Gentlemen, I have been playing MFN for about 7 months now and, in my opinion, there is a serious problem with competitive balance in this game. I don't claim to be one of the top guys here. I am probably in the upper middle class. But I do know that lots of players make the same mistakes over and over (before quitting) and I would like to offer...
3 quick tips to become competitive at MFN...
1. For players, PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES MATTER, especially speed. You will seldom if ever see an effective running back or defensive back who is slower than about 75. Pay attention to strength also for better blocking and tackling. Also, intelligence is important for QBs.
2. Be very selective about who you resign to long term contracts. Players will only give up their shot at free agency if you overpay them. So don't try to pay everyone. Yes, really. A good rule of thumb: only resign players who are 80ish and above (with good physical attributes) and still have a few seasons left. Be selective or you will turn your team into an ugly upside-down cap mess! It's not the end of the world if you lose a decent player or an old star every so often. But you gotta hang on to your young talent.
3. As far as gameplanning goes, this game is about continuity and building up experience running your offensive and defensive schemes. Select 40 offensive and 30 defensive plays that have a bit of everything and stick with them. It's okay to let the computer plan your gameplan -- just uncheck the plays boxes and make it plan around what your team is learning to run. And do your opponent scouting. Dealing with your "weekly" gameplanning this way is quick and easy and works. You will start to see results in 5 or 6 games...
That's it. The basics. Have fun!!
CM