The 2023 NFL season is upon us and as is tradition, we’re using Madden 24 to predict how things will unfold around the league.
Last year’s Madden 23 sim correctly predicted the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl. While we’ll have to wait a couple of months to see how this prediction holds up, we do also have the specific Week 1 slate of games simulated already here.
As for our season sim, we simply used the official Madden 24 rosters with injuries turned off as to prevent any sort of randomness. So consider this a sim of the 2023 NFL season if everyone remained healthy (except for the ones already out with injury).
Without further ado, here’s how Madden 24 predicts the 2023 NFL season to play out.
NFC East
We’re kicking things off with the NFC East, which is home to last year’s NFC Conference Champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. This is an incredibly competitive division and Madden expects three teams to make the playoffs.
1. New York Giants (10-7) – No. 4 Seed
Our first division and we already have a shocking result — the New York Giants claiming the NFC East with a 10-7 record. Playing on a franchise tag, Saquon Barkley put the team on his back, rushing 326 times for 1,653 yards and 13 touchdowns. Quarterback Daniel Jones is predicted to throw a career-high 28 touchdowns along with a career-high 22 interceptions.
2. Dallas Cowboys (10-7) – No. 5 Seed
Dak Prescott returns to form with 4,845 passing yards (1st in NFL), 33 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The addition of Brandin Cooks (96 rec., 1,235 yards, 11 touchdowns) opens things up for Ceedee Lamb who leads the league in receiving yards with 1,664 to go with 6 touchdowns (121 receptions). On defense, Micah Parsons once again records double-digit sacks (10), which is down from last year.
3. Philadelphia Eagles (9-8) – No. 7 Seed
The Philadelphia Eagles have a bit of a Super Bowl hangover, but still make the playoffs with a 9-8 record. Jalen Hurts throws for 4,011 yards, 25 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. He adds another 645 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. D’Andre Smith also finds success in Philadelphia with 1,082 yards and 14 touchdowns. As for the dynamic receiving duo, it appears Devonta Smith achieves No. 1 status with 74 receptions for 1,450 yards and 13 touchdowns.
4. Washington Commanders (8-9)
With an 8-9 record, the Commanders actually take a small step back from last season. Quarterback Sam Howell throws for 3,294 yards, 30 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Brian Robinson Jr. is the featured back with 1,060 yards and six touchdown. No receiver records over 1,000 yards, but Terry Mclaurin leads the group with 67 receptions for 879 yards and 10 touchdowns.
NFC West
The NFC West feels like a two-team division with the 49ers and the Seahawks, but that’s not exactly how it played out in our Madden 24 sim. The 49ers remain an unstoppable force atop the division, but the Seahawks fail to repeat last year’s success.
1. San Francisco 49ers (14-3) – No. 1 Seed
The San Francisco 49ers run away with the division and secure the No. 1 see in the NFC playoffs. In his first full season as a starter, Brock Purdy throws for 3,864 yards, 39 touchdowns (most in the league) and 9 interceptions. On the ground, Christian McCaffreey rushes for 1,620 yards and a whopping 17 touchdowns, while Elijah Mitchell adds another 12 rushing touchdowns. Brandon Aiyuk leads the team in receptions (93), yards (1,352) and touchdowns (18). Nick Bosa, who just signed a massive new deal, makes good on his new contract by recording a team-high 12.5 sacks.
2. Los Angeles Rams (8-9)
The Rams improve on last year’s record but fail to return to Super Bowl forms. Matthew Stafford throws for 3,619 yards, 29 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, while Cam Akers rushes for 1,070 yards and 5 touchdowns. Even with Cooper Kupp playing all 17 games — which he won’t do this season due to injury — the Rams fail to make the playoffs. Kupp projects for 108 receptions, 1,535 yards and 14 touchdowns. But again, that would be if he played in every single game. He’s currently on the IR and will miss the first four games of the season. If there’s one bright spot, it’s that Aaron Donald leads the league in sacks with 15.
3. Seattle Seahawks (7-10)
The Seattle Seahawks were last year’s Cinderella team but fail to capture the same magic in our Madden 24 sim, finishing with a 7-10 record. Geno Smith is impressive with 3,370 yards, 27 touchdowns and 11 interceptions but the defense is one of the worst in the league.
4. Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
No one expects much from the Arizona Cardinals this season and as such Madden 24 projects them to finish with a 3-14 record. Surprisingly though, that is not the worst in the league. But more on that later. With Murray not playing at all, Joshua Dobbs throws for 2,892 yards, 15 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. James Conner only rushes for 906 yards and 5 touchdowns as the Cardinals look forward to owning the No. 2 draft pick.
NFC North
The NFC North is going to be a fun division to watch. The Vikings and Lions are both projected to be playoff contenders while we finally get to see what Jordan Love is made of in Green Bay.
Green Bay Packers (11-6) – No. 3 Seed
Perhaps the first shocker of our simulation, the Green Bay Packers capture the NFC North, led by first-year starter Jordan Love. Replacing future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers is no easy task, but Love throws for 3,451 yards, 31 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Helping take the pressure off the young quarterback is Aaron Jones, who rushes for 1,544 yards and 14 touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Packers’ young core of receivers — Christian Watson (84 rec., 940 yards, 5 TDs), Romeo Doubs (70 rec., 801 yards, 13 TDs) and Jayden Reed (74 rec., 775 yards and 9 TDs) — look very talented.
Detroit Lions (9-8)
The Lions have playoff aspirations. And while they may have beaten the Chiefs in Week 1, Madden still doesn’t expect them to finish any better than last year’s 9-8, second-place record. Jared Goff throws for 3,429 yards, 26 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, while Amon-ra St. Brown leads the team with 82 receptions for 1,07 yards and 8 touchdowns. Rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs carries the ball 142 times for 432 yards (3.0 avg) but does score 10 touchdowns. Fellow rookie tight end Sam LaPorta catches 48 passes for 482 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
Another big surprise, the Minnesota Vikings are predicted to finish third in the division and miss out on the playoffs. Kirk Cousins has a mediocre season with 4,468 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. With no Dalvin Cook in the backfield, the Vikings fail to find success at running back as Alexander Mattison carries the ball just 137 times for 466 yards. But for the Vikings, their offense runs through Justin Jefferson who finishes with 127 catches for 1,526 yards and 7 touchdowns. Rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison tallies 62 receptions for 756 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Chicago Bears (4-13)
If you’re a Chicago Bears fan, don’t look. The team is only expected to win one more game that last season and Justin Fields may be playing his last season as a starter for the team. Madden 24 predicts Justin Fields to throw for 2,656 yards, 21 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. Yikes. He does rush for 722 yards, but that doesn’t get the job done for this team. D.J. Moore, who was acquired in the offseason, catches just 35 passes for 541 yards and a touchdown. Overall, just a horrible season if you’re a Bears fan.
NFC South
I don’t think there are high expectations for any particular team in the NFC South but it still should be a fun division to watch thanks to a pair of rookies in quarterback Bryce Young and running back Bijan Robinson.
1. Atlanta Falcons (12-5) – No. 2 Seed
Quarterback Desmond Ridder makes tremendous improvements in his sophomore season throwing for 3,560 yards, 33 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Wide receiver Drake London also improves on his rookie performance, catching 77 passes for 996 yards and 8 touchdowns. And Kyle Pitts — who regressed mightily last year — returns with 67 catches for 723 yards and 6 touchdowns. As for rookie Bijan Robinson, he is every bit talented as promised rushing 312 times for 1,277 yards and 9 touchdowns.
2. Carolina Panthers (10-7) – No. 6 Seed
The Carolina Panthers would be thrilled to make the playoffs in their first season with Bryce Young. I don’t think it will happen but Madden apparently does. The No. 1 overall draft pick throws for 3,465 yards, 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-10)
A 7-10 record for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is definitely better than I would expect from this team. Baker Mayfield isn’t terrible, but he’s also no Tom Brady. He throws for 3,137 yards, 18 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. Mike Evans leads the team in receptions (70) and yards (965) but fails to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark.
4. New Orleans Saints (7-10)
Derek Carr comes over from the Raiders and puts together a solid season — 3,831 yards, 23 TDs, 13 INTs — but the Saints as a whole finish last place in the division. The lone bright spot is wide receiver Chris Olave who catches 92 passes for 1,223 yards and 7 touchdowns.
AFC East
The AFC East is stacked with talent but for some reason that wasn’t reflected in our sim. Madden prides itself on realistic rosters, but this entire division’s prediction is a head-scratcher
1. New England Patriots (10-7) – No. 4 Seed
I know the Patriots have one of the best head coaches in the league, but a first-place finish in the AFC East with this roster? I have my doubts. Mac Jones is a solid quarterback with 3,838 yards, 25 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, but in real life, he’s got few legitimate weapons. The simulation had Ezekiel Elliott carrying the ball a whopping 301 times for 1,272 yards, while Rhamondre Stevenson only had 10 carries for 30 yards. That’s never going to happen. Like I said, this whole simulation feels suspect because of this outlandish AFC East prediction.
2. Buffalo Bills (9-8)
This is another headscratcher. Josh Allen puts together an MVP-worthy performance with 4,151 passing yards, 34 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions. He adds another 485 yards and 6 touchdowns on the ground. And Stefon Diggs is, of course, the team’s leading receiver with 91 receptions for 1,130 yards and 13 touchdowns.
3. New York Jets (7-10)
This record actually feels possible. I know the Jets acquired Aaron Rodgers in the offseason and he’s a major improvement over Zach Wilson, but the AFC East is super talented and this is the Jets, after all. Rodgers finishes with 3,642 yards, 24 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. I think part of the issue is how the simulation handled the whole running back situation with Dalvin Cook rushing 291 times for 1,302 yards and 14 touchdowns while Breece Hall only manages 73 carries for 248 yards and 11 touchdowns.
4. Miami Dolphins (2-15)
I was honestly tempted to restart the entire simulation when I saw that Madden 24 predicted a 2-15 record for the Miami Dolphins. There’s not a timeline out in the multiverse where a fully healthy Dolphins team finishes 2-15 on the year. But it is what it is. I don’t even know if it’s worth mentioning stats because they feel so off — like Tyreek Hill catching only 62 passes for 823 yards and 6 touchdowns. Barring injury, he’s topping 1,000 yards easily.
AFC West
We’re finally back to normalcy where Madden 24 is a bit more realistic in its predictions. The AFC West is home to last year’s Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and, despite their Week 1 lost, they are poised to at least repeat as champions of the AFC West.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (12-5) – No. 2 Seed
Patrick Mahomes finishes with 4,773 yards, 37 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, guiding the Chiefs to a 12-5 record and first place in the AFC West. Travis Kelce (102 rec., 1,225 yards, 10 touchdowns) is the team’s leading receiver but both Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Kadarius Toney each top 1,000 yards receiving. That feels like a tall order given Week 1’s performance.
2. Los Angeles Chargers (10-7) – No. 5 Seed
The Chargers finish with another 10-7 record but this time it’s enough to make the playoffs. Justin Herbert throws for 4,231 yards, 30 TDs and 9 interceptions. Austin Ekeler adds 1,263 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground. The most unrealistic part of the Chargers sim is the fact that rookie Quintin Johnston had no catches on the year. Again, very unlikely.
3. Las Vegas Raiders (10-7) – No. 6 Seed
With the AFC East struggling so much in the simulation, it opens the door for the Raiders to make the playoffs with a 10-7 record. Jimmy Garoppolo (3,305 yards, 25 TDs, 10 Ints.) isn’t a huge improvement over Derek Carr and Davante Adams struggles to find a connection with just 67 catches for 828 yards and 10 touchdowns.. It’s more the performance of Josh Jacobs (332 carries, 1,834 yards, 17 touchdowns) that leads this team. Pay this man.
4. Denver Broncos (8-9)
An 8-9 record in Sean Payton’s first year as head coach would be an improvement but it’s still not the playoffs management envisioned when they acquired Russell Wilson. The veteran throws for just 3,530 yards and 21 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. Better than last year, but not by much.
AFC North
The AFC North is another competitive division with three of these teams legitimate playoff contenders.
1. Baltimore Ravens (13-4) – No. 1 Seed
With finally some weapons on offense, Lamar Jackson puts together one of his best statistical passing seasons of his career throwing for 3,280 yards, 31 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions. He also racks up 826 yards and scores another 9 touchdowns with his legs. Odell Beckham Jr. returns to his old self and leads the team in receiving yard (887) while rookie Zay Flowers makes a major impact as well (53 rec., 677 yards, 5 TDs).
2. Cincinnati Bengals (10-7) – No. 7 Seed
The Bengals fail to win the division but manage to squeeze into the playoffs as the No. 7 seed. That’s all they need to make a splash. Joe Burrow throws for 4,462 yards, 32 touchdowns and 7 interceptions while Ja’marr Chase and … Tyler Boyd (what?!) lead the team in yards with over 1,200 each. Tee Higgins, who is seeking a contract extension, also catches 79 passes for 928 yards and 5 TDs.
3. Cleveland Browns (10-7)
The Browns finish with an improved 10-7 record but still miss out on the playoffs. Deshaun Watson is good bu not great, throwing for 3,610 yards, 24 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. Nick Chubb, again, proves to be one of the best running backs in the league with a 5.9 average (252 attempts for 1,480 yards and 14 TDs).
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-13)
The Steelers may not be as talented, but they are well-coach and could surprise some people, but I’m not at all surprised with a fourth-place finish in this division. I do expect them to be better than 4-13 but that’ll depend on the improvement of Kenny Pickett. Madden predicts a pedestrian season with 3,752 yards, 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Diontae Johnson, again, fails to catch a touchdown despite 74 receptions. That would be… something. George Pickens racks up 1,098 yards and 5 touchdowns.
AFC South
The AFC South should be a fun division to watch, but don’t expect much in terms of playoff contenders. The Texans and Colts both have rookie quarterbacks, while the Titans are in this weird hybrid rebuild/contender mode. The Jaguars should be the favorites, but that’s not what Madden 24 predicts.
1. Tennessee Titans (11-6) – No. 3 Seed
For Derrick Henry, age is is just a number. While most would say that running backs are on the decline at 29 years old, Henry, in his 8th NFL season, continues to defy the odds, rushing 309 times for 1,747 yards and 13 touchdowns. That’s the second-most rushing yards in the league and the big reason the Titans claim an 11-6 record in our sim. It’s certainly not Tannehill’s performance, as he throws for just 2,682 yards, 13 TDs, and 12 Ints. DeAndre Hopkins only catches 57 passes for 754 yards and 3 TDs.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-10)
After making the playoffs last season, the Jaguars are predicted to regress, which is a bit odd because this team feels better than last year. Trevor Lawrence throws for 3,399 yards, 33 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while Travis Etienne Jr. carries the rock 297 times for 1,214 yards and 8 touchdowns. Madden handles backups and running back splits poorly, so Tank Bigsby only gets 4 carries on the year. Playing for the first time in two seasons, Calvin Ridley catches 72 passes for 919 yards and 7 TDs.
3. Houston Texans (7-10)
Although the Texans miss out on the playoffs I think any fan would be thrilled with a 7-10 record under first-year quarterback C.J. Stroud. The rookie throws for 3,140 yards, 18 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Not bad considering his leading receiver is Robert Woods. The offense instead leans heavily on Dameon Pierce who racks up 1,120 yards and 9 touchdowns on the ground.
4. Indianapolis Colts (4-13)
Make no mistake, the Colts are going to be a bad team. But they will be incredibly fun to watch thanks to rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson. The biggest question mark with Richardson is his accuracy, but he completes 64% of his passes in our sim. The No. 4 overall pick in the draft throws for 3,440 yards, 20 TDs and 22 interceptions. A dual-threat QB with freak athleticism, I’m a bit surprised by his 388 rushing yards and 2 TDs on the ground, which feel a bit low.
Playoffs
Here’s what Madden 24 predicts the 2023-24 NFL Playoff picture will look like:
AFC:
- Baltimore Ravens
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Tennessee Titans
- New England Patriots
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Cincinnati Bengals
NFC:
- San Francisco 49ers
- Atlanta Falcons
- Green Bay Packers
- New York Giants
- Dallas Cowboys
- Carolina Panthers
- Philadelphia Eagles
Wild Card Weekend
AFC Wild Card
A surprising early exit for last year’s Super Bowl champions while the Patriots and Titans continue to stun everyone.
- Kansas City Chiefs 25, Cincinnati Bengals 28
- Tennessee Titans 15, Las Vegas Raiders 6
- New England Patriots 27, Los Angeles Chargers 16
NFC Wild Card
Another early playoff exit for the Cowboys likely would mean the end of Prescott’s career in Dallas. Meanwhile, the Panthers winning a playoff game with first-year starter Bryce Young would be incredible.
- Atlanta Falcons 3, Philadelphia Eagles 38
- Green Bay Packers 10, Carolina Panthers 28
- New York Giants 28, Dallas Cowboys 23
Divisional Round
AFC Divisional Round
- Baltimore Ravens 35, Cincinnati Bengals 17
- Tennesee Titans 21, New England Patriots 14
NFC Division Round
- San Francisco 49ers 31, Phialdelphia Eagles 27
- New York Giants 14, Carolina Panthers 17
Conference Championships
I don’t think anyone would be surprised to see the 49ers make the Super Bowl, but the Titans? This would be a major shock.
AFC Conference Game
- Baltimore Ravens 19, Tennessee Titans 27
NFC Conference Game
- San Francisco 49ers 34, Carolina Panthers 28
Super Bowl LVIII
This is about what I would expect from a Super Bowl featuring these two teams. Madden 24 predicts the 49ers to win Super Bowl LVIII, which would be the franchise’s sixth championship. The Super Bowl MVP is the very underrated Brandon Aiyuk.
- San Francisco 49ers 45, Tennessee Titans 14
It was a weird path to get here, but I actually think the 49ers winning the Super Bowl is a realistic outcome. I definitely don’t think it’ll be against the Titans though.
Yearly Awards
- NFL MVP – Josh Allen (QB, Bills)
- Coach of the Year – Kyle Shanahan (49ers)
- Offensive Player of the Year – Lamar Jackson (QB, Ravens)
- Defensive Player of the Year – Josh Allen (LOLB, Jaguars)
- Offensive Rookie of the Year – Bijan Robinson (RB, Falcons)
- Defensive Rookie of the Year – Will Anderson Jr. (RE, Texans)
And that’s all folks. In our annual season sim, Madden 24 predicts the 49ers to come away as Super Bowl LVIII champions. Do you agree with the prediction? We’ll have to wait until February 2024 to find out just how accurate this simulation is but in the meantime check out Madden’s Week 1 predictions.