CFM house rules: Post yours here!

[Instant C1a55ic]

I figure we all cheese, but for some of us it's best to try and be fair. Take myself for instance, I will remove down in the draft, maybe 6-7 times if there is nothing for me at my original pick. Sometimes I draft over 11 players year in and year out, and that's not fair.


So I would like a gathering of everyone's house rules that work for them in CFM. Wither it be the draft to help me out, FA, trades during the year and off season, playbook calling and so on and so fourth.


LETS SEE WHAT YOU GOT!

[Chvrch]

Re: CFM house rules: Post yours here!

Sliders are a house rule IMO. I try to make sure the sliders are optimal to give me a challenge. I know of some people who just play on easy mode and don’t care, but I think at least a medium challenge needs to be there.

A potential “cheese” thing that I do from time to time is when I have a rookie QB. I might automatically raise his awareness 3-5 every now and then after I feel he has accumulated enough experience. I don’t want to edit him into a beast, but some weird **** can go wrong when a new QB’s AWR is low.

I’ll think about other things.

[Dcourtne]

CFM house rules: Post yours here!

Just a few from my online cfm with a few friends:

1. Max of 14 draft picks and no more than 5 in any round. You can trade for picks during the draft but you must enter the draft in compliance. 14 is the most picks any real nfl team has had in one draft.

2. You cannot trade free agents signees off the street (off season signing are fair game.)

3. You must maintain 53 man roster

4. You must maintain a full practice squad - this is primarily to ensure talent development in the league

5. You cannot shuffle players to the practice squad and back to the active roster for the purpose of resigning to a long term deal at the end of the season.

6. If you steal a practice squad player, you cannot place him on your practice squad.

7. WRs moved to TE must meet height and weight requirements of 6’3” and 230lbs.

Most of these were put in place to end abuses so if they seem a little strange - that’s why.



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[BleedGreen710]

Re: CFM house rules: Post yours here!

I don't like doing things the CPU can't do cause I don't want any advantage. Unfortunately this requires a lot of house rules.

For starters no choosing my own players to focus train, I have to use whatever the CPU picks. They are absolutely awful at choosing and will put guys like 70 ovr third string player with normal development into focus training. Putting my best young players in focus training gives an unfair advantage so I don't do it.

Second, progression must be set to auto. The CPU does not progress their players to match their schemes so they miss out on the xp bonuses. If I make my players fit the scheme it gives me an unfair xp bonus.

Restricted position changes. As far as I know the CPU won't change players positions besides switching up DEs and OLBS in 3-4 to 4-3 or vice versa. So no putting a good tackling cornerback at safety or moving WR to TE or anything like that.

No trading with another team unless they benefit equally. I dont allow myself to make one sided trades. Both teams must benefit from the move. And I barely do any trading to make my team better because it's unfair, the CPU hardly ever trades anyone.

No scouting past the first ability. The CPU sometimes takes bad players in the draft but with full scouting mine are always good. When I do manual scouting every player I choose I know is going to be good and just about what I expected which is nothing like a real draft. By only scouting the first ability I have an idea if the guy will be good judging by ability and combine results but sometimes I'm wrong which is more realistic.

My coaches schemes must match the playbooks I'm using. No using a scheme to boost my team the best but not using that scheme in games. For example the 46 defense is always matching my defense the most but I don't run a 46 so I don't ever use that.

As for on the field stuff, I don't control my QB. Coach Mode is turned on and I let him make the throws. This puts him equal to the CPU QBs and his ratings will matter more then when I'm playing QB. I also don't control receivers until they catch the ball, and I dont control anyone on defense. No pre snap adjustments besides audibles. no hot routes or flipping runs etc. its my belief that the CPU doesn't use those.

All special teams plays get simulated. Field goals are too easy, kickoffs and punts it's too easy to hit stick the returner. Always get better punt and kick returns then the CPU. and I think the kick blocking mechanic is just unfair that it's based on button timing and not ratings.

For the most part I use the coaching suggestion plays and dont go for it on any unusual 4th down situations.

I'm sure there's more im forgetting right now but that's most of them.


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[raypace1]

Re: CFM house rules: Post yours here!

I don't use things that I don't think the CPU can use, play on all pro in broadcast for challenge, use strategy play calling and call plays with the least amount of times run and yards gained, and no switch and cycle through all players before repeating... All I can think of right now...


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[ripcandlestickpark]

Re: CFM house rules: Post yours here!

A few of mine:

1. I must carry one dedicated long snapper on the roster at all times.

2. All pick for pick trades require the use of Old Man Nathy's Draft Pick Trade Value Calculator.

3. After the draft, the only undrafted free agents I can sign are ones that I spent scouting points on. This way, I can't simply cherry-pick the ones with the best ratings. After the preseason, though, this restriction is lifted.

[Tweeg]

Re: CFM house rules: Post yours here!

I don't like doing things the CPU can't do cause I don't want any advantage. Unfortunately this requires a lot of house rules.

For starters no choosing my own players to focus train, I have to use whatever the CPU picks. They are absolutely awful at choosing and will put guys like 70 ovr third string player with normal development into focus training. Putting my best young players in focus training gives an unfair advantage so I don't do it.

Second, progression must be set to auto. The CPU does not progress their players to match their schemes so they miss out on the xp bonuses. If I make my players fit the scheme it gives me an unfair xp bonus.

Restricted position changes. As far as I know the CPU won't change players positions besides switching up DEs and OLBS in 3-4 to 4-3 or vice versa. So no putting a good tackling cornerback at safety or moving WR to TE or anything like that.

No trading with another team unless they benefit equally. I dont allow myself to make one sided trades. Both teams must benefit from the move. And I barely do any trading to make my team better because it's unfair, the CPU hardly ever trades anyone.

No scouting past the first ability. The CPU sometimes takes bad players in the draft but with full scouting mine are always good. When I do manual scouting every player I choose I know is going to be good and just about what I expected which is nothing like a real draft. By only scouting the first ability I have an idea if the guy will be good judging by ability and combine results but sometimes I'm wrong which is more realistic.

My coaches schemes must match the playbooks I'm using. No using a scheme to boost my team the best but not using that scheme in games. For example the 46 defense is always matching my defense the most but I don't run a 46 so I don't ever use that.

As for on the field stuff, I don't control my QB. Coach Mode is turned on and I let him make the throws. This puts him equal to the CPU QBs and his ratings will matter more then when I'm playing QB. I also don't control receivers until they catch the ball, and I dont control anyone on defense. No pre snap adjustments besides audibles. no hot routes or flipping runs etc. its my belief that the CPU doesn't use those.

All special teams plays get simulated. Field goals are too easy, kickoffs and punts it's too easy to hit stick the returner. Always get better punt and kick returns then the CPU. and I think the kick blocking mechanic is just unfair that it's based on button timing and not ratings.

For the most part I use the coaching suggestion plays and dont go for it on any unusual 4th down situations.

I'm sure there's more im forgetting right now but that's most of them.


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Nice list - basically the foundation of what I have always set for myself. Unfortunately, this results in not bothering to play the game.

[adembroski]

Re: CFM house rules: Post yours here!

3. After the draft, the only undrafted free agents I can sign are ones that I spent scouting points on. This way, I can't simply cherry-pick the ones with the best ratings. After the preseason, though, this restriction is lifted.

That seems unnecessary since the CPU teams get free reign to grab whoever they want before you can even look at the list.

[ripcandlestickpark]

Re: CFM house rules: Post yours here!

That seems unnecessary since the CPU teams get free reign to grab whoever they want before you can even look at the list.

Fair point. Although, it does force me to use up a handful of preseason roster spots on subpar players with little to no chance of making the final roster or even the practice squad. Some "camp bodies", if you will.

[Instant C1a55ic]

Re: CFM house rules: Post yours here!

One for me is to only scout, trade for, draft and sign to FA deals are players that match my scheme.

[SilverBullet19]

Re: CFM house rules: Post yours here!

One for me is to only scout, trade for, draft and sign to FA deals are players that match my scheme.

I'm doing this too, actually. I figured it's kind of a necessity, it adds some challenge. My house rules are:


#1) Can only sign one FA player a week in preseason. This gives me a chance to grab talent, but also not get ALL the talent before the CPU even has a chance.

#2) Can only fill one "hole" via FA in preseason. I signed a TE to fill a void, so I cannot now go sign a RT, and FB, and SS etc. I CAN sign for depth, but not a bunch of starters. This makes me work through the season. Offseason FA is free reign to fill holes.

#3) Only sign scheme fit players. This can prevent me from getting the best rated guys, because they don't "fit" my team.

#4) No signing FA players just to trade them (just decided this). If I sign them in the offseason, I can use them to trade in season. I can't, however, sign a guy then immediately put him into a manual trade or on the trade block.

#5) FA signings cannot play for 3 weeks (I think the game does this a BIT on its own with their confidence being low, since they don't know the playbook)

#6) Can only put players in their final contract year on the trade block. All other trades must be done manually.

#7) Focus training, in general, is to be used on lower round draft picks/bench players. I can assign it to starters a few times a season. Otherwise, it should be a rotation among bench guys, maybe with a focus on one or two as well if I want them to mature into starters. This seems to help mitigate regression, although minimally.

[Brandwin]

Re: CFM house rules: Post yours here!

I

Second, progression must be set to auto. The CPU does not progress their players to match their schemes so they miss out on the xp bonuses. If I make my players fit the scheme it gives me an unfair xp bonus.


No trading with another team unless they benefit equally. I dont allow myself to make one sided trades. Both teams must benefit from the move. And I barely do any trading to make my team better because it's unfair, the CPU hardly ever trades anyone.


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I use those as well as these from Armor & Swords

4) Contracts during in season resign period and off-season free agency :

Contracts must never be more than 4 yrs unless player requests more. If you want to negotiate a shorter term deal, by all means please do so.

You must let one player rated 80 or higher test free agency

Bonus parameters:

All contracts longer than 2 years (3 years or more)
All Contracts 2MM total or higher

Must receive a bonus at 30% of the contract amount so for example you have a WR who signs for 60MM over 4 years his bonus should be 18MM of that 60MM total. So his salary total will be 42MM. If you want to give him more bonus than 30%...by all means do so. Up to you.

QB Contracts are a different animal:

Minimum contract amounts for QB's (even if they want much less) in free agency:

4MM for QB rated below 70

8MM For QB rated 70-79

14MM for QB rated 80-89

17MM for QB rated 90+


When signing your own QB's these rules apply to your 1st and 2nd stringers only.

Also a small caveat. Your starting QB must be paid a minimum of 14MM regardless of rating once his contract comes up for extension. So let's say you have Big Ben retire on you and now your want Landry Jones to step in...and his contract is up. Well...if he is going to be your starter...he must get starters money. It makes you really think about QB's and their worth to you.


5) Trading - So we all know we can fleece the CPU.....don't do it. If you want a realistic franchise don't blatantly fleece them. Sometimes you can get a good deal that ends up looking one sided. But don't go and trade a 1st and 3rd and some 75 rated RB for Aaron Rodgers. You know that just would never happen. Here are some guidelines for trading:

If trading for a CB you must send back a CB of no lesser value than +/- 10 rating points plus a 2nd round pick. Or you must send at least a 1st and 3rd rounder for any CB rated above 85.

Any blockbuster trade must include a 1st this year a 1st next year, and either a 2nd this year or a really solid young 3rd year or higher player rated 80 or above at either RT, LT, DT, DE, CB, WR, HB.

If your going to trade for a starting QB rated 85 or higher you really should be giving up the moon for them. 1st, 2nd this year, 1st next year, plus a very serviceable young player rated 80 or higher at the positions I mentioned above.

Also one trade is allowed per season. No trading of or for any rookies or players in the first year of a new control

[Jimbo12308]

Re: CFM house rules: Post yours here!

One that I do is while I am drafting when I select a player I close my eyes/do not look at his player card with his overall. NFL GMs don’t know exactly how good their pick is the moment they make the pick, so why should I?

This adds a lot of doubt to the draft. For example, if you really badly need a new LB and you have 2 prospects - one in the 2nd round and one in the 3rd. Let’s say you draft the one in the 2nd. If you look at the OVR/attributes and you know that he’s great, then you know your set. Or if he winds up to be a bust then you know that you need the grab the one in the 3rd round. But if you don’t look, you won’t know if he’s a gem or a bust, so now you’ll have to make a tough decision on what to do in the third round with that other LB.

I also update the contracts in CFM on my team at the beginning. EA doesn’t handle guaranteed money correctly. In the game the signing bonus is the only guaranteed money, but in the real NFL the signing bonus is often only a portion of the guaranteed money. EA doesn’t realize/incorporate this and instead of having their signing bonus mirror the full guaranteed money in a contract, they have it mirror the actual signing bonus. That means it’s often way cheaper to cut a player in Madden than it is in the real NFL. I adjust all my players contracts so that their signing bonus is equal to ALL of the guaranteed money in their contract. This makes roster management much more realistic and also much more difficult.

I also do a lot of what many others have suggested here. Trading only using the trade block, limiting my offers to fair compensation, no stealing all the talent from the FA pool (though I allow myself some). I also try to sign realistic contracts, no cheap 7 year deals for low rated but promising 21 year olds.

On the field I’m really just looking for a challenge with realistic stats. So I utilize sliders, I play on the fastest gameplay speed setting to reduce how much time I have to react, I play no switch on defense, I don’t control receivers until after the catch. When it comes to playcalling I limit myself to only having control of whether I run or pass, meaning the only decision I can make is to pick from the first passing play in the “strategy” plays or the first running play. I can’t choose any plays other than the first pass or the first run in the list. No audibles, no hot routes, I just run the play that is called.

[Brandwin]

Re: CFM house rules: Post yours here!

Another one I do is when simming training and picking my 3 players focused on - they have to be in league 3 years or less and rated under 80 unless a rookie.

[Instant C1a55ic]

Re: CFM house rules: Post yours here!

Another one I do is when simming training and picking my 3 players focused on - they have to be in league 3 years or less and rated under 80 unless a rookie.

I set my training to auto from the menu. I'd rather the CPU do it, and pretend like I am letting my coaches do it. Gotta delegate!


I must say sticking to my scheme is making things difficult. I struggle, big time in the passing game. Demaryius Thomas and Sanders have slowed down quite a bit, and I dont have that burner to go deep. I find myself dinking and dunking with underneath routes and slants when the show blitz. Got super frustrated last night when Keenum missed DT on a slant 2 times in a row. Gotta love the challange.