The highly anticipated Madden 26 player ratings have officially launched, sparking immediate debate among fans and analysts alike regarding which NFL stars were accurately assessed and which received questionable evaluations. With the full league ratings now public, the perennial discussion of who is truly overrated and underrated on the virtual gridiron takes center stage, impacting player perception and team building strategies within the game.

One prominent figure drawing scrutiny for his high rating is Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. While his Hall of Fame trajectory is undeniable, his placement as the second-highest rated tight end in Madden 26, behind only George Kittle, has raised eyebrows. Despite remarkable careers, players like Brock Bowers and Trey McBride, who delivered more productive seasons in 2024, surprisingly lag behind Kelce, suggesting his current standing in the game might not fully reflect contemporary performance metrics.

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews also finds himself under the microscope with a 91 overall rating. Though his rating saw a slight dip, many argue this figure remains generous, particularly when considering his ranking above emerging talents like Brock Bowers, who enjoyed a record-setting rookie campaign. Further dissecting Andrews’s attributes, his 87 speed rating appears particularly inflated, curiously matching Trey McBride’s and even surpassing that of dynamic Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, leading to questions about the consistency of these NFL player ratings.

Veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs, despite a productive start last season before injury, also faces skepticism regarding his Madden 26 assessment. An 88 overall rating paired with a 91 speed rating seems exceptionally high for a 31-year-old receiver navigating a significant injury recovery. In a league brimming with elite pass-catching talent, Diggs’s inclusion among the top-15 rated receivers in Madden 26 prompts discussion about whether his rating truly aligns with his current form and the competitive landscape of the NFL.

On the running back front, Kenneth Walker III’s elevated Madden 26 rating, boasting a 94 speed, 92 agility, and 90 change of direction, underscores his undeniable physical gifts. However, his overall rating feels disproportionately high for a player who, despite flashes of brilliance, recorded modest yardage and average yards per carry over 12 games. His parity with Jonathan Taylor, who amassed significantly more rushing yards and touchdowns in fewer games, highlights a potential disconnect in the application of the game’s rating system for overrated players.

Conversely, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown stands out as one of the most underrated players in Madden 26. Despite being widely recognized as a top-five, if not top-three, receiver in the league, his 93 overall rating places him tied for only the seventh-best among wideouts. This represents a notable decline from his previous Madden installment where he held the fourth-highest rating. Even with a few missed games due to injury last season, Brown’s consistent dynamism and explosive playmaking ability arguably warrant a higher standing among his peers.

Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton also appears significantly underrated in the latest Madden 26 ratings. Despite broad consensus among NFL observers that he is among the best, or even the single best, safety in the game, Hamilton is inexplicably tied for only the seventh-best ranking at his position. His intuitive play and profound understanding of the game are often overlooked, particularly evident in his surprisingly low 88 awareness rating. While an “X-factor” designation for reinforcement acknowledges some of his impact, his overall rating certainly merits a substantial boost for this truly underrated player.

Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn rounds out the discussion of underrated players, coming in with the 16th-best rating at his position. While his injury history might contribute to a lower overall rating and an understandable 84 injury rating, his 81 awareness rating appears notably low for a player who has consistently demonstrated elite coverage skills when healthy. As one of the better cornerbacks in the league last season, Horn’s strong on-field intelligence suggests his awareness should be significantly higher, placing him among the more accurately rated defensive backs in Madden 26.