Odell Beckham: One-handed catches
He's the Madden cover athlete, so of course Odell Beckham is exciting to play. The dynamic wide receiver always seems to be open and usually needs only one hand to make a catch. (Photo: EA Sports)
J.J. Watt: Real-life Terminator
The Texans offense might not be the most fun to play with, but Houston’s defense sure is heart-pounding– especially with so-called "Terminator" J.J. Watt menacing the QB on every drop back. Watt is, of course, the highest-rated defensive end at 99 overall. Good luck blocking him. (Photo: EA Sports)
Marshawn Lynch: Beast Mode runs
Marshawn Lynch is the highest-rated running back in the game, at 96 overall. Any team that faces the Seahawks will have a hard time tackling Beast Mode with his stiff arm and insane trucking skills. Get ready to rumble for another Beast Quake, Seahawks fans! (Photo: EA Sports)
Rob Gronkowski: It's Gronk Spike time!
There might not be a more reliable target in Madden than the lovable Gronk and his 99 overall rating. Gronkowski offers the best ratings in spectacular catch, catch in traffic and release among tight ends. Not to mention, a Gronk Spike is waiting for you every time he hits paydirt. (Photo: EA Sports)
Aaron Rodgers: Best QB in the game
Aaron Rodgers is one of the few players to reach 99 overall in Madden 16. Make sure to turn up the difficulty when playing as the Green Bay Packers QB, because he makes everything way too easy. (Photo: EA Sports)
Jamaal Charles: Electrifying out of the backfield
Jamaal Charles is the third highest-rated running back in the game at 94 overall. He’s fast, elusive and can catch the ball out of the backfield. He's perfect for an Alex Smith-led Chiefs squad. (Photo: EA Sports)
Russell Wilson: Mobility at its finest
Russell Wilson might not be the best QB in Madden, but he’s certainly one of the most fun to play. Wilson is on one of the most talented rosters in the game and offers accuracy, arm strength and incredible mobility. You’ll be driving opponents insane every time the robotic Wilson breaks a tackle and runs for another first down. (Photo: EA Sports)
Tom Brady: Pocket maestro
Once Tom Brady returns from his four-game ban, the Patriots QB will be ready to throw properly-inflated balls all over the field in Madden. He doesn’t offer the mobility you like in a video-game QB, but Brady is a maestro in the pocket with his uncanny accuracy. (Photo: EA Sports)
Jimmy Graham: Pass-catching machine
The Seahawks are by far the most stacked team in Madden 16. On offense alone, there’s Lynch, Wilson and Jimmy Graham. Graham is a pass-catching machine in Madden at 95 overall. Now Seahawks fans can choose whether to run the ball or throw it to Graham on the one-yard line. (Photo: EA Sports)
Calvin Johnson: Jump ball savant
Calvin Johnson is one of the biggest mismatches every year in Madden. This behemoth of a receiver stands 6’5, weighs 236 pounds and runs like the wind; it’s nearly impossible to stop Megatron on jump balls. The Lions offense should be a lot of fun to play with in Madden 16. (Photo: EA Sports)
Adrian Peterson: Most well-rounded RB
AP sat out most of last season in real life, but he’s back and better than ever in Madden 16 with a 95 overall rating. Peterson might just be the most complete back in the game with speed, elusiveness and power. (Photo: EA Sports)
Dez Bryant: Throw up the 'X'
With some of the worst secondaries in the NFL, the NFC East serves as a feeding ground for Dez Bryant. The second-best receiver in Madden is the Cowboys’ top option in the passing game. He’ll be throwing up his signature "X" multiple times a game. (Photo: EA Sports)
Peyton Manning: Uncanny accuracy
Peyton Manning might be getting a little long in the tooth and offers no mobility, but he’s still incredibly accurate with the Broncos' offensive weaponry. Play-action passes to Demaryius Thomas are still one of the most deadly tools in the game. (Photo: EA Sports)
Le'Veon Bell: No. Fumbles. Ever.
Good luck making fantasy football star and Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell fumble. He has a league-best 99 overall carrying rating. On top of that, Bell offers reliability in the Steelers' high-powered passing game. (Photo: EA Sports)
Justin Houston: Pass rush king
Being able to rush the QB is a must in Madden 16. Justin Houston of the Chiefs racked up 22 sacks in the NFL last season. At 97 overall, Houston is clearly the most fun player on the defensive side of the ball for the Chiefs. (Photo: EA Sports)
Julio Jones: He catches EVERYTHING
With a lackluster running game and an aging Roddy White, Madden players will surely funnel all their targets to Julio Jones. Jones, the fifth highest-rated wide out, is 94 overall and catches everything in sight. (Photo: EA Sports)
Andrew Luck: Prototypical QB
Andrew Luck enters Madden 16 as the fifth highest-rated QB at 94 overall. He offers everything you want in a video-game QB, with deadly arm strength and accuracy. Plus he’s a nightmare to bring down in the pocket at 240 pounds. (Photo: EA Sports)
Luke Kuechly: Most reliable LB
Depending on your strategy, there might not be a player you turn to for defense more than the Panthers’ Luke Kuechly. Kuechly, 96 overall, possesses great speed, he rarely misses a tackle, and he’s able to blanket tight ends and running backs in coverage. (Photo: EA Sports)
Richard Sherman: Top cover corner
Cornerback is one of the most challenging positions to play in any Madden game, but it’s a lot easier when you’re playing with the Legion of Boom's own Richard Sherman. The Seahawks corner is the best in the game at 97 overall. There’s no word yet whether his trash talking has translated to the video game as well. (Photo: EA Sports)