While at first glance playing Madden is rather easy, there’s some nerdy insider information that veterans of the series have gotten into in recent years that will help you get ahead.
Playbooks are one of these methods, as rather than using the pre-generated ones allocated to your Madden Ultimate Team (MUT) or Franchise, you can use any team’s book on both sides of the ball.
This can open up a realm of opportunities for players. We’ve seen the list flux each year, and for Madden 23, we’re going to run over the best ones to use on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
Madden 23 - Best Offensive Playbooks
While the game is freshly released, and we’re sure this list is going to change throughout the year, when certain plays become overpowered compared to others, there are some that stand out right away.
We’ll be highlighting three playbooks on each side of the ball that you should take a deeper dive into. Up first, we have the offense.
Best Running Playbook - Baltimore Ravens
A lot of the Raven’s success in the NFL in previous years has been thanks to their electric QB in Lamar Jackson, who is known for his speed and tenacious running plays.
This translates to one of the more dynamic playbooks within Madden 23, and for fans of the series, you’re well aware of how vital this playbook has been in other titles.
QB Blast is a great way to sneak in a running play with your QB, and this playbook is really catered to teams with agile QBs, and ones with enforcing HBs.
However, it also features a ton of great passing plays, such as TE slants and Play Action passes, so you can always mix it up if needed.
Best Passing Playbook - Kansas City Chiefs
What sounds better than decimating your opposition’s secondary with a barrage of passing plays? Well, if this is the playstyle you’re seeking within Madden 23, then you will want to check out the Chiefs’ playbook.
As the Chiefs have a generational QB in Patrick Mahomes, there isn’t much else needed in terms of the running game. With passing plays unique to all WR slots, along with the TE positions, your opponent will be left guessing where to cover.
However, as noted above, the one drawback is the lack of carefully designed running plays. While there are the usual Jet Sweeps and Read Options, there isn’t much to gloat about, but hey, you’re here for the passing anyways!
Best Balanced Playbook - New England Patriots
Does this really come as a surprise to NFL fans? To us, there isn’t a better dynasty within modern sports than the legacy Bill Belichick has crafted within New England, and it shows year in, year out within Madden.
While Tom Brady has departed from the offense for a few years, newly instilled Patriot Mac Jones has been leading the way and has shown promise within Belichick’s masterly coordinated playbook.
This playbook doesn’t do anything amazing in terms of passing or running the ball, but it does offer a wide array of plays that’ll get the job done when it matters most.
Madden 23 - Best Defensive Playbooks
Moving on to defense, there are some teams that have modeled their Franchise off stellar Blitz plays, Secondary coverage, and more.
One vital aspect when it comes to picking a defensive playbook is the sheer amount of plays and variety that they have within. Furthermore, the coverage type your team is best suited for comes into play. Whether you want to play a 4-3, 3-4, or a jack of all trades, these playbooks are the best to use within Madden 23.
Best 4-3 Playbook - Buffalo Bills
While much attention towards the Bills in recent years has been on Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs, their defense has been stellar compared to the rest of the league.
Focusing on blitzing the opposition with sheer force while also maintaining a stable presence in the backfield is all the Bills playbook entails, and it’s a blast to use.
You’ll find it difficult to be beaten when using this playbook, and while 4-3 is traditional, it still offers some fantastic plays to experiment with during a game.
Best 3-4 Playbook - Las Vegas Radiers
We could throw some other teams here in the place of the Raiders, but Las Vegas offers some elaborate configurations that’ll throw your opponents off guard from time to time.
You’ll be able to establish your secondary rather quickly with this playbook, and being placed in a Nickel formation will hinder you from getting barraged with excellent passing plays.
Best Versatile Playbook - Pittsburgh Steelers
Lastly, we have one of the league’s most formidable defenses rounding out our list.
For decades, Pittsburgh has been tormenting teams with their brick wall style of play, as they use sheer aggression to decimate their opposition with trick plays, combined with stable options for the secondary.
There are many options within this playbook, and Madden players will quickly take keen on some of their coverage plays, along with their tactical blitz plays.
Be sure to check out our other Madden 23-related content, including our top-rated players and the best teams to rebuild within Franchise mode.
Written by Nick Farrell on behalf of GLHF.
