I'll definitely check out these recommendations.
Meanwhile, I just finished the first game of the first season in Franchise Mode as head coach of the Buffalo Grizzlies in, "Axis Football 2024" (American gridiron).
It was an away game. I called every play on both offense and defense, regulation quarter lengths, etc. We defeated the Nebraska Thunder 122 to 0.
I think I might need to increase the difficulty level to Pro. I kind of felt bad for administering that mauling. But just for a second or two.
If you like gridiron football, "Axis Football 2024" is inexpensive and good. And it's not Madden. I recommend it. You can play or coach.