Week 3 is in the books and while there are a few trainwrecks in the NFL (Cleveland Browns), there are a few undefeated teams like the Minnesota Vikings. As we move into Week 4, EA Sports released their latest Madden NFL 17 player ratings. And while many moved up based on amazing play, a star quarterback took a bit of a dip in his numbers after a tough week.
These ratings may or may not influence you on an everyday level, especially if you play Ultimate Team. However, for those who play online using EA’s rosters, you will be especially interested in this week’s update as a wide receiver is making a move upwards and could possibly make a terrible team almost playable. On the flipside, almost an entire offensive line saw their numbers drop in one week. For the full list of player ratings, check out the Madden NFL 17 Player Rating page. Let’s begin this week’s ratings with the man who “dabs” in Carolina.
Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers (down 2 points to 92 Overall)
Newton is still a 92 overall quarterback but his game against the Minnesota Vikings was absolutely putrid. Three interceptions and eight sacks taken is a game that an All-Pro quarterback should not have. Down two points in awareness still makes Cam a go-to quarterback in Madden. This game could just be an aberration, but a second game like this may make people think, just think, about moving Cam Newton out.
Leonard Williams, DT, New York Jets (up 3 points to 87 Overall)
The man who will replace Sheldon Richardson next season is having a good season for the Jets as his Madden numbers went up to 87 overall. In addition to his overall numbers going up, his awareness has gone almost every week since the game launched in August moving up one more this past week. Williams is a defensive tackle that will continue to make a name for himself in Madden due to his size and speed and could be a great pickup in Ultimate Team for your squad.
Terrelle Pryor, Sr., WR, Cleveland Browns (up 3 points to 77 Overall)
In this disaster of a season for Cleveland, Pryor has become a revelation for Browns fans. Pryor is the only consistent offensive threat for his team and his Madden rating has soared throughout the season so far. Higher overall rating, and an increase of five in awareness and a three point increase in catching makes Pryor an interesting player in Ultimate Team. With the Browns down two quarterbacks and not many playmakers, you could see Pryor playing all over the field for the remainder of the regular season.
Tyvon Branch, CB, Arizona Cardinals (down 5 points to 76 Overall)
The Cardinals were crushed by the Buffalo Bills on the road last week and the Cardinals’ defense were to blame. While Buffalo did not throw for many yards, the rushing game was dominant and unfortunately Branch is one of the leaders of a defense that was smoked by an average team. For those reasons, Branch’s Madden ratings fell significantly. Branch is a top-15 cornerback in Madden but there are better choices out.
How do you feel about this week’s Madden ratings update? Did EA Sports get it right? Let us know in our comment section.
