When it comes to picking the right team to play as in Madden NFL 25, there are a number of things to consider. First off, if you're a die-hard fan of your hometown team, they're likely going to be your choice, just because you identify best with them. You may also feel compelled to go for another squad, or perhaps even start with the All-25 squad, just to see how you do with a championship squad.
Then there are those of you who look for the ultimate challenge in the game, playing as a lower-rated team just for the sake of proving to everyone that you can win a championship with them. There really isn't a 'loser' squad out there, as they usually sit at a ranking of 72 or higher, out of 100. That said, you've still got your work cut out for you before you start chasing the Super Bowl.
Madden Nfl 25 All25 Team Rosters
Here now are some of our picks for some of the 'most challenging teams' to take on in the game. Again, that's not to say they're bad, but you've got a few kinks to work out. If you've got the skills, though, you should have no problem doing so.
Madden NFL celebrates its 25th anniversary this year — that’s why it’s called Madden NFL 25, not 14 — and will observe that milestone with something it calls the “All-25 Team. John Madden picking All-25 Team for Madden NFL 25 EA Sports is introducing the All-25 Team to Madden NFL 25, bringing together 25 of the greatest football players of all-time.
New York Jets
The Jets have been the targets of a lot of off-season talk, mainly because of the poor coaching choices of Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez's less-than-championship caliber style of play. Two words- butt fumble. The new season hasn't exactly been a 'killer start' for them, with draftee Geno Smith not doing so hot on the field and Sanchez temporarily sidelined with an injury.
With a serious amount of dedication – and offensive plays that can open up the line – you could turn these guys around.
Buffalo Bills
It's been quite a while since we've seen the Bills in any kind of running for a championship – and when they did get to the Super Bowl, they weren't able to complete the necessary drive to get the job done. This season hasn't exactly been too hot for them either, as their promising quarterback Kevin Kolb has been knocked out with concussion-like symptoms.
Still, there is some hope here, mainly with the defensive line holding as well as it is, and E.J. Manuel stepping up to see what he can do. It's just a matter of calling the right plays for them and driving them down the field.
Cleveland Browns
Like the Bills, the Browns just don't have what it takes to call themselves a championship team. However, that could change with promising new additions to the roster, namely receiver Josh Gordon, who's good on his feet, and the up-and-coming Brandon Weeden.
Get the right plays going for these guys and you could make a promising run at a winning season. Emphasis on 'might.'
Arizona Cardinals
Madden Nfl All 25 Team
The Cardinals have gone through a number of transitions over the years, but still can't seem to find that rhythm to give them the wins needed to move forward. With Carson Palmer leading the squad as quarterback, some may still question if they can get there.
However, with Larry Fitzgerald on the squad and the inclusion of Jonathan Cooper, things could turn around. It'll just take a good amount of patience and figuring out the right moves for Palmer to make. Try the passing game first and see what it does for you.
San Diego Chargers
At one point in time, the San Diego Chargers were one of the most dangerous teams in the Madden games. However, they've fizzled over the last few years, thanks to flubs by quarterback Philip Rivers and an offensive line that's lost some of its oomph.
Defense, however, holds strong with the likes of Eric Weddle and Dwight Freeney, and if you can somehow find that chemistry in Rivers to give him a hot hand again, you could put this team back on the right track.
Kansas City Chiefs
For years, the Chiefs have been trying to find a meaningful quarterback to lead their squad, as well as a defensive line to back him up. With a less-than-winning record last season, fans once again figured they'd never get to that point. However, this year could mean something different.
With the acquiring of Alex Smith from the 49ers and an offensive line featuring Jamaal Charles, the team could see a big turn-around. All you need to do is make sure their defense holds, and that Smith doesn't let the 'new team' jitters get to him. Study the playbook carefully and you could very well be on your way.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles remain a viable threat in the league with their offense, thanks to Michael Vick's winning numbers. However, their defense is in need of a lot of work, with Isaac Sopoaga standing as the best player with an 80 overall ranking.
However, if you can make the offense explode with the right plays and tinker with the defense through the modifiers, you could make the Eagles' squad work out overall.
Oakland Raiders
Finally, we have the Raiders, a team that has seen consecutive losing seasons over the last few years, mostly due to a lackluster squad and problematic situations in the quarterback seat. The team, however, did manage to dump Carson Palmer in favor of a new prospect by the name of Terrelle Pryor, who could turn things around.
It's just a matter of tinkering with offense and defense around that player and making it work for you. This team will probably require the most progress, as they're the lowest ranked in the game at 72. However, with the right dedication, you can put them on the same championship level that Madden did many years ago. Good luck.
Visit the Madden NFL 25 guide page for tons of FREE strategies and pick up the print guide now for even more expert tips and winning advice.
Madden NFL 25 is available now for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
When players pick up Madden NFL 25 next week, they'll be able to choose their favorite team right off the bat, as well as experiment with other teams to see what they offer in terms of skills and performance. However, one team that shouldn't be ignored is the Madden NFL 25 All-25 team, which is available in the game's Play Now mode. The 26 players – and their coach, a younger version of Madden – will bring power, strength and speed to the team, working in both an offensive and defensive manner that other teams will find nearly impossible to overcome. They're ideal choices, especially if you're just getting started with learning the Madden ropes.
With that, here are the 26 squad members, including positions and how well they do in the numbers…
Sean Taylor, Free Safety, Washington Redskins
This Washington Redskins safety is ideal for the secondary, not only providing a great deal of strength, but also height in his jump – ideal for blocking field goals.
Brian Dawkins, Strong Safety, Philadelphia Eagles
First making his appearance in Madden NFL '99, Brian brings plenty of secondary power to the field.
Deion Sanders, Cornerback, San Francisco 49ers
With all the high strutting he's been doing in the end zone, Sanders has been a Madden legend for several years. That makes him an ideal fit for this team.
Champ Bailey, Cornerback, Denver Broncos
Still a vigorous part of the Broncos' defensive squad, Bailey has the numbers to prove he's a vital part of the All-25 team. Watch out for him on interceptions.
Derrick Thomas, Linebacker, Kansas City Chiefs
Thomas has been a star in the Madden series since the late 90's, and can take down a quarterback with ease, thanks to his impressive speed and strength.
Ray Lewis, Middle Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Lewis was a vital reason that the Ravens did well with their Super Bowl run last year, and even though he's in retirement, he's still doing on-field damage virtually here.
Derrick Brooks, Linebacker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Running backs have plenty to fear from this guy, as he'll cut through a line with ease and make an impact on the quarterback that'll have him thinking it's next Tuesday. For reals.
Julius Peppers, Defensive End, Carolina Panthers
Ever since Madden NFL 2006, Peppers has been doing major damage on the field, especially with his ridiculous accuracy with defensive plays. Keep an eye on this guy.
Warren Sapp, Defensive Tackle, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Recently assigned to the NFL Hall of Fame, Sapp shows every bit of his worth on the football field here, especially when it comes to sacking quarterbacks. It's good to see him back in action.
Albert Haynesworth, Defensive Tackle, Tennessee Titans
Though his on-field behavior can be questionable at times, Haynesworth still brings exceptional power and strength to his role as defensive tackle.
Dwight Freeney, Defensive End, Indianapolis Colts
With an overall rating of 99 (out of 100) and plenty of quarterback sacks under his belt, Freeney is a perfect addition to the defensive line-up.
Randy Moss, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots
Over the span of his career, Moss has proven time and again he's one of the best receivers out there. Throwing to him in the game is a winning bet.
Orlando Pace, Left Tackle, St. Louis Rams
Pace is a good guy to have in your line-up, as he can easily protect a quarterback right up there with the best of the defenders. He opens up some very good gaps for runners, too.
Larry Allen, Left Guard, Dallas Cowboys
With an overall rating of 98 and massive size and stature, Allen is a good go-to guy when it comes to keeping a quarterback protected – and moving the ball across the first-down line as well.
Dermontti Dawson, Center, Pittsburgh Steelers
Making his start way back in Madden '96, Dawson remains a strong central player for the offensive line-up, especially when it comes to opening up space for a running play.
Steve Hutchinson, Right Guard, Minnesota Vikings
Talk about quarterback protection. Hutchinson has so much size that he's like a moving brick house – but one that will no doubt crash down on any foolish defenders trying to knock him over.
Jonathan Ogden, Right Tackle, Baltimore Ravens
Since the days of Madden NFL 2005, Ogden has been doing a fair amount of damage, and his selection as right tackle makes the offensive line feel more complete.
Antonio Gates, Tight End, San Diego Chargers
With soft hands and physical dominance under his belt, Gates makes for a strongly recommended tight end on the Madden all-star line-up.
Madden Nfl 25 All25 Team Rankings
Michael Vick, Quarterback, Atlanta Falcons
Despite a dodgy legal history, Vick came back to the NFL in style, with strong passing skills and plenty of numbers that show he can still lead a team to victory.
Brian Finneran, Wide Receiver, Atlanta Falcons
A good right-hand man to Vick's skills, Finneran brings his Madden NFL 2004 skill set to the new game – and he hasn't lost any edge in his step.
Mike Alstott, Fullback, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Despite fullbacks not seeing too many 'big' plays in the NFL these days, Alstott is considerably still one the best out there. He definitely brings something to the team here.
Marshall Faulk, Running Back, St. Louis Rams
If you need yardage, the 'Greatest Show On Turf' is definitely the way to go. Faulk's statistics speak for themselves, as well as his speed and agility. If you want to make a dash to the end zone, go with him.
Devin Hester, Kick Returner, Chicago Bears
Hester is the man when it comes to taking the ball in the end zone off a kick and running it back for a ridiculous amount of yards. Most of the time, he ends up scoring with ease.
Adam Vinateri, Place Kicker, New England Patriots
If you've got to go for the game-winning field goal – or you just want to get three dependable points in a hurry – there's nothing better than relying on the golden foot of Vinateri. It's that good.
Shane Lechler, Punter, Oakland Raiders
Finally, if you need to get the ball deep on kickoffs or fourth down plays, Lechler will give the yards necessary to get it into the distance.
Madden NFL 25 releases on August 27th for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and later in the year for Xbox One and PlayStation 4.