Madden 24: 10 Tips For Winning Online Matches (2024)

Madden 24 is a lot of fun, especially if you play online, because the competition can be so varied, and it makes for more exciting games than you get from the computer. However, if you are losing constantly, it can be frustrating.

While even the best players will fall to the mercy of the football gods from time to time, there are some things you can do to minimize the risk of your opponent coming out ahead. If you’ve been looking for a little help, keep reading while we list ten tips sure to improve your game and take you from beginner to pro in your online matches.

10 Know Your Playbook

No matter which playbook you choose to use with your team, it is essential to learn it inside and out. Spend time in practice mode trying out each play against different defense formations. The more you practice, the easier it will be to identify plays that work well and defense formations that put a stop to them. This knowledge will help you make faster decisions during the game, and it will help you feel more comfortable in tense situations.

Understanding and learning your playbook will also make it easier to recognize what your opponent is doing.

9 Master Defense Basics

Defense can win championships, so learn how to read your player’s offense and adjust your play calling accordingly. Use zone coverage to guard against deep passes and man-to-man coverage for tight defense. Use occasional blitzes to sack the QB and put your opponent under pressure.

Use pre-snap reads to adjust your coverage if you sense any problems or see something you can take advantage of with presses, pinches, etc. Pre-read adjustments can also throw off your opponent by telegraphing that you have some insight into what they are doing, which might cause them to make some changes as well.

8 Use Audibles Effectively

Audibles are another great way to make changes to offense and defense before the snap. However, there are quite a few of them, so it’s important to spend some time trying them out so they work for you in a gaming situation.

Try to know which audible you might call for every game situation, including third and long, fourth and short, etc. You can also use audibles to take advantage of a weakness in the opposing team or to react to something you see, like an oncoming blitz.

7 Mix Up Your Play Calling

One thing you will notice when playing online football is that a lot of players use the same plays throughout the game. Learning how to identify and defend against them can quickly change the momentum of the game. Other players know this, too, so relying on a handful of plays can cost you the game against skilled players.

It’s good to have go-to plays, but ensure that you have enough that you only need once or twice during the game. Mixing up your play calling to keep your opponent guessing, especially at key moments, like third and long, when many players reach for their favorite passing play, is what separates the beginners from the pros.

6 Manage The Clock

Managing the clock is often under-discussed by a lot of people who are talking about improving your game, but time goes by quickly, so you will need to think about it continuously throughout the game.

Pay attention to your timeouts and use them wisely in case you get behind. It’s also a good idea to hold on to the ball, only hiking it at the last possible second when you are in the lead to reduce the amount of time your opponent has to make a comeback or force them to use a timeout.

5 Take Advantage Of Player Abilities

Madden 24 introduces unique player abilities that can give you an edge when you are playing online matches. For example, a quarterback with the 'Gunslinger' ability can make faster throws, while a running back with 'Evasive' can perform better jukes and spins, and these moves can help turn the tide of the game.

Some abilities are better than others, and many times, you get to pick what a player has, so learn about all the different options and choose carefully so the player’s ability matches your playstyle. With well over 100 different skills to unlock, you are sure to find something perfect.

4 Utilize Hot Routes

Madden 24 allows you to change the routes of your receivers at the line of scrimmage, and it can be a great way to modify your play to create openings and exploit vulnerabilities in your opponent’s defense.

These hot routes also make it possible for you to react to defenses, so you can change a long route to a quick route if you see a blitz coming in that is going for the QB or have your receiver go for a long route if you notice he is up against a slow defender.

3 Improve Your Stick Skills

It’s easy to run the wrong way or press the wrong button and lose momentum. Spending some time running plays in training camp can help you know when to press the turbo or use the stiff arm to get extra yards. On defense, knowing when to go for a tackle or a swat can prevent big plays, while learning how to intercept it can lead to huge turnarounds.

Spend time in training camp trying out different run plays to work on your stick skills. Learn the timing of different moves, how to spin in different directions, when to jump, and when to dive. It's also a good idea to practice taking control of different players mid-play.

2 Stay Calm Under Pressure

One of the hardest things to do when the game isn’t going the way you hoped it would is to stay calm and make rational decisions. Many players will start to go for it on fourth down too early in the game, which will probably lead to a bigger point deficit, and the game can spiral out of control from there.

Staying calm will provide your best chance of making a comeback and keeping the game fun. Resisting the urge to engage in risky play-calling to catch backup will lead to fewer turnovers and a closer score.

1 Learn From Your Mistakes

It may not feel like it at the time, but every game can provide experience that helps you win a game later. Pay attention to any mistakes you make or plays you can’t stop. Watch replays to see if there are any weak players on your team you need to substitute.

Talk about your mistakes and issues with friends on online forums to get more insight into ways to beat tough plays or make pre-snap adjustments. Most importantly, keep playing. The more games you play, the tougher you will be to beat.