Yahoo Sports has simulated an entire NFL season in the latest edition of the “Madden” video game.
Here is what “Madden NFL 22” predicts will happen in the 2021 NFL season:
This year’s version of “Madden” featured last year’s Super Bowl QBs on the cover in Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes put together perhaps the best offensive season in history, throwing for a record 5,663 yards and a 54-7 TD-INT ratio and winning both the NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards. In Brady’s age-44 season, he threw for what would have been a record 5,548 yards with 43 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Brady also completed 70 percent of his passes and picked up the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
The Cowboys locked down the NFC East thanks to the return of Dak Prescott.
The Eagles signed Colin Kaepernick to be their starting quarterback. He had career highs in yards and TDs with the Eagles, but Philadelphia finished third in the division at 7-10 and missed the playoffs.
Newcomers Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields proved they were ready for the NFL in a big way. Lawrence threw for 4,523 yards with 33 TDs and 14 INTs, while Fields tossed for 4,518 yards 37 TDs and 13 INTs. Both rookie QBs managed to win their divisions and make the playoffs.
The Patriots won the AFC East behind Cam Newton.
Matt Stafford struggled to guide the Rams offense, leading the team to a 4-13 record.
Jared Goff missed the playoffs by finishing 7-10 with the Detroit Lions.
Nick Chubb finished with 1,993 yards on the ground and added 17 TDs for the 13-4 Browns, who also finished with the 2nd best overall offense in the NFL.
Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey had huge seasons in the “Madden” simulation.
Barkley tallied a career high 1,607 yards rushing and had 9 TDs while McCaffrey had a similar career year with 1,537 yards and 17 TDs.
In the AFC, five of the seven playoff teams were the same as last season, with division winners Jacksonville and New England crashing the party in the simulation. The Ravens locked up the top seed, forcing Kansas City to win three games en route to advancing to its third Super Bowl in a row.
In the NFC, only the Bucs — who captured the No.1 seed — and Bears returned from 2020. The Cowboys, 49ers, Giants, Falcons and the NFC champion Panthers were all newcomers.
Mahomes and Kansas City defeated Carolina 38-26.
