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Understanding the top Madden 26 playbooks can give you a quick advantage over other online players and even the CPU in the updated franchise mode. With the coaching changes happening this offseason, even longtime Madden fans will benefit from the new appointments of Leon Coen and Mike Vrabel. Their teams—the Jaguars and Patriots—are just two of the seven NFL squads highlighted in our Madden 26 best playbooks guide.
The NFL landscape shifts each year, so four of the playbooks from Madden 25—Miami, San Francisco, New England, and Indianapolis—are no longer included. Instead, you should try out some fresh offensive strategies…
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals focus heavily on passing, with Joe Burrow leading the charge. Their playbook is a top pick for those who want to rack up big yardage through the air from start to finish. It’s mostly based on shotgun formations with 25 sets, featuring complicated passing options like Empty Chips, which can be tough for defenses to stop—especially when paired with WRs and TEs working together. The TE Screen is particularly dangerous, so it’s worth practicing.
Washington Commanders
This playbook is great if your preferred style involves giving your quarterback lots of space to make plays. It has 21 shotgun sets, allowing quick reads and deep throws or even QB runs to keep defenses guessing. Many of these formations include a mix of tight ends and fullbacks adding extra options, especially when opponents commit to pass coverage. Just make sure to familiarize yourself with your QB’s traits first.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles’ playbook keeps the Wildcat option alive, strong for players who enjoy trick plays. It features six Wildcat plays, including two passing options—PA Jet Sweep and PA Jet Cross—making it a fun choice for those who like to run unorthodox offensive strategies. Besides Wildcat, standard formations like Singleback and I-Form are also included, ensuring a well-rounded attack when you want to mix things up.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers’ emphasis on running makes their playbook perfect for players who enjoy ground-and-pound football. It offers many options, such as Singleback and Split Tight sets, with a mix of power runs and outside darts. Notably, they include unique plays like Fk FB Toss Rollout Lt, where the entire team shifts right while the fullback heads left for a quick pass—something only the Chargers and Raiders have.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Described as the easiest team to win with, the Jaguars’ playbook is tailored for heavy hitters with two tight-end sets from shotgun formations like Bunch TE and Trips TE. EA recommends trying out Cheat TE HB Seam, which involves lining up the tight end for streak routes—making it ideal for teams with big receivers or tight ends who can dominate.
The Best Defensive Playbooks
Defense can often determine victory just as much as offense. The Detroit Lions and New England Patriots offer strong setups here. The Lions’ 3-3 package, including variants like Cub and Double Mug, is very popular lately. They’re creative with formations like 2-4 Single Mug, which puts linebackers in tough spots to read whether you’re blitzing or dropping back.
The Patriots’ defense is ideal if you love sending heavy pressure. Their 4-3 scheme includes aggressive options like the Tite Leo set, where safeties and linebackers press close to the line of scrimmage. They also have options like Match Cover 4 Quarters for more coverage-focused plays. Both teams come highly recommended for players who want to dominate on the defensive side.
By choosing the right playbook, you can set the tone early in Madden 26 and keep your opponent guessing throughout the game. Whether you prefer passing-heavy schemes, ground control, or a formidable defense, these options give you a strong foundation to build upon.
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