Board 8 > Sign-ups for B8's premier Madden sim

(+) Yeah! (+)

Board 8 National Football League League (B8NFLL) just wrapped up its 18th season where the Minnesota Vikings defeated the now Davenport Browns in the Super Bowl. That means it's time for new blood or old blood returning to be able to get in on the action for Season 19. Signups will last until sometime in October to commemorate our 10-year anniversary, so there's plenty of time to decide.

What is this?
B8NFLL is a simulation league using Madden 06s franchise mode where users build rosters while managing the salary cap to have fun and/or accomplish something over the course of multiple seasons (no hard figure, but the game can't exceed around 30 seasons)

What do we do in a season?
Here is an oversimplified breakdown of what we do each season:
1. Offseason
- Ownership changes <---- We are here
- Player retirements
- Restricted free agents
- Unrestricted free agents
- NFL Draft + signing draft picks
- Free agency
2. Preseason
3. Regular Season
4. Postseason

The beginning of the offseason is the only time that I can change ownership of teams, and I personally think that it makes most sense to end the season with the playoffs, so this is where we begin. The majority of your work in this league will be in the offseason. The pre, regular, and postseason are basically seeing the fruits of your labor and making any adjustments that you see fit. You can ask questions now if you have any about the offseason events, but I go over them in full detail when the time comes.

This is the kind of project where you can be as active or inactive as you want. I of course like to see it when people put in a lot of effort, but I totally understand that people have different lives and schedules that might affect the amount of time they are able to put into this. We've had a wide variety of successful levels for those active and inactive. We've even had users who literally did nothing all season who went on to win Super Bowls or make it far into the playoffs. If you are interested in joining this but are hesitant based on your availability, let me assuage some possible concerns. I end up doing like 95% of the work on this project, and I give users plenty of time to do their tasks. A large number of offseason segments I give users at least a week to complete. Should you idle during any of those segments, I have very forgiving rules in place, and you even have the option of letting me temporarily take over your team and act on your behalf. Your team will not be screwed over if you ever forget to do something.

In the OP of every topic we have, there are four links you will see. They are as follows:

1. Hub Spreadsheet
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10gIP0JkVqOaoUc4aQX_NyDM8dB31FOPm_dUx6DVTWPk/edit?usp=sharing

This is where you will find all pertinent information on the current state of the league. In it you will find several sheets, most of which should be self-explanatory if you understand the NFL. You might want to look at to get familiar with it and if your choice of team depends on its roster and not fandom. If your choice of team does depend on the roster it unfortunately is not fully accurate.

Due to the amount of time it would take to update each time players' ratings change, ratings for all teams are reflected based on what they were entering the preseason unless a player was signed or traded after it. Also, the team financial sheet which gives you contract info and ages for all your players are only shown for user teams based on how much time and effort it takes to work on it. Do not hesitate to ask me any questions regarding any teams you might be interested in taking over.

2. Word Doc
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RVeEIyjqIiEkS0VYvbsI02dWMDXyOgdVQAgThNJyIfc/edit?usp=sharing

This was re-worked, but it still a very wordy 14-ish pages worth of info that should be helpful to understand how B8NFLL works within Madden 06. I wouldn't say it is essential and it doesn't cover everything, but I think it covers most of the important stuff and might answer many of the questions you have.

3. Wiki Page
http://board8.wikia.com/wiki/Board_8_National_Football_League_League

This is starting to get ridiculously long and may prompt me to move it elsewhere as I can't seem to make new articles on the B8 Wiki, but the basic history (such as who was in charge of what team each season, final regular season records, playoff results, award winners, and end-of-season stat leaders) of every season of B8NFLL is on record here.

4. Previous Topic
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/80472056

That topic covers the entirety of the regular and postseason, so you can check it out at your convenience to see how everything during that span is presented. We are also part of the B8 Discord and can be found in the B8NFLL sub-channel under Sports.

Here are the 32 teams in the league by division. I have made notes for any team that has relocated since this started. A team in bold is one that is occupied by a user who will be coming back in season 19. A team in italics is one that is currently occupied by a user who has yet to inform me of their plans for season 19. A team that is neither bolded nor italicized is open (you can also tell because there's no username to the right of them) for the taking. If an italicized team is the one you want the most, you can sign up for X open team with the stipulation that you would like to change to Y team if their incumbent user does not return.

Denver Broncos
Kansas City Chiefs - Ranlom
Oakland Raiders - Bloodychess
Portland Express (formerly San Diego Chargers and Washington Hawks)

Buffalo Bills - stevr
Miami Dolphins
New England Patriots (formerly New England Patriots and Birmingham Cougars) - Jukkie
New York Jets - Abacus

Baltimore Ravens - BlueCrystal
Cincinnati Bengals
Davenport Browns (formerly Mexico City and Cleveland Browns) - VI
Pittsburgh Steelers - s***tered

Columbus Pioneers (formerly Houston Texans)
Indianapolis Colts - mccheyne
Jacksonville Jaguars - Sultan
Tennessee Titans - Socko

Las Vegas Pumpkins (formerly Toronto Wildcats and Arizona Cardinals) - KCF
San Francisco 49ers
Seattle Seahawks
St. Louis Rams

Dallas Cowboys
Philadelphia Eagles (formerly Philadelphia Eagles and Las Vegas Pumpkins) - Pennywise
New York Giants - Eddv
Washington Commanders

Chicago Bears (formerly Chicago, Richmond, and Los Angeles Bears) - Stan
Detroit Lions - Nee
Green Bay Packers - Tangicide
Minnesota Vikings

Atlanta Falcons - MMX
Carolina Panthers
San Juan Orcas (formerly New Orleans Saints and Anaheim Lightning)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I will make some remarks on all open teams later on, but I wanted to get the list out there

Short remarks for open teams

Denver Broncos
Previously one of the best teams in our league's history, their immediate future looks murky. Their run game was once one of the best in the league, but it has fallen tremendously. The defense has also taken a sizeable step back. They have an older offensive line and could lose two starters there to retirement. There's some great, young pieces here and the entire division had a losing record a season ago, so a quick retool might be all this team needs (as long as a new HB is part of those plans).

Portland Express
They have one of the longest active playoff streaks, and have one of the best overall records over the past several seasons in spite of their 7-9 division-winning record last season. The defense remains elite, but the offense took a tumble with a league-worst running attack after incumbent HB Lamar Miller suffered multiple injuries. They seem like an easy bounce-back candidate as long as they shore up their depth.

Miami Dolphins
Arguably the premier franchise through this project's existence, the Dolphins suffered really poor luck last season all the way to missing out on the playoffs. They were statistically one of the best teams in the league, but they will enter next season without their Hall of Fame QB and maybe HB and LG. They do have former 1st rounders to take over at QB and HB, but they finished the season 0-3 with both of them starting, so it's no guarantee that they fix improve in their first season as full-time starters. Still, the star power on this team is immense.

Cincinnati Bengals
One of two teams to improve their record in each of the past three seasons, the Bengals hit a home run with their first round pick WR Kenny Golladay who had one of the best rookie seasons that we've seen. The Bengals are a balanced team on offense and defense. They are relatively young (youth skewing toward defense), so it isn't unreasonable to think that they can continue to improve as is. They could be a sneaky SB contender next season.

Columbus Pioneers - They have won the division in five of the past six seasons, and are one of the better two-way teams in the league. The offense is getting up there in years, but they are one of the surer playoff bets for next season.

San Francisco 49ers - The defense played at an elite level, and second-year QB Kyler Murray greatly improved. Unfortunately, their demise could be traced to their running game, which was very high volume paired with very low efficiency as they were dead last in rushing YPC with leading rusher Jerick McKinnon's 3.3 (thanks to a Thomas Rawls injury) "leading" the way. Regression to the mean is likely all that this team needs to get back into playoff contention.

Seattle Seahawks - Long one of the most disappointing franchises relative to talent/individual performance, the Seahawks have quietly produced back-to-back non-losing seasons (yes I am touting this as an accomplishment). The offense has given up a ton of sacks, but this is one of the better starting QB/WR groups in the league. They really need to get a bonafide stud HB. Maybe former first rounder Kareem Hunt is that guy after missing his rookie season due to injury. The defense is where they need to make the most strides.

St. Louis Rams - The Rams are on the league's longest playoff streak, and they have shown no signs of seeing that end. They finished with the #1 D, and their passing attack continues to be elite even if QB Ryan Tannehill has been shouldering too much of the offensive burden of a decaying running attack that has seen his efficiency decline and turnovers go way up. This is a SB contender as is, but it wouldn't hurt to tinker with the OL/HB and just depth in general.

Dallas Cowboys - No team has had a run of dominance like the Cowboys, but that era appears to be over as they have missed the playoffs for several seasons and finished 5-11 last season. QB Cam Newton has been one of the best QBs in the league over the past several seasons, but he led the league in turnovers last season. The running game has also been lagging, but perhaps second-year HB Phillip Lindsay can build upon his good rookie season. The defense is aging, especially along the DL. There will be many retirements on that side of the ball in the next few offseasons.

Washington Commanders - This team has been running hot and cold for several seasons now. This past season, they started 3-4, then won six straight, and then ended the season on a 3-game losing streak, which cost them both a division crown and a wild card spot. They have a very bright future on offense with tons of youth and great performances. The defense has also been good, but not quite to the level of the offense. This team routinely has a ton of cap space, so they should have the means to building up the roster through pure cash.

Minnesota Vikings - The Vikings have won three of the past five Super Bowls. Their team isn't very stable in terms of performance on either side of the ball in regards to team rankings season in, season out, but they are seemingly always a SB threat. They have an aging DL and they will probably need a new HB, so there's some clear avenues to improve/future proof this team.

Carolina Panthers - The Panthers were making strides after some really ugly seasons, but an injury to QB Lamar Jackson led to an 11-game losing streak to end the season. This team needs a lot of work and a clear direction to move in. There are not a lot of foundational pieces. If you want a challenge, this team is probably the one you want to be in charge of.

San Juan Orcas - The Orcas followed up a Season 17 SB victory by finishing 7-9 and out of the playoffs. The defense was elite finishing 3rd in the league, but the offense sagged a bit with reigning QB of the Year QB Jameis Winston seeing his passer rating drop over 15 points. Regression to the mean is probably all this team really needs, but more depth is warranted after suffering some crucial injuries.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - I think the defense is fine, though it could always use more talent. The offense is the head-scratcher. OL and WR/TE seem fine, but this team spent the #1 and #2 overall pick in consecutive seasons on QB Trevor Largent and HB Alvin Kamara, and well, yikes! Largent has been injured, benched, and when he's healthy and starting, he has neither looked good nor racked up counting stats. It might be time to pull the plug on him. HB Alvin Kamara was brought on slowly his rookie season, did not win the starting job in his second season as Knile Davis had a breakout season, and when he became the full-time starter in his third season, he was injured and ineffective. He should probably be given another chance, but man does the future of this offense look bleak.

Bump

Miami Dolphins

Yay swirl

I am interested but also super hesitant about getting involved due to my desire out weighing my ambition. Also Tang having the Packers means I'd have to take the Carolina "nicest jerseys in the league" Panthers.

IfGodCouldDie posted...

I am interested but also super hesitant about getting involved due to my desire out weighing my ambition. Also Tang having the Packers means I'd have to take the Carolina "nicest jerseys in the league" Panthers.

If you're on the fence, I'd say join. Worst case you bow out after 1 season if you don't like it. This is a project that can be as hands on or hands off as you like and KCF will do his best to fill in the gaps for people who don't participate as much.

This is hands down the best project I have ever been involved in on board 8 and I potentially would have left B8 by now if I weren't involved in it

Shattered posted...

If you're on the fence, I'd say join. Worst case you bow out after 1 season if you don't like it. This is a project that can be as hands on or hands off as you like and KCF will do his best to fill in the gaps for people who don't participate as much.

This is hands down the best project I have ever been involved in on board 8 and I potentially would have left B8 by now if I weren't involved in it

Ok count me in as the Panthers

I want the 49ers

Also, how do the games work? Are they just simmed?

Correct, there is no actual playing or viewing of the in-game engine/footage. I just click "sim week" or "sim round" and give people the results.

tearsofrage posted...

Also, how do the games work? Are they just simmed?

KCF will post the details in our own channel on B8's Discord server. He'll then post the scores (just the scores starting this next season) in the topic on the board, as well as the summary data for anyone who isn't on Discord.

You are responsible for creating a roster, keeping it under cap, making decisions as to how aggressively you play, and managing your depth chart as the season continues. It sounds daunting at first but it's actually quite easy! You can be as active as you want to be.

Also, IGCD, if Tangy doesn't return (which he might not since he was on hiatus for the latter half of last season), you'll be allowed to take the Packers, jsyk

BlueCrystalTear posted...

KCF will post the details in our own channel on B8's Discord server. He'll then post the scores (just the scores starting this next season) in the topic on the board, as well as the summary data for anyone who isn't on Discord.

You are responsible for creating a roster, keeping it under cap, making decisions as to how aggressively you play, and managing your depth chart as the season continues. It sounds daunting at first but it's actually quite easy! You can be as active as you want to be.

Also, IGCD, if Tangy doesn't return (which he might not since he was on hiatus for the latter half of last season), you'll be allowed to take the Packers, jsyk

I've ready committed to the Panthers, but good to know. Thanks.

KCF0107 posted...

Correct, there is no actual playing or viewing of the in-game engine/footage. I just click "sim week" or "sim round" and give people the results.

Awesome. Well, I will gladly take over the 49ers, if you'll have me.

bump

bump

No clue how much time I will have for this upcoming season, but sign me up

bump

Denver Broncos
Kansas City Chiefs - Ranlom
Oakland Raiders - Bloodychess
Portland Express (formerly San Diego Chargers and Washington Hawks)

Buffalo Bills - stevr
Miami Dolphins - swirl
New England Patriots (formerly New England Patriots and Birmingham Cougars) - Jukkie
New York Jets - Abacus

Baltimore Ravens - BlueCrystal
Cincinnati Bengals
Davenport Browns (formerly Mexico City and Cleveland Browns) - VI
Pittsburgh Steelers - s***tered

Columbus Pioneers (formerly Houston Texans)
Indianapolis Colts - mccheyne
Jacksonville Jaguars - Sultan
Tennessee Titans - Socko

Las Vegas Pumpkins (formerly Toronto Wildcats and Arizona Cardinals) - KCF
San Francisco 49ers - tearsofrage
Seattle Seahawks
St. Louis Rams

Dallas Cowboys
Philadelphia Eagles (formerly Philadelphia Eagles and Las Vegas Pumpkins) - Pennywise
New York Giants - Eddv
Washington Commanders

Chicago Bears (formerly Chicago, Richmond, and Los Angeles Bears) - Stan
Detroit Lions - Nee
Green Bay Packers - Tangicide
Minnesota Vikings

Atlanta Falcons - MMX
Carolina Panthers - IfGod
San Juan Orcas (formerly New Orleans Saints and Anaheim Lightning)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It's October now, but I will probably keep signups for another 2-3 weeks.

Bump

I guess we are getting to the point that I need to have a definitive deadline in mind

Might also want to @ people who haven't yet confirmed their renewals. Or is that later on in this process?

I've already sent first batch of reminders. I will do another in the future

Sunday is actually the 22nd

Sign-ups will tentatively end in a week

bump

Denver Broncos
Kansas City Chiefs - Ranlom
Oakland Raiders - Bloodychess
Portland Express (formerly San Diego Chargers and Washington Hawks)

Buffalo Bills - stevr
Miami Dolphins - swirl
New England Patriots (formerly New England Patriots and Birmingham Cougars) - Jukkie
New York Jets - Abacus

Baltimore Ravens - BlueCrystal
Cincinnati Bengals
Davenport Browns (formerly Mexico City and Cleveland Browns) - VI
Pittsburgh Steelers - s***tered

Columbus Pioneers (formerly Houston Texans)
Indianapolis Colts - mccheyne
Jacksonville Jaguars - Sultan
Tennessee Titans - Socko

Las Vegas Pumpkins (formerly Toronto Wildcats and Arizona Cardinals) - KCF
San Francisco 49ers - tearsofrage
Seattle Seahawks
St. Louis Rams

Dallas Cowboys
Philadelphia Eagles (formerly Philadelphia Eagles and Las Vegas Pumpkins) - Pennywise
New York Giants - Eddv
Washington Commanders

Chicago Bears (formerly Chicago, Richmond, and Los Angeles Bears) - Stan
Detroit Lions - Nee
Green Bay Packers
Minnesota Vikings

Atlanta Falcons - MMX
Carolina Panthers - IfGod (maybe moving to Packers?)
San Juan Orcas (formerly New Orleans Saints and Anaheim Lightning)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I believe this is accurate

I still have some stats I need to compile/send out, so the deadline will officially be extended, but only for a few days at the most (likely Tuesday evening at some point so I can move on and make a new topic and post some stuff that same night)

Colts are now open, and IfGod is sticking with the Panthers. Sign-ups will officially close at 8 PM ET (roughly five and a half hours)

New topic is up
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/80602493