National Football League

NFL Week 6: Simulating Each Game in Madden 17

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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NFL Week 6 is decided before the games even kick off thanks to the most popular sports game in the world according to NFL fans, Madden 17

We all love Madden, right? It’s pretty much the one video game that all NFL fans consider a must own.

The day it hits the shelf is like Christmas in August and some would even consider it a holiday as they check out their favorite teams ratings. Even NFL players themselves get in on the fun as they often take out their frustrations of being rated too low on the developers.

For instance, Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant took exception to his rating this season and said as much via Twitter. The makers of the popular video game had a nice response for the outspoken pass catcher though.

.@DezBryant your kick rating seems to be weighing down your OVR… ???? #Madden17 https://t.co/d9lWNrOylS

— EA SPORTS Madden NFL (@EAMaddenNFL) August 23, 2016

But Madden isn’t all fun and games (well it is, but not today). Instead it is now going to help us determine what the outcome for each game in Week 6 will be.

Here is our first edition of the Madden NFL simulations.

Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) is congratulated by running back C.J. Anderson (22) after he scored a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Thursday Night Football

The Broncos move to 5-1 with a 21-11 victory here. After falling behind 3-0 at the half, Denver was able to get three touchdowns in the final 30 minutes of action.

The Chargers continue a miserable season and drop to 1-5 on the season. Denver’s rookie quarterback Paxton Lynch improved upon his first start in the NFL as he tosses 222 yards and tow touchdowns. He out-duels San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers, who throws for 250 yard—but gets no touchdowns and three picks.

The running game didn’t help Rivers much on this primetime game as Melvin Gordon had just 40 yards rushing on 11 carries. He does keep his hot touchdown streak going as he crossed the goal line for the Bolts only touchdown.

San Diego Stars

Denver Stars

Next: Eagles vs. Redskins, Steelers vs. Dolphins

Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (86) celebrates with teammates after catching a touchdown pass from Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) against the Cleveland Browns in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins

Washington outscores Philly 20-17 and gets their fourth win in a row to get to 4-2. The Eagles drop their second straight at the end, this time to a last second field goal to fall to 3-2.

A clean game with no turnovers makes the NFC East race incredibly tight. Kirk Cousins protected the ball with 218 yards and a score while rookie quarterback Carson Wentz struggled with just 124 yards on the day.

Philadelphia Stars

Washington Stars

Pittsburgh Steelers at Miami Dolphins

Miami just can’t buy a win, no matter who they cut. They drop to 1-5 in an odd 24-21 win. The Steelers move to 5-1 and score all 24 of their points in a second quarter explosion.

Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill throws for an impressive 346 yards, but also a not so impressive three picks. Big Ben Roethlisberger is steady with 237 yards, but all their scores come on the ground thanks to Le’Veon Bell.

Pittsburgh Stars

Miami Stars

Next: Jags vs. Bears, Browns vs. Titans

Oct 2, 2016; London, ENG; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) warms up before the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Indianapolis Colts at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

Jacksonville Jaguars at Chicago Bears

The upsetting Jacksonville Jaguars defeat the depressing Chicago Bears 27-23 on the strength of a 24-point second half. The comeback win gets the Jags to 2-3 and makes Chicago 1-5. Brian Hoyer throws 244 yards with a pick, but still is better than Jay Cutler. Blake Bortles goes for 274 yards and a touchdown, but throws an interception as well.

Jacksonville Stars

Chicago Stars

Cleveland Browns at Tennessee Titans

The Browns still can’t get a win as they drop to 0-6. The Titans get to 3-3 with a 27-14 beatdown that only looked competitive thanks to a last second garbage-time touchdown by Cleveland.

Cleveland Stars

Tennessee Stars

Next: Bengals vs. Pats, Niners vs. Bills

Oct 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) runs off the field following the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Patriots won 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots

The Pats just keep winning. Tom Brady throws 316 yards as New England moves to 5-1 and the Bengals fall to 2-4 after a 31-28 game. Andy Dalton has a solid outing, but it’s not enough to beat the ageless wonder orchestrating things for the Patriots.

Cincinnati Stars

New England Stars

San Francisco 49ers at Buffalo Bills

Colin Kaepernick starts at quarterback for Chip Kelly’s team here and the results are actually worse. The Bills stay red hot and stomp the Niners 37-0. The win moves Buffalo to 4-2 after a slow start. As for San Fran, they are now a lowly 1-5 on the season.

San Francisco Stars

Buffalo Stars

Next: Ravens vs. Giants, Rams vs.Lions

Sep 25, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) hands the ball off to Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West (28) in the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Baltimore Ravens won 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore Ravens at New York Giants

The Ravens stop a couple game skid and move to 4-2 with a road win. The Giants fall to 2-4 thanks to a 33-28 contest against Baltimore. Giants quarterback Eli Manning continues to struggle as he throws two picks. He does orchestrate a 21-point fourth quarter comeback, but the Ravens hold them off.

Baltimore Stars

New York Stars

Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions

The Rams win 24-16, which makes them 4-2. The Lions meanwhile drop to 2-4 as they lose another close one. Head coach Jim Caldwell is feeling his seat get hot as the team gave up 21 in the second half in yet another meltdown. They let three interceptions by Case Keenum go to waste as they can’t capitalize enough on L.A.’s mistakes.

Los Angeles Stars

Detroit Stars

Next: Panthers vs. Saints, Chiefs vs. Raiders

Oct 10, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) and middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) celebrate after a stop in the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints

The Panthers win 21-9 as they finally look like themselves. Still, this win makes them just 2-4 on the season so there is still work to do. The Saints fall to 1-4 and their offense looked as bad as their defense in this one. They look to be completely out of the NFC South race super early this year.

Carolina Stars

New Orleans Stars

Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders

This one should be a great game. According to Madden, it will also go longer than 60 minutes. Our first OT game ends in a Kansas City field goal and the Chiefs win 38-35. They have an 18-point fourth quarter which leads an insane comeback as they stay in the AFC West race.

Kansas City Stars

Oakland Stars

Next: Cowboys vs. Packers, Falcons vs. Seahawks

Oct 9, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrates with quarterback Dak Prescott (4) after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers

The Dallas Cowboys get their fifth-straight win going into Lambeau Field and dropping 35 on the Packers, who manage just 24. This win only increases the “bench Romo forever” chatter as the ‘Boys are operating just fine with Dak Prescott.

Dallas Stars

Green Bay Stars

Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks

Well, Madden says it’s official. No one can stop the Falcons incredible offense. The Dirty Birds rack up 482 yards of offense and stomp the home team 49-28. They improve to 5-1 while Seattle falls to 3-2.

Atlanta Stars

Seattle Stars

Next: Colts vs. Texans, Jets vs. Cards

Oct 2, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) huddles with teammates Erik Swoope (86), Jack Doyle (84), Dwayne Allen (83), Jack Mewhort (75) and Joe Haeg (73) during game 15 of the NFL International Series against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium. The Jaguars defeated the Colts 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans

Turnovers keep haunting the Texans. This time, quarterback Brock Osweiler plays clean, but running back Lamar Miller and receiver Will Fuller each lose fumbles. Indianapolis scores 13 points in the fourth to win 20-17.

The AFC South race is suddenly very tight. And also very sad.

Indianapolis Stars

Houston Stars

New York Jets at Arizona Cardinals – Monday Night Football

Oh, Madden; why must you let us down. The simulation ends in the worst way possible on Monday Night. The Jets and Cardinals battle to a 30-30 tie. Yes, the dreaded tie—this messes up all the standings and, of course, no bragging rights for the fans

New York Stars

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Arizona Stars