Maybe you want a challenge in Madden's seriously upgraded franchise mode. Maybe one of these teams is your favorite, and you're going to take them to the promised land, no matter how many resets it takes. In any case, here are the five worst teams in Madden NFL 26.
Tennessee Titans - 77 Overall
There are many reasons the Titans were able to draft Miami's Cam Ward with the first pick. He's their second attempt at drafting a franchise quarterback in the past two years, after Will Levis aggressively did not work out for them. They'll likely get to draft a wide receiver or running back to complement him in April 2026, because their cupboard is still pretty bare.
Indianapolis Colts - 78 Overall
It seems like the Colts should be better than this. They've got an All Pro running back in Jonathan Taylor and a superstar offensive guard, Quenton Nelson. Both were named to the NFL's Top 100 players.
They have a talented group of pass catchers led by Michael Pittman. What's wrong with this picture? Oh yeah, they had to spend the preseason deciding whether New York Giants castoff Daniel Jones or Anthony Richardson will be their quarterback. Jones is the man for now, but this situation could be in flux all season.
New Orleans Saints - 79 Overall
It looks like the Saints are setting things up to draft Arch Manning in 2026, because they aren't doing much to compete this year. I'm a Saints fan, and this will probably be painful to watch. I'll be playing Franchise mode and seeing what the Browns want for Shadeur Sanders in a trade.
Carolina Panthers - 79 Overall
This is my pick for the team most likely to have a higher rating at season's end. Bryce Young got white hot in the second half of last season, and Tetairoa McMillan appears to have the goods to be a No. 1 wide receiver.
Jacksonville Jaguars - 79 Overall
Jacksonville is another team that could see this number move significantly during the season. They landed Liam Coen, one of the hottest coaching candidates after stints in Tampa Bay and Los Angeles. They're counting on him to salvage the career of Trevor Lawrence, who we already talk about as if he's been in the league for 10 years.
His progress will be tied to Travis Hunter, a superstar who will play both offense and defense for the Jags. Madden had to add a brand new superstar ability, Iron Man, that allows Hunter to fatigue slower than other players.