There a TON of abilities to pick and choose from in Madden 23. However, in this post I will break down in what my opinion are necessities for every team. This is merely a suggestion so interpret it as you would like to. Also make sure to check out the Abilities Tier List to see the vast array of abilities and where the madden pros place them! Please also note that this post is from November so it may not remain applicable as the year progresses.
Offense
Offensive abilities are pretty clear cut this year. Below are what I think are the must have abilities on the offensive side of the ball if you want to play competitively.
Set Feet Lead OR Pass Lead Elite
These abilities are crucial for passing in Madden 23. Both of these abilities give the ball more velocity when thrown allowing you to make tougher passes into gaps that may usually be forced incomplete or intercepted. If you watched the Madden 23 Ultimate Thanksgiving Tournament, every pro player was using a ball velocity ability. Currently, Set Feet Lead is cheaper in AP points so I would lean towards it. If you want to pass the ball, one of these two abilities are a must have.
Short In Elite, Route Technician, and Slot-O-Matic
All three of the abilities I have here help beat man coverage which is one of the most popular styles of defense this year. I would say that at least two of your Tight Ends/Wide Receivers NEED one of these three abilities. I would suggest putting one of these abilities on your Slot Wide Receiver and one of them on your Tight End. With faster cuts against man coverage, these abilities will give your wide receiver the separation they need against man coverage to be able to make those important catches to move down the field.
Edge Protector and Secure Protector
With Edge Threat and DON allowing for instant block sheds on your tackles, it is important to have one of these two abilities on BOTH tackles. They help prevent these instant sheds for edge rushers giving you the time you need to scan the field and make a read. Try to find players that can equip one of these for 1 AP. They are needed with how amazing pass rush is this year and will significantly impact your passing game when used. The only difference between them is Edge Protector only works on the edge while Secure Protector works anywhere, but that does not matter since your tackles are always considered on the edge.
Some abilities were not included such as Deep Out Elite, Fearless, and Hot Route Master because I do not think they are NEEDED to be able to play. However, they are amazing options and I suggest you to use them on your field to maximize results.
Defense
Defensive abilities are not as clear cut as offense. Depending on whether you run man or zone, and your budget, the abilities you can and should use will vary.
Tip Drill and Pick Artist
If you can find Tip Drill for 0 AP or Pick Artist for 1 AP I highly suggest you equip it on players that usually play deep. When tipped balls usually enter a defensive back's vicinity, they activate butterfingers mode and will not be able to catch a single tipped ball for an interception without one of these two abilities. These abilities ensure that your defensive back will make the catch if they get their hands on the ball.
Lurker
Linebackers cannot jump. They will not jump for any ball over their head. However, with Lurker they will play like any other DB and jump for these easy interceptions. If you are letting a linebacker onto your field to play coverage, you HAVE TO have Lurker on them. They will not jump otherwise and will be easy targets for your opponent. I would however, just recommend using a safety at linebacker to cut down on AP cost.
Abilities such as Edge Threat and DON did not make it since most good players will run some sort of abilities on their tackles preventing the instant sheds. Zone and Route KOs were not included because they are not necessary to be able to stop your opponent however I would suggest having some on the field.
I hope this forum helped and if you have any further questions or ability suggestions feel free to drop them below or join the MUT.GG Discord where you can find plenty of help! Let me know down below what other tips you want next!
