the offense moving.
The raw tools are here, but consistency and development will be the name of the game in franchise play.
Defensively, the Colts bring both strengths and weaknesses. Their run defense (8th) is a major asset,
while their coverage unit (32nd) is the weakest in the league. That means smart coaching and roster
moves will be required to avoid getting shredded through the air. The pass rush is serviceable
(Optimal Rush: 23rd), but you�ll want to prioritize bolstering the secondary right away.
With Draft Cap: 9th and a healthy Salary Cap: 6th, Indianapolis has the flexibility to build
quickly around their young QB. The Youth Power Index (YPI: 25th) shows the roster isn�t as loaded with
young stars as some others, but Richardson�s growth potential makes them a strong medium-to-long-term pick.
For coaches willing to develop talent and patch the secondary, the Colts can evolve into a playoff threat.
The Bears sit at #14 with a roster that has quietly become one of the most balanced in Madden �26.
The quarterback group checks in at 13th, backed by a solid O-line (13th) and a
weapons unit (17th) that gives Chicago versatility on offense. While not elite in any one category,
the Bears have enough talent across the board to sustain drives and keep defenses honest.
Defensively, Chicago is middle-of-the-pack but reliable. Their run defense (18th) and
coverage unit (14th) are both steady, though not dominant, and the optimal rush (26th)
means they may struggle to generate consistent pressure without bringing extra heat. That said,
their defensive balance makes them tough to exploit with any single approach.
With excellent Draft Cap (4th), the Bears are positioned to inject young talent right away,
though a tougher Salary Cap (25th) situation may limit long-term flexibility. Their
Youth Power Index (YPI: 13th) shows a good mix of young contributors already in place.
For a coach who values balance, draft capital, and a team with no glaring weaknesses,
Chicago is a strong mid-round selection.
The Jets check in at #15, bringing a defensive-minded roster with just enough offensive balance to compete right away.
The quarterback situation sits at 21st, which is below average, but the O-line (11th) provides stability
and gives this offense a fighting chance. The weapons group (23rd) lacks elite playmakers, so coaches will need
to lean on scheme and efficiency to generate explosive plays.
Defense is where the Jets shine. Their coverage unit (8th) and run defense (13th) make them one of the
better all-around defenses in Madden �26, while the optimal rush (19th) provides enough disruption up front to
keep opponents honest. This is a unit that can keep games low scoring and give the offense a chance to grind out wins.
With Draft Cap: 26th, resources for immediate upgrades are limited, but a favorable Salary Cap: 8th
gives some financial breathing room. The Youth Power Index (YPI: 15th) reflects a healthy young core that
should improve over time. For a coach who wants to win with defense, ball control, and patient team-building,
the Jets are a strong pick.
The Packers slide into the middle of the pack at #15, but they bring one of the strongest young cores
in the league. Jordan Love leads a QB room ranked 10th, and he�s backed by a solid set of
weapons (15th) that can threaten defenses in multiple ways. The O-line (18th) isn�t elite,
but it�s serviceable enough to keep the offense consistent.
On defense, Green Bay is balanced but not dominant. They sit at 17th in run defense and
17th in coverage, making them solid but not game-changing in either phase. The glaring issue is
the optimal rush (32nd), which leaves them vulnerable to quarterbacks who have time in the pocket.
Coaches will need to manufacture pressure through blitzing or future roster moves to close that gap.
The front office outlook is solid: Draft Cap (9th) gives Green Bay the flexibility to add key pieces,
though the Salary Cap (21st) isn�t quite as favorable. The Youth Power Index (YPI: 5th) is the
true strength here, signaling one of the league�s best young cores. For a coach who wants a team that can
grow into a powerhouse, the Packers are an excellent long-term play.
The Bengals land at #17, and they�re a classic boom-or-bust roster. Joe Burrow headlines the team with a
QB ranking of 5th, giving Cincinnati one of the best pure passers in Madden �26. He�s got help too:
the weapons unit (9th) is loaded, making this one of the more dangerous aerial attacks in the game.
The concern is protection � the O-line ranks 31st, meaning Burrow will be under constant pressure if
coaches don�t prioritize quick reads and pocket management.
Defensively, the Bengals have some holes. The run defense (24th) and coverage unit (29th)
leave plenty of room for improvement, although the optimal rush (16th) is good enough to generate
some pressure without blitzing every down. With both Draft Cap (9th) and Salary Cap (9th)
in favorable shape, there�s flexibility to strengthen the defense and patch the offensive line quickly.
The Youth Power Index (YPI: 19th) shows some young building blocks but not a fully loaded pipeline.
This is a roster built to win shootouts � for coaches who want elite QB play and big weapons, the Bengals
deliver fireworks, but they�ll need upgrades in the trenches to make a real title push.
The Browns come in at #17 as well, and they�re a roster with elite defensive pieces but big question marks on offense.
The quarterback room ranks 31st, one of the weakest in the league, and the weapons group (28th)
doesn�t do much to help. A solid O-line (12th) is the one bright spot on offense, giving coaches at
least some stability in the trenches, but scoring consistently will be a challenge without upgrades.
Defensively, Cleveland is stacked. The run defense (4th) and optimal rush (6th) make the front
seven a nightmare to run against, while the coverage unit (15th) is strong enough to keep opposing
passing games in check. This is a defense that can win games almost single-handedly, keeping scores low and
giving the offense chances to scrape by.
With Draft Cap: 1st, the Browns have the best draft resources in Madden �26, offering immediate
opportunities to upgrade QB and the playmaker group. The Salary Cap (29th) is tight, which will
require careful management, but the Youth Power Index (YPI: 25th) suggests there�s still room to
grow. For coaches who want to build through the draft and dominate with defense, Cleveland is an intriguing
long-term play.
The Vikings land at #19, but this roster has some sneaky upside thanks to elite talent in a few key areas.
The O-line (3rd) and weapons group (3rd) combine to make Minnesota one of the most dangerous
offenses in Madden �26 when it comes to protection and playmakers. The quarterback room ranks
23rd, which is a clear limitation, but behind this line and with elite skill talent, even an
average passer can find success.
Defensively, Minnesota brings a mixed bag. Their optimal rush (2nd) makes them one of the best
teams in the league at pressuring quarterbacks, and that can cover for some weaknesses. The
run defense (18th) is middle of the pack, while the coverage unit (26th) is a liability
that can be exploited by strong passing attacks. Coaches will need to lean on the pass rush to
generate stops.
With Draft Cap: 24th and a tough Salary Cap: 31st, roster flexibility is limited, so
upgrades will need to be carefully planned. The Youth Power Index (YPI: 22nd) signals some
young talent but not a deep pipeline. Still, for a coach who wants a team with immediate offensive
firepower and an elite pass rush, the Vikings are a dangerous mid-round option.
The Patriots come in tied at #19 with one of the more interesting rosters in Madden �26. Their biggest surprise
strength is under center � the QB room ranks 9th, giving them an edge most wouldn�t expect. That said,
the supporting cast on offense is thin: the O-line (27th) and weapons (27th) both rank near
the bottom of the league, making it difficult to consistently move the ball without creative play-calling
or significant roster upgrades.
Defensively, New England is in much better shape. They have one of the best coverage units (3rd) in
the league, capable of locking down passing attacks. The run defense (12th) is solid, while the
optimal rush (19th) is average but functional. Overall, this is a defense that can win games,
particularly against pass-heavy opponents.
From a roster-building standpoint, the Patriots hold solid Draft Cap (8th) to help plug holes,
though the Salary Cap (26th) is less favorable. The Youth Power Index (YPI: 21st) shows some
young talent but not a deep reservoir. For coaches who want a top-10 QB paired with an elite secondary,
New England is a compelling choice � just be prepared to rework the offense quickly.
The Commanders come in at #21, and they�re one of the more polarizing rosters in Madden �26. On the plus
side, they boast a top-10 QB room (6th) paired with an excellent offensive line (4th), giving
them a clean foundation for any offensive scheme. The problem is the weapons group (29th), which is
among the weakest in the league and limits explosive play potential unless you invest heavily in upgrades.
Defensively, Washington sits in the middle of the pack across the board. The run defense (15th),
coverage (20th), and optimal rush (17th) are all solid but unspectacular, making this a unit
that can hold its own but rarely dominate. The biggest challenge lies in team-building flexibility �
Draft Cap: 30th leaves few assets for the future, though a favorable Salary Cap: 5th provides
financial breathing room.
With a Youth Power Index (YPI: 27th), the Commanders don�t have a ton of ascending young stars to
lean on. This is a roster that gives you a top-tier QB and offensive line right away, but it will take
serious roster management and creative scheming to elevate the rest of the team into contention.
The Giants land at #22, and their roster is built around a strong defense but limited offensive firepower.
The QB room (30th) is near the bottom of the league, and the O-line (28th) doesn�t provide
much help. The weapons group (21st) is serviceable, but without consistent QB play or protection,
moving the ball will be a grind.
On the other hand, the defense is outstanding. The Giants are 3rd in optimal rush and
4th in run defense, giving them one of the most disruptive front sevens in Madden �26. Their
coverage unit (12th) is also strong, creating a defense that can win games almost single-handedly.
This group is capable of shutting down both the run and the pass, forcing opponents into uncomfortable
situations all game long.
With Draft Cap (26th), resources are somewhat limited, but a decent Salary Cap (20th) gives
some room to maneuver. The Youth Power Index (YPI: 10th) shows a strong young core, particularly
on defense, that will only get better with time. For coaches who love winning ugly and leaning on defense,
the Giants are an intriguing mid-tier choice.
The Cardinals check in at #23, with a roster that is competitive but requires coaching creativity to maximize.
Offensively, they sit in the middle tier � the QB room (18th) is solid, but the O-line (25th)
and weapons (19th) don�t offer much margin for error. Sustained drives will take patience and a
ball-control mindset rather than explosive shootouts.
Defensively, Arizona is steady across the board. They�re 11th in run defense, 22nd in coverage,
and 19th in optimal rush, which gives them balance without a glaring weakness. While they may not
dominate in any single category, this unit can keep games manageable and give the offense opportunities
to close out close contests.
The team-building outlook is favorable: Draft Cap (9th) provides strong flexibility to add talent,
and a healthy Salary Cap (16th) makes future planning manageable. The Youth Power Index (YPI: 23rd)
shows some developing pieces but not a deep young core. For coaches who want a balanced roster with solid
draft capital to mold into their vision, Arizona is a strong late-mid option.
The Cowboys come in at #24, but they remain one of the more intriguing rosters thanks to a strong blend of
youth and upside. The QB room (16th) is solid, and with respectable weapons (18th), Dallas
can still generate consistent offense. The O-line (24th) isn�t what it once was, so coaches will
need to lean on quick passing and balance to mask some of the protection issues.
On defense, the Cowboys are defined by their ability to pressure quarterbacks. The optimal rush (10th)
is their strength, but the rest of the unit has concerns. The run defense (28th) is a glaring weakness
that opponents can exploit, while the coverage unit (19th) is serviceable but not elite. This is a defense
that can make splash plays but may also give up big drives if the pass rush doesn�t hit home.
From a roster-building perspective, the Draft Cap (26th) and Salary Cap (24th) leave little room
for error, but the Youth Power Index (YPI: 3rd) is elite. That means Dallas has a young, talented core
ready to grow into something special in franchise play. For coaches who want to build around youth and trust
the pass rush, the Cowboys are a strong pick with long-term upside.
The Falcons sit at #25, and their roster is a mix of exciting offensive potential and major defensive
liabilities. On offense, the QB room (22nd) is below average, but Atlanta�s supporting cast can
make up for it. The O-line (8th) is a strength, and the weapons group (5th) is elite,
featuring playmakers who can turn short throws into game-changing plays. With protection and talent
around the quarterback, the Falcons� offense has plenty of upside.
Defensively, however, things get messy. Atlanta is dead last in run defense (32nd) and near the
bottom in optimal rush (31st), leaving them vulnerable to both power running and time in the pocket.
The one bright spot is their coverage unit (6th), which provides some hope of slowing down opposing
passing attacks, but without help up front, this defense will give up yards and points in bunches.
From a roster-building standpoint, the Draft Cap (32nd) is the worst in the league, so coaches won�t
have immediate resources to fix holes. The Salary Cap (22nd) is workable, and the Youth Power Index
(YPI: 14th) shows there�s some young talent to build around. For a coach who wants to play aggressive,
score points, and rebuild the defense over time, the Falcons are a challenging but intriguing pick.
The Dolphins come in at #26, with a roster that offers some offensive potential but major long-term concerns.
The QB room (17th) is solid enough to compete, and paired with a respectable weapons group (12th),
Miami can generate offense in the right hands. However, the O-line (30th) is one of the league�s worst,
which will make consistent production difficult and leave the quarterback under pressure far too often.
Defensively, Miami sits in the middle of the pack. The run defense (13th) is dependable, while the
coverage unit (21st) and optimal rush (19th) are serviceable but not difference-makers. This
defense won�t dominate, but it can keep games competitive if the offense avoids mistakes.
From a roster-building perspective, there are challenges ahead. The Draft Cap (6th) is excellent,
providing strong opportunities to add young talent immediately. However, the Salary Cap (28th) is a
concern, and the Youth Power Index (YPI: 30th) shows one of the weakest pipelines of young impact
players in the league. Coaches who pick Miami will need to draft wisely and rebuild around limited young
stars, but there is a foundation here for long-term success with careful planning.
The Raiders rank #27, and they�re one of the biggest �boom-or-bust� rosters in Madden �26. On offense,
the QB room (27th) is a major limitation, but the rest of the unit provides reasons for optimism.
The O-line (22nd) is passable, and the weapons group (7th) is among the league�s best,
featuring explosive playmakers who can carry an offense if a coach can scheme around the quarterback
concerns.
Defensively, things look far less promising. The Raiders are 30th in run defense and
31st in coverage, which makes them one of the weakest defensive teams in the league. Their
optimal rush (23rd) is also below average, leaving few reliable options to slow down opposing
offenses. This defense will be a liability until heavily rebuilt.
On the roster-building side, the Raiders have solid Draft Cap (9th) to bring in young talent,
and they sit at the very top in Salary Cap (1st), giving maximum flexibility to reshape the
roster. The Youth Power Index (YPI: 27th) shows limited young impact players right now,
but with the combination of draft assets and cap space, Las Vegas offers one of the league�s best
rebuild opportunities for a patient, long-term coach.
The Panthers sit at #28, and their roster reflects a team in the middle of a rebuild. Offensively, the
QB room (25th) is below average, and the weapons group (26th) doesn�t provide much
support in terms of explosive playmakers. The silver lining is a top-tier O-line (7th), which
gives a solid foundation to build around and can at least help establish a run game while protecting
the quarterback.
Defensively, Carolina has plenty of work to do. The run defense (23rd) is below average, and
the coverage unit (30th) is one of the weakest in the league. The optimal rush (26th)
doesn�t provide much pressure either, leaving this defense vulnerable to both the pass and the run.
Coaches who pick Carolina will need to prioritize defensive upgrades early to stay competitive.
From a team-building perspective, there are some positives. The Draft Cap (9th) is strong,
offering a chance to add impact rookies right away, and the Salary Cap (13th) is healthy
enough to provide flexibility. The Youth Power Index (YPI: 24th) suggests some younger players
to build around, but the core isn�t deep. The Panthers are a clear rebuild choice, best suited for
coaches who want to develop talent and grow the roster step by step.
The 49ers fall all the way to #29, a surprising drop for a franchise that has typically been near the top.
The main culprit is roster decline and lack of youth. Offensively, the QB room (24th) is below
average, and the O-line (21st) doesn�t do them many favors. The saving grace is the weapons group
(6th), which remains one of the best in the league. With the right coach, those playmakers can still
cause problems for defenses even if the line and QB are shaky.
On defense, things look worse. San Francisco ranks 27th in both run defense and coverage, making
them highly vulnerable across the board. The optimal rush (10th) is their one bright spot, but it�s
not enough to mask the weaknesses elsewhere. This unit will struggle to stop teams consistently.
Looking forward, the Draft Cap (24th) and Salary Cap (17th) leave them with limited room to
maneuver, and the Youth Power Index (YPI: 30th) is dead last, meaning there is almost no promising
young talent to build around. The 49ers are a legacy team with weapons still in place, but this is one of
the toughest rebuilds in Madden �26, best suited for a coach willing to take on a serious long-term project.
The Jaguars tumble to #30, a shock given the talent at the top of their roster. The bright spot is at
quarterback, where they rank 13th, giving them one of the better signal-callers among the lower-tier
teams. Unfortunately, the supporting cast isn�t there. The O-line (29th) is near the bottom of the
league, and the weapons (22nd) lack the elite playmakers to consistently challenge defenses. This
offense will lean heavily on the QB to make plays under pressure.
Defensively, Jacksonville is middling but not hopeless. They�re 20th against the run, 16th in
coverage, and 23rd in optimal rush, giving them a �bend but don�t break� profile. They won�t
dominate, but with the right scheme they can at least keep games competitive.
The bigger issue is team-building flexibility. The Draft Cap (31st) is among the worst, leaving
little immediate opportunity to add rookie talent, while the Salary Cap (18th) doesn�t offer much
relief either. The Youth Power Index (YPI: 20th) shows some pieces to grow with, but not enough
to drastically change the team�s trajectory. The Jaguars are a high-risk pick � they have the QB in place,
but everything else will require serious rebuilding.
The Titans land at #31, just ahead of the bottom, with one of the weakest overall rosters in Madden �26.
Offensively, the QB room (26th) is shaky, and the weapons group (32nd) is dead last in the
league, leaving little for a coach to lean on in the passing game. The O-line (19th) is passable,
but not strong enough to carry such limited skill position talent. Scoring points will be a consistent
struggle for this roster.
On defense, things don�t improve much. Tennessee ranks 29th against the run, 22nd in coverage,
and 30th in optimal rush, making them one of the softest defenses in the league. Opponents will have
little trouble moving the ball both on the ground and through the air.
The only silver lining comes in roster-building flexibility. The Draft Cap (9th) is solid, giving
coaches an opportunity to infuse new young talent, while the Salary Cap (2nd) provides excellent
financial flexibility to reshape the roster. However, the Youth Power Index (YPI: 32nd) is last in
the league, meaning there is no young core to rely on right now. For a coach looking for the ultimate
rebuilding challenge, the Titans are as tough as it gets, but the draft assets and cap space at least
provide tools for a long-term turnaround.
The Saints close out the rankings at #32, owning the lowest overall score in Madden �26. Offensively,
the QB room (29th) is among the league�s weakest, and paired with weapons (24th) that lack
game-breaking talent, this offense is limited in what it can accomplish. The O-line (16th) is a
bright spot in the middle of the pack, but without stronger skill players or a capable quarterback,
it won�t be enough to sustain consistent drives.
Defensively, New Orleans struggles across the board. They rank 31st in run defense, 28th in
coverage, and 29th in optimal rush, leaving very few answers against opposing offenses. This
defense is one of the softest in the league and will need heavy rebuilding from day one.
From a roster-building perspective, there are some limited positives. The Draft Cap (9th) is strong,
providing the opportunity to bring in valuable rookies early, though the Salary Cap (27th) creates
financial hurdles. The Youth Power Index (YPI: 29th) suggests minimal young impact talent currently
in place. For a coach looking for a complete teardown and rebuild, the Saints represent the ultimate
underdog challenge in Madden �26, requiring patience and vision to climb out of the cellar.
