Just last week, we reported that New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas was on the verge of joining the 99 Club for the Madden 20 ratings. After Sunday’s historic performance, Thomas is now being welcomed into that exclusive club. He joins one four other players currently featured with the best rating in the game.
Michael Thomas sets new NFL record
In a 38-28 victory by the Saints over the Tennessee Titans, Michael Thomas finished the game with a game-high 136 receiving yards and a touchdown. That in itself was nice, but it was his 12 receptions that helped him grab the NFL’s all-time record for a single season.
Thomas surpassed the previous record of 143 receptions set by the Indianapolis Colts’ Marvin Harrison in 2002. Harrison is now a member of the Hall of Fame after achieving eight Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl championship with the Colts.
Thomas set the new record with his catch Sunday in the fourth quarter.
Thomas remained humble when speaking about his new record after the game, saying the team is focused on winning that championship. However, NBA superstar LeBron James made sure to give Thomas credit for the new record.
Thomas gets a Madden 20 ratings boost to 99
The record-setting performance was yet another reason for the Madden 20 ratings adjustors to move Michael Thomas up yet again. He was a 98 overall as of last week and another point has now bumped him into that exclusive 99 Club.
The 99 rating is the best possible in the world of the Madden 20 ratings and considered an honor when a player achieves it. Four players started the season as 99 Club members: Aaron Donald, Khalil Mack, Bobby Wagner, and DeAndre Hopkins.
However, as the season has moved forward, players have their ratings moved up or down based on real-life performances. Khalil Mack and Bobby Wagner both dropped to 98 overalls. Madden 20 cover star Patrick Mahomes joined the 99 Club as did Christian McCaffrey in the past few weeks.
A few days ago, Madden tweeted that the Patriots’ Stephen Gilmore was also on Madden 99 watch. He’s among 98 OVR players along with Mack and Donald. Four other players are currently 97 OVRs with David Bakhtiari, Julio Jones, Zack Martin, J.J. Watt, and Russell Wilson.
Just last Monday, Thomas’ quarterback Drew Brees also set a record, moving past Peyton Manning for most all-time touchdown passes in a career. Madden ratings adjustors honored Brees with a limited-time membership in the 99 Club.
Thomas becomes just the second wide receiver this season to enter the Madden 99 Club joining the Houston Texans’ Hopkins. Holding a 99 overall as they close out their regular season and head into the playoffs is quite an achievement. Fans will now watch to see where he finishes this postseason.
Check out the full Madden 20 ratings here at EA’s website.
See more of VGR’s Madden game news including other game updates.