Steelers Madden 24 Ratings: The Good & Bad

Madden 24 is in the game on August 18th, and reactions from fans and gamers across the globe are usually mixed. This year, the Pittsburgh Steelers are a respectable 83 overall, even though that's the lowest in the AFC North, with the Browns and Ravens repping an 87 and the Bengals having an 89. But the Madden series has never been short of its controversial ratings, which will be today's topic on what ratings for fellow Steelers are good and which are bad. Three players have notable good ratings, and two have questionable ratings. Let's see what the electronic artists cooked up for the Steelers roster and which ones they made just right or, like Russell Wilson, overcooked.

Good: WR George Pickens, 80 OVR

A respectable 80 overall for the star receiver out of Georgia. Pickens can jump as high as an airplane for the ball and has made spectacular catches in nearly every game. That said, Pickens received a 92 in spectacular catch, 94 in jumping, and 88 in catch in traffic. It shows that if you throw that pigskin up to Pickens, there will always be a chance he will come down with it. 

Bad: OLB Alex Highsmith, 82 OVR

Well, they can't all be winners. Despite Alex Highsmith having his best season with 15 sacks and five forced fumbles, Highsmith is just outside the top five for right-outside linebackers. Players like Jaelan Phillips and Khalil Mack have higher ratings than Highsmith. But if you compare the stats from Highsmith to Phillips or Mack, Highsmith has the edge on them. Combining Phillips and Mack's sack total would be the same amount as Highsmith's in 2022. Cmon man. It's not like Mack or Phillips missed any games either; they both played the same as Highsmith. Highsmith also has more tackles and forced fumbles. He should've received an 84-85 rating, at least.

Good: TE Pat Freiermuth, 85 OVR

Is Pat Freiermuth finally getting his respect as a top-ten tight end? Madden 24 is the best game ever! Even though it's questionable that Kyle Pitts and Darren Waller have higher ratings, beggars can't be choosers! Freiermuth had only three drops in 2022, which brings us to his 95-catching ability, along with his 85 catch in traffic and 84 spectacular catch ratings. As an avid Freiermuth supporter, this is truly a sight to behold! 

Bad: QB Kenny Pickett, 73 OVR

This, however, is not cool. Now, the rating isn't bad; it's fair if you look at Pickett's stats from last year with his touchdown-interception ratio. What isn't as favorable is who is ranked higher than Pickett. Bryce Young, the first overall pick out of Alabama, has a 74 OVR. If a rookie is higher than a backup QB, it's different. But Pickett is now a second-year starter. He had multiple late-season comebacks, has shown significant improvement during the offseason and training camp, and has bulked up over the summer. It would be wrong to say Young doesn't deserve to be a 74, but Pickett deserves to be higher than a guy who hasn't played a single snap in the league. Pickett should be a 75-76, at least. 

Good: FS Minkah Fitzpatrick, 93 OVR

Last but not least is Minkah Fitzpatrick. The highest-rated free safety in the game, coming in at a 93! Last year, Fitzpatrick was at a disappointing 89 OVR and wasn't even in the top ten best overall safeties. This year, he's the number one free safety and number two overall safety, just behind Derwin James, which is debatable, but again, beggars can't be choosers. Fitzpatrick intercepted a QB five times, shown by his 92 awareness and agility, 90 jumping, and 91 play recognition. Elite ratings for an elite ballhawk! 

Overall, Madden 24 has one of the more accurate player ratings for the Steelers (despite the Browns having a higher rating than them). But overall, it's not too shabby compared to past installments. Hope everyone who buys the game enjoys it, and remember, kids, if the Browns ever win a Super Bowl, be sure to turn off your console afterward!