Madden 13: Most Underrated Teams in Popular Video Game

Few things get debated more in the world of sports video games than the yearly rating of NFL teams in Madden. This year's version of the game is sure to spark the normal heated debate, with several squads getting lower ratings than their fans probably expected.

Let's take a look at a trio of teams that would have a legitimate argument to have been rated higher. Of course, without the controversy over ratings, release day wouldn't be nearly as fun. For a complete list of team ratings, click here.

Oakland Raiders (76)

Even though there are certainly questions on the defensive side of the ball for the Raiders, the team's high-upside offense should alone be enough to earn them a higher rating. After all, offensive reigns supreme for Madden gamers.

The Raiders have a reliable veteran quarterback in Carson Palmer, who played well down the stretch last season. And he has a young group of receivers, mostly notably Darrius Heyward-Bey, that have the speed to tear up video game defenses.

Add in Darren McFadden, who should be one of the most dynamic running backs in the game, and it's hard not to like the Raiders' offensive potential in Madden. Even with those question marks on defense, the rating seems low.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (79)

Two years ago, the Buccaneers went 10-6 and looked like one of the most promising young teams in the entire league. Although they were a disappointment last season, they still have a lot of talent on the roster and should bounce back.

Adding wide receiver Vincent Jackson should really help Josh Freeman start excelling again. And drafting running back Doug Martin should bring another element to the offense that was missing in 2011. Both moves flew under the radar, but they will pay off.

As long as the defense makes strides to improve—and it should with Mark Barron on board to solidify the secondary and Adrian Clayborn ready to take his game to the next level—the Buccaneers will be a lot better. The Madden rating doesn't show that.

Buffalo Bills (80)

The Bills started last season with four wins in their first five games before fading out of the playoff picture. With a revamped defensive line that should be among the best in football and a healthy Ryan Fitzpatrick, they can make some noise in the AFC.

Buffalo signed defensive end Mario Williams, who has been one of the best Madden pass-rushers throughout his career, and Mark Anderson to make sure quarterbacks have far less time to stand in the pocket and dissect the secondary.

The Bills also have several playmakers on offense in the likes of Fred Jackson, C.J. Spiller and Stevie Johnson. That balance should have allowed them to earn a rating at least a few points higher alongside the other playoff contenders.