Madden NFL 27’s most exclusive group is official: six players, four positions, and only one defender begin the new cycle at 99 overall.
EA’s official Ratings Hub identifies six members of the launch class. The offensive side dominates the room with two quarterbacks, two wide receivers, and one tight end. Myles Garrett stands alone as the group’s only defensive player.
For Madden Underground players, the list is more than a preseason honor roll. These ratings will shape roster demand, protection calls, matchup choices, and the teams opponents expect to see when the competitive 27 cycle begins.
99 OVR EDGE • Los Angeles Rams
Myles Garrett
The only defender in this launch group and, according to EA, now a three-time 99 Club member. His rating makes edge protection a first-snap priority.
99 OVR QB • Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen
Allen brings the group its most obvious dual-threat problem: an elite arm paired with the ability to punish defenses when the pocket breaks down.
99 OVR QB • Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford
The reigning NFL MVP enters Madden NFL 27 at the ceiling, giving Los Angeles a top-tier passer to pair with a second 99-rated star.
99 OVR TE • Arizona Cardinals
Trey McBride
McBride gives Arizona a matchup centerpiece at tight end and becomes the only player at his position in this six-member class.
99 OVR WR • Cincinnati Bengals
Ja’Marr Chase
Chase launches in the 99 Club for a second straight year, keeping Cincinnati’s passing game among the first offenses every opponent must solve.
99 OVR WR • Seattle Seahawks
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Smith-Njigba joins Chase as the second receiver in the class, putting Seattle’s top target in the game’s most exclusive ratings tier.
Roster Read Five stars on offense
The 99 Club leans heavily toward the passing game
The position mix sends a clear launch-week message. Allen and Stafford give two teams perfect-rated quarterbacks. Chase and Smith-Njigba headline the receiving group, while McBride adds a 99-rated middle-of-the-field target. Players building defensive plans will need answers at every level.
USG Breakdown Competitive impact
The Rams become the immediate roster to study
Los Angeles is the only team represented twice, pairing a 99-rated quarterback in Stafford with a 99-rated edge threat in Garrett. That creates a rare advantage on both sides of the ball and makes the Rams an obvious early scouting assignment.
Buffalo, Cincinnati, Seattle, and Arizona each bring one 99-rated centerpiece. The best counter will depend on how the complete team ratings land, but every opponent now knows which player must be contained first.
Date to Remember August 13
The perfect ratings go live with Madden NFL 27
Madden NFL 27 arrives August 13. Deluxe Edition Early Access runs August 10–12, while the EA Play 10-hour trial begins August 6. Ratings can move during the season, but these six players own the top tier when the game opens.
EA’s Madden NFL 27 Ratings Hub lists six players at 99 overall. The hub is the official source for the full ratings database and future updates.
Open the official Madden NFL 27 Ratings Hub →Take the ratings debate to the community.
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