Franchise mode is one of the most competitive gameplay options that Madden 18 has to offer. You can join an online league with friends or just do one on your own, either way it is tough to remain competitive. I want to list out three different teams that are well equipped to be very good for a long time. These rosters won’t require a rebuild because they are already set up quite nicely to contend for a long time.
3. Dallas Cowboys
Everyone knows that the Cowboys aced their 2016 draft by selecting RB Ezekiel Elliot, QB Dak Prescott and lets not forget LB Jaylon Smith – who predicts to see some playing time this year. Smith was touted as one of the best defensive players in college at the time and most likely would of went top five if it were not for his injury.
With Elliot and Prescott, they make for a very fun and talented team to use in Madden franchise because they should be solid for a while. Their offensive line is also known as being one of the best in the league right now starting with all-pro left tackle Tyron Smith.
Having that good of an offensive line will allow the Cowboys to run effectively with Elliot and give time for Dak to do the rest. This offense works really nicely together and has the pieces already.
In the 2017 draft they were able to add some interesting pieces. They immediately addressed the defensive line position where they added DE Taco Charlton from Michigan University in the first round.Then they lost CB Morris Claiborne in FA to the Jets so they drafted Chidobe Awuzie who some analysts had a first round grade on.My favorite pick of their draft was Ryan Switzer who will come in and figure to get playing time in the slot position. He may be able to add a whole new dynamic to this team.
This team is not perfect. There are holes, mostly on the defensive side of the ball, but this team is in a good position. They have their quarterback of the future who already made the pro bowl his rookie season and Elliot flashed signs of brilliance. The Cowboys are a young, exciting and explosive team. They have the cornerstone pieces to be good in this league for a long time.
2. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons had a phenomenal season last year obviously as they made the super bowl against the New England Patriots. Although they lost, they have a lot to look forward to and will be a forceful group to use on Madden 18.
They are led by quarterback Matt Ryan who is still 32 years old and should have some gas left in the tank. Their dynamic offense is compiled with Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman, Julio Jones and Taylor Gabriel. Their offense was a dominant force it felt like every game last year.
While their offense right now is the focal point, they have some key pieces on the defensive side of the ball which make them an intriguing franchise option. Some young captivating prospects who showed signs of promise thus far have been Vic Beasley, Keanu Neal and Deion Jones. That is the young core of their defense.
Not to mention, Desmond Trufant can play at an elite level when healthy. The Falcons also recently added DT Dontari Poe who will figure to provide a nice push up the interior of the defensive line which in the end will help the OLB’s get to the quarterback.
The Falcons are a good team right now and have the ability to contend for a long time. If the user controls the roster correctly and continues to build through the draft, the Falcons could be an elite team for along time.
1. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are back and it is weird to say that out loud. This team reached their turning point last year where they finished with a record of 12-4 and finally made the playoffs. The Raiders are very young and have the ability to be gifted for long time.
Here’s why:
Derek Carr & Khalil Mack. I don’t want to give them all of the credit at all but they are cornerstone franchise players. The quarterback is arguably the most important player on an offense. Now a days, it seems like it is rare to find a serviceable quarterback and if you don’t, I’m sure that team is struggling.
Carr was a top notch quarterback last year and continues to accelerate his development each season. With this upward trend, we can hopefully expect more in the future.
Mack is the leader of the defense, reigning DPOY and a stud. He has shown crazy elite traits since the day he stepped into the NFL but he has also grown. His presence on the defense will help them in the long run.
Not to mention, Amari Cooper who is right up there with them.
The defense is not there yet but this offseason the Raiders confronted some of their secondary woes. In the draft, they added CB Gareon Conley who some figured he was a top 10 pick and also S Obi Melifonwu who posted crazy athletic numbers at the combine. The Raiders drafted DB Karl Joseph in the 2016 NFL draft who was recovering from a torn ACL, he will finally see a full offseason program this year where he is expected to take a nice jump.
It was hard to choose between the Falcons and the Raiders but ultimately it came down to the age of the quarterback. Derek Carr is 26 years old and predicts to be around this league for a long time.
This was a hard list to compile. There are a lot of up and coming teams in the league right now as the waters are changing. These are the three teams who had cornerstone pieces that will help them be good for a long time and that will be obvious in Madden 18 franchise mode.