With preseason finally wrapped up, the start of the 2022 NFL season is almost upon us. The season officially kicks off this Thursday, September 8, with a matchup between the Buffalo Bills and reigning champions Los Angeles Rams.
But before the season officially gets underway, we turn to EA’s Madden NFL video game for a preview of what’s to come. We conducted a full simulation of the upcoming season in Madden 23.
It should be noted that the simulation was conducted prior to Madden’s Week 1 update, which is typically more reflective of the finalized 53-man rosters. Because this update usually doesn’t arrive until hours before the season kickoff, we used the preseason 75-man rosters.
While we had pre-existing injuries on, the simulation was conducted with injuries turned off as to prevent any sort of randomness. Consider this a sim of the 2022 NFL season if every team were to be perfectly healthy. You’re welcome, Christian McCaffery.
So if everything were to play out perfectly for each team, here’s how the 2022 NFL season will shape out, according to Madden 23.
AFC East
The Buffalo Bills remain the favorites to win the AFC East, but the Miami Dolphins could pose a threat now with the addition of Tyreek Hill on offense. And how will Mac Jones fair in his second season as a starter?
Buffalo Bills (9-8)
This is a bit of a head-scratcher. The 2022 Super Bowl favorites finish with a lackluster 9-8 record. It’s still enough to take first place in the middling AFC East, though.
Quarterback Josh Allen has another impressive season with 5,118 passing yards and 35 touchdowns; however, he does throw 18 interceptions. Devin Singletary handles most of the rushing with 248 attempts for 870 yards and a whopping 15 touchdowns. On the receiving side of things, it’s another stellar season for Stefon Diggs who crosses the century mark for receptions (101). His 1,448 receiving yards are the fourth most in the league. Third-year receiver Gabriel Davis, who steps into a starting role for the first time, catches 75 receptions for 1,103 yards and six touchdowns.
As a team, the Bills have the fifth-best offense in the league with 29.7 points per game. But they also finish near the bottom of the league in defensive points allowed (461 total). That could explain the record.
Miami Dolphins (9-8)
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa makes an incredible leap in his third year, throwing for 4,585 yards and 36 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions. Unfortunately, it is the same overall results for the Dolphins who finish 9-8 and miss the playoffs once again.
Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill live up to the hype of a dynamic receiving duo. Waddle records 94 receptions for 1,129 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Hill catches 82 passes for 1,316 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The Dolphins are 8th in points allowed (424). A solid offense and a top-ten defense would normally result in a playoff appearance but a bit of unfortunate luck has the Dolphins out of the postseason.
New England Patriots (5-12)
Mac Jones makes considerable improvement in his sophomore season, throwing for 4,828 yards and 33 touchdowns to just 13 interceptions. Nelson Agholor and Hunter Hunry both cross the century mark with 1,072 and 1,047 receiving yards, respectively.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Patriots allow 505 points for the second-worst defense in the league. A lack of defensive pressure, just 29 sacks, allows teams to pass all over them.
New York Jets (3-14)
Although Zach Wilson will likely miss some time to start the season, his injury wasn’t reflected in our simulation. In his second season, Wilson throws for 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. It’s an improvement over his rookie year, but still not enough to get the Jets into the playoffs.
As predicted, Breece Hall takes over starting running back duties, carrying the ball 292 times for 1,177 yards and 9 touchdowns. Michael Carter rushes for just 294 yards but also crosses the endzone seven times.
Elija Moore leads the team in receptions (84), yards (1,195) and touchdowns (8). Meanwhile, rookie Garrett Wilson has an impressive debut season with 69 catches, 799 yards and six touchdowns.
AFC West
The AFC West is poised to be one of the most competitive divisions this season as all four teams boast talented quarterbacks. Will Patrick Mahomes return to form or are the Broncos ready to ride?
Kansas City Chiefs (13-4)
No Tyreek Hill? No problem for Patrick Mahomes who has a bounce-back season and leads the Chiefs to a 13-4 record and No. 1 seed in the AFC.
With 5,080 yards and 41 touchdowns, Mahomes has his best statistical season since 2018. Tight end Travis Kelce was far and away his favorite target with 109 receptions, 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns. Newcomer Marquez Valdes-Scantling finds quick rapport with his new quarterback catching 78 passes for 1,175 yards and 9 touchdowns. Mecole Hardman and Juju Smith-Schuster both also top 70 receptions on the year.
Denver Broncos (9-8)
The Denver Broncos, finally with their first legitimate quarterback in years, improve on last year’s record but still miss the playoffs. Although they go from 4th in the West to second, they still only finish with a 9-8 record.
Russell Wilson is a dramatic improvement over the past few quarterbacks the Broncos have trotted out in recent seasons. He throws for 4,871 yards, 35 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He adds another 311 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.
The biggest struggle was with the running game. Second-year back Javonte Williams, who many predict to have a breakout year, rushes for just 875 yards on 228 carries (3.8 ypc). He does score 16 times though. Melvin Gordon didn’t fair much better, rushing 115 times for 419 yards (3.6 ypc). On the flip side, the Broncos receivers put up tremendous numbers:
- Tim Patrick: 80 rec., 1,247 yards, 16 touchdowns
- Courtland Sutton: 82 rec., 1,184 yards, 6 touchdowns
- Jerry Jeudy: 85 rec., 1,033 yards, 1 touchdown
- Albert Okwuegbunam: 84 rec., 912 yards, 7 touchdowns
Las Vegas Raiders (8-9)
Derek Carr’s reunion with Davante Adams in Las Vegas results in the nine-year veteran having the best statistical season of his career. He leads the league in passing yards with 5,671 yards while tossing a career-high 44 touchdowns.
Adams, of course, leads the team with 102 receptions, 1,426 yards and eight touchdowns. But the coverage that Adams draws helps Hunter Renfrow break out for 88 receptions, 1,220 yards and 10 touchdowns. Darren Waller adds another 96 receptions, 1,077 yards and 10 touchdowns.
But ultimately, it’s not enough for the Raiders who fall to third place in the division and miss the playoffs once again.
Los Angeles Chargers (5-12)
The Chargers enter the season with high expectations thanks, in large part, to a roster loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. For whatever reason, it doesn’t add up to a winning record. The Chargers finish the season with a 5-12 record and fourth place in the AFC West.
Third-year quarterback Justin Herbert throws for 28 touchdowns and nine interceptions which, while not bad, isn’t the leap many are expecting him to make. Austin Ekeler has 1,192 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground with another 485 yards through the air. When it comes to players like Ekeler, I feel like Madden sims don’t quite do him justice.
Interestingly, the Madden sim also has the Chargers signing Odell Beckham Jr. It’s definitely a potential landing spot for the talented veteran, who is coming off an injury, but ultimately he doesn’t add much to the team with just 42 receptions for 628 yards and two touchdowns.
AFC North
Will Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals have a Super Bowl hangover? It won’t be easy to return to the playoffs. This is another ultra-competitive division to keep an eye on this season.
Baltimore Ravens (12-5)
From fourth to first, the Ravens finish the season with a 12-5 record and the No. 3 seed in the AFC.
I’ve long complained that Madden doesn’t properly simulate dual-threat quarterback stats, but that no longer appears to be the case. Jackson throws for 3,853 yards and 28 touchdowns while rushing for another 807 yards and scoring 11 rushing touchdowns.
Returning from a torn ACL that caused him to miss all of the 2021 season, J.K. Dobbins rushes for 1,163 yards (3.8 ypc) and 14 touchdowns. Tight end Mark Andrews leads the team in receptions (72), yards (968) and touchdowns (5).
Aiding this offense is a top-four defense that allowed just 6,059 yards and 396 points on the year.
Cleveland Browns (11-6)
This simulation should have an asterisk next to it as Deshaun Watson, who is suspended for the first 11 games of the year, actually played for the entire season in Madden 23. And he put up big numbers with 4,529 yards and 41 touchdowns. Suffice it to say, that’s not going to happen with Jacoby Brissett.
That being said, Nick Chubb’s stat line seems pretty accurate for what many are predicting: 290 attempts for 1,626 yards and 10 touchdowns. If the Browns are to even sniff the playoffs this year, they are going to need to rely on Chubb.
The Browns enter the playoffs as the No. 5 seed which I think would require a miracle in real life.
Cincinnati Bengals (10-7)
Last year’s Super Bowl runner-up Cincinnati Bengals sneak into the playoffs with a 10-7 record. Whereas it got them first place in the NFC North last season, a 10-7 record this year gets them a No. 7 seed.
Joe Burrow makes another leap in his third season, throwing for career-high yards (5,308) and touchdowns (41). Ja’Marr Chase follows up on his incredible rookie season with 105 receptions for 1,481 yards (3rd most in the league) and 11 touchdowns.
Here are some other notable stat lines:
- Joe Mixon: 1,246 yards (4.8 ypc), 18 touchdowns
- Tyler Boyd: 103 receptions, 1,286 yards, 11 touchdowns
- Tee Higgins: 63 receptions, 816 yards, 4 touchdowns
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-11)
The Pittsburgh Steelers see a regression following the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. The team starts Mitchell Trubisky for all 17 games and the results are about what you’d expect; 3,869 yards, 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. In reality, I think we see Kenny Pickett take the field for at least a portion of the season.
Despite the lack of talent at quarterback and inconsistent offensive line, running back Najee Harris still puts together a solid season with 1,498 rushing yards (5.0 ypc) and 13 touchdowns. The talented Diontae Johnson catches 87 passes for 1,079 yards but only one touchdown.
The lone bright spot on a deflated Pittsburgh Steelers roster is T.J. Watt who finishes the season with 21 sacks (second in the league behind Aaron Donald) and 15 tackles for loss.
AFC South
The AFC South is home to two of the best running backs in the league in Jonathan Taylor and Derrick Henry. If their respective teams are to have success this season, it’s going to be on the backs of these workhorses.
Indianapolis Colts (12-5)
Jonathan Taylor rushes for 1,800 yards and 17 touchdowns, which is quite similar to the stat line he produced in 2021. The big difference this year is the Colts now have Matt Ryan under center instead of Carson Wentz.
In his first season with the Colts, Ryan returned to form with 4,493 passing yards and 44 touchdowns (3rd in the league). The results are a 12-5 record and first place finish atop the AFC South for the Colts who enter the playoffs as the No. 2 seed.
Michael Pittman Jr. emerges as one of the league’s best receivers with 91 catches for 1,137 yards and a whopping 15 touchdowns. Keke Coutee adds another 1,013 yards and 11 touchdowns. On defense, safety Rodney McLeod Jr. is tied among league leaders for interceptions with 7.
Jacksonville Jaguars (10-7)
This is another surprise simulation result. While many of us are looking to see an improvement from the young and talented Jacksonville Jaguars, I think going from 3-14 to 10-7 (and making the playoffs as the No. 6 seed is a bit of a stretch.
Trevor Lawrence makes a tremendous leap from his rookie season, tossing 45 touchdowns (2nd most in the league) and just 14 interceptions. For comparison. Lawrence threw for just 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions in his rookie year. I’m not saying it can’t happen, but I just don’t think it will.
Making his NFL debut, Travis Etienne Jr. rushes for 1,031 yards (4.2 ypc) and 9 touchdowns. Newcomer Christian Kirk lives up to his four-year, $72 million deal with 90 receptions for 1,211 yards and 11 touchdowns. After signing a one-year deal this offseason with the Jaguars, tight end Evan Engram bounces back in a big way with 111 receptions for 1,200 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Tennessee Titans (8-9)
Coming off three straight playoff appearances, the Titans appear to falter with an 8-9 record to finish third place in the AFC South.
The disappointment can’t be pinned on Derrick Henry who leads the league in rushing yards (1,928) and touchdowns (20). Even Rober Woods, coming off an ACL tear, puts together a solid season with 85 receptions for 1,429 yards and 12 touchdowns. That’s half the touchdowns thrown by Ryan Tannehill.
It’s a disappointing season for the Titans who continue to struggle in the passing game, as evidenced by Tannehill’s 3,826 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. It’s a serviceable stat line but the Titans need a legitimate quarterback.
Houston Texans (5-12)
The Houston Texans were an absolute trainwreck in 2021 and they see a minor one-game improvement this season. Realistically, I don’t think anyone expects much from the Texans this season and that’s basically what Madden predicts.
Madden hadn’t quite gotten around to cutting Marlon Mack from the team so he was still the technical starter in the sim. But rookie Dameon Pierce carried the ball 81 times for 322 yards (4.0 ypc) and five touchdowns. So I guess that’s something for fans to look forward to.
NFC East
The NFC East hasn’t exactly been one of the strongest divisions in recent years, but it is home to some of the NFL’s most intense rivalries and biggest surprises. Will the Cowboys repeat as division champs after some key losses or will another rise up?
Philadelphia Eagles (10-7)
In his third year in the league, Jalen Hurts puts together his most solid season yet at quarterback. He throws for 4,529 yards and 31 touchdowns. He adds another 530 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. His improved play helps the Eagles to a 10-7 record and first place in the NFC East.
A.J. Brown, who was traded to the Eagles from the Tennessee Titans in a stunning blockbuster trade during the 2022 NFL Draft, catches 76 passes for 964 yards and eight touchdowns. Fellow wide receiver DeVonta Smith catches 78 passes for 1,335 yards and 10 touchdowns.
On defense, Darius Slay Jr. is tied among the leaders with seven interceptions.
Dallas Cowboys (8-9)
The Cowboys lost four critical players this offseason in Amari Cooper, Conor Williams, Cedrick Wilson, and Randy Gregory, and failed to adequately replace them. So to see the team drop from 12-5 and first place in the NFC East to 8-9 and second place in the division isn’t quite a surprise.
Despite the losses, Dak Prescott still put up solid numbers, throwing for 4,958 yards and 34 touchdowns. Even Ezekiel Elliot saw a return to form with 298 carries for 1,304 yards (4.4 ypc) and 18 touchdowns. He probably won’t put up those kinds of stats with Tony Pollard in the backfield, but I’m sure Cowboys fans would love to see that kind of average from the veteran.
In his first season as the team’s No. 1 receiver, CeeDee Lamb effectively fills the shoes of Amari Cooper with 95 receptions for 1,213 yards but only seven touchdowns. Gallup, who is coming off an injury, catches 81 passes for 951 yards and 4 touchdowns. Dalton Schultz continues to prove he’s a top-tier tight end with 96 receptions for 1,002 yards and five touchdowns.
New York Giants (7-10)
In the final year of his four-year contract, Daniel Jones continues to struggle as the Giants’ quarterback. On the year, Jones throws for 3,144 yards, 21 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Interestingly, even with injuries turned off, it seems Madden believes Tyrod Taylor will get some playing time, and he even outperforms Jones in the simulation with 1,381 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions.
The talented but oft-injured Barkley rushes 286 times for 1,186 yards (4.1 ypc) and 15 touchdowns. This is just a taste of what Barkley could produce if he wasn’t always battling injuries early on in his career.
Washington Commanders (6-11)
Even with the slight improvement at quarterback with Carson Wentz, the Commanders fail to get anything going and finish with a worse record than the previous season. Wentz throws for 4,474 yards, 32 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, which would statistically be his best season since 2017 with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Antonio Gibson — who in real life would’ve very likely lost the starting job to rookie Brian Robinson Jr. had it not been for the unfortunate shooting incident — rushes for 1,101 yards (4.1 ypc) and four touchdowns. But he does fumble the ball three times, and if he does that in real life he’ll be riding the bench sooner rather than later.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals (11-6)
The Arizona Cardinals finish with an identical record to last year only this time it’s enough to capture the NFC West.
Kyler Murray, in his fourth season as a starter, throws for 4,719 yards and 37 touchdowns with just 9 interceptions — the best statistical season of his career. He adds another 542 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.
James Conner, who assumes the starting running back role after the departure of Chase Edmonds, rushes for 1,048 yards (4.5 ypc) and 14 touchdowns, nearly matching last year’s TD total.
DeAndre Hopkins, who’s suspended for the first six games of the season, catches 80 passes for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns. Marquise Brown, who was traded from the Baltimore Ravens to the Cardinals during the 2022 NFL Draft, racks up 973 yards and three touchdowns as well. Proving that age is but a number, 12th-year veteran A.J. Green scores 9 touchdowns.
Los Angeles Rams (10-7)
Last year’s Super Bowl winners, the Los Angeles Rams give up the division to the Arizona Cardinals but still squeak into the playoffs as the No. 6 seed.
Matthew Stafford, who has been suffering from elbow issues in the preseason, repeats last year’s performance with 4,843 yards and 41 touchdowns — a near identical stat line from the 2021-22 season. His favorite target? None other than Cooper Kupp.
Proving last year’s breakout season wasn’t a fluke, Kupp puts together another stellar performance on the field with 116 receptions (2nd) for 1,907 yards (1st) and 15 touchdowns (T-3rd).
On the defensive side of the ball, Aaron Donald continues to dominate opposing offensive lines, leading the league in sacks with 22.
San Francisco 49ers (10-7)
With Trey Lance now under center the 49ers finish with the same record as last season, 10-7. Only this time they fail to make it into the playoffs as a Wild Card team.
In his first full season as a starter, Lance throws for 3,873 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, while adding 548 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground. It’s certainly not a bad performance, but for a team loaded with this much talent, missing the playoffs is inexcusable.
Seattle Seahawks (8-9)
The Seattle Seahawks hit the reset button this offseason, trading away franchise quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. But despite the departure of the 9-time Pro Bowler, the Seahawks actually finish with a better record than last year.
Drew Lock, who failed miserably in Denver, throws for 3,961 yards, 26 touchdowns and 15 touchdowns. Tyler Lockett leads the receivers in receptions (82), yards (1,223) and touchdowns (7). D.K. Metcalf catches 77 passes for 978 yards and five touchdowns.
I’m not sure Seahawks fans would be happy with this sort of finish as they are probably hoping to tank for one of the quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft class.
NFC North
Green Bay Packers (13-4)
No receivers? No problem for Aaron Rodgers who continues to prove he’s the best quarterback in the league. Despite the loss of Davante Adams and no legitimate receiver to replace him, Rodgers throws for 5,035 yards and a league-leading 51 touchdowns (just nine interceptions).
With tons of question marks at receiver, it looks like Allen Lazard does indeed step up to fill the void left by Adams. he catches 93 passes for 1,275 yards and seven touchdowns. But it’s longtime Packers veteran Randall Cobb who finds the endzone the most with a league-leading 19 touchdown catches.
And for those wondering, yes, Aaron Rodgers continues to own the Chicago Bears, winning both games this season to the tune of 35-0 and 34-20.
Now the question: can Aaron Rodgers finally return to the Super Bowl?
Minnesota Vikings (10-7)
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has another solid season under center, throwing for 4,753 yards and 39 touchdowns while leading the Vikings to a 10-7 record. Although they still can’t dethrone the Green Bay Packers, the Vikings still do make the playoffs as the No. 7 seed.
Third-year veteran receiver Justin Jefferson, whom many believe to be one of the top three receivers in the NFL, puts up numbers similar to his first two years in the league: 100 receptions, 1,396 yards and 9 touchdowns. Adam Thielen, the other half of this explosive receiving duo, catches 81 passes for 1,186 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The always reliable Dalvin Cook rushes for 1,191 yards (4.5 ypc) and 11 touchdowns.
Detroit Lions (7-10)
The Lions are probably the only team in the NFL that every fan is rooting for, and that’s because we love the passion of head coach Dan Campbell. Although there’s marked improvement as the Lions post a 7-10 record, the team still misses out on the playoffs. But really, is anyone expecting a team led by Jared Goff to be a serious contender?
Game-manager Goff throws for 4,633 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. D’Andre Swift rushes for 1,146 yards and 11 touchdowns, while adding 40 receptions, 319 yards and two touchdowns through the air. And first-round draft pick Jameson Williams looks like the real deal with 89 receptions for 1,148 yards and four touchdowns.
Chicago Bears (2-15)
If you’re a Chicago Bears fan, this has to be a bit concerning.
Justin Fields struggles in his second season, throwing just 21 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. Although he flashes athleticism with 611 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns, his inability to improve as a passer results in a record of just 2-15. But hey, glass half-full, this would mean the No. 1 overall draft pick.
NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12-5)
Forget all the off-season drama surrounding Tom Brady because when he takes to the field, all he does is win. At 45 years old, Brady continues to defy Father Time, throwing for 5,346 yards and 42 touchdowns while leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the No. 2 seed.
Mike Evans has one of his best seasons with 110 receptions for 1,413 yards and nine touchdowns, while Chris Godwin is right behind him with 87 receptions for 1,287 yards and 13 touchdowns. On the ground, Leonard Fournette rushes for 1,196 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Carolina Panthers (11-6)
With the simulation conducted prior to the roster update, the trade for Baker Mayfield had not been in the game. While Mayfield has been named the starting quarterback, in our simulation it was Sam Darnold who throws for 4,438 yards and 37 touchdowns while leading the Panthers to the No. 5 seed.
Of course, a big part of the team’s success can be attributed to Christian McCaffrey who puts up 2,465 total yards (1,584 rushing yds., 881 receiving yds.) and 23 total touchdowns (18 rushing TDs, five receiving TDs). Just imagine if injuries were turned off in real life…
New Orleans Saints (7-10)
After missing all of last season, Michael Thomas finally returns to the field and it’s like he didn’t miss a beat. With 128 receptions, 1,660 receiving yards and six touchdowns, Thomas puts up one of the best statistical seasons of his career.
Kamara adds 1,294 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground, and even Jameis Winston has one of his best seasons with 29 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions. Still, it isn’t enough as the Saints miss out on the playoffs with a 7-10 record.
Atlanta Falcons (5-12)
Like the Seahawks, the Falcons are in rebuild mode, as evidenced by the team’s 5-12 record. The Falcons traded Matt Ryan in the offseason and although they drafted Desmond Ridder out of Cincinnati in the 3rd round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the team started veteran Marcus Mariota.
The former Titans quarterback actually had a solid season with 4,681 yards and 34 touchdowns with just 17 interceptions. The talented rookie receiver Drake London — the 8th overall pick in the draft — caught 73 passes for 1,060 yards and five touchdowns, setting a high bar for what fans can expect to see from this young stud. Fellow rising star Kyle Pitts put up near identical numbers to his rookie season, catching 90 passes for 1,062 yards and eight touchdowns (an improvement of his one touchdown catch as a rookie).
2022 NFL Playoffs
With the season simulated, this is what the 2022 NFL Playoffs will look like according to Madden 23. Now let’s find out who Madden believes will win the Super Bowl!
AFC Wild Card
Cincinnati Bengals (No. 7) vs Indianapolis Colts (No. 2)
Sim result: Bengals 38, Colts 22
The Bengals put up 500 yards of total offense and take their first step to returning to the Super Bowl. Joe Burrow throws for 366 yards and two touchdowns while Ja’Marr Chase catches a touchdown.
Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 6) vs Baltimore Ravens (No. 3)
Sim result: Jaguars 38, Ravens 31
Talk about a shocker. Trevor Lawrence outduels Lamar Jackson, throwing for 267 yards and two touchdowns.
Cleveland Browns (No. 5) vs Buffalo Bills (No. 4)
Sim result: Browns 28, Bills 38
The Super Bowl favorites easily handle the Cleveland Browns with Josh Allen throwing for 284 yards and three touchdowns.
On Bye: Kansas City Chiefs (No. 1)
NFC Wild Card
Minnesota Vikings (No. 7) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 2)
Sim result: Vikings 31, Buccaneers 37 (OT)
The Buccaneers prevail in overtime as Tom Brady keeps his career alive with a thrilling win. The Buccaneers put up over 600 yards of offense with, although Tom Brady struggles with two touchdowns and three interceptions.
Los Angeles Rams (No. 6) vs Arizona Cardinals (No. 3)
Sim result: Rams 21, Cardinals 24
There will be no repeat championship for the Rams who fall to the Cardinals in the Wild Card. In a low-scoring affair, Kyler Murray is efficient completing 20 of 22 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns.
Carolina Panthers (No. 5) vs Philadelphia Eagles (No. 4)
Sim result: Panthers 38, Eagles 44 (OT)
Fly Eagles fly, right into the Divisional round. Another overtime thriller. Although Darnold has about as good of a game as anyone could hope with 383 yards and four touchdowns, it’s Jalen Hurts and the Eagles who move on.
On Bye: Green Bay Packers (No. 1)
NFL Playoffs 2022
A surprise upset pits the Jaguars against the Bills, while we’ve got a rematch of last year’s AFC Conference Championship game. Over int he NFC, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers hope to add to their hardware collection.
AFC Divisional
Cincinnati Bengals (No. 7) vs Kansas City Chiefs (No. 1)
Sim result: Bengals 28, Chiefs 42
Last year’s Conference Championship teams meet a round earlier and this time it’s the Kansas City Chiefs who prevail. Patrick Mahomes plays the perfect game with 421 yards and four touchdowns.
Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 6) vs Buffalo Bills (No. 4)
Sim result: Jaguars 50, Bills 46
Seriously, what is happening? Although Madden’s simulations are generally pretty accurate, this one feels like a bit of a stretch. In no timeline of the NFL multiverse do I ever imagine the Jaguars advancing to the AFC Conference Championship game. But here we are with Trevor Lawerence leading the charge with 432 passing yards and three touchdowns — enough to overcome Allens’ five touchdowns and two interceptions.
NFC Divisional
Philadelphia Eagles (No. 4) vs Green Bay Packers (No. 1)
Sim result: Eagles 21, Packers 23
It wasn’t pretty, but the Packers advance to the NFC Championship game. Once again, Rodgers struggles at home in the playoffs, completing 64% of his passes for just 182 yards, while throwing one touchdown and one interception. But the W is what’s important here.
Arizona Cardinals (No. 3) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 2)
Sim result: Cardinals 24, Buccaneers 28
Tom Brady’s age-defying season continues as he throws for 354 yards and four touchdowns to return to the NFC Championship game where he’ll face longtime rival, Aaron Rodgers. Seriously, if this plays out like this in real life then fans are spoiled by the NFL Gods.
NFL Playoffs 2022
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a big surprise here, but I think the Chiefs, Buccaneers and Packers are all realistic Championship contenders. How will it play out?
AFC Championship
Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 6) vs Kansas City Chiefs (No. 1)
Sim result: Jaguars 17, Chiefs 30
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ Cinderella season finally comes to an end. But what a run it would be for Trevor Lawrence in just his second season as a pro.
The Chiefs jump out to an early lead but really take control of the game in the third quarter by rattling off 14 unanswered points. Lawrence struggles early on with three interceptions but does throw a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns to make the box office score a little prettier.
NFC Championship
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 2) vs Green Bay Packers (No. 1)
Sim result: Buccaneers 38, Packers 38 (OT)
The Road to Super Bowl Super Bowl LVII for Tom Brady runs through the Frozen Tundra. What a showdown this would be.
Another overtime thriller, but this time Tom Brady falls to Aaron Rodgers. In what will likely be his final NFL game, Tom Brady throws for 500 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Rodgers delivers a playoff performance we’ve all been waiting to see from him, throwing for 425 yards and a whopping six touchdowns. With the win, Rodgers returns to the Super Bowl for the first time in over a decade. His one and only appearance came in 2011 when the Packers defeated the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV.
Super Bowl LVII
Green Bay Packers (No. 1) vs Kansas City Chiefs (No. 1)
Both No. 1 seeds square off in Super Bowl LVII. We’ve got old-school versus new school as Aaron Rodgers attempts to cement his legacy in the NFL while Patrick Mahomes looks to continue to build on his already successful resume.
Sim result: Green Bay Packers 18, Kansas City Chiefs 28
Patrick Mahomes leads the Kansas City Chiefs to the franchise’s third Super Bowl championship, defeating the Packers, 28-18. With 328 passing yards and four touchdowns, Mahomes earns Super Bowl MVP honors, the second of his career.
Rodgers, ultimately, fails in his bid to win a second Super Bowl, although he does throw for 264 yards and two touchdowns.
Interestingly, it was Marquez Valdes-Scantling — the former Packers receiver — who proves to be the big difference maker with 142 receiving yards and two touchdowns. What a twist this would be.
Yearly Honors
NFL MVP – QB Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
Coach of the Year – Doug Pederson (Jaguars)
Offensive Player of the Year – HB Christian McCaffrey (Panthers)
Defensive Player of the Year – LOLB T.J. Watt (Steelers)
Offensive Rookie of the Year – WR John Metchie III (Texans)
Defensive Rookie of the Year – LOLB Aidan Hutchinson
Conclusion
And that concludes our Madden NFL 23 simulation of the 2022-23 NFL season. While the road to get here took some interesting paths, I can definitely see a scenario in which the Chiefs, Packers and Buccaneers all wind up in the late rounds of the playoffs. Sub the Jaguars for a team like the Bills or Bengals and I think the simulation would’ve been near perfect.
With our results now recorded, we will continue to conduct weekly simulations throughout the season. Each week, we’ll simulate the slate of Sunday/Monday games. With weekly roster updates and ratings changes, this will allow for more accurate week-by-week simulations to see just how good Madden is at predicting the NFL.