Thanks partly to the apparent Madden curse, no cover in sports gaming is as hotly debated as that pertaining to EA’s three-decades-young Gridiron series. For half of its lifetime John Madden himself stared up from atop its pristine plastic, but players have been used to front (and market) it since a brief background appearance on the packaging for Madden 95.

Which elite specimen is likely to become the series’ temporary new figurehead when Madden 18 touches down this autumn? EA no longer puts it to a public vote, instead making its own selection based on ability, popularity and commercial potential. Below, then, I’ve ranked the cover candidates according to recent performance, series history, and possible reaction to having their likeness recreated in voodoo-doll form. And there’s a fair chance that even the latter won’t prevent the Patriots scoring yet another Vince Lombardi trophy.

1. Tom Brady (New England Patriots)

No surprise at numero uno. New England’s long-time signal caller – and guaranteed Hall Of Famer – is the obvious pick here, but also the most deserving one, having earned his fifth World Championship ring last season. Amazingly, while Brady fronted 989 Sports’ NFL Gameday in the PS2 years, he’s never been on the cover of the biggest Gridiron game going. With tireless Tom turning 40 this August, it’s surely time that was rectified.

2. LeVeon Bell (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Before you put 3 and 2 together and make Mike Tomlin: no, I’m not a Steelers fan. (And if list were written from a personal perspective then the spot following this one would have Ajayi in it.) Bell’s unconventional stop-start running style became the stuff of legend last season, and if Tiburon has in any way changed up rushing mechanics in Madden 18, he would seem the perfect choice to showcase such tweaks. Plus he’s popular with fans across the league, which can’t necessary be said of the NFL legend posing smugly at this list's mountain top…

3. Patrick Peterson (Arizona Cardinals)

The last time EA held a public vote for the Madden cover, ahead of Madden 16, four players made the shortlist: the aforementioned Gronkowski, Odell Beckham Jr, Patrick Peterson, and Antonio Brown. Beckham won that vote, and EA gave Gronk the gig a year later, so it’s natural to assume that Peterson and Brown remain in the running for future covers. With Brown having just turned in his fourth consecutive 100-catch season, you have to consider him the more likely of the pair.

Madden 18 is unconfirmed, but expected for release across a variety of platforms in early August. Need further reading? Please keep your eyes on our site gamegoldfirm.com,we will bring Madden 18 news timely.