Predicting the highest-rated Cowboys players in Madden 24

Honorable Mentions

Now, you may have noticed quite a few big names were left off this list. This is only the players who I predict will have the best rating on the Cowboys in Madden 24 at launch.

Tyron Smith, specifically, needs to be mentioned. Although he was once an elite tackle and rated a 90 overall in Madden 23, I believe he's due for a decrease in overall in Madden 24. EA typically doesn't lower ratings due to injury, but even in the six games that Smith played at the end of 2022, he was a shell of himself, allowing 16 total pressures on 239 pass-blocking snaps.

Similarly, DeMarcus Lawrence is another 90-rated player in Madden 23 who I believe will see a rating decrease. Lawrence hasn't recorded double-digit sacks since 2018. Last year, he recorded six, which is about what he's averaged each of the past four seasons. He's still a solid defensive end, especially when defending against the run, but I think at age 31, EA might start to feel he's on the downward trend.

And then we have stars like Dak Prescott and Tony Pollard. Both were rated 87 in Madden 23 and I don't see EA increasing either of them to start for Madden 24. Assuming their ratings stay as is, they'll still be among the top 10 best-rated players on the Cowboys in Madden 24.

Dak Prescott is coming off one of the worst statistical seasons of his career. His 15 interceptions in just 12 games were the most he's throwin in a season. He only threw 23 touchdowns but that drop can likely be attributed to him missing five games due to injury. Despite his down season, Prescott is still regarded by many as a top 10 quarterback and I think EA will lean on his overall career work when determining his rating in Madden 24 and not just last year's performance. I think he returns as an 87 overall.

Lastly, I want to touch on Tony Pollard who is coming off the best season of his four-year career. In 2022, he rushed for a career high 1,007 yards and nine touchdowns on 193 carries. He was also a threat in the passing game with 39 catches for 371 yards and three touchdowns. Pollard is one of Dallas' most explosive players and his absence was absolutely felt in the NFC Divisional Round after he suffered a broken fibula in the first half. Again, EA doesn't typically mess with ratings due to injury, so I think he returns with an 87 overall rating.

Madden NFL 24 is set to release on August 18, 2023 for PlayStation, Xbox and PC. EA will begin to reveal player ratings next week starting on July 17. You can tune in to ESPN for live coverage.

More Cowboys news and analysis: