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The 10 best Superstar and X-Factor abilities in Madden NFL 26, and the players who use them
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Jason Fanelli
The best performers on each team, however, are further enhanced by Superstar and X-Factor abilities, which can provide extra perks, abilities, or temporary boost to their talents on any given play. These are the kinds of abilities that can change an ordinary player to an MVP candidate—and there are a lot of them to consider in this year's Madden.
Below are ten of the best Superstar and X-Factor abilities available in Madden NFL 26, as well as a few players that possess those abilities. If you want to see these perks in action, all you need to do is pick the team they play for and watch them work. However, if you're building a team or creating a player in the Franchise and Superstar modes, keep these abilities in mind—they could make a huge difference on both sides of the ball.
Edge Threat/Edge Threat Elite
Edge Threat is a defensive ability specifically for players who line up on the outside edges of the defensive line. Edge Threat players have access to pass defense moves that make them much better at evading blockers and getting through the quarterback. What's more, the enhanced Elite version of the ability keeps the pressure on the quarterback even when the player is still engaged with the offensive lineman. Edge Threat players terrorize offensive lines with every snap of the ball, and they can make a great addition to your defensive unit.
Players: Maxx Crosby, defensive end, Las Vegas Raiders; Aidan Hutchinson, defensive end, Detroit Lions
Slot-O-Matic
The slot receiver can be one of the most dependable players on the field in the right offense, and that only becomes more apparent if they have the Slot-O-Matic ability. With it, a receiver makes quicker cuts and has a higher catch success rate when he's within ten yards of the original line of scrimmage. If you're a player who thrives on quick passes, a Slot-O-Matic receiver should always be lining up in your offense.
Players: Cooper Kupp, wide receiver, Seattle Seahawks; Ladd McConkey, wide receiver, Los Angeles Chargers
Unstoppable Force
Every defense in Madden should aspire to have a defender with the Unstoppable Force ability. This is the kind of defender that can bend opposing offenses to his will; once in "the zone" for X-Factor abilities, Unstoppable Force increases the player's ability to shed one-on-one pass blocks. Once the player is past the line, the quarterback has no choice but to take the sack.
Players: Myles Garrett, defensive end, Cleveland Browns; T.J. Watt, defensive end, Pittsburgh Steelers
Acrobat
The Acrobat ability is one of the more unique offerings in Madden 26, as it can be earned by players on both sides of the ball. Players with Acrobat are more successful in either catching or defending against a pass with diving moves, swatting moves, and similar tricks that require a lot of athleticism. If two Acrobat players line up opposite each other, get ready for some high-flying action whenever you pass the ball their way.
Players: Ja'Marr Chase, wide receiver, Cincinnati Bengals; Sauce Gardner, cornerback, New York Jets; Xavier McKinney, strong safety, Green Bay Packers
Bazooka
As the name suggests, the Bazooka ability highlights a quarterback's explosive throwing ability, which in this case allows them to throw the ball further downfield. Specifically, when the QB enters "the zone" for X-Factor enhancements, their downfield throw distance is enhanced significantly. The Bazooka ability is for the player who likes to throw the long ball.
Players: Josh Allen, quarterback, Buffalo Bills; Patrick Mahomes, quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs
One Step Ahead
The term "shutdown corner" refers to a defensive back who can render virtually any pass thrown his way useless, especially when lined up one-on-one against another receiver. The One Step Ahead ability highlights this playstyle, as it allows the defender to react to a receiver's cuts more quickly than other defenders. If you need a pass play stopped, call on the defender that's One Step Ahead.
Players: Jalen Ramsey, cornerback, Pittsburgh Steelers
Route Technician
Route Technician is the yin to One Step Ahead's yang, as it allows a receiver to create more separation between himself and the defensive players when making the final move of that play's passing route. This ability is usually reserved for the top-tier wide receivers and tight ends in the game, as it makes them a legitimate threat every single play. Matching a Route Technician against a defender with One Step Ahead, however, will always be a showdown for the ages.
Players: Justin Jefferson, wide receiver, Minnesota Vikings; Brock Bowers, tight end, Las Vegas Raiders; Davante Adams, wide receiver, Los Angeles Rams
Bruiser
Running backs with the Bruiser ability are the kind of runners that defensive players fear trying to tackle. These RBs can barrel over just about anyone in the league, thanks to their enhanced trucking and stiff-arm stats. If you're on the defense and a Bruiser RB is lined up in the backfield, you're going to take a beating.
Players: Joe Mixon, running back, Houston Texans; Josh Jacobs, running back, Green Bay Packers
Set Feet Lead
The fundamentals of passing require a quarterback to be able to stop, set their feet, and lock on to a target before letting the ball fly. QBs with the Set Feet Lead ability excel at this, which makes their throws faster and more accurate while standing still. Be patient and precise with a QB who has this ability, and it will pay dividends for you.
Players: Joe Burrow, quarterback, Cincinnati Bengals
YAC 'Em Up
This ability nearly guarantees that a receiver will successfully break the first tackle attempt after they come down with a completed catch. Any time you can tack on extra yardage to a completed pass is a good thing, and if you break that tackle with a wide-open field in front of you, you'll be adding six points to your side of the scoreboard.
Players: George Kittle, tight end, San Francisco 49ers; CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver, Dallas Cowboys
Madden NFL 26 is available now on Epic Games Store. Check it out today!