Every year, as the new installment of the Madden video game series releases, football fans bemoan player and team ratings. Many feel that their favorite team’s players are ranked too low and their rivals are ranked too high. Vikings fans finally have a reason to rejoice with Madden 24, though. The game’s highest ranked receiver is none other than Justin Jefferson.
Justin Jefferson is now a part of the exclusive 99 Club. There are only four other players in the 99 Club, including TE Travis Kelce, LT Trent Williams, RE Aaron Donald, and RE Myles Garrett. Jefferson beat out other WR stars like Tyreek Hill (98 Overall), Davante Adams (97 OVR), former Viking Stefon Diggs (96 OVR), and former LSU teammate and Bengals phenom Ja’marr Chase (94 OVR).
#Vikings WR Justin Jefferson will have a 99 overall rating in Madden NFL 24. pic.twitter.com/WbNznZhmor
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 17, 2023
The LSU product is entering his 4th NFL season after setting numerous records in his first three seasons. So far Jefferson amassed 324 catches for over 4,800 yards and 25 touchdowns. Jefferson is clearly the new golden standard for a wideout. It is incredible that there is still room for growth in the second year of HC Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
Madden 24 also features another fan favorite as a top-10 player at their position. Safety Harrison Smith is tied for 7th best with a 90 OVR in a group headlined by L.A. Chargers safety Derwin James (95 OVR). Smith leads all safeties, though, in catching rating. This is based on his ability to make incredibly acrobatic interceptions. It is nice to see the game’s evaluators ranking Smith as a premier player, as the future Hall of Famer is still one of the league’s most spectacular playmakers.
Don't throw the ball in their direction 🚫 #Madden24 Safety ratings ➡️ https://t.co/jNG0WRU0Y3 pic.twitter.com/0cw2Hqh7nJ
— Madden NFL 24 (@EAMaddenNFL) July 17, 2023
Other Vikings players are at the ranked towards the top of their positions include Kirk Cousins at #9 for QBs (84 OVR), TJ Hockenson at #4 for TEs (90 OVR), and Danielle Hunter at #7 for LOLBs (87 OVR). Ultimately, the team’s whole roster comes in at an 81. It is, after all, one of the youngest in the NFL after shedding aging veteran contracts this offseason. While the team has the best non-QB in the NFL with Jefferson, the game reflects a lack of faith in many of the team’s other contributors.
Vikings fans won’t have to wait long to play as their favorite team. Madden 24 releases on August 15th. The Vikings’ overall team rating may be slightly disappointing, but it will be a great time to play as Justin Jefferson and make other team’s defenses look silly to their heart’s content.
