How we rate the gap
Madden gives every player an overall rating (OVR). We check that number against what the player is actually doing this season. It takes three steps.
Below zero means disrespected: producing like a better player than Madden thinks. Above zero means overrated: the rating is ahead of the production.
The formulas
Counts if: 3+ games and 15+ pass attempts per game.
Counts if: 3+ games and 6+ carries per game.
Counts if: 3+ games and 3+ targets per game.
Counts if: 3+ games and 2.5+ targets per game.
Counts if: 3+ games and on the field for 40%+ of defensive snaps.
Counts if: 3+ games and on the field for 40%+ of defensive snaps.
Counts if: 3+ games and on the field for 50%+ of defensive snaps.
Counts if: 3+ games and on the field for 50%+ of defensive snaps.
Counts if: 3+ games and on the field for 50%+ of defensive snaps.
What this doesn't catch
- Offensive linemen aren't graded, because box-score stats can't measure blocking.
- Defenders who never get thrown at (shutdown corners) can look quiet on paper.
- Early in the season the samples are small, so one huge game can swing a lot.
- Madden rates long-term talent, and we only look at this season. That's the fun of the debate.
Where the numbers come from
Stats: nflverse data, used under CC-BY 4.0. Regular season only, refreshed weekly.
Madden ratings: EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27 overall ratings. We don't scrape EA's site. Ratings come from the published ratings lists on maddenratings.com (an independent fan site), checked automatically after each weekly roster update. Each player page shows where and when its rating came from.