Madden 25 Best Defensive Playbooks

One of the best aspects of Madden 25 is the ability to change your team’s playbooks to fit your skill level and matchup so you always have the best defense and offense on the field. However, not all defensive playbooks are effective, so here are the five best defensive playbooks in Madden 25, based on your skill level and the opposing team you’ll face.

The Five Best Defensive Playbooks in Madden 25

Here are the five best defensive playbooks in Madden 25:

• Kansas City Chiefs (Pass Defense)
• Carolina Panthers (Run Defense)
• Cleveland Browns (Hybrid Defense)
• Philadelphia Eagles (Zone Coverage)
• Multiple D (Beginner)

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chief’s defensive playbook is excellent against significantly pass-heavy teams as they run a 4-3 Formation and feature options like the Big Nickel Over G and Dime 302. This defensive group will stop passes in their tracks, but you’ll want to look at other options for run-heavy teams as this defensive playbook will struggle against them.

Carolina Panthers

Where the Kansas City Chiefs struggle against the run, the Panthers excel due to using a 3-4 Formation for most options in their defensive playbook. This group is so effective against the run that it uses four linebackers, which amps up the pressure against the run, preventing opposing backs from getting significant gains.

Cleveland Browns

The Brown’s defensive playbook is the most versatile because it offers excellent formations like Dollar, Nickel, and Double Mug, all tremendous pressure and blitzing options that will leave the opposing team under constant pressure for both run and passing plays. While the other team won’t be able to get big yardage plays, you’ll need to play your hand correctly. Otherwise, you’ll get nickel and dimed, yard by yard, to death if countered. While this defensive playbook is versatile, it isn’t recommended for beginners for this reason.

Philadelphia Eagles/Arizona Cardinals

Both teams run a defensive playbook consisting primarily of Zone Coverage schemes. Zone Coverage defensive has the defensive backs and linebackers covering specific field areas, making it difficult for elite QBs to make passes. You can also trade off some pass defense by sending linebackers to blitz if you feel the moment is right to sack the opposing quarterback.

Multiple D

The Multiple D defensive playbook offers a wide range of options that provide decent defense against both the run and the play. This hybrid defensive playbook is excellent for beginners to the Madden franchise because it does not need to make many adjustments on the fly and allows them to enjoy the game. However, this jack-of-all-trades defensive playbook won’t excel in any one area, so look for other options if you want a speciality defense.

How to Change Defensive Playbooks in Madden 25

Here’s how to change your defensive playbooks in Madden 25:

1. Select the main menu Settings option
2. Go to the Game Options tab
3. Scroll down to the Playbooks header
4. Change your Defensive Playbook by using the left and right D-Pad or arrow keys

Now that you know the five best defensive playbooks in Madden 25, you’ll always have the best defense on the field, no matter who you are playing. Check out our Madden 25 hub for more guides like All Combine Questions and Answers, so you can improve your Superstar’s draft stock!