The New York Jets won just five games last season and enter 2025 with more questions than answers, but EA Sports does not seem too concerned.
In the early beta version of the anticipated Madden NFL 26 video game, New York was handed an 86 overall rating. Not only does that rating feel high in Jets world—considering how fans have felt the “snub” from EA in the past—but it’s also incredibly the same ranking as the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Better yet, it’s one rating point higher than the reigning AFC East champions, the Buffalo Bills.
The Jets made several exciting moves this offseason, including the hiring of head coach Aaron Glenn, who has worked to establish a new culture and earn the buy-in and respect of his players and New York’s fan base.
New York also signed quarterback Justin Fields, a former first-round pick who brings raw athleticism and potential, and could thrive in a system designed to capitalize on his strengths.
Still, Glenn is entering his first season as an NFL head coach. Fields has yet to prove himself as a consistent starter, and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand will be calling plays at the NFL level for the first time.
Given those variables, it’s surprising that the Jets received the same overall rating as the Eagles, a team fresh off a Super Bowl win with a proven head coach, franchise quarterback, and track record of sustained success. Then again, remember that this is just the early beta version of the game.
Can the Jets eventually reach that level (production deserving of an 86 rating)? Absolutely, but as things stand, there are more unknowns than guarantees in Florham Park, NJ, making such a high rating difficult to defend.
The New York Jets’ ceiling is undeniable, but it remains just potential until the hype turns into wins. At least that’s the case in the real world, independent of Madden NFL 26.
Madden NFL 26 is slated to be released on Aug. 14, 2025.