There are lots of ways to build up your MUT team. A lot of guys like to just grind solos early on, build a coin stack, and then start really crafting a competitive squad around Most Feared. Others like to splurge early and compete online right away. Still others like to just take a balanced approach. And, of course, we have the pure "theme team guys" who just load up on their favorite NFL team's players and roll with that. I had always tended to be a theme team guy who tried to build up a stack early by playing offline and easing into online play as September and October arrive.
But this year, with the new Field Pass system, I think you need to prepare yourself for online play early so you can obtain top-end player rewards. For example, I was able to reach Level 22 of the first Competitive Field Pass so that I could obtain 88 QB Trevor Lawrence, who has been excellent for me. Doing so also enabled me to grab the free 87 WR CeeDee Lamb at Level 31 of the Level 1 Field Pass, and he's still my WR2 behind Randy Moss. For the first Competitive Field Pass, I got to Lawrence by winning about 25 Solo Battles, 13 MUT Champions games, and 5 H2H Seasons games (and also doing the Set & Stat objectives). If you're able to cobble together a decent scheme and jump into online play with an 84+ OVR squad, I would recommend doing so.
I was also able to buy a Platinum Bundle, a Legends Bundle, and the Weekly/Special offer packs. With all that said, here's the squad I was able to build to this point in MUT:
Here's my general view on how to build a competitive, H2H-capable lineup at this juncture without spending a ridiculous amount of money:
- *Focus on the secondary. * As long as you have defensive backs that can run with receivers and tight ends, you can play defense. So invest a lot of coin in your cornerbacks and safeties. Also, since linebackers AGAIN do not jump in Madden 23, you'll want to have extra free or strong safeties to user at sub-LB. Currently, I'm running Kair Elam, Randy Moss, and Ronnie Lott as my three CBs in my Nickel Normal, with Jevon Holland at deep FS, Justin Reid at deep SS, and Kam Chancellor and Kevin Byard as my sub-LBs. That set-up works well.
- *Get one fast WR, a decent RB, and Donald Parham at TE. * That's all you need to play offense. Budget QBs are fine, with Rookie Premiere 86 Desmond Ridder and Team Builder 84 Daniel Jones as excellent options with decent releases. I really like Trevor Lawrence, but if you're starting out now you can't get him. For a fast WR, look for 87 Speed or better. Donald Parham, with Deep Out Elite active, is a MUST HAVE. High point some corner, post, and streak routes to that guy and just agg the Hell out of people. It works. And for RB, Rookie Premiere 86 Breece Hall is solid, as are Team Builder 84 J.K. Dobbins and Team Builder 84 Tevin Coleman. I like to run under center, and I'm a Steelers guy, so Bettis was worth it for me.
- *Make sure you have two DTs with Inside Stuff and a couple of good outside pass rushers. * If you pair this with a solid secondary, your defense will be good enough to win online games. I'm using Team Captain Sam Adams and the free 86 Derrick Brown at DT, though I'm hoping I get 89 Warren Sapp for free at Level 17 of the second Competitive Field Pass. And I use Lawrence Taylor and Bud Dupree (I just picked up Mike Vrabel for 350K coins, so he replaces Dupree) as my edge rushers. They do work.
So there's JCSteel's early MUT season advice. I'm enjoying the general gameplay so far, though the inconsistency of routes against man coverage can be maddening. Hope you're all having fun with the game!
