And fun... I've just finished the second 102 game season of my created franchise. First season, I played probably 70 games ans simulated the rest. Record 69-33 and 15 more wins than the second place team in my conference. I had 11 more wins the first place team in the other conference. Playoffs were actually much harder than the regular season, but I made it to the championship. I didn't face the the 1 seed the competing conference. Instead, I faced the 7th seed and I swept them.

Next season, I changed some of my team and figured I wouldn't likely not break my record of 69 wins. Definitely wrong about that and was surprised that the next best team would also go over 69 wins to have 70 wins. I had 74 wins. The 1 seed in the other conference would only have 58 wind. What's even more interesting is that team was the second place team in my conference. Played the 5 times in the regular season and they beat me 3 time and I was tied with them most of the year. Wasn't surprised to face them in the conference finals, but was surprised that they had only lost once in two 7 game series. Was also surprised by how easy I beat them except for one blowout loss at home. Beat them in 5 and then once again played the 7th seed in the other conference. Another sweep. But fun. I think the game sort of planned or maybe scripted or maybe favored the 70 win team to go all the way based on how they dominated the other teams.

Wondering then how others experience competition in season during franchise mode? Any one else have such a competitive season? Or any one else surprised by how the AI performs during the season?