Madden 13: Players Due for a Massive Ratings Boost in Next Roster Update

Every year, the release of Madden comes with an incessant debate about player ratings, and this year was no different.

Some were indignant about Eli Manning's 97 OVR, while others praised EA Sports for going beyond the counting stats and looking at his playoff performance. Others were frustrated about Alex Smith's 83 OVR, which is just one point ahead of Josh Freeman.

And seemingly everyone had an insatiable thirst for Tim Tebow's virtual prowess.

Well, with the preseason at its endpoint, we now know the players that were truly robbed the most. These players came into the preseason lowly rated and far exceeded everyone's expectations with spectacular performances. 

With that in mind, here's a look some breakthrough stars that should be getting a nice boost in the next roster update. 

Russell Wilson (QB, Seattle Seahawks)

Current Rating: 70 OVR

Projected New Rating: 76 OVR

With a fantastic preseason that saw Wilson capture the starting job in Seattle, the rookie signal-caller should move into the upper echelon of rookie quarterbacks in the next update.

Throwing for 536 yards and five touchdowns against one interception, Wilson was the catalyst of the preseason's highest-scoring offense.

And considering Wilson also added 150 yards on the ground in the exhibition season, his ratings will surely be altered running-wise as well.

For those of you looking for a young dual-threat quarterback to take into Connected Careers mode, Wilson could be a nice alternative to Robert Griffin III and Cam Newton.

Rashad Jennings (RB, Jacksonville Jaguars)

Current Rating: 74 OVR

Projected New Rating: 80 OVR

Truth be told, Jennings was probably a little underrated by the programmers to begin with.

Though the 27-year-old back missed all of 2011, he's never been anything but productive when given a chance and this preseason was yet another example of that.

Handed the starting job due to Maurice Jones-Drew's holdout, Jennings scampered all over his competition. His 209 rushing yards were good for second in the preseason and Jennings showed no ill effects from the knee injury that abruptly ended his year in 2011.

As a power back that can get you a few yards when necessary, you could do a whole lot worse than Jennings.

Nick Foles (QB, Philadelphia Eagles)

Current Rating: 65 OVR

Projected New Rating: 72 OVR

Like Wilson, Foles came into NFL as a third-round pick simply hoping to impress coaches enough to stick on the roster as a long-term project quarterback.

And, like Wilson, Foles exceeded all of those expectations from snap one of the preseason and hasn't looked back since. While the former Arizona Wildcat won't be taking the Eagles' starting job from Michael Vick anytime soon, he is a huge reason Mike Kafka is now unemployed. 

With a strong arm and impressive accuracy, Foles could be a great long-term option in Connected Careers mode if you prefer a traditional passer. 

Travaris Cadet (RB, New Orleans Saints)

Current Rating: 60 OVR

Projected New Rating: 68 OVR

Already crowded in the backfield, there were many teams praying that the Saints would cut Cadet on Friday when rosters dwindled to 53 men.

Unfortunately for those teams, Cadet is in New Orleans to stay and it's not hard to see why. 

Undrafted out of Appalachian State, the 23-year-old has essentially looked like the new Darren Sproles in the Saints offense this preseason. He led the NFL with 246 receiving yards and looked fine in extended work as a running back in the fifth preseason game as well.

Though it's likely Cadet is mostly limited to special teams work barring injury, he could come on the cheap in Madden if you like to work the trade wire.