From being able to force fumbles and winning more 50-50 balls to getting more yards after catch and ignoring pressure in a collapsing pocket, Madden 23’s 26 X-Factor skills are tied to a relatively small number of elite NFL players. These abilities, similarly to Momentum Boosts, must be triggered by completing certain in-game criteria, which mostly comes down to playing well. Likewise, they can be shut down by performing poorly.
Superstar abilities, on the other hand, are latent skills that are available from the first snap to the last snap; they don’t need to be activated. These talents can be just as valuable when the game’s on the line or if you’re going after a specific gameday or season goal for more Franchise Points. They include everything from more powerful stiff arm animations to elite prowess while running specific routes and gaining certain resistances more quickly. The player roster for these is more extensive and includes those with X-Factors.
It’s worth familiarizing yourself with these players across the league, not just on your team, to take advantage of specific matchups week in and week out. The lists below collect all of the X-Factor and Superstar players at launch and list all the abilities available to them as described in the game by EA.
Some players not on this list can gain these abilities in Franchise mode or have others in MUT. For example, Trevor Lawrence can become a Superstar in franchise mode with talents like Quick Draw, though he’s not included here.
To see all the players on this list in-game, click the NFL logo icon on the right side of the screen in the main menu, then choose “View Superstar X-Factors. Here, you can filter all players by team. Teams with no X-Factor players or Superstars include the Bears, Giants, Lions, and Texans.
All X-Factor Players and Abilities
The following is a list of every X-Factor player in Madden 23 by team name in alphabetical order (leaving out the team’s home city/state/region). The first bullet under their name is their Superstar X-Factor ability; the succeeding bullets are their other passive abilities.
49ers
Deebo Samuel (WR) YAC ‘Em Up: Increased chance to break the first post-catch tackle. Activate by making 20+ yard receptions. Lose by not being targeted on consecutive passes. Mid Out Elite: Improved catching on medium passes outside the numbers. Slot-O-Matic: Better cuts & catching on short slot routes. Mid In Elite: Improved catching on medium passes inside the numbers. Fred Warner (MLB) Zone Hawk: More INTs in zone coverage. Activate by forcing incompletions. Lose by allowing yards. Outmatched: Better contested catching against RBs. Lurker: Spectacular catch animations for lurking defenders. Mid Zone KO: Improved reactions & catch knockouts in mid zones. George Kittle (TE) YAC ‘Em Up: Increased chance to break the first post-catch tackle. Activate by making 20+ yard receptions. Lose by not being targeted on consecutive passes. Route Apprentice: Four additional hot routes from any receiver position. Short Out Elite: Improved catching on short passes outside the numbers. Short In Elite: Improved catching on short passes inside the numbers. Nick Bosa (DE) Relentless: Rush moves no longer cost points. Activate by making sacks or TFLs. Lose by allowing yards. Extra Credit: Grants an additional max pass rush point. Speedster: Speed rush moves partially ignore blocker resistance. Edge Threat: Dominant pass rush moves from the edge.
Bengals
Joe Burrow (QB) Run & Gun: Grants perfect passing while on the run. Activate by throwing consecutive passes of 5+ yards in air. Lose by taking sacks. Sideline Deadeye: Perfect pass accuracy on throws outside the numbers. Fearless: Immune to defensive pressure while in the pocket. Set Feet Lead: Increased THP when leading bullet passes with set feet.
Bills
Josh Allen (QB) Bazooka: Max throwing distance increased. Activate by throwing 30+ yard in-air passes. Lose by getting sacked. Fastbreak: Improved blocking on designed QB runs. Pass Lead Elite: Increased throw power when leading bullet passes. Dashing Deadeye: Perfect pass accuracy on the run up to 40 yards. Stefon Diggs (WR) RAC ‘Em Up: Wins RAC catches vs. single coverage. Activate by making 20+ yard receptions. Lose by not being targeted on consecutive passes. Juke Box: Grants steerable juke animations. Deep In Elite: Improved catching on deep passes inside the numbers. Grab-N-Go: Quicker turning/change-of-direction after a RAC catch. Tre’Davious White (CB) Shutdown: Tighter coverage & more INTs on contested catches. Activate by forcing incompletions. Lose by allowing yards. Pick Artist: Better catching & improved stamina on INT returns. Acrobat: Diving swats & interceptions. Deep Out Zone KO: Improved reactions/knockouts in deep outside zones. Von Miller (DE) Fearmonger: Chance to pressure the QB while engaged with a blocker. Activate by sacking the quarterback. Lose by allowing yards. Adrenaline Rush: Sacks restore all pass rush points. No Outsiders: Quicker sheds against outside zone plays. Edge Threat: Dominant pass rush moves from the edge.
Broncos
Russell Wilson (QB) Blitz Radar: Highlights extra blitzers. Activate by scrambling for 10+ yards. Lose by taking sacks. Gunslinger: Grants faster passing speed. Dashing Deadeye: Perfect pass accuracy on the run up to 40 yards. Agile Extender: Higher chance to evade the first sack by a blitzing DB. Gutsy Scrambler: Immune to defensive pressure while on the run.
Browns
Myles Garrett (DE) Unstoppable Force: Pass rush wins lead to quicker block shedding. Activate by sacking the QB. Lose by allowing yards. Strip Specialist: Reduced tackle penalty while trying to strip the ball. El Toro: Dominant bull rush wins from max pass rush points. Edge Threat: Dominant pass rush moves from the edge. Nick Chubb (HB) Wrecking Ball: High success rate on trucks and stiff arms. Activate by rushing for 10+ yards. Lose by getting tackled for loss. Bruiser: More powerful truck & stiff arm animations. Reach for It: Frequently gains additional yards while being tackled. Balance Beam: Avoid stumbling as a ball carrier.
Buccaneers
Lavonte David (MLB) Run Stuffer: Block shedding is more effective vs. run plays. Activate by making TFLs. Lose by allowing yards. Lurker: Spectacular catch animations for lurking defenders. Deflator: More ball carrier fatigue on non-conservative tackles. Mid Zone KO: Improved reactions & catch knockouts in mid zones. Mike Evans (WR) Double Me: Wins aggressive catches vs. single coverage. Activate by making 20+ yard catches. Lose by not being targeted on consecutive passes. Deep Out Elite: Improved catching on deep passes outside the numbers. Mid In Elite: Improved catching on medium passes inside the numbers. Red Zone Threat: Improved catching vs. single coverage in the red zone. Tom Brady (QB) Pro Reads: Highlights the first open target & ignores pressure. Activate by throwing consecutive passes of 5+ yards in air. Lose by getting sacked. Hot Route Master: Four additional hot routes. Conductor: Faster hot routing & blocking adjustments. Set Feet Lead: Increased THP when leading bullet passes with set feet. Fearless: Immune to defensive pressure while in the pocket.
Chargers
Derwin James Jr. (SS) Reinforcement: Higher chance to defeat run blocks & disrupt catches. Activate by forcing incompletions or TFLs. Lose by allowing yards. Unfakeable: Decreased chance to be faked out by ball carrier moves. Lumberjack: Cut sticks guarantee tackles & add fumble chance. Flat Zone KO: Improved reactions & catch knockouts in flat zones. Joey Bosa (OLB) Unstoppable Force: Pass rush wins lead to quicker block shedding. Activate by sacking the QB. Lose by allowing yards. Swim Club: Swim/Club moves partially ignore blocker resistance. No Outsiders: Quicker sheds against outside zone plays. Edge Threat: Dominant pass rush moves from the edge. Keenan Allen (WR) Max Security: High success rate on possession catches. Activate by catching consecutive targets. Lose by not being targeted on consecutive passes. Outside Apprentice: Four additional hot routes when lined up outside. Mid Route Elite: Improved catching on medium passes outside the numbers. Slot-O-Matic: Better cuts & catching on short slot routes. Khalil Mack (OLB) Unstoppable Force: Pass rush wins lead to quicker block shedding. Activate by sacking the QB. Lose by allowing yards. Strip Specialist: Reduced tackle penalty while trying to strip the ball. No Outsiders: Quicker sheds against outside zone plays. Edge Threat: Dominant pass rush moves from the edge.
Chiefs
Chris Jones (DT) Momentum Shift: On-field opponents have their zone progress wiped. Activate by sacking the QB. Lose not playing downs. El Toro: Dominant bull rush wins from max pass rush points. Goal Line Stuff: Quicker run sheds near the goal line. Under Pressure: Larger area of effect for QB pressure and disruption. Patrick Mahomes (QB) Bazooka: Max throwing distance increased. Activate by throwing 30+ yard in-air passes. Lose by getting sacked. Comeback: Reduced zone objectives while losing. Dashing Deadeye: Perfect pass accuracy on the run up to 40 yards. Red Zone Deadeye: Perfect pass accuracy while throwing in the red zone. No-Look Deadeye: Perfect accuracy on cross-body throws up to 20 yards. Pass Lead Elite: Increased throw power when leading bullet passes. Travis Kelce (TE) Double Me: Wins aggressive catches vs. single coverage. Activate by making 20+ yard catches. Lose by not being targeted on consecutive passes. Leap Frog: Prevents fumbles while hurdling. TE Apprentice: Four additional hot routes when lined up at TE. Deep Out Elite: Improved catching on deep passes outside the numbers.
Colts
Darius Leonard (OLB) Shutdown: Tighter coverage & more INTs on contested catches. Activate by forcing incompletions. Lose by allowing yards. Unfakeable: Decreased chance to be faked out by ball carrier moves. Strip Specialist: Reduced tackle penalty while trying to strip the ball. Out My Way: Dominant impact block wins vs. WRs, HBs, & TEs. Deforest Buckner (DT) Unstoppable Force: Pass rush wins lead to quicker block shedding. Activate by sacking the QB. Lose by allowing yards. El Toro: Dominant bull rush wins from max pass rush points. Inside Stuff: Quicker run sheds against inside zone plays. Under Pressure: Larger area of effect for QB pressure and disruption. Jonathan Taylor (HB) Freight Train: Increased chance to break the next tackle attempt. Activate by rushing for 10+ yards. Lose by getting tackled for loss. Arm Bar: More powerful stiff arm animations. Juke Box: Grants steerable juke animations. Closer: Reduced zone objectives in the 2nd half. Goal Line Back: Stronger run blocking within 5 yards of the end zone.
Commanders
Jonathan Allen (DT) Momentum Shift: On-field opponents have their zone progress wiped. Activate by sacking the QB. Lose not playing downs. Reach Elite: Able to tackle/sack while engaged with blockers. Inside Stuff: Quicker run sheds against inside zone plays. Run Stopper: Shed attempts are free on run plays. Terry McLaurin (WR) Ankle Breaker: High fakeout rate on skill moves following the catch. Activate by making 20+ yard receptions. Lose by not being targeted on consecutive passes. Outside Apprentice: Four additional hot routes when lined up outside. Runoff Elite: Grants more confident runoffs. Deep In Elite: Improved catching on deep passes inside the numbers.
Cowboys
Dak Prescott (QB) Blitz Radar: Highlights extra blitzers. Activate by scrambling for 10+ yards. Lose by getting sacked. Anchored Extender: Higher chance to break the first sack by a blitzing DB. Gutsy Scrambler: Immune to defensive pressure while on the run. Inside Deadeye: Perfect pass accuracy on throws inside the numbers. Micah Parsons (OLB) Unstoppable Force: Pass rush wins lead to quicker block shedding. Activate by sacking the QB. Lose by allowing yards. Out My Way: Dominant impact block wins vs. WRs, HBs, & TEs. Secure Tackler: Higher success rate on conservative tackles. Edge Threat: Dominant pass rush moves from the edge.
Dolphins
Tyreek Hill (WR) RAC ‘Em Up: Wins RAC catches vs. single coverage. Activate by making 20+ yard receptions. Lose by not being targeted on consecutive passes. Juke Box: Grants steerable juke animations. Short Out Elite: Improved catching on short passes outside the numbers. Grab-N-Go: Quicker turning/change-of-direction after a RAC catch.
Packers
Aaron Rodgers (QB) Dots: Grants perfect passing on any throw. Activate by throwing consecutive passes of 5+ yards in air. Lose by throwing incompletions. Gunslinger: Grants faster passing speed. Roaming Deadeye: Perfect pass accuracy while standing outside the pocket. Pass Lead Elite: Increased throw power when leading bullet passes. Jaire Alexander (CB) Shutdown: Tighter coverage & more INTs on contested catches. Activate by forcing incompletions. Lose by allowing yards. Acrobat: Diving swats & interceptions. Short Route KO: Improved knockouts in man vs. short routes. Deep Out Zone KO: Improved reactions/knockouts in deep outside zones.
Panthers
Christian McCaffrey (HB) Ankle Breaker: High fakeout rate on skill moves following the catch. Activate by making 20+ yard receptions. Lose by not being targeted on consecutive passes. Evasive: Grants steerable spin & juke moves. Leap Frog: Prevents fumbles while hurdling. Playmaker: Immediate & precise reactions to playmaker inputs. Backfield Master: More hot routes & improved catching from the backfield.
Raiders
Chandler Jones (OLB) Fearmonger: Chance to pressure the QB while engaged with a blocker. Activate by sacking the quarterback. Lose by allowing yards. Reach Elite: Able to tackle/sack while engaged with blockers. Strip Specialist: Reduced tackle penalty while trying to strip the ball. Edge Threat Elite: Dominant edge rush moves & increased QB pressure. Darren Waller (TE) YAC ‘Em Up: Increased chance to break the first post-catch tackle. ACtivate by making 20+ yard receptions. Lose by not being targeted on consecutive passes. TE Apprentice: Four additional hot routes when lined up at TE. Short Out Elite: Improved catching on short passes outside the numbers. Short In Elite: Improved catching on short passes inside the numbers. Davante Adams (WR) Double Me: Wins aggressive catches vs. single coverage. Activate by making 20+ yard catches. Lose by not being targeted on consecutive passes. Route Technician: Quicker cuts while running routes. Outside Presence: Four additional hot routes when line up outside. Red Zone Threat: Improved catching vs. single coverage in the red zone.
LA Rams
Aaron Donald (DE) Blitz: On-field blockers have their resistance bars wiped. Activate by sacking the QB. Lose by not playing downs. El Toro: Dominant bull rush wins from max pass rush points. Inside Stuff: Quicker run sheds against inside zone plays. No Outsiders: Quicker sheds against outside zone plays. Under Pressure: Larger area of effect for QB pressure and disruption. Bobby Wagner (MLB) Avalanche: Downhill hit-sticks force fumbles. Activate by making hit-stick tackles. Lose by allowing yards. Enforcer: Guaranteed tackle after hit-sticking ball carriers. Out My Way: Dominant impact block wins vs. WRs, HBs, & TEs. Tackle Supreme: Decreased takeout chance & better conservative tackles. Cooper Kupp (WR) RAC ‘Em Up: Wins RAC catches vs. single coverage. Activate by making 20+ yard receptions. Lose by not being targeted on consecutive passes. Persistent: Harder to knock out of The Zone. Red Zone Threat: Improved catching vs. single coverage in the red zone. Slot-O-Matic: Better cuts & catching on short slot routes. Deep In Elite: Improved catching on deep passes inside the numbers. Jalen Ramsey (CB) Bottleneck: Dominantly win man press attempts. Activate by forcing incompletions. Lose by allowing yards. Acrobat: Diving swats & interceptions. One Step Ahead: Faster reactions to receiver cuts in man coverage. Bench Press: Press wins fatigue the receiver.
Ravens
Lamar Jackson (QB) Truzz: Can’t fumble as a result of a tackle. Activate by rushing for 1+ yards. Lose by getting tackled for loss. Juke Box: Grants steerable juke animations. Tight Out: Consistent catching from TEs who beat their coverage. Fastbreak: Improved blocking on designed QB runs.
Saints
Alvin Kamara (HB) Satellite: Wins RAC & possession catches vs. single coverage. Activate by making 10+ yard receptions. Lose by not being targeted on consecutive passes. RB Apprentice: Four additional hot routes when lined up at RB. Juke Box: Grants steerable juke animations. Matchup Nightmare: Better route running and catching vs. LBs. Cameron Jordan (DE) Unstoppable Force: Pass rush wins lead to quicker block shedding. Activate by sacking the QB. Lose by allowing yards. Instant Rebate: Successful block sheds grant a pass rush point. No Outsiders: Quicker sheds against outside zone plays. Edge Threat Elite: Dominant edge rush moves & increased QB pressure. Tyrann Mathieu (SS) Reinforcement: Higher chance to defeat run blocks & disrupt catches. Activate by forcing incompletions or TFLs. Lose by allowing yards. Acrobat: Diving swats & interceptions. Flat Zone KO: Improved reactions & catch knockouts in flat zones. Short Route KO: Improved knockouts in man vs. short routes.
Seahawks
D. K. Metcalf (WR) Double Me: Wins aggressive catches vs. single coverage. Activate by making 20+ yard catches. Lose by not being targeted on consecutive passes. Outside Apprentice: Four additional hot routes when lined up outside. Deep Out Elite: Improved catching on deep passes outside the numbers. Red Zone Threat: Improved catching vs. single coverage in the red zone.
Steelers
Cameron Heyward (DE) Fearmonger: Chance to pressure the QB while engaged with a blocker. Activate by sacking the quarterback. Lose by allowing yards. Unpredictable: Shed wins are less likely to add to blocker resistance. El Toro: Dominant bull rush wins from max pass rush points. Inside Stuff: Quicker run sheds against inside zone plays. T. J. Watt (OLB) Unstoppable Force: Pass rush wins lead to quicker block shedding. Activate by sacking the QB. Lose by allowing yards. Strip Specialist: Reduced tackle penalty while trying to strip the ball. No Outsiders: Quicker sheds against outside zone plays. Edge Threat: Dominant pass rush moves from the edge.
Titans
Derrick Henry (HB) Freight Train: Increased chance to break the next tackle attempt. Activate by rushing for 10+ yards. Lose by getting tackled for loss. Arm Bar: More powerful stiff arm animations. Tank: Breaks hit-stick tackles. Backlash: More tackler fatigue on non-conservative tackles. Closer: Reduced zone objectives in the 2nd half.
Vikings
Dalvin Cook (HB) First One Free: High fakeout rate on next juke, spin, or hurdle. Activate by rushing for 10+ yards. Lose by getting tackled for loss. Energizer: Replenish stamina after successful skill moves. Juke Box: Grants steerable juke animations. Balance Beam: Avoid stumbling as a ball carrier. Justin Jefferson (WR) Double Me: Wins aggressive catches vs. single coverage. Activate by making 20+ yard catches. Lose by not being targeted on consecutive passes. Outside Apprentice: Four additional hot routes when lined up outside. Route Technician: Quicker cuts while running routes. Short In Elite: Improved catching on short passes inside the numbers. Deep Out Elite: Improved catching on deep passes outside the numbers.
All Superstar Players and Skills
49ers
Trent Williams (LT) All Day: Better protection against frequent shed attempts. Post Up: Dominant when engaged in double team blocks. Edge Protector: Stronger pass protection vs. elite edge rushers. Nasty Streak: Dominant impact block wins against DBs & LBs.
Bengals
Ja’marr Chase (WR) Runoff Elite: Grants more confident runoffs. Mid In Elite: Improved catching on medium passes inside the numbers. Jesse Bates III (FS) Acrobat: Diving swats & interceptions. Deep In Zone KO: Improved reactions/knockouts in deep inside zones. Joe Mixon (HB) Arm Bar: More powerful stiff arm animations. Bulldozer: More powerful truck animations.
Bills
Micah Hyde (FS) Pick Artist: Better catching & improved stamina on INT returns. Medium Route KO: Improved knockouts in man vs. medium routes. Jordan Poyer (SS) Deep Out Zone KO: Improved reactions/knockouts in deep outside zones. Mid Zone KO: Improved reactions & catch knockouts in mid zones.
Browns
Amari Cooper (WR) Route Technician: Quicker cuts while running routes. Outside Apprentice: Four additional hot routes when lined up outside. Wyatt Teller (RG) Post Up: Dominant when engaged in double team blocks. Nasty Streak: Dominant impact block wins against DBs & LBs.
Buccaneers
Chris Godwin (WR) Slot-O-Matic: Better cuts & catching on short slot routes. Mid In Elite: Improved catching on medium passes inside the numbers. Ryan Jensen (C) Secure Protector: Stronger protection vs. quick block shed moves. All Day: Better protection against frequent shed attempts. Shaquil Barret (OLB) Strip Specialist: Reduced tackle penalty while trying to strip the ball. Edge Threat: Dominant pass rush moves from the edge. Tristan Wirfs (RT) Secure Protector: Stronger protection vs. quick block shed moves. Natural Talent: Begin the game with blocker resistance. Vita Vea (DT) El Toro: Dominant bull rush wins from max pass rush points. BOGO: Grants a free pass rush move after spending a point.
Cardinals
Budda Baker (SS) Unfakeable: Decreased chance to be faked out by ball carrier moves. Mid Zone KO: Improved reactions & catch knockouts in mid zones. J. J. Watt (DE) Swim Club: Swim/Club moves partially ignore blocker resistance. Run Stopper: Shed attempts are free on run plays. Kyler Murray (QB) Gunslinger: Grants faster passing speed. Dashing Deadeye: Perfect pass accuracy on the run up to 40 yards. Rodney Hudson (C) Secure Protector: Stronger protection vs. quick block shed moves. Matador: Prevents dominant bull rush moves.
Chargers
Austin Ekeler (HB) Energizer: Replenish stamina after successful skill moves. Backfield Master: More hot routes & improved catching from the backfield. JC Jackson (CB) Acrobat: Diving swats & interceptions. Pick Artist: Better catching & improved stamina on INT returns. Outside Shade: Faster reactions to receiver cuts outside the numbers. Justin Herbert (QB) Pass Lead Elite: Increased throw power when leading bullet passes. Sideline Deadeye: Perfect pass accuracy on throws outside the numbers. High Point Deadeye: Grants perfect accuracy on high throws under 20 yards. Mike Williams (WR) Outside Apprentice: Four additional hot routes when lined up outside. Deep Out Elite: Improved catching on deep passes outside the numbers.
Colts
Quenton Nelson (LG) Puller Elite: Significantly increases effectiveness of pull blocks. Nasty Streak: Dominant impact block wins against DBs & LBs. Stephon Gilmore (CB) Acrobat: Diving swats & interceptions. Pick Artist: Better catching & improved stamina on INT returns. Flat Zone KO: Improved reactions & catch knockouts in flat zones.
Commanders
Chase Young (DE) Speedster: Speed rush moves partially ignore blocker resistance. Adrenaline Rush: Sacks restore all pass rush points. No Outsiders: Quicker sheds against outside zone plays.
Cowboys
Ceedee Lamb (WR) Outside Apprentice: Four additional hot routes when lined up outside. Mid Out Elite: Improved catching on medium passes outside the numbers. Short Out Elite: Improved catching on short passes outside the numbers. Ezekiel Elliot (HB) Reach for It: Frequently gains additional yards while being tackled. Energizer: Replenish stamina after successful skill moves. Trevon Diggs (CB) Pick Artist: Better catching & improved stamina on INT returns. Acrobat: Diving swats & interceptions. Tyron Smith (LT) All Day: Better protection against frequent shed attempts. Edge Protector: Stronger pass protection vs. elite edge rushers. Zach Martin (RG) Post Up: Dominant when engaged in double team blocks. Screen Protector: Dominant impact block wins on screen plays.
Dolphins
Terron Armstead (LT) Secure Protector: Stronger protection vs. quick block shed moves. Edge Protector: Stronger pass protection vs. elite edge rushers. Xavien Howard (CB) Acrobat: Diving swats & interceptions. Pick Artist: Better catching & improved stamina on INT returns.
Eagles
Darius Slay Jr. (CB) Acrobat: Diving swats & interceptions. Deep Route KO: Improved knockouts in man vs. deep routes. Fletcher Cox (DT) Under Pressure: Larger area of effect for QB pressure and disruption. Secure Tackler: Higher success rate on conservative tackles. Jason Kelce (C) Natural Talent: Begin the game with blocker resistance. Screen Protector: Dominant impact block wins on screen plays. Lane Johnson (RT) Fool Me Once: Gains blocking resistance faster. Nasty Streak: Dominant impact block wins against DBs & LBs.
Falcons
Cordarrelle Patterson (ATH/HB) Recuperation: Recover from fatigue at an increased rate. Backfield Master: More hot routes & improved catching from the backfield. Kyle Pitts (TE) Mid In Elite: Improved catching on medium passes inside the numbers. Red Zone Threat: Improved catching vs. single coverage in the red zone.
Jaguars
Brandon Scherff (RG) Post Up: Dominant when engaged in double team blocks. Matador: Prevents dominant bull rush moves.
Jets
Mekhi Becton (RT) Puller Elite: Significantly increases effectiveness of pull blocks. Nasty Streak: Dominant impact block wins against DBs & LBs.
Packers
David Bakhtiari (LT) All Day: Better protection against frequent shed attempts. Edge Protector: Stronger pass protection vs. elite edge rushers. Kenny Clark (DT) Unpredictable: Shed wins are less likely to add to blocker resistance. Inside Stuff: Quicker run sheds against inside zone plays.
Panthers
Brian Burns (DE) Speedster: Speed rush moves partially ignore blocker resistance. Strip Specialist: Reduced tackle penalty while trying to strip the ball. D. J. Moore (WR) Mid Out Elite: Improved catching on medium passes outside the numbers. Short Out Elite: Improved catching on short passes outside the numbers.
Patriots
Devin McCourty (FS) Pick Artist: Better catching & improved stamina on INT returns. Unfakeable: Decreased chance to be faked out by ball carrier moves. Matthew Judon (OLB) Demoralizer: Hit-sticking the ball carrier wipes their zone progress. Edge Threat: Dominant pass rush moves from the edge.
Rams
Matthew Stafford (QB) Set Feet Lead: Increased THP when leading bullet passes with set feet. Long Range Deadeye: Perfect pass accuracy on all deep throws. Quick Draw: Faster throwing animations when under pressure.
Ravens
Calais Campbell (DE) Inside Stuff: Quicker run sheds against inside zone plays. Run Stopper: Shed attempts are free on run plays. Mark Andrews (TE) Mid In Elite: Improved catching on medium passes inside the numbers. Matchup Nightmare: Better route running and catching vs. LBs. Marlon Humphrey (CB) Short Route KO: Improved knockouts in man vs. short routes. Deep Route KO: Improved knockouts in man vs. deep routes. Inside Shade: Faster reactions to receiver cuts inside the numbers. Ronnie Stanley (LT) Secure Protector: Stronger protection vs. quick block shed moves. Edge Protector: Stronger pass protection vs. elite edge rushers.
Saints
Demario Davis (MLB) Outmatched: Better contested catching against RBs. Out My Way: Dominant impact block wins vs. WRs, HBs, & TEs. Secure Tackler: Higher success rate on conservative tackles. Marshon Lattimore (CB) On the Ball: Grants improved reactions to runoffs. Deep Route KO: Improved knockouts in man vs. deep routes. Michael Thomas (WR) WR Apprentice: Four additional hot routes at any WR position. Short In Elite: Improved catching on short passes inside the numbers. Short Out Elite: Improved catching on short passes outside the numbers. Ryan Ramczyk (RT) Fool Me Once: Gains blocking resistance faster. Edge Protector: Stronger pass protection vs. elite edge rushers.
Seahawks
Jamal Adams (SS) Stonewall: Prevents additional yardage gains while tackling. Flat Zone KO: Improved reactions & catch knockouts in flat zones.
Steelers
Diontae Johnson (WR) Short In Elite: Improved catching on short passes inside the numbers. Short Out Elite: Improved catching on short passes outside the numbers. Minkah Fitzpatrick (FS) Pick Artist: Better catching & improved stamina on INT returns. Tip Drill: Higher chance to catch tipped passes. Myles Jack (MLB) Outmatched: Better contested catching against RBs. Deflator: More ball carrier fatigue on non-conservative tackles.
Titans
Jeffery Simmons (DE) El Toro: Dominant bull rush wins from max pass rush points. Run Stopper: Shed attempts are free on run plays. Kevin Byard (FS) Pick Artist: Better catching & improved stamina on INT returns. Deep In Zone KO: Improved reactions/knockouts in deep inside zones.
Vikings
Adam Thielen (WR) Slot Apprentice: Four additional hot routes when lined up in the slot. Slot-O-Matic: Better cuts & catching on short slot routes. Mid Out Elite: Improved catching on medium passes outside the numbers. Danielle Hunter (OLB) Reach Elite: Able to tackle/sack while engaged with blockers. Speedster: Speed rush moves partially ignore blocker resistance. Eric Kendricks (MLB) Lurker: Spectacular catch animations for lurking defenders. Mid Zone KO: Improved reactions & catch knockouts in mid zones. Harrison Smith (SS) Enforcer: Guaranteed tackle after hit-sticking ball carriers. Stonewall: Prevents additional yardage gains while tackling. Flat Zone KO: Improved reactions & catch knockouts in flat zones. Za’Darius Smith (OLB) Out My Way: Dominant impact block wins vs. WRs, HBs, & TEs. Mr. Big Stop: Start 3rd/4th down with half of your pass rush points. Edge Threat Elite: Dominant edge rush moves & increased QB pressure.
Those are all of the X-Factors and Superstar abilities in Madden 23. Are you ready for some football? Get out there and dominate. For more, check out our other Madden 23 guides.
