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Who's your M25 team? Part 4 (LV/LAC/LAR/MIA/MIN/NE)

by AST1N | 10 months ago | 0 Comments

Las Vegas Raiders

Key Pieces: WRs Davante Adams/Jakobi Meyers, TE Brock Bowers (R), DE Maxx Crosby, DT Christian Wilkins, LB Divine Deablo, S Tre’von Moehrig

Why Las Vegas?

·  Offensive Playmakers:

  • The Raiders boast elite offensive talents like Davante Adams (WR) and rookie Brock Bowers (TE). These players can form the core of a potent offensive attack.

·  Exciting Market:

  • Las Vegas is a vibrant and attractive market, which can make the franchise mode experience more immersive and enjoyable. The state-of-the-art Allegiant Stadium adds to the appeal.

·  Cap Flexibility:

  • The Raiders have some flexibility in their salary cap, allowing you to make key signings and trades to fill roster gaps and improve overall team strength. Outside of Crosby and Adams, they do not have very much going on with their spending. Adams is 32 years old and is commanding a whopping $25M, so once he is out of there, you can buy up all the talent in FA.

 Why not Las Vegas?

·  Quarterback Uncertainty:

  • The Raiders' quarterback situation is uncertain, with questions on Aiden O’Connell / Gardner Minshew. This instability at the most crucial position can be a significant challenge.

·  Defensive Weaknesses:

  • The Raiders' defense has several areas that need improvement, particularly in the secondary. Building a reliable defense will require substantial investment and effort.

·  Challenging Division:

  • The AFC West is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, featuring strong teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Denver Broncos. Competing for the division title will be challenging.

 Summary

The Las Vegas Raiders offer exciting offensive playmakers, promising young talent, and a vibrant market, making them an appealing option. If you enjoy the challenge of building a team in a competitive division and have the patience to develop young players and improve the defense, the Raiders can be a rewarding choice. However, be prepared to navigate quarterback uncertainty, defensive weaknesses, and the high expectations of the fan base. If you prefer a team with a more stable quarterback situation and fewer immediate challenges, you might want to consider other options.

 

Los Angeles Chargers

Key Pieces: QB Justin Herbert, HBs Gus Edwards/JK Dobbins, WRs Joshua Palmer/Quentin Johnson/Ladd McConkey (R)/Brenden Rice, T Rashawn Slater/Joe Alt (R), Edges Joey Bosa/Khalil Mack, CB Asante Samuel Jr, S Derwin James

Why the Chargers?

·  Franchise Quarterback:

  • Justin Herbert is one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL. His presence provides stability and high potential for your team's offense. He is also locked in until 2030, so that’s one less thing to worry about

·  Young Offensive Weapons:

  • Gone are the days of Ekeler, Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams. Now its up to Gus Edwards/JK Dobbins, Joshua Palmer, Quentin Johnson, and Ladd McConkey (anyone gonna take a chance on trying to make Jerry Rice’s son Brenden some sort of star??). They have also done a lot of work addressing the OL with Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, and rookie Joe Alt.

·  Solid Defense:

  • The defense features standout players like Joey Bosa (DE/OLB), Derwin James (S), and Khalil Mack (OLB). This defensive core provides a strong foundation for building a formidable defense. CB Asante Samuel Jr. is also putting his name out there as one of the more elite CBs in the league.

Why not the Chargers?

·  High Expectations:

  • With a talented roster and a franchise quarterback, there are high expectations to win and compete for championships. This pressure can be intense and may not appeal to all players.

·  Cap Constraints in the Future:

  • While the Chargers currently have cap flexibility, future contract extensions for key players could create cap challenges. Balancing these contracts while continuing to improve the roster will require careful planning. Juggling Herbert, Bosa, Mack, and Derwin’s contract demands, along with retaining your OL will be a challenge.

·  Tough Division:

  • The AFC West is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, featuring strong teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, and Denver Broncos. Winning the division will require consistent high-level performance.

·  Depth Concerns:

  • Beyond their star players, the Chargers have some depth issues at key positions. Building a complete roster with adequate depth will be necessary to sustain success.

 Summary

The Los Angeles Chargers offer a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, dynamic offensive weapons, and a solid defensive core, making them an attractive option for an online franchise in Madden 25. If you enjoy working with a talented roster and have the patience to manage injuries and depth issues, the Chargers can be an exciting team to control. However, be prepared to navigate high expectations, potential future cap constraints, and the challenges of competing in a tough division. If you prefer a team with fewer immediate pressures and injury concerns, you might want to consider other options.

 

Los Angeles Rams

Key Pieces: QB Matthew Stafford, HBs Kyren Williams/Blake Corum (R), WRs Cooper Kupp/Puka Nacua/Tutu Atwell, TE Tyler Higbee, DE Braden Fiske (R), OLB Jared Verse (R), CB Tre’Davious White

Why the Rams?

·  Star Power:

  • The Rams have high-profile players like Tre’Davious White (CB), Cooper Kupp (WR), Puka Nacua (WR), and Matthew Stafford (QB). These stars can provide immediate impact and a strong core to build around.

·  Offensive Potential:

  • With their playbook, the Rams have a creative and dynamic offensive system. This can make the offense exciting and fun to play with, especially with players like Stafford, Kyren Williams, Kupp, and Nacua.

·  Young Talent:

  • The Rams have some promising young players. Developing these players can help build a balanced roster.

·  Los Angeles Market:

  • The vibrant and attractive Los Angeles market, along with the state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium, adds to the appeal of managing the Rams in an online franchise.

 Why not the Rams?

  1. Salary Cap Constraints:
    • The Rams have significant financial commitments and a challenging salary cap situation. This can limit flexibility in making roster moves and signing free agents. 4 of their OL are making $11M+, and they might not be worth that kind of money. Stafford is 36 years old and making almost $50M.
  2. Aging Core:
    • Key players like Stafford, Kupp, and most of the OL are aging. Managing their decline and eventual replacements will be a significant challenge.
  3. Lack of Draft Capital:
    • The Rams have traded away many of their future draft picks in recent years. This lack of draft capital can hinder the ability to add young talent and address roster needs.
  4. Injury Concerns:
    • Players like Stafford and Kupp have had injury issues in the past. Keeping key players healthy and managing injuries can be a challenge.
  5. Rebuilding Challenges:
    • Given the cap constraints, aging core, and lack of draft capital, the Rams are facing a potential rebuilding phase. This can be a daunting task requiring patience and strategic planning.
  6. Tough Division:
    • The NFC West is a competitive division with strong teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Arizona Cardinals. Competing for the division title will be challenging.

Summary

The Los Angeles Rams offer star power, a creative offensive system, recent success, and the appeal of the Los Angeles market, making them an attractive option for an online franchise in Madden 25. However, be prepared to navigate significant salary cap constraints, an aging core, a lack of draft capital, and the challenges of potential rebuilding. If you enjoy managing high-profile players and are ready for the complexities of maintaining a competitive team in a tough division, the Rams can be an exciting choice. If you prefer a team with more flexibility and fewer immediate challenges, you might want to consider other options.

 

Miami Dolphins

Key Pieces: QB Tua Tagovailoa, HBs Raheem Mostert/De’Von Achane, WRs Tyreek Hill/Jalen Waddle/OBJ, TE Jonnu Smith, CB Kendall Fuller, CB Jalen Ramsey, OLB Jaelan Phllips, OLB Bradley Chubb, and SS Jordan Poyer

Why Miami?

·  ·  Franchise Quarterback?:

  • Tua Tagovailoa has shown promise and potential as a franchise quarterback. If he continues to develop, he could be a cornerstone for the team. You will have to choose early on if he will be your guy of the future.

·  Dynamic Offensive Weapons:

  • The Dolphins have one of the most explosive receiving duos in the NFL with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Don’t forget to add in veteran WR Odell Beckham Jr, and the speedy speedy HBs in Mostert and Achane. These playmakers can stretch the field and create big-play opportunities.

·  Solid Defense:

  • The defense features standout players like Kendall Fuller (CB), Jalen Ramsey (CB), Jaelan Phllips (OLB), Bradley Chubb (OLB), and Jordan Poyer (SS). A strong defensive core can help keep the team competitive in games.

·  Creative Coaching:

  • Head coach Mike McDaniel is known for his innovative offensive schemes. This creativity can make playing with the Dolphins' offense exciting and fun. The Dolphins will bolster the best offensive playbook in the game, which will also help set them above the rest.

·  South Florida Market:

  • Miami is an attractive market with great weather and a strong fan base. This can add to the enjoyment of managing the team in an online franchise.

 Why not Miami?

  1. Quarterback Health Concerns:
    • Tua Tagovailoa has faced injury issues, including concussions, which raise concerns about his long-term durability. Managing his health will be crucial, if he even is your guy of the future.
  2. High Expectations:
    • With the talent on the roster and recent improvements, there are high expectations for the Dolphins to win and compete for championships. This can create pressure to perform well quickly.
  3. Competitive Division:
    • The AFC East is a tough division with strong teams like the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets (LOL… good one ChatGPT). Competing for the division title will require consistent high-level performance.
  4. Offensive Line Issues:
    • The offensive line has been a weak point for the Dolphins in recent years. Addressing this issue will be necessary to protect Tua and improve the running game.
  5. Depth Concerns:
    • While the Dolphins have star players, there are depth concerns at several positions. Building a complete roster with adequate depth will be necessary for sustained success.
  6. Cap Management for Future:
    • Although the current cap situation is manageable, future contract extensions for key players like Tua and Waddle will need careful planning to maintain cap flexibility. Year two currently has the Dolphins -$12M against the cap.

Summary

The Miami Dolphins offer a promising franchise quarterback, dynamic offensive weapons, a strong defensive core, and a creative coaching staff, making them an attractive option for an online franchise in Madden 25. If you enjoy working with explosive playmakers and have the patience to manage quarterback health and address depth issues, the Dolphins can be an exciting team to control. However, be prepared to navigate high expectations, the challenges of a competitive division, and the need for careful future cap management. If you prefer a team with fewer immediate challenges and less pressure, you might want to consider other options.

 

Minnesota Vikings

Key Pieces: QB J.J. McCarthy (R), HB Aaron Jones, WRs Justin Jefferson/Jordan Addison, TE T.J. Hockenson, LBs Andrew Van Ginkel/Blake Cashman, OLB Jonathan Greenard, CB Byron Murphy

Why Minnesota?

·  Star Offensive Players:

  • The Vikings have elite offensive talents like Justin Jefferson (WR), who is arguably the best wide receiver in the league, and talented Tight End T.J. Hockenson. These players can be the foundation of a high-powered offense.

·  Rookie Quarterback:

  • Gone is Kirk, and in comes rookie QB J.J. McCarthy. You get 5 seasons of cap controlled QB play, and media becomes easy when you are constantly posting “JJ to JJ” or “JJ to TJ” highlight reels.

·  Competitive Yet Winnable Division:

  • The NFC North is competitive, but not overwhelmingly so. With the right moves, the Vikings can quickly become division contenders.

·  Cap Flexibility:

  • The Vikings have managed their salary cap reasonably well, allowing for some flexibility to sign key free agents and make trades to address roster needs. Adding in a rookie QB helps with all this.

Why not Minnesota?

  1. Salary Cap Management:
    • While the current cap situation is manageable, future contract extensions for key players and potential free agent signings will need careful planning to maintain cap flexibility.
  2. Defensive Rebuild:
    • The defense, while having some standout players, needs an overall rebuild and depth improvement. Addressing these defensive issues will require significant resources and effort.
  3. High Expectations:
    • The Vikings have a passionate fan base with high expectations. Managing these expectations while rebuilding certain parts of the roster can add pressure.
  4. Consistency Issues:
    • The Vikings have struggled with consistency in recent years. Turning the team into a consistent winner will require addressing several roster and coaching issues.

Summary

The Minnesota Vikings offer star offensive players, a solid quarterback, and a mix of experienced and young defensive talents, making them an appealing option for an online franchise in Madden 25. If you enjoy developing young talent and are ready to navigate the challenges of quarterback succession and defensive rebuilding, the Vikings can be an exciting team to control. However, be prepared to manage salary cap issues, high expectations, and the need for consistency. If you prefer a team with a more stable long-term quarterback situation and fewer immediate rebuilding challenges, you might want to consider other options.

 

New England Patriots

Key Pieces: QB Drake Maye (R), HBs Rhamondre Stevenson/Antonio Gibson, WRs Ja’Lynn Polk (R)/DeMario Douglas/Javon Baker (R), Kendrick Bourne? (Gross group, sorry), TE Hunter Henry, DT Christian Barmore, OLBs Matthew Judon/Josh Uche, LBs Ja'Whaun Bentley/Jahlani Tavai, CBs Jonathan Jones/Christian Gonzalez, Safeties Kyle Duggar/Jabrill Peppers

Why New England?

·  Rookie Quarterback:

  • A common topic with team building. Get yourself a rookie QB, save some cap room, and build around him.

·  ·  Strong Defense:

  • The Patriots have a solid defensive unit with playmakers like Matthew Judon (OLB), Christian Barmore (DT), and Kyle Dugger (S). A strong defense can keep games competitive and provide a foundation to build around. This really is the strength of this squad.

·  Young Offense:

  • It is young and inexperienced. Develop it, or trash it and start fresh. You decide!

·  Cap Flexibility:

  • The Patriots have a manageable salary cap situation, providing flexibility to sign free agents and make trades to address roster needs.

·  Winning Culture:

  • The Patriots have a winning culture and a history of success. This can be motivating and rewarding when managing the team in an online franchise.

Why not New England?

  1. TB12:
    • Can you live up to the legacy of the TB12 days? Do you feel the pressure to win?
  2. Offensive Limitations:
    • The Patriots lack elite offensive playmakers. Finding and developing top-tier wide receivers and tight ends will be necessary to elevate the offense.
  3. Aging Roster:
    • Some key defensive players are aging, which may require you to plan for their replacements and manage their decline. While the defense is good right now, you have to balance retaining/replacing them while also building up the offense.
  4. Competitive Division:
    • The AFC East is highly competitive, with strong teams like the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins. Competing for the division title will require consistent high-level performance.

Summary

The New England Patriots offer a strong defense, young talent, and cap flexibility, making them an appealing option for an online franchise in Madden 25. If you enjoy developing young players and have the patience to address offensive limitations and quarterback development, the Patriots can be an exciting team to control. However, be prepared to navigate the challenges of a competitive division, high expectations, and the need to find and develop offensive playmakers. If you prefer a team with a more stable quarterback situation and elite offensive weapons, you might want to consider other options.