Madden 21 is just around the corner, and now that we have all of the game's ratings, we're now getting the X-Factor abilities.
We already have a leaked list of Madden 21 X-Factors, but that's no confirmation, so let's go over EA's official X-Factor reveals!
Latest news - DB and LB X-Factors
Today's Madden 21 X-Factor ability reveals centered around DB's and LB's.
Let's see how the biggest threats to the passing game will fare this year.
Avalanche (Bobby Wagner, Jamal Adams)
The Seahawks picked up a huge off-season gift by trading for Jamal Adams, and that means both players with the Avalanche X-Factor are on the same team - and that's certainly a scary sight.
SCARY SIGHT: Bobby Wagner is not the defender you want to see in the open field
When in the Zone these players will force fumbles on downhill hit-sticks.
This ability is triggered after three hit-stick tackles. They'll be knocked out of the ability after 30 offensive yards are allowed.
Bottleneck (Jalen Ramsey)
Ramsey could easily make the cut as a shutdown player, but he'll bring his very own unique X-Factor in Madden 21, Bottleneck - and it's a good one.
PRESSED UP: Ramsey will bring the pressure to his matchups in Madden 21
When in the Zone, Ramsey will dominantly win man press attempts.
This ability will trigger after two forced interceptions. He'll be knocked out of this ability after 30 offensive yards are allowed.
Reinforcement (Derwin James Jr., Harrison Smith)
James and Smith bring a range of defensive skills to their teams, and it shows in their Madden 21 X-Factor, Reinforcement.
WHEREVER YOU GO: Harrison Smith can put pressure on an offense no matter the play call
When in the Zone, these players will have a higher chance to defeat run blocks and disrupt catches.
This ability is triggered after two tackles for loss, or two incompletions. They'll be knocked out of this ability after 20 offensive yards are allowed.
Shutdown (Jaire Alexander, Richard Sherman, Stephon Gilmore, Tre'Davious White)
This ability covers the most DB's of any - and accurately simulates the pressure these DB's put on even the most elite WR's.
READ MORE: Madden 21 X-Factor vs Superstar Abilities: Why Superstars should be your focus in the new game
When in the Zone, these players will have tighter coverage and more interceptions on contested catches.
This ability is triggered after two forced incompletions. They'll be knocked out of this ability after 30 offensive yards are allowed.
Zone Hawk (Devin McCourty)
McCourty brings years of veteran experience to the field, and it shows in his ablity to find the ball, something that carries over to Madden 21.
When in the Zone, McCourty will find more interceptions in zone coverage.
This ability will trigger after two forced incompletions. He'll be knocked out of this ability after 30 offensive yards are allowed.
WR and TE X-Factors
One of the most recent reveals centered around TE and WR X-Factor abilities.
Let's go over your options for passing the ball this year!
Double Me (Adam Thielen, Davante Adams, DeAndre Hopkins, Julio Jones, Mike Evans, Travis Kelce)
Double Me is without a doubt the most common X-Factor ability for WRs and TEs, but that doesn't mean it's any less dangerous.
LEGENDARY: Julio Jones is known for exposing single coverage and making huge plays, just like the rest of the players with Double Me
When in the Zone, players win aggressive catches versus single coverage.
To trigger this ability, you'll need two receptions of 20+ yards in the air. You'll be knocked out of this ability with one dropped pass, incompletion, or three consecutive non-targets.
Max Security (Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen, Michael Thomas)
Max Security is a strong ability that will give these receivers a very high level of consistency and reliability in the passing game.
ALL ABOUT HANDS: Michael Thomas is the most reliable WR in Madden 21, thanks in part to Max Security
When in the Zone, these players will have a high success rate on possession catches.
To trigger this ability, you'll need four consecutive completions. You'll be knocked out of this ability after one drop, incompletion, or three consecutive non-targets.
RAC'Em Up (Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill)
RAC'Em Up simulates the speed and effectiveness of two of the most dangerous WRs in the league today.
GOOD LUCK: Catching Tyreek Hill is quite a tall task
When in the Zone, these players win RAC catches versus single coverage.
To trigger this ability, you'll need three receptions of 20+ yards. You'll be knocked out of this ability with one drop, incompletion, or three consecutive non-targets.
YAC'Em Up (George Kittle)
YAC'Em Up makes George Kittle an incredibly difficult TE to bring down, which means you'll have to pay him some extra attention.
BRING FRIENDS: Taking down George Kittle is a group activity
When in the Zone, this ability increases the chance to break the first post-catch tackle.
To trigger this ability, you'll need three 20+ yard receptions. You'll get knocked out of this ability after one drop, incompletion, or three consecutive non-targets.
Pass Rusher X-Factors
One of the most recent X-Factor reveals focused around Pass Rushers.
Let's go over what to watch out for to protect your quarterback this year!
Blitz (Aaron Donald)
Donald is once again a member of the 99 Club, so you know his X-Factor would be game-changing.
GOOD LUCK: Donald will find his way to the backfield one way or another
When in the Zone, Donald wipes resistance bars of all on-field blockers.
To trigger the ability, you'll need to get two defensive line sacks. You'll be knocked out of the ability after one down is played.
Fearmonger (Chandler Jones)
Chandler Jones will be a menace for QB's this year, with one of the stronger X-Factor abilities in Madden 21.
BEWARE: Jones can put pressure on your QB while blocked, so even the pocket isn't safe
When in the Zone, Jones has a chance to pressure QB's while engaged with a blocker.
To trigger this ability, you'll need to get two defensive line sacks. You'll be knocked out of the ability after 20 offensive yards are allowed.
Momentum Shift (Chris Jones)
Chris Jones is one of the most underrated defensive presences entering Madden 21, and it shows in his X-Factor.
CRUSHER: Chris Jones can break your team's progress fast in Madden 21
When in the Zone, Jones will wipe Zone progress of on-field opponents.
To trigger this ability, you'll need three hit-stick tackles, or two defensive line sacks. You'll be knocked out of this ability after one down is played.
Relentless (JJ Watt, Nick Bosa)
This ability will help ends on both sides of the line put pressure on the QB with Watt and Bosa.
LEGENDARY: Watt brings veteran experience to the pass rush game
When in the Zone, these players can do Rush Moves without them costing points.
To trigger this ability, you'll need one sack or a tackle for loss. You'll get knocked out of this ability after 20 offensive yards are allowed.
Run Stuffer (Calais Campbell)
Calais Campbell will be anchor for the Baltimore Ravens defense where he will surely shut down any and all run game pressure, and it shows in Madden 21.
READ MORE: Madden 21 Closed Beta Developer Stream: Feedback, rules, invites & more
When in the Zone, this ability allows shedding blocks more effectively against run plays.
To trigger this ability, you'll need two tackles for loss. You'll get knocked out of this ability when 30 offensive yards are allowed.
Unstoppable Force (Cameron Jordan, Danielle Hunter, Demarcus Lawrence, Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Myles Garrett, TJ Watt)
Many defenders in Madden 21 will bring the heat in Madden 21 with this shared X-Factor.
READ MORE: Madden 21: Closed Beta feedback gives fans new hope
When in the Zone, these players will shed blockers faster after pass rush wins.
To trigger this ability, you'll need two defensive line sacks, and you'll be knocked out of this ability after 10 offensive yards are allowed.
HB X-Factors
One of the most recent reveals was all about running backs!
Let's take a look at what abilities players will have this year when you hand the ball off.
Ankle Breaker (Christian McCaffrey)
Member of the 99 Club, of course McCaffrey was going to get a strong X-Factor.
SEE YA: Stopping McCaffrey will be very hard
When in the Zone, Ankle Breaker means McCaffrey has increased fakeout rates on skill moves following the catch.
To trigger the ability you'll need three 10+ yard receptions, and he will be knocked out by one drop, incompletion, or three consecutive non-targets.
First One Free (Dalvin Cook, Saquon Barkley)
The big-play threats at HB get a terrific X-Factor ability.
FREEBIE: Barkley is a supreme talent, and when in the zone he'll be unstoppable
When in the Zone Cook & Barkley will have a high fakeout rate on the next juke, spin, or hesi.
To trigger the ability you will need three rushes of 10+ yards, but the knockout is just one tackle for loss so be careful!
Freight Train (Derrick Henry, Ezekiel Elliott)
This one is familiar to Madden 20 players as it was deadly in MUT.
READ MORE: Madden 21 Ratings: Most athletic players in Franchise Mode
When in the Zone, Henry & Elliott will have an increased chance to break the next tackle attempt.
The trigger is once again three 10+ yard rushes, with the knockout coming on a tackle for loss.
Wrecking Ball (Nick Chubb)
New for Madden 21, this one goes on Cleveland's tough runner Nick Chubb.
BOOM: Don't let Chubb get in the zone or tackling him will be a nightmare
When in the Zone, Chubb will have a high success rate on the next three trucks or stiff-arms.
The trigger is also three 10+ yard rushes, with the knockout coming on a tackle for loss.
QB X-Factors
The first X-Factor abilities revealed in the week-long EA event are the QB abilities.
Here are each of the QB X-Factor abilities and who has them.
Gambler (Aaron Rodgers)
Aaron Rodgers may have gotten a lighter rating than people were expecting in Madden 21 - but he does bring to the table a good zone ability for Franchise Mode.
LEGACY: Rodgers has already built a huge legacy in Green Bay, and he's looking to stack more accolades on the list
When in the Zone, Gambler means Rodgers can't be intercepted by AI.
READ MORE: Madden 21 Release Date: Early Access, Ratings & more
To trigger the ability, players must make three consecutive completions of 5+ yards, and they'll be knocked out of the ability upon two incompletions.
Pro Reads (Drew Brees, Tom Brady)
Drew Brees has all the weapons he could want entering Madden 21 with a 99 Club WR in Michael Thomas. Tom Brady enters Madden 21 on a whole new team, and looks to bring the hotshotted Buccaneers to major success.
VETERAN INSTINCTS: Brees and Brady are two of the biggest veterans in the league, and are still elite level QBs with incredible football IQ
Brees and Brady both bring Pro Reads to the table, which highlights the first open receiver from the pocket while in the Zone.
READ MORE: Madden 21 Editions: MVP, Deluxe, Standard, Rewards & more
The ability is triggered with three consecutive 5+ yard completions, and you'll be knocked out of the ability after a sack.
Truzz (Lamar Jackson)
Truzz is Jackson's signature catch phrase, and gives him some extra power in Madden 21.
SOMEBODY STOP HIM: Lamar Jackson will do plenty of running in Madden 21, and thanks to Truzz, he'll feel bulletproof
When in the Zone, Truzz means Lamar Jackson can't fumble.
READ MORE: Madden 21 Xbox Series X: Dual Access, Specs, features & more
The ability is triggered by five 1+ yard runs (one of the easier to achieve). But beware, you'll be knocked out of the ability after on tackle for loss.
Blitz Radar (Russell Wilson)
Russell Wilson enters Madden 21 with plenty of offensive tools at his disposal, and thanks to a recent trade, he's also got Jamal Adams as a huge addition to the Seahawks defense.
BLITZ IQ: Wilson can pick out extra blitzers before they become a problem
Wilson's X-Factor ability is Blitz Radar. When in the Zone, this means that extra blitzers that aren't defensive linemen will be highlighted during the play.
READ MORE: Madden 21 Pre-Order NOW: Bonus Content Revealed - Rewards, Price & more
To trigger the ability you'll need to scramble for 10+ yards three times (but it won't have to be consecutively). You'll be knocked out of the ability after two sacks.
Bazooka (Patrick Mahomes)
Mahomes is coming to Madden 21 ready to defend his Super Bowl Championship.
GO LONG: Mahomes has a cannon for an arm, and it's only getting better in Madden 21
Mahomes brings Bazooka, an X-Factor ability that increases his max throwing distance by 15+ yards when in the Zone, up to 80 yards.
READ MORE: Madden 21 The Yard: What is the new game mode?
To trigger the ability, you'll have to complete a pass with 30+ yards in the air, so yac won't count. You'll be knocked out of the ability after one sack.
New abilities
Two new X-Factor abilities, Truzz and Avalanche, have received strong reactions from the community.
READ MORE: Madden 21 Ratings: 5 overrated players in Franchise Mode
Truzz is a QB ability which means they won't fumble. It's currently only on cover star Lamar Jackson, but it removes the one big risk players take when running with their quarterback.
NO FEAR: In The Zone Lamar will be trying to juke every defender
Avalanche guarantees that a successful hit-stick when running towards the line of scrimmage will result in a fumble. Only Bobby Wagner and Jamal Adams have this.
However, following Adams' blockbuster trade both these players are on the Seahawks, so watch out!
More to come?
Among the leaks were a few superstar abilities that were unassigned. These could end up being attached to players and revealed today.
There could also be an offensive line X-Factor at long last, giving us a chance to create a team around a vicious unit of blockers.
With just a month to go, EA still hasn't given us any info on The Yard either, so maybe that will get a tease...
READ MORE: FIFA's Career Mode shows EA can #FixMaddenFranchise
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!
Madden