Madden NFL 26: Best Teams to Rebuild in Franchise Mode

In Madden NFL 26, you’ve got plenty of high-profile squads to select from, but one of the most enjoyable experiences is rebuilding a team with a lower rating in Franchise mode. There are several NFL teams this year that could use some assistance in Madden 26, and by leveraging your coaching skills, you can help guide them back towards greatness.

In the dynamic world of NFL, teams’ fortunes can change dramatically over a short period. A potential title-holder could plummet to be one of the league’s weakest within a few years. This year presents an array of intriguing rebuilding opportunities – from former powerhouses to underrated underdogs – making Madden NFL 26‘s updated Franchise mode an exciting prospect. Here are the top teams worth your attention in Madden NFL 26.

Cleveland Browns

As a gamer stepping into the virtual world of Madden NFL 26, I’ve found myself in Cleveland, home to the struggling Browns. With an abysmal 78 OVR rating, they’re the team least likely to lead you to victory in Franchise mode. But

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars, despite having a relatively low Franchise rating of 79 OVR, show a greater promise for success compared to the Browns. At present, the Jaguars are experiencing hardships, but their roster is brimming with potential. Trevor Lawrence, their quarterback, already demonstrates good skills and could blossom into a star with appropriate coaching. To fully revamp the program, though, they need to address some gaps on both offensive and defensive lines.

Arizona Cardinals

With an impressive rating of 80 OVR, the Cardinals are currently holding their own against other NFL teams. Arizona boasts a robust offense, particularly in passing which ranks 8th overall, but their performance in other areas falls short of expectations. It’s crucial to capitalize on the team’s strong quarterback and receivers while focusing efforts on strengthening the remaining parts of the Cardinals roster for optimal results.

Chicago Bears

The Bears currently rank high in the league with an 84 OVR rating, but upon examination of their team and statistics, it’s clear that they face significant challenges. Compared to other NFL teams, there aren’t as many standout players on the Bears roster. However, if you can manage quarterback Caleb Williams more effectively than the actual Bears have done so far, this team could potentially make it to the playoffs with some shrewd coaching decisions.

Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans currently hold an 80 overall rating in Madden NFL 26, placing them towards the bottom of the NFL rankings. Notable standouts on the team include Simmons and Zeitler, both with ratings above 90. The Titans are also ranked 9th in the league for rushing. However, they could greatly benefit from a top-tier quarterback. If you’re able to develop Cam Ward further and draft additional players to address other weaknesses within the Tennessee roster, you can assist in elevating their performance.

New Orleans Saints

One of America’s favorite NFL teams, the Saints, enjoy immense popularity, yet they find themselves ranked among the lowest Franchise teams in the video game Madden NFL 26. What sets the Saints apart is their impressive speed, placing them seventh in the league, and they also boast a decent running game. However, New Orleans could greatly benefit from infusing some new talent into its roster. Strategic draft picks could potentially catapult them to the pinnacle of the league.

New York Giants

The Giants find themselves in a challenging position currently, boasting just an 79 overall rating. However, their exceptional defense will prove valuable during your rebuilding phase for this program. With promising draft picks coming into play this season, it’s now on you to turn things around. This team is in dire need of a strong quarterback to thrive, so prioritize finding that key player as the coach.

New York Jets

It appears that both New York football teams are experiencing hard times recently as the Jets and Giants have been facing similar struggles. Although they rank 9th in the league for pass rush and coverage, boasting reasonable speed, they find themselves in desperate need of fresh talent. With Aaron Rodgers out, the Jets are searching for a new leading quarterback. Justin Fields, their latest signing, is seen as the potential answer to the team’s dilemma; however, rebuilding this program will require more than just one solution.

Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have been absent from the playoffs for quite a while now, but with some skillful coaching and rebuilding efforts, they could ascend to the pinnacle of the league. They boast impressive rankings in rushing, pass rush, coverage, and speed, providing a solid foundation to build upon. However, their defense is rather weak and requires significant reinforcement. The team’s combination of Superstar and X-Factor players will offer some leeway as you search for additional skilled personnel.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers are among the least-valued Franchise teams in Madden NFL 26 with an overall rating of 79 OVR, yet they possess certain strengths that position them as a significant force in a potential rebuild. This season, Carolina is set to welcome some promising new talents, while its current players are poised for greatness. However, the Panthers’ roster has notable weaknesses, so strategic player acquisition will be essential to help the team reach its objectives.

In the upcoming Madden NFL 26 game, several teams are excellent options for a franchise rebuild, allowing you to choose and begin scouting for promising young players. Occasionally, just a couple of strategic trades and updated playbooks can make all the difference, helping you gain an edge.

2025-08-13 09:35