Madden 18 player ratings update analysis: Week 7
Every week, theScore's football editors will take a deep dive into the rating changes from the Madden 18 video game, looking at the most notable risers and fallers based on the previous week's action.
Risers
Lavonte David, LB, Buccaneers
88 overall ➔ 89 overall
Two defensive touchdowns marked quite a return to the lineup for David after weeks on the shelf. His instinctual playmaking abilities were on full display as he forced a pair of fumbles and earned a ratings boost.
Brandon Scherff, G, Redskins
83 overall ➔ 88 overall
Facing the superbly talented DeForest Buckner and the rest of the 49ers' underrated defensive line, Scherff didn't allow a sack, giving plenty of time for Kirk Cousins to scan the field. While Washington's run game didn't really take off, blame can't be placed on the first-round guard.
Marcus Mariota, QB, Titans
78 overall ➔ 79 overall
Mariota notched his fourth career 300-yard passing game Monday as he led the Titans to their first win over the Colts since 2011. The third-year pro had his mobility compromised by a bum hamstring and still managed to find plenty of success from the pocket. Look for Mariota to take another bump once healthy.
Alex Okafor, DE, Saints
76 overall ➔ 79 overall
New Orleans' defense was full of playmakers last Sunday, and Okafor was doing it all. With two tackles, one sack, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble, it's no wonder Okafor's ratings are climbing.
Robby Anderson, WR, Jets
75 overall ➔ 77 overall
Anderson gave the Patriots fits Sunday, matching his season high in catches with four while notching 76 yards. Anderson drew 12 targets in the close loss, though most of his incompletions were equally his and his quarterback's fault.
Fallers
Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons
93 overall ➔ 92 overall
Squandering a 17-point lead against the Dolphins is an offense that cannot go unpunished. While Ryan certainly isn't the only one at fault for the latest collapse, he is the quarterback and at least one overall point should be deducted.
Martellus Bennett, TE, Packers
89 overall ➔ 87 overall
Bennett has been having a poor season overall, but hitting his season low in catches with just two, while also dropping the pass Aaron Rodgers threw before breaking his collarbone may have been his worst performance yet.
T.Y. Hilton, WR, Colts
89 overall ➔ 88 overall
Hilton caught only one of four targets in Monday's loss, as the Titans blanketed him in coverage. Hilton has been fairly inconsistent all season, culminating in his fourth career one-catch outing.
Tony Jefferson, S, Ravens
83 overall ➔ 80 overall
The Bears' tight ends led the passing attack against the Ravens as both Zach Miller and Dion Sims caught Jefferson out of position for key touchdowns. Jefferson also struggled to contain Chicago's rushing attack.
Sean Smith, CB, Raiders
77 overall ➔ 73 overall
All of Oakland's opponents have been taking advantage of Smith's lack of foot speed, especially the teams within the division. The Chargers got their money's worth targeting Smith en route to their second win of the year.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)