Minnesota Vikings player ratings for the Madden 18 video game

Offense

Users are going to have to be at their best to get the most out of the Vikings offensive avatars in this years version of Madden with only two players rated over 85 overall.

At Quarterback, Sam Bradford leads the way with a respectable 84 rating. Some may argue that this is too low after he set an NFL single season completion record in 2016 but the ratings guys are clearly wise to Bradford’s penchant for check-downs and throwing short of the sticks on 3rd down. Regardless of the accuracy of his rating Bradford should prove to be user-friendly with the introduction of target passing due being rated 91, 84 and 83 in short, mid and deep accuracy.

For Vikings fans one of the most exciting aspects of Madden 18 will be the opportunity to play as Teddy Bridgewater. Regardless of if he takes to the gridiron for the Vikings this season, users will be able to replace Bradford with Teddy B should they wish. Considering he is coming back from a career threatening injury Bridgewater is rated 79 overall and is a viable starter on Madden. Bridgewater offers a slightly different skill set in comparison to Bradford with his moderately lower accuracy ratings offset by his increased physical attributes (82 speed, 84 agility).

Regardless of who you choose to use at Quarterback users will be forced to rely on an underwhelming receiving corps.  Stefon Diggs is an unquestionable number one option coming in at 86 overall and ratings of 92 in route running and 91 in spectacular catch. Diggs should also pick up some extra yards after the catch with a 96 rated juke move. With an 81 overall rating Adam Thielen is a solid number 2 who will bail you out of some tricky situations with his 91 jumping rating.

Rounding out the rest of the options at receiver are Michael Floyd at 75 (His 4 game suspension won’t translate to the virtual gridiron) and two players who have disappointed thus far in their careers at 73 overall in Laquon Treadwell and Jarius Wright. Treadwell at least offers some digital potential with ratings of 90 for spectacular catch and 83 for catch in traffic.

At least Kyle Rudolph offers a reliable outlet at tight end with an 85 rating. Rudolph should make a mockery of the virtual linebackers attempting to cover him with 85 acceleration, 92 catching, 89 spectacular catch and 85 catch in traffic. Rookie Bucky Hodges should be an intriguing red zone option despite his 71 overall rating due to his 92 jumping, 87 speed and 89 acceleration.

For the first time in years the Minnesota Vikings won’t have a virtual demigod in the back field with Adrian Peterson suiting up for the Saints ( A.P has regressed virtually to an 84 overall this year). Although they have no superstars at running back the Vikings do have depth. Latavius Murray holds the top spot with an 84 rating and should be fun to play with due to his high ratings in speed, acceleration, truck and juke. Fans will undoubtedly be excited to play with rookie Dalvin Cook rated at 80 overall and based on his other ratings he should cause lots of missed tackles. Just don’t ask him to pass block, with his 52 rating! Jerick McKinnon rounds out the backfield, surprisingly matching Cook’s overall rating.

It may not matter who is carrying the ball however, as according to Madden the Vikings additions to their offensive line will be in vain.  High priced free agency addition Riley Reiff has a harsh 71 overall rating and Mike Remmers doesn’t fare better at 73. The ratings get a little better for the Viking’s interiors blockers. Rookie Pat Elflein comes in at 73 and impressively has the highest run blocking rating on the team with 82. Alex Boone’s overall rating of 79 feels about right and Joe Berger is the sole bright spot on the line with an 83 rating.

All of a sudden that depth at Quarterback and Running back looks less like trade bait and more like a necessary evil. Fortunately the ratings on the defensive side of the ball look more promising.