The wait is almost over-we’ve got our first NFL preseason game this week with the Lions facing the Chargers in the Hall of Fame Game, kicking off the season for real. Starting this Thursday, there won’t be a week without NFL action until the week before Super Bowl 60, set for February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The early favorites to clash again are the same two teams that battled it out in last season’s Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans: the Chiefs and the Eagles. The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, are never out of the race, chasing a shot to be the second team (after the Bills from 1990-1993) to play four straight Super Bowls. Meanwhile, the Eagles boast what many call the league’s best roster, a claim backed by this year’s Madden video game ratings.
Mahomes Finds Fuel as Allen and Barkley Steal Madden 99 Spotlight
So why does Madden crown the Eagles with the top roster? It’s not just their overall team rating-it’s the reveal today of the Madden 99 Club, an annual honor spotlighting the season’s top performers from last year, expected to dominate again. Out of seven players, two are Eagles: running back Saquon Barkley and offensive lineman Lane Johnson. Joining them are quarterbacks Josh Allen, last season’s MVP, and Lamar Jackson, the MVP two years back.
The elite list also features former LSU teammates Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase-Jefferson earning his third nod in a short career, while Chase becomes the first Bengals player ever in this club. The seventh spot goes to Browns’ defensive end Myles Garrett, the lone defender, though social media erupted over the snub of Broncos’ Patrick Surtain, last year’s Defensive Player of the Year, over Garrett, who won it two seasons ago. I get Garrett’s case, but skipping the current DPOY feels off.
Notably, the Chiefs-coming off their best regular season ever and a near three-peat-have zero 99-rated players this year, a drop from last season’s two (Mahomes and Travis Kelce). Mahomes had his weakest pro year with 3,928 yards and 26 touchdowns, while Kelce hit career lows with 3 touchdowns and 823 yards. Their defense carried them last year, but this snub could light a fire under Mahomes for a redemption run-ironic for a dynasty with three straight Super Bowl appearances and five in six years.
99 Club Stars Shine with Last Season’s Standout Stats
Let’s break down why these players earned their 99 ratings based on their 2024 performances:
- Josh Allen (MVP): Threw for 3,731 yards, racked up 40 total touchdowns, and tossed just 6 interceptions, powering the Bills to a strong finish.
- Lamar Jackson: Delivered 4,172 yards and 45 total touchdowns with 4 interceptions, keeping the Ravens in contention with his dual-threat magic.
- Justin Jefferson: Caught 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns, proving he’s a perennial threat for the Vikings.
- Ja’Marr Chase: Exploded for a league high 1,708 yards, 127 receptions and 15 touchdowns, cementing his Bengals legacy with the triple crown.
- Saquon Barkley: Rushed for 2,005 yards and 15 total touchdowns, becoming the ninth player to surpass 2,000 rushing yards.
- Lane Johnson: Anchored the NFL’s best offensive line with elite pass protection, allowing just 2 sacks in 1,000+ snaps, a key to their offensive success.
- Myles Garrett: Recorded 14 sacks, 47 tackles, and 3 forced fumbles, dominating as the Browns’ defensive anchor.
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