EA Sports
Welcome to the Week 13 Madden matchup preview, where we break down the three best games of the week from the perspective of the Madden player. So pick up those controllers and get ready for some gaming action.
This, without a doubt, is the most exciting matchup of the week and was almost flexed into primetime. The Vikings defense is athletic and freakishly similar to the SeahawksSuper Bowl winning defense. If you want, you could say that they're even more similar when you consider that their quarterback is young with a big arm and the offense is centered around an incredible running back. If you choose to play as the Seahawks, you will want to stay in the 4-3 defense and you should use Kam Chancellor as a rover of sorts. If the passing game is beating you, switch into the nickel and move Chancellor up towards the line as a linebacker. Offensively, you're going to need to establish the run game, but don't hesitate to throw the ball early. Last week, the Seahawks cut through a soft Pittsburgh Steelers secondary. If the Vikings are without Anthony Barr, Andrew Sendejo or Harrison Smith you should see similar results.
This rivalry game should be so much more fun than it is. Darrelle Revis being out deprives us of an incredible matchup between him and the human highlight reel that is Odell Beckham Jr. If you play as the Giants, look to throw the ball at whichever corner has the unfortunate task of defending Beckham. You're going to need to throw quick passes to try to avoid getting destroyed by Jets pass rushers. On defense, your primary concern should be to keep Chris Ivory bottled up. If you can keep him under control, it will force Ryan Fitzpatrick to try to beat you. You should like your chances if that is the case.
This matchup is finally fun again. It is one of the only west coast rivalries that feels like it has some real history. Think about how long it's been since these teams were good, let alone fun to watch. Play as the Raiders and do your best to show the rest of the league that you're going to be one of the upcoming teams to watch. On offense, you should be throwing the ball to Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper as often as possible. You won't be able to throw the home run ball because the Chiefs front will be breathing down your neck. Instead, you will need to throw quick and accurate passes to your receivers. Use slants and screens to try to get the ball into the hands of your playmakers. On defense, you should blitz your linebackers as often as possible. Your goal is to get into the face of Alex Smith and force him into making bad throws.