With the NFL season at its midpoint, player performances can be evaluated as true trends or new normals rather than hesitation over potential abberations, and that is now reflected in their ratings through "Madden NFL 17."
Throughout the season rosters have been updated weekly with ratings adjusted on a per-game basis as well as recently being moved more signficiantly to reflect the bigger picture that is half the season.
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Teams most affected
It's only natural that the teams to exceed expecatations and disappoint would have the largest swing in terms of players rising and falling. The 7-1 Cowboys have benefited the most. Rookies Dak Prescott (+9 to 80 Overall) and Ezekiel Elliott (+5 to 85) have received a lot of early respect. However, the defense is where "Madden" has provided the biggest boost for the team. Morris Claiborne (+15 to 85), David Irving (+7 to 74), Byron Jones (+4 to 85) and Barry Church (+3 to 85) are big contributors to making the team formidable on both sides of the ball.
On the other end of the spectrum are the Panthers. Despite winning the past two games to get to 3-5, the team has suffered greatly in "Madden," taking huge hits to the offensive line and featuring the worst secondary in the game (due in part to cutting their best corner, Bene Benwikere). Reigning MVP Cam Newton (-5 to 89) has struggled at times, safety Kurt Coleman (-8 to 79) has plummeted, Kawann Short (-7 to 85) hasn't been the impact player he was last season, and the offensive line has gone from respectable to below average led by Ryan Kalil (-7 to 82) and Trai Turner (-5 to 82).
Movement from elite players
Aaron Rodgers began the season as the top-rated QB in "Madden," but he's fallen (-4 to 92) after relative struggles continued from last season. Tyrann Mathieu was the best defensive back in the game last season and began that way this season, but he hasn't been able to bounce back (-5 to 91) from the injury he suffered. Darrelle Revis is no longer an elite CB (-6 to 85), Carson Palmer gets a lot of the blame (-6 to 83) for the Cardinals disappointing so far this year, and Joe Thomas hasn't been able to rise above (-7 to 90) the Browns' overall ineptitude.
Matt Ryan is playing at an MVP level and has moved up (+6 to 90) into the elite category of QBs. Greg Olsen remains only behind Rob Gronkowski at tight end but has begun to close the gap (+3 to 96) on his standing at 99 Overall. Aqib Talib (+4 to 94) is tied for highest rated at cornerback. Taylor Lewan has stepped up (+7 to 90) to become one of the best left tackles in the game.
First half ratings winners
Matt Paradis, C, Broncos (+15 to 86)
Andy Janovich, FB, Broncos (+15 to 83)
Trevor Siemian, QB, Broncos (+14 to 75)
Zach Brown, LB, Bills (+14 to 88)
DeShawn Shead, CB, Seahawks (+12 to 79)
Lorenzo Alexander, LB, Bills (+ 11 to 78)
Quincy Enunwa, WR, Jets (+11 to 77)
A.J. Bouye, CB, Texans (+10 to 83)
Markus Golden, LB, Cardinals (+10 to 79)
Brandon Scherff, OG, Redskins (+9 to 87)
Landon Collins, SS, Giants (+9 to 86)
Jordan Hicks, LB, Eagles (+9 to 84)
Tevin Coleman, RB, Falcons (+9 to 84)
Terrelle Pryor, WR, Browns (+9 to 80)
Michael Thomas, WR, Saints (+8 to 78)
Jay Ajayi, RB, Dolphins (+7 to 82)
Jadeveon Clowney, DE, Texans (+6 to 89)
Tony Jefferson, SS, Cardinals (+6 to 88)
Terence Newman, CB, Vikings (+6 to 86)
Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs (+5 to 93)
Martellus Bennett, TE, Patriots (+5 to 90)
David Johnson, RB, Cardinals (+5 to 89)
First half ratings losers
Patrick DiMarco, FB, Falcons (-16 to 75)
Johnathan Joseph, CB, Texans (-11 to 80)
Mychal Kendricks, LB, Eagles (-11 to 75)
Jason Kelce, C, Eagles (-10 to 74)
Joe Staley, OT, 49ers (-9 to 80)
Terron Armstead, OT, Saints (-9 to 83)
Vontaze Burfict, LB, Bengals (-9 to 79)
Maurkice Pouncey, C, Steelers (-9 to 79)
Richie Incognito, OG, Bills (-8 to 82)
Adam Jones, CB, Bengals (-8 to 80)
Weston Richburg, C, Giants (-8 to 80)
Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Jets (-6 to 83)
Marshal Yanda, OG, Ravens (-5 to 92)
Bryan Wiedey posts sports gaming news and analysis daily at Pastapadre.com, is co-founder of the sports gaming site HitThePass.com, hosts the "Press Row Podcast," and can be reached on Twitter @Pastapadre.