The 2023 National Football League season is nearly upon us, which means the next installment of the annual NFL video game is even closer. Madden NFL 24 boasts a new way to experience the gridiron game with its Fieldsense technology, as well as a variety of modes that range from updated classics like Franchise and Superstar to the fan-favorite Madden Ultimate Team. 

If this is your first time taking the field, here's a brief summary: Madden Ultimate Team allows players to build their own squads by using both current players as well as legendary figures from league's history. These custom teams can then be entered into tournaments or single games against other teams online. You can also upgrade or add players in a card-based system. 

Whether you're new to Ultimate Team or you're a Madden veteran, you're going to need to know which players to target as you build your Super Bowl squad. Now that the ratings for every player in the game have been unveiled, we've listed the top players at every position on the field—whether that's offense, defense, and special teams—ahead of the game's launch on August 18. Note that we've limited our list to current players; we did not include legends, so you may run into powerhouse players from years past as you play. 

With this list, you'll know exactly who to seek out so your team can make that magical run to the Super Bowl and the Vince Lombardi trophy. 
 

Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs, 99 overall)

The reigning league and Super Bowl MVP is the only quarterback in the 99 club this season, and with good reason. Mahomes' speed, accuracy, and his ability to improvise plays on the fly make him a force to be reckoned with. 
 

Running Back: Nick Chubb (Cleveland Browns, 97 overall)

The Browns' powerful running back tops the position for the first time ever, as he enters the new season after setting career highs in yards gained (1525) and rushing touchdowns (12). Chubb brings not only a strong ground presence, but his pass-catching prowess make him a legitimate threat as a receiver.
 

Fullback: Kyle Juszczyk (San Francisco 49ers, 87 overall)

Juszczyk is the man you call on when you need a single yard to move the chains, as he's an absolute bulldozer when the ball is in his hands. That strength also makes him one of the best blocking fullbacks in the game, so he'll be a key asset for keeping your quarterback upright. 
 

Wide Receiver: Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings, 99 overall)

The only Minnesota Viking to make this list, Justin Jefferson is a human highlight reel with some of the most astounding catches you'll ever see. In Madden NFL 24, his perfect rating is buffeted by top marks in speed, ball awareness, and catching ability. 

Tight End: Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs, 99 overall)

The victorious sibling in the "brother vs brother" battle in last year's Super Bowl, Travis Kelce has made a living out of catching short passes and running over anyone who tries to tackle him. That mixture of strength and agility will make him a dangerous addition to your Ultimate Team. 
 

Left Tackle: Trent Williams (San Francisco 49ers, 98 overall)

One of the biggest stories from last season was Brock Purdy, the out-of-nowhere success story at quarterback for the 49ers. Trent Williams—a massive presence on the offensive line—should receive some credit for that success, as his ability to keep defenders out of the backfield gave Purdy plenty of time to blossom. 

Left Guard: Joel Bitonio (Cleveland Browns) and Quenton Nelson (Indianapolis Colts, both 92 overall)

The only tie on the entire list comes at left guard, where the Browns and Colts lay claim to the best in the business. Bitonio has the edge in speed and agility, while Nelson boasts superior strength and awareness. Both will benefit your team—it just depends if you need more speed or strength up front. 
 

Center: Jason Kelce (Philadelphia Eagles, 92 overall)

The center is, fittingly, the centerpiece of the offense, and the player who starts every play after hearing the call from the quarterback. Jason Kelce of the NFC champion Eagles is the pinnacle of the position, thanks to superior run-blocking, toughness, and situational awareness. 

Right Guard: Zack Martin (Dallas Cowboys, 99 overall)

The Cowboys' right guard is the best offensive lineman in the entire game, and the only one at any of the five O-line positions to receive a perfect 99 rating. Top marks in blocking, stamina, and strength combine to make a human wall on the right side of the line. 
 

Right Tackle: Lane Johnson (Philadelphia Eagles, 98 overall)

Despite multiple injuries throughout his career, Lane Johnson continues to be the best right tackle in all of football. Whether you need a powerful blocker or someone with a little more finesse, Johnson fits both bills. If you get him, he will instantly upgrade your offensive line. 
 

Left Defensive End: DeMarcus Lawrence (Dallas Cowboys, 90 overall)

Lawrence tops the left end list this season thanks to his innate ability to shed blockers, recognize plays, and key in on whoever's carrying the ball. If left unchecked, Lawrence is a menace to opposing offenses. 
 

Defensive Tackle: Chris Jones (Kansas City Chiefs, 96 overall)

While MVP Patrick Mahomes was leading the Kansas City offense, Chris Jones was championing the defense, notching 37 tackles and an astounding 15.5 sacks in 2022. One of his teammates called him "the most unstoppable man in football," and that's someone you want on your team.
 

Right Defensive End: Aaron Donald (Los Angeles Rams, 99 overall)

Aaron Donald is a must-have for any Ultimate Team, as he's the highest-rated defensive player in the entire game. There's no game plan that can stop this guy; opponents will just have to pray he has an off day. Luckily for his teammates, those don't come often. 
 

Left Outside Linebacker: Maxx Crosby (Oakland Raiders, 94 overall)

Last year, in his fourth season in the league, Crosby set career high marks in tackles (79) and sacks (12.5). Once he sees who is carrying the ball, it's nearly impossible to stop him from making the tackle. 
 

Middle Linebacker: Fred Warner (San Francisco 49ers, 96 overall)

The highest ranked linebacker in the league this year is Fred Warner, thanks to high marks in pass-blocking, open-field tackles, and overall stamina. Warner has become one of the most dependable players on the 49ers defense since his debut in 2018, which makes him a dependable choice for your Ultimate Team as well.

Right Outside Linebacker: Matt Milano (Buffalo Bills, 88 overall)

This may seem like a "low" rating for the best player at the position, but don't let that number fool you: Matt Milano is a beast at ROLB. Not only did he register 85 tackles in 2022, but he also notched three interceptions, which makes him a all-around threat to any offenses trying to challenge him.
 

Cornerback: Jalen Ramsey (Miami Dolphins, 97 overall)

Jalen Ramsey is entering his eighth season in the NFL, but he's showing no signs of slowing down. He tied a career high in interceptions (4) and set new personal records in tackles (81) and passes defended (18) in 2022, and he's only getting better. 
 

Strong Safety: Derwin James Jr. (Los Angeles Chargers, 95 overall)

James is entering this season after two straight campaigns with over 100 tackles and multiple interceptions. He managed that despite not playing in all 17 games on the schedule. His ability to stay in pursuit of wide receivers—coupled with his proficiency in zone defenses—make him a stalwart defensive backfield option if you're able to add him to your team. 

Free Safety: Minkah Fitzpatrick (Pittsburgh Steelers, 93 overall)

The Steelers' lightning-fast free safety recorded 90 tackles and tied for a league-leading six interceptions in 2022, despite missing two games due to injury. His speed is buffeted by high marks in endurance, pursuit, and play recognition, which makes him one of the most difficult players for an opposing quarterback to face.
 

Kicker: Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens, 91 overall)

The most accurate kicker in league history—holding the record for longest field goal ever made at 66 yards—Justin Tucker has only missed 37 field goals in his 12-year career with the Ravens, with 17 of those being from over 50 yards away. He's the closest thing to a "sure thing" a football team can ask for, which makes him a top candidate for your special teams' squad in MUT.
 

Punter: A.J. Cole III (Las Vegas Raiders, 83 overall)

The best punters give an opposing offense little room to breath. Few are better at this than AJ Cole, who has averaged 47.5 yards per punt in his four years with the Raiders--including a career-long 74 yard kick in his rookie season. Punters are a valuable asset to a football team, and Cole continues to prove that value every season.