While a talented player can make any team look decent in Madden NFL 24, there are undoubtedly teams that make it so much easier. When the pros go against each other, there are a few teams that they'll be choosing because, with equal talent, the ratings of the players make up the difference.
That's not to say that the highest-rated team always wins. Matchups are critical in Madden NFL 24 so players should always be looking at the ratings of individual wide receivers compared to cornerbacks and so on. But some of these teams have so many of these highest-rated players that it's impossible to ignore them.
10 Los Angeles Chargers - 85 OVR
Fans may remember the historic playoff collapse of the Chargers against Jacksonville last year but it's important to keep in mind that it took a miracle for this banged-up Los Angeles squad to even make the playoffs at all. Their start running back ended up being more like a wide receiver to try and compensate for these issues.
Justin Herbert, with all his weapons available to him, should be back on track for this next year. The Chargers are in a tough division and conference but they're a flashy team that goes toe-to-toe with about any other when they're at their best.
9 San Francisco 49ers - 86 OVR
The 49ers were a game away from the Super Bowl before their first, second, and third-string quarterbacks all suffered injuries. If anybody has a case to be higher on this list, it's the 49ers for this simple fact alone. They've still got one of the best tight ends ready to block or catch passes.
The success of this team depends on the progression of Trey Lance. He's a young quarterback to have this kind of pressure but the rest of the team is solid at every spot. If he can perform at even an average level, San Francisco is the team to beat in the NFC.
8 Miami Dolphins - 86 OVR
The Dolphins gave Tua Tagovailoa some weapons and protection last year, asking him to prove his talent. He responded by making the Dolphins one of the most exciting teams in the game. With two wide receivers that are touchdown threats from anywhere on the field, Miami has to be excited for this year.
Concussions and ill-timed injuries kept the Dolphins from making the splash they wanted to at the end of last season. If this team makes the most of the offseason, the squad might prove they were only getting warmed up last season.
7 Cleveland Browns - 87 OVR
When looking at the top ten players at each position, the Browns seem to have somebody at each spot. This is a stacked starting unit that has been looking for a starting quarterback to put it all together. If they find an answer, the Browns could easily take the top spot on this list.
Even when the passing game isn't working, they've got one of the best running backs in Nick Chubb who has proved himself for several seasons now, even through some times of disarray. With a little help in the passing game, his job leading the team will be much easier.
6 Baltimore Ravens - 87 OVR
For the past several seasons, fewer teams have been as derailed by injuries as the Ravens. This is a team that can beat the best teams in the league when they're at full strength. If they do keep their best players on the field, this is a team that nobody can say "came out of nowhere" to dominate the division.
With the pickup of Roquan Smith, one of the best linebackers in the sport, this is a team that has a motor on offense and defense. With Lamar Jackson's ability to pass and run, don't be surprised to see another MVP award with a little bit of overdue good fortune.
5 Dallas Cowboys - 88 OVR
It's hard to have a better introduction to the league than Micah Parsons. Not only is he already considered one of the best defensive linemen in the league, but he's also forced offenses to play away from him, taking away a large chunk of the field from opponents.
The Cowboys are hoping that the offense and defense can get everything together for an entire season. With a healthy offensive line and some coaching that improves the team, it would be easy to see Dallas taking a giant step forward this year.
4 Cincinnati Bengals - 89 OVR
While there is a debate to be had over the best wide receivers in football, most recognize that the trio the Bengals have is the top squad in the game. Joe Burrow, when he's protected, can pick and choose which target is the most open with devastating results.
Cincinnati had to overhaul its offensive line last year and it took the new line a while to come together. But with that learning experience behind them, it wouldn't take much for the Bengals to once again take the crown in the AFC.
3 Buffalo Bills - 90 OVR
The Bills came up short of their goal last year but were derailed on defense due to injuries. When healthy, it's hard to argue that this isn't one of the best teams in the game. They've got two of the best safeties around, so passing against Buffalo is always dangerous.
If Von Miller and the secondary is healthy, it may be the best defensive unit in the NFL. If Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs maintain their strong connection on the field, this offense will also be putting up points and blowing lesser teams out early on.
2 Philadelphia Eagles - 91 OVR
The Eagles have had some of the best offensive linemen in football and that unit remains committed to excellence. They helped their young quarterback, Jalen Hurts, lead a surge into the Super Bowl last year. With the big A.J. Brown trade, the team is hoping for another title soon.
Darius Slay Jr. is a shutdown corner, excellent at taking away the opponent's best weapon. With so much progress made on offense and defense, the Eagles will be a force to reckon with in the NFC.
1 Kansas City Chiefs - 92 OVR
Fresh off of a Super Bowl win, the Kansas City Chiefs are one of the best teams in the business over the past several years. That tends to happen when locking down one of the best quarterbacks in football and getting strong stability at the other spots.
The offense may get most of the attention but don't forget about Chris Jones at defensive tackle. He'll require two blockers most of the time, so the linebackers will get some solid matchups on the outside. All it takes is a few stops for Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce to put the game out of reach.
Madden NFL 24 will be released on August 18th, 2023 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.