Madden 20 is less than a month away now. The hype has already started, with talk about an all new “X-Factor” feature that will likely dramatically change gameplay and may superstar players really stand out. There is a new “Face of the Franchise” mode that allows you to play college football as a quarterback and then get drafted into the NFL.

However, the key thing in any Madden game is the player ratings. EA have promised a revised player rating system that will lead to a bigger spread of ratings as well as a more noticeable difference between 90 OVR and 89 OVR players.

All of that is great, but the key to any sports game franchise is accurate ratings. You don’t want a superstar player in the NFL not playing like it on Madden. So how will the Madden 20 raters grade out the Kansas City Chiefs? They were the highlight reel team of 2018 thanks to the stunning play of NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes and the weapons around him. Even the defense had their stellar moments as the Chiefs finished the regular season with an AFC-best 12-4. Their season ended at the hands of the New England Patriots in overtime of the AFC championship game, but they will be a threat for the Super Bowl in 2019 and a go-to in Madden 20.

Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback (99 OVR)

Madden 20 is likely to have fewer 99 OVR players than previous years thanks to this ratings change, but the reining MVP should still get the maximum score here. Mahomes exploded onto the scene in 2018 after playing just one game in his rookie season. With offensive guru Andy Reid at the helm Mahomes was unleashed in a fast-paced “Spread Coast” offense that meshed modern spread offense concepts with classic west coast principles. It was a marriage made in heaven as Mahomes became just the third quarterback in NFL history to throw for 5,000+ yards and 50 touchdowns in the same season.

In Madden 20 Mahomes will be an amazing player. He has terrific arm strength, deadly accuracy, and the athleticism to torment defenses with his feet. He could be the most dominant force since Madden 04’s Michael Vick.

Travis Kelce, Tight End (95 OVR)

With Rob Gronkowski heading to retirement Travis Kelce should be the best tight end in Madden 20. A brutal run blocker that can dominate coverages and add yards after the catch, Kelce is a legitimate game-breaker in Madden.

Kelce became an even bigger piece of the Chiefs offense in 2018, making 103 catches for a career-high 1,336 yards and 10 touchdowns to claim his second First Team All-Pro honors. His consistent hands, stellar route running, and terrific blocking will make him a force in Madden 20.

Tyreek Hill, Wide Receiver (91 OVR)

With his legal troubles seemingly behind him Tyreek Hill can focus on what he does best; tormenting defenses. Hill was the fastest receiver in Madden 19 and that is unlikely to change for Madden 20. Last year Hill was frequently seen streaking behind defenses and slashing his way to the endzone. He racked up 1,479 yards (at an impressive 17.0 yards per catch) and 12 touchdowns in the regular season as well as adding a punt return touchdown. In the playoffs he was the focal point of the Patriots gameplan and he caught just one pass, but in Madden 20 his game-altering speed will form a deadly combination with Mahomes’ arm strength.

Offensive Line

Chris Jones, Defensive Tackle (92 OVR)

The Chiefs defense is not without its stars either. One of the best young talents in football is defensive tackle Chris Jones. A second-round pick in 2016, Jones had a monster breakout season last year, racking up an incredible 15.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss. He was unfortunate to miss out on a Pro Bowl trip, but in Madden 20 his outrageous size, strength, and speed will be a nightmare combination for any offensive line to deal with, especially when paired with a terrific edge rusher…

Frank Clark, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker (87 OVR)

Tyrann Mathieu, Safety (85 OVR)

Kansas City Chiefs Roster Prediction

The Chiefs finished Madden 19 with an 85 OVR team rating, but I expect them to be higher than that in Madden 20 and be the top ranked team, probably in the 88-90 OVR range. They will be a favorite of online players and a nightmare for anyone to stop.