Madden 26 QB Traits are among the main gameplay enhancements that EA is using to bring the glory years back to its NFL heavyweight – or at least, that’s its ambition. Based on real life data, they’re aimed at making the likes of Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson play just like their real selves. There are 50 new traits overall, with players outside of the quarterback position also eligible for some. See them all in your Madden 26 QB Traits guide.

All Madden 26 QB Traits and Player Traits

Josh Allen pumps up the Bills home crowd in Madden 26. (Image credit: EA)

Below is the complete list of Madden 26 QB Traits and Player Traits, based on real life statistics. Take Josh Allen, for example. “Allen will have the ‘Run Over’ trait, which makes him more likely to run through contact when scrambling rather than sliding or running out of bounds,” explains EA. “Allen was assigned this trait because over the last two NFL seasons, Allen leads the league with 54% of his scrambles resulting in at least three yards after contact.”

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The San Francisco 49ers placed star running back Christian McCaffrey on injured reserve, further supporting the claim that the Madden Curse is real.

Read More: 49ers Place Star Christian McCaffrey on IR Due to Calf and Achilles Injury

The theory behind the supposed curse surrounds the NFL player featured on the cover of EA Sports’ annual video game. After making the cover, the play is ill-fated for the season, whether that be a poor performance or a serious injury. Making the cover of the EA Sports game is essentially a bad omen.

Some may say its superstition. Others believes its fact. Death, taxes, and the Madden Curse.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 11: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a touchdown during Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024… LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 11: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a touchdown during Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. After Christian McCaffrey was placed on injured reserves, fans have speculated if the Madden curse is the culprit. More Ryan Kang/Getty Images

EA Sports has even come forward and publicly denied the validity of said curse.

However, McCaffrey was the latest cover star of the NFL video game and the 49ers announced on Saturday that he is slated to miss at least four games with Achilles tendonitis.

The injury is extremely serious. If the San Francisco running back were to continue playing with the ailment, he could rupture his Achilles.

The 2023 Offensive Player of the Year won’t be making any splash plays for the 49ers’ offense any time soon, despite McCaffrey saying he was prepared to play in Week 2.

“My mindset every week is I’m going to play,” McCaffrey told the media said Wednesday. “There’s been weeks where I’ll go the full week, not even feeling good enough to do the walk-through, and then I wake up and the body’s capable of a lot of cool things. Mentally, I’m always prepared to play, and then I woke up and it was a group decision, a very tough one. I hate not playing, but I look at it as a chess move and something that hopefully you can benefit from the rest of the season.”

After Josh Allen graced the cover of Madden NFL 2024, the Buffalo Bills quarterback led the league in turnovers with 11 interceptions and four fumbles. Fans immediately named the popular video game as the culprit.

The theory doesn’t always hold true. In 2022, Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes earned the Madden nod. Both quarterbacks still had phenomenal seasons.

The inception of the Madden Curse began with Barry Sanders in 2000. The Detroit Lions running back starred on the first cover of the football video game. He was poised to have another legendary season, but instead unexpectedly retired.

Since then, a number of athletes to be featured on the cover have either struggled the following season or have sustained an injury.

Is McCaffrey the latest victim of the jinx or is the Madden Curse a silly myth? You decide.

Bills, Josh Allen Get Realistic Madden Upgrade originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

A new NFL season on the horizon means a new Madden NFL title is on its way. The next iteration of EA Sports’ annual release, Madden NFL 26, is coming out on August 14.

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Entering into its last year of its exclusive rights deal with the NFL, EA Sports has to come out with a bang, or risk losing their exclusive license, which has kept other big companies such as 2K from re-entering the space.

As a way of generating hype for the upcoming release, EA let certain creators get their hands on the game in an early version, and EA has begun sharing clips and snippets on social media. The early reviews of the game praise the long-needed graphical improvements, and a new QB DNA system.

Buffalo Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen has been in the game in each of his NFL seasons, including being the cover athlete for Madden NFL 24. The upcoming game might just be EA’s most accurate depiction of him on the virtual gridiron. EA even factored in an underhanded forward toss from Allen.

“The team is reimagining quarterback play with new QB DNA,” said former NFL quarterback and current Madden content creator Kurt Benkert in a deep dive trailer about the game. “Adding new levels of detail, quality, and variety to the most iconic position in sports.”

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This new system, along with several others added into this year’s iteration, relies on 10 years of AI-backed data to truly capture quarterbacks signature throwing styles and passing animations.

For instance, Caleb Williams has the ability to throw jump passes like he does in the NFL, while Allen is able to keep his tight spiral and high velocity intact while throwing on the run.

Being the quarterback in Buffalo called for Allen to perform in tough weather during his career. While Madden has always allowed you to alter the weather (unimpressively, according to the community), Madden NFL 26 features a new dynamic football weather feature, which takes it to another level.

“The new football weather in Madden 26 will affect gameplay and your game plan,” Benkert said. “Extreme conditions, like heavy snow, fog, rain and wind, will impact visibility, player movement, stamina and ball security.”

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Related: Bills’ Joe Brady Impressed With Free Agent ‘Buy In’

Related: Bills Can’t Hide The Truth About James Cook

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.

Madden NFL 26: A New Era for Quarterbacks

As the NFL season approaches, the excitement surrounding the latest installment of the legendary Madden NFL franchise is palpable. Set to launch on August 14, Madden NFL 26 promises to elevate the gaming experience, particularly for fans of quarterback play. With innovative features that redefine realism, this year’s edition is poised to make a significant impact in the realm of sports gaming.

Revolutionizing Quarterback Play with QB DNA

At the heart of Madden NFL 26 is the groundbreaking QB DNA system, a feature that leverages a decade’s worth of AI-driven data to capture the unique playing styles of quarterbacks. This meticulous attention to detail allows for a more authentic representation of players, with Josh Allen, the Buffalo Bills’ star quarterback, being a prime example. His distinctive “backyard” style—characterized by improvisation and dynamic throws—has been faithfully recreated, showcasing his ability to throw on the run while maintaining his signature fastball.

The enhancements in gameplay have not gone unnoticed within the gaming community. Enthusiasts are buzzing about the realism brought forth by the new system, which allows players like Caleb Williams to execute jump passes reminiscent of their real-life performances. This level of authenticity marks a significant leap forward for the franchise, as noted by former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert, who expressed his excitement about the game’s advancements.

Dynamic Weather: A Game-Changer for Strategy

Madden NFL 26 introduces a dynamic football weather feature that promises to transform gameplay strategies. While previous versions allowed players to toggle weather conditions, this new system actively influences visibility, player movement, stamina, and ball security. This is particularly relevant for Allen and the Bills, who often contend with challenging weather in Western New York. The impact of extreme conditions—be it heavy snow, fog, rain, or wind—will now require players to adjust their game plans accordingly, adding an extra layer of strategy to the virtual gridiron.

Benkert emphasized the significance of this feature, noting that it not only enhances realism but also mirrors the unpredictability of actual NFL games. The ability to adapt to changing conditions could prove crucial for players hoping to replicate the challenges that Allen faces in real life.

Anticipation for Allen’s Rating

As the release date approaches, speculation about Josh Allen’s overall rating in Madden NFL 26 is rife. Fresh off his first MVP award, expectations are high that his rating will reflect his elite status in the league. While no official word has been released, fans are eager to see how his performance translates into the virtual realm, especially given the advancements in gameplay that highlight his unique skill set.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Madden History

Madden NFL 26 is not just another installment in a long-running series; it represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of sports gaming. With features designed to enhance realism and strategy, particularly for quarterbacks, the game sets a new standard for what players can expect. As Josh Allen’s virtual journey unfolds alongside the new gameplay mechanics, fans are left to ponder the possibilities that lie ahead. This year, the intersection of technology and sports promises to deliver an experience that resonates with both gamers and football enthusiasts alike, making it a season to remember.

The NFL season has started and Madden 25 TOTW 1 is finally here. Ultimate Team players have already got their teeth into Season 2, and with NFL Sundays making their return, the TOTW program is also back in Ultimate Team.

Madden 25 TOTW 1

The Madden 25 TOTW 1 was revealed in the latest Good Morning Madden stream, and the program should arrive at Ultimate Team on Wednesday 11 September at around 1pm ET/6pm BST.

TOTW 1 brings some solid cards players can use to upgrade their squad. Even if most of the cards aren’t meta, they are still useful for players with theme teams.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at all the TOTW 1 players.

Golds (79 OVR)

Alonte Taylor – CB – Saints

DeeJay Dallas – HB – Cardinals

Elite (81 OVR)

J.K. Dobbins – HB – Chargers

Tyrique Stevenson – CB – Bears

Heroes (84 OVR)

Jayden Reed – WR – Packers

Poona Ford – DT – Bills

Champions (87 OVR)

Isaiah Likely – TE – Ravens

Andrew Van Ginkel – ROLB – Vinkins

Julian Love – FS – Seahawks

As mentioned above, some of these cards can be great additions to players’ squads, helping users boost their team, even if just for a week.

These cards can be earned in packs and sets. There are also three TOTW challenges where players can earn packs, coins, XP, and a TOTY token.