A Madden cover firmly in the rearview mirror, there’s much to discuss with this year’s overall ratings for Josh Allen and the Bills
This past week “EA Sports” released their Launch Ratings for players in “Madden NFL 25.” Many people look forward to these rankings every summer, whether or not they actually play the video game. That includes a healthy base of Buffalo Bills fans who focus in on the game’s overall rating figure.
As with many things on social media, many of these ratings are met with a concerted opposition. After all, is there a better way to argue about your favorite players than when based on their ratings in a video game?
Granted, these ratings are supposed to represent the actual skills and abilities of the current NFL players. That makes sense, but some of this year’s ratings trend crazy. Let’s look into some of the ratings for this year’s Bills team.
We’ll start off with the highest rated player for the Buffalo Bills — quarterback Josh Allen. Allen is a 92 overall, but he lands behind three other QBs. Allen trails Patrick Mahomes (99), Lamar Jackson (98), and Joe Burrow (93). This offseason, an anonymous NFL executive called Allen one of the most overrated players in the league, but Bills Mafia knows that’s untrue. It’s worth considering whether or not Allen is among the most disrespected players, given the way some members of the media talk about him.
Who among the Bills is rated lowest in this year’s Madden? Usually, that dubious honor unfortunately belongs to long snapper Reid Ferguson. Ferguson comes in as a 37 overall and in the video game he’s listed as a tight end. Buffalo loves Ferguson, who’s among the best long snappers in the league. Every summer on roster cut day it seems Ferguson helps out the team by giving them flexibility when it comes to his contract. Ferguson is also mister dependable, usually never missing a game due to injury.
At the end of the day this is a video game and the ratings don’t really matter — and they most certainly shouldn’t affect your everyday life. However, some of these numbers are just mind boggling. For example, linebacker Terrel Bernard who played out of his mind last season is only the fourth-highest-rated linebacker on the Bills’ roster. Above him are Nicholas Morrow (76) and Deion Jones (75). It’s pretty clear that the “Madden NFL 25” creators didn’t watch any of Bernard’s performances last season.
Concerning linebacker overall, Matt Milano is rated the highest (87), and he comes in behind Josh Allen as the team’s second-best player regardless of position. Edefuan Ulofoshio (68), Dorian Williams (67), and Baylon Spector (64) round out the group.
Along the defensive line, defensive ends Greg Rousseau and Von Miller both settle in with a rating of 86. No other defensive end/edge rusher breaks above a 75 overall rating. For defensive tackles, Ed Oliver only nets an 82 rating, while DaQuan Jones is given a 79.
The ratings for the Bills’ defensive backs are led by Taron Johnson (86), Rasul Douglas (85), Christian Benford (78). Further down the ladder are Kaiir Elam (75), and safeties Taylor Rapp (76), Mike Edwards (75), Cole Bishop (74), Damar Hamlin (67), and Cam Lewis (66).
On offense, Buffalo has some catching up to do at all receiver-eligible positions. Curtis Samuel (80) and Dawson Knox (80) lead the way at wide receiver and tight end, respectively. They’re followed by tight end Dalton Kincaid (79), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (77), Khalil Shakir (76), K.J. Hamler (73), Keon Coleman (73), Mack Hollins (73), Chase Claypool (72), Andy Isabella (68), and Justin Shorter (67).
Running back James Cook (81) appears held down by a low strength number of 67. Apart from fullback Reggie Gilliam (78), no other running back even flirts with an 80 rating in Madden 25.
Left tackle Dion Dawkins (84) leads all Bills offensive linemen, while every other lineman — from right tackle Spencer Brown to guards O’Cyrus Torrence and David Edwards, and center Connor McGovern — have an overall rating of less than 80.
You can check out the rankings for the Buffalo Bills’ entire roster through this link. As they state on the landing page: “Think any players need a Ratings boost? Call the Ratings Hotline at +1 844-623-3361 and let us know your thoughts!”
So, what do you think Rumblers — has yet another outlet/property once again too easily dismissed the 2024 Buffalo Bills or are these ratings in step with the unknowns roster wide?