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Ja’Marr Chase Makes Bengals History Before New NFL Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jul 28, 2025 11:03 AM ET

Last season, the Cincinnati Bengals produced one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, ranking ninth in total yards per game (365.5) and sixth in points per game (27.8).

Of course, football is a team effort, but there's no doubt that much of that success can be attributed to wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who made a Pro Bowl appearance and earned First-Team All-Pro honors.

Now, he's earning some more recognition before the 2025 season officially gets underway. On Monday, Madden NFL 26 revealed that Chase has become the first player in team history to be a member of the 99 Club, which means Chase has achieved a 99 overall rating, the highest possible in the video game.

The first 99 Club Member in @Bengals History!

Congrats to @Real10jayy__

Sundays Start Early! 7 Days Early Access Begins 8/7*
: https://t.co/wxZXS8ajue | #Madden26Ratings pic.twitter.com/50GpJfCFzL
— Madden NFL 26 (@EAMaddenNFL) July 28, 2025

It doesn't come as too much of a surprise, though, as Chase was dominant last season, reaching career highs and leading the league in receptions (127), yards (1,708) and touchdowns (17).

He also became just the sixth wide receiver in the Super Bowl era to achieve the triple crown and the third since 2000, joining Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams (2021) and Steve Smith Sr. of the Carolina Panthers (2005).

Chase is also one of seven players to earn a 99 overall rating in this year's installment of the video game, joining Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson, Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen, Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley, Eagles OT Lane Johnson and Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett.

However, being considered one of the best players in the NFL only raises the expectations for Chase, as he looks to be a key factor in helping the Bengals reach the playoffs for the first time since 2022.

A division win could certainly be the way they achieve that, with ESPN BET giving them the second-best odds (+225) to win the AFC North behind the Baltimore Ravens (-145).

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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