5 best defensive playbooks in Madden 25

While the offense may grab the headlines, having a strong defense is vital to success in Madden 25. To help you out, we’ve identified our five favorite defensive playbooks.

A dominating defense is required in whatever game mode you are playing in Madden 25, whether it’s in Ultimate Team online against other players or in Franchise against AI opponents.

We’ve already shared our list of the best offensive playbooks in the game, and now it’s over to the other side of the field.

Madden 25 best defensive playbooks

We’ve outlined some of our favorite defensive playbooks in Madden 25 below, along with details on when they are most effective and what playstyles they suit.

Multiple D

The best part of the Multiple D playbook is undoubtedly the 3-4 Odd formation, which is particularly good at stopping the running game. The Multiple D playbook also has several strong Nickel formations, including the 3-3 Cub—which is also strong in College Football 25.

The 3-3 Cub formation is a good option for stifling an opponent’s running game and it also provides a good starting point for any player to find their feet before adjusting to a set-up that’s better tuned to their strengths.

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns defensive playbook will be a go-to choice for many players in Madden 25, with the biggest strengths coming in the Nickel and Dollar formations. With these in your arsenal, any opponent will find it difficult to get going.

Whether it’s stopping the running game or putting pressure on the QB, the Browns playbook has what you need. One of the most effective plays is the Mid Blitz 0, which is perfect for scenarios when you want to put maximum pressure on the offense.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Super Bowl champions have one of the strongest defensive playbooks in Madden 25, to the surprise of nobody. With the Chiefs’ defensive playbook, the Nickel and Dime formations shine strongest.

Kansas City’s playbook gives plenty of options for quelling an opponent’s running game, like the Dime 3-2, as well the ability to shut down the aerial game with the 4-3 Even 6-1. Essentially, it’s everything you need in one package.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals may not immediately jump out as a team to look at for playbooks in Madden 25, but their defensive playbook is not to be sniffed at. This playbook comes jam-packed with strong formations including 3-4 Odd, 3-3-5 Penny, and 4-3 Even 6-1.

Undoubtedly the strongest formation, however, is the Nickel 2-4 Dbl Mug—one of the best formations in the game for immediately stopping the offense and winning possession back for your team.

Las Vegas Raiders

For those who love to Blitz and put the opposing QB under consistent pressure, look no further than the Las Vegas Raiders defensive playbook. Specifically, the 3-3 Cub formation is the one to look out for.

The Sam Will Blitz 3 is the go-to option for blitzes in this formation, with an easy-to-read set-up and extreme effectiveness. Of course, it’s not all about the blitz, and the Raiders playbook has a number of other strong formations to stifle an opposition offense.