EA Sports released its Madden NFL 27 ratings Monday, beginning with the six players entering this season’s 99 Club.

Josh Allen, Ja’Marr Chase, and Myles Garrett retained their perfect ratings from Madden NFL 26. Matthew Stafford, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Trey McBride reached 99 overall for the first time.

The group reflects what happened across the NFL last season. Stafford won MVP, Garrett broke the single-season sack record, and Smith-Njigba won Offensive Player of the Year. McBride broke the tight end receptions record, while Chase maintained elite production through Cincinnati’s quarterback injuries.

Four of the six players compete in the NFC West. Stafford and Garrett also give the Rams two 99-rated stars following an aggressive offseason.

Lamar Jackson, Justin Jefferson, Saquon Barkley, and Lane Johnson fell from last year’s launch group. Each could return through Madden’s weekly ratings updates.

Madden NFL 27 launches Aug. 13 with Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams on the standard edition cover.

Breaking down the club members

Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills

Allen begins a second consecutive season at 99 overall. His 2025 production declined from his MVP campaign, but his complete skill set still separates him.

The Buffalo quarterback produced 3,668 passing yards, 579 rushing yards, and 39 total touchdowns. Those numbers helped Buffalo return to the playoffs and placed Allen third in MVP voting.

His Madden ratings capture the full challenge he creates. Allen owns 98 throw power, 97 short accuracy, 93 deep accuracy, and 98 throwing on the run. His 87 speed, 90 acceleration, 94 break-sack, and 83 stiff-arm ratings preserve his value as a runner.

Stafford had the stronger 2025 season, making Allen’s inclusion an understandable source of debate. However, no quarterback offers Allen’s combination of arm strength, mobility, durability, and designed-run value.

Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams

Stafford earned his first 99 rating after producing the best regular season of his 17-year career.

The 38-year-old led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns. He won his first MVP award and threw for 374 yards during the NFC Championship Game.

EA emphasized Stafford’s command and accuracy. He received 99 awareness, 99 short accuracy, 97 medium accuracy, 94 deep accuracy, and 95 throw power.

Stafford carries only 79 speed, so his value comes almost entirely from the pocket. His accuracy ratings should reward players who understand timing, protection, and route combinations.

The Rams have also surrounded him with one of Madden’s strongest supporting casts. Puka Nacua leads the receiving group, while the defense added Garrett during the offseason.

Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Chase retained his 99 rating despite losing Joe Burrow for nine games during the 2025 season.

He caught 125 passes for 1,412 yards and eight touchdowns. Only two players recorded more receptions, while only three produced more receiving yards.

Chase remained productive with veteran Joe Flacco leading Cincinnati’s offense. He caught 38 passes across their first three games together, preventing Cincinnati’s passing game from collapsing.

His launch ratings include 96 speed, 95 acceleration, 98 catching, and 99 release. Chase also received 95 short route running, 97 medium route running, and 98 deep route running.

Those numbers make Chase dangerous at every level. He can defeat press coverage, separate downfield, work underneath, and create yardage after the catch.

His production declined from the previous season’s receiving Triple Crown. Considering Cincinnati’s quarterback situation, the 99 rating remains deserved.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks

Smith-Njigba reached 99 overall following a season that transformed his standing across the league.

He led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards and added 119 receptions with 10 touchdowns. That production earned him Offensive Player of the Year honors.

Smith-Njigba carried that form into the postseason. He produced 153 yards during Seattle’s NFC Championship victory before helping the Seahawks win Super Bowl LX.

EA gave Smith-Njigba 93 speed, 95 acceleration, 96 agility, and 98 spectacular catching. He also owns 97 short, 99 medium, and 97 deep route-running ratings.

The 99 medium-route rating fits his greatest strength. Smith-Njigba maintains speed through his breaks and rarely provides defensive backs an early clue.

Seattle eventually expanded his role beyond the slot. Smith-Njigba responded by becoming the league’s most productive receiver and one of Madden’s most complete offensive players.

Trey McBride, TE, Arizona Cardinals

McBride became the first Cardinals player in several years to receive a 99 overall rating.

He established an NFL tight end record with 126 receptions last season. McBride also led the position with 1,239 yards and tied for first with 11 receiving touchdowns.

That performance completed his second consecutive 1,000-yard season. He reached both milestones despite Arizona’s continued instability at quarterback and across the offense.

McBride received 88 speed, 84 agility, 99 awareness, and 93 injury. His receiving and awareness ratings should make him highly dependable on option routes and contested throws.

George Kittle remains a stronger blocker, while Brock Bowers offers greater open-field explosiveness. McBride earned the top rating through unmatched volume, consistency, and production.

A perfect rating may still feel generous after one dominant season. His record-setting reception total gives EA a strong argument.

Myles Garrett, EDGE, Los Angeles Rams

Garrett enters the 99 Club for the third time, the most appearances among this season’s six members.

He finished 2025 with an NFL-record 23 sacks and a league-leading 33 tackles for loss. Pro Football Focus also credited him with 84 pressures.

Garrett won his second Defensive Player of the Year award before Cleveland traded him to Los Angeles. The Rams surrendered Jared Verse and three draft picks to complete the move.

His Madden ratings include 99 power moves, 96 block shedding, 97 pursuit, and 96 strength. Garrett also carries 86 speed and 90 acceleration at 272 pounds.

Those numbers should force opposing players to adjust protections on nearly every passing down. Leaving Garrett isolated against one blocker will rarely work.

Los Angeles now opens Madden NFL 27 with the league MVP and reigning Defensive Player of the Year. No other team owns two members of the 99 Club.