Five Minnesota Vikings players rated 90 or better in Madden NFL 19
By Adam Carlson
The Minnesota Vikings have some amazing players on their roster who received a rating of 90 or more in the player ratings for the Madden NFL 19 video game.
With the release of Madden NFL 19 on August 10, 2018, details are starting to trickle out about the ratings used to create the individual players and some of the top players from the Minnesota Vikings earned some high marks.
Interestingly enough, five players from the franchise are elite level players who are rated 90 or better overall. While it’s not shocking that four of those five are members of the NFL’s reigning number one defensive unit, it is great to see the recognition.
Let’s take a look at the five players rated 90 or better by Madden NFL 19 this season according to the game’s official website, some of their key stat ratings, and what makes them so great.
Harrison Smith, safety – 97 overall
Last year’s highest-rated safety by Pro Football Focus, Harrison Smith was a game changer every time he set foot on the field. His ability to play coverage, contain, or rush the passer makes him extremely valuable and can make him one of the most dangerous players on Madden NFL 19 and the games highest rated free safety.
- Key stats: 96 Awareness, 95 Zone Coverage, 92 Hit Power
Related Story: The 30 greatest Vikings players of all-time
Everson Griffen, defensive end – 92 overall
The start of the 2017 season had Everson Griffen going off on a tear, sacking opposing quarterbacks on a regular basis while getting consistent pressure and doing a great job containing the edge by using a variety of moves based on his speed and technique, making him a nightmare for opposing offenses. He is the second highest rated right defensive end in the game.
- Key stats: 94 Awareness, 94 Play Recognition, 93 Power Moves
Xavier Rhodes, cornerback – 92 overall
It’s not easy to go against some of the best wide receivers in the NFL, but Xavier Rhodes has made a habit of breaking up passes and making big plays to frustrate offenses. He is tied for the 4th highest rated cornerback in the video game.
- Key stats: 95 Man Coverage, 94 Press Coverage, 93 Awareness
Stefon Diggs, wide receiver – 90 overall
The surprise on this list is Stefon Diggs breaking into the top players. While he has proven himself to be a clutch player with great hands, his stat line hasn’t matched some of the elite players in the game. Still, Diggs will be a favorite target of gamers using the Vikings this year. He is tied for the 8th best rating among wide receivers.
Key stats:
94 Spectacular Catch, 92 Catch, 92 Awareness
Minnesota Vikings
Linval Joseph, defensive tackle – 90 overall
A wrecking ball in the middle of the Vikings defensive line, Linval Joseph not only eats up space but also breaks through offensive lines to pressure quarterbacks and even record sacks. His rating is arguably low until realizing that he’s the fifth highest rated defensive tackle in the game, which is quite an honor. However, his 60 rating in Hit Power is ridiculously low.
- Key stats: 97 Strength, 92 Awareness, 92 Play Recognition
Players who missed the cut
Adam Thielen was just outside the line at 88 overall with Kyle Rudolph at 86 and both Dalvin Cook and Andrew Sendejo at 85. However, the real shock is the 79 overall rating for linebacker Eric Kendricks, who should see that number increase as the season goes along.
Next: 4 free-agents the Vikings could sign before camp
Which players do you think deserve to be rated 90 or better from the Minnesota Vikings that aren’t currently in that elite range on Madden NFL 19? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.