Madden 21 and EA update roster data every single week. Anyone that plays the game while connected to the internet will receive a roster update once EA has viewed all of the results for that particular week. Changes are based on a number of real-life performance factors like efficiency, interceptions, yards, and touchdowns.
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As a result, rating adjustments often reflect how much a player has improved throughout the season. Initial ratings can also start low for a few reasons. Rookies and second-year players often have ratings that are quite low at the beginning of the season. If a low-rated quarterback plays well week by week, there is more potential for a rating increase. Likewise, sometimes EA underestimates how good a player is.
10 Alex Smith 67-71
Alex Smith's recovery story is one of the most unbelievable in sports history. He went from not knowing if he would be able to walk to starting again in the NFL after just a couple of years. The amount of hard work and dedication it takes to come back from that severe of an injury is difficult to fathom.
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An opportunity presented itself for Smith as Haskins was struggling on and off the field. In weeks 10-12, Smith played well enough to earn an upgraded 71 ranking, as he left it all out on the field for the Washington Football Team.
9 Derek Carr 79-83
After a sub-par 2019 season, Carr returned to form in 2020. The Raiders may have fallen short at the end of the year, but Carr showed a vast improvement from 2019. Solid play throughout the year earned Carr a modest four-point increase in Madden 21. The seventh year veteran had a career year in yards and yards per catch on fewer attempts than in 2016, which was arguably his best statistical year.
8 Kyler Murray 77-82
Murray had a very good 2020-21 season. His diminutive stature and limited experience are likely the reasons for his low starting rank last season. In 2020, Murray set multiple franchise records in route to an even 8-8 season. He managed to throw six more touchdowns while throwing the same number of interceptions the year prior. The Oklahoma product was one of the main reasons the Arizona Cardinals were in the playoff hunt.
7 Tom Brady 90-96
Perhaps it was his age, but Tom Brady was given a rating of 90 to begin the season. While there were ups and downs, the aging quarterback was able to contribute enough to win yet another Super Bowl. After leaving New England, many questioned whether he had the arm strength to distribute the ball between the Buccaneers various weapons. No one is asking that question in 2021.
6 Aaron Rodgers 89-95
Like Brady, age does not appear to be hampering Rodgers' success. The Green Bay Packers excellent season ended in disappointing fashion, but the hall of fame player proved that he is still one of the best to lace it up in the NFL. Rodgers managed to gain 6 rating points over the course of the season with record-setting performances along the way. His athleticism and leadership are as impressive as the cannon he has for an arm.
5 Baker Mayfield 77-84
Mayfield has been a target for criticism ever since he joined the league. The cocky quarterback has been humbled time and time again over the last couple of years. After a few rocky seasons, the Browns offense finally began to look like they were firing on all cylinders at the end of last season. Baker showed better patience, decision making, and poise as the season went on. The Browns quarterback rose a total of 7 ratings for his steady improvement last season.
4 Deshaun Watson 83-90
After letting Hopkins go, the Texans needed Watson to do all the heavy lifting on offense. Watson has had to deal with a lot of pressure and responsibility since he joined the league, and last year was his biggest test yet.
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The athletic Clemson product did everything the Texans could have asked of him last season. He put his body on the line and made plays out of nothing to give his team a chance. Who knows how high Watson's rating would be with a better offensive line and more options on the outside.
3 Ryan Tannehill 80-87
Once Tannehill took the starting job from Mariota two seasons ago, the Titans have been a completely different team. The former Dolphins quarterback has made vast strides over the last couple of years and is regarded as one of the best in the game right now. As a pocket passer and decent runner, Tannehill has been one of the primary reasons for the Titans' success. Obviously, Derrick Henry deserves some praise too.
2 Justin Herbert 70-78
Justin Herbert received the second-largest upgrade, going all the way up to a 78 rated player and surpassing a lot of solid quarterbacks in Madden 21. Many in the media underestimated Herbert's potential in the 2020 draft. The young quarterback has proven that he can compete at the highest level, and will likely be one of the best quarterbacks in the league for years to come. It would not be surprising to see the rising star rated 80 or higher in the next Madden.
1 Josh Allen 77-88
It is no surprise that Josh Allen is at the top of the list. At just 24 years old, Josh Allen has emerged as a top 5 quarterback in the league. He has the size, speed, accuracy, and arm strength to make any throw on the field. Allen is 6'5", 240ibs with with a 4.70s 40 yard dash time. He is like a taller, faster Tim Tebow that can throw the ball exceptionally well.
In 2020, Allen scored 17 more touchdowns in the air while throwing just one additional interception. Everyone knew Allen was going to be good, but no one expected the leaps he has made over the last three seasons.