Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Titans Get Surprisingly High Madden NFL 26 Team Rating

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Austin C. Boyd | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 1:39 PM ET

Madden NFL 26 is still several weeks away from being released, but EA Sports has begun to let some info on the game trickle out. The Tennessee Titans were the worst team in the NFL last season, having finished with a 3-14 record and getting the No. 1 pick in the draft.

However, they may not be as bad as their record from last season would indicate. The team spent big money to upgrade the offensive line in free agency, and used the No. 1 pick to select former Miami quarterback Cam Ward, who should be a significant upgrade over Will Levis.

EA Sports seems to think that the Titans are going to be much better. They released the Madden NFL 26 beta team ratings for all 32 teams, and Tennessee has a rating of 80.

That gives them a higher rating than two playoff teams from last season: the Denver Broncos (79) and Washington Commanders (78). They're rated higher than five teams and are tied with the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks.

Madden ratings obviously aren't a great indication of how good a team will be, but it does show that there's at least been an influx of talent. In fact, the Titans could be a popular pick for the most improved team in 2025.

If Ward is as good as advertised, Tennessee is not going to be the worst team in the NFL again. Considering the AFC South is such a weak division, getting in the playoff mix won't be impossible if Ward has a Jayden Daniels-type rookie season.

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

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