Player Ratings Update: Divisional Round

Here we are in the throes of the NFL Playoffs. We saw the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs emerge victorious in the AFC, while the Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will square off for the NFC Championship. Looking at it from a narrative perspective, two young QBs in Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen are out to establish themselves as superstars, while two savvy veterans in Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady will go head-to-head in legacy matchups. Whatever the outcome this week, we’ll have a Super Bowl matchup that’s one side next generation NFL talent going up against a sure-fire Hall of Famer under center. This is what it’s all about.

Of course epic runs, crazy catches, and incredible plays abounded throughout the Divisional Round. And the Madden Ratings Adjustor team is working hard to tweak, refine, and polish ratings across the league based on real-world performances. Let’s take a look and see who’s up in the ranks and who’s down. Access the full Madden NFL 21 Player Ratings Database HERE. 

Darrel Williams | RB | Kansas City Chiefs

With Clyde Edwards-Helaire sidelined, Darrel Williams took over the lead role in the Kansas City backfield in a win against the Cleveland Browns last week. Williams rushed for 78 yards on 13 carries and added four catches for 16 yards. Nothing too crazy here, but it’s notable that Williams got the nod as the primary ball-carrier over veteran Le’Veon Bell. Williams will see ratings upticks in Strength, Awareness, Carrying, and Break Tackle ratings this week, resulting in a +1 OVR for a 71. 

Devin White | MLB | Tampa Bay Buccaneers

One of the NFL’s most effective linebackers during the 2020 regular season was at it again against the Saints on Sunday. Devin White racked up 11 total tackles, logged one pass defensed, and recovered a fumble, helping to advance his team to the NFC Conference Championship. White will enjoy a +1 OVR this week, putting him at an 82 Overall. We’ll see if he can keep it up against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers this weekend.

Jaire Alexander | CB | Green Bay Packers

Speaking of the Packers, Second-Team All Pro DB Jaire Alexander is already a top-three cornerback in Madden 21 from an OVR perspective. And he’s only getting better. Alexander played shutdown against the Rams last weekend, as the team struggled in the passing game -- Jared Goff had just 174 yards. It’s tough to make an argument for a guy who doesn’t show up in the box score, but that’s the thing about Alexander: Teams simply don’t throw his direction, he’s that good. He’s getting a +1 OVR this week, which will put him at 94 heading into the NFC Conference Championship.

Michael Thomas | WR | New Orleans Saints

It was a rough one for Michael Thomas against the Buccaneers last weekend. He failed to haul in a single reception on his four targets, and now we know that he’s  been dealing with an ankle injury all season that will require surgery to repair. Thomas started this season as a member of the coveted 99 Club, but has fallen back to Earth despite his unparalleled talents. His OVR will take a small dip this week, but fans hope to see him back on top of his game next season.

Le’Veon Bell | RB | Kansas City Chiefs

As mentioned above, Le’Veon Bell took a backseat to Darrel Williams, with Clyde Edwards-Helaire sidelined against the Browns last week. Bell was dealing with a knee issue a few weeks ago, so that could still be lingering. Still, Bell put up just six yards on two rush attempts, and failed to catch the two targets that came his way. All the drama surrounding Bell going to the Chiefs earlier this season has not amounted to much. And his OVR is going down as a result. 

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