While fans wait for the Madden.
But, while fans wait, there are some options to help the time. Instead of spending time reviewing old games, fans can always just turn on some football-related TV shows.
Ballers - 7.6
Ballers was a show about fictional NFL players dealing with the financial reality of playing professional football. The show explores players still in the prime of their careers, and retired players still looking to monetize the League as much as they still can.
During the off-season when major sports game franchises like Madden can't scratch that General Management itch, Ballers can at least play the part of exploring the finances of NFL players, while providing some in-game experiences for fans to enjoy. Besides, when Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson stars in a franchise, it's hard not to enjoy it!
All or Nothing: The Michigan Wolverines - 7.6
Unlike Ballers, All or Nothing is a series made for football fans. As one of the best sports documentaries, All or Nothing works to provide an in-depth look at one particular team's process during one season. The Michigan Wolverines was the first time the series approached College Football, and Wolverines fans loved having the chance to take a look inside the program.
From quarterback battles to heartbreaking injuries to Coach Harbaugh's khaki collection, the show managed to capture everything about the Wolverines' season, while introducing new and touching elements for fans to enjoy. There's a reason it managed to earn a 7.6 rating from IMDB, after all, and it certainly wasn't for the result of Michigan's 8-5 season.
All or Nothing: The Dallas Cowboys - 7.7
Another entry into the All or Nothing series, The Dallas Cowboys was the third documentary series with the moniker, and it definitely interested fans. Capturing a star player's suspension over off-the-field activities, The Dallas Cowboys presents both on-field action and compelling drama when the players aren't in uniform.
This season shed light on what would turn out to be an unexpectedly turbulent season for the Cowboys. Still, it did give some hope to fans by showcasing the team's quality leadership and adding in some bits of humor. Some say the Cowboys still haven't figured out that the San Diego Chargers moved to Los Angeles.
All or Nothing: A Season with the Los Angeles Rams - 7.7
Speaking of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Rams edition of All or Nothing managed to match The Dallas Cowboys in of IMDB ratings, earning a similar 7.7. Showcasing one of the worst seasons in Rams' history, the documentary captured exactly what happened shortly after the St. Louis Rams took their team to Los Angeles and the 4-12 season that resulted.
In a somewhat over-the-top moment in sports history, fans were given the chance to get an in-depth look at the exact path that led to one coach losing his job and another getting his first NFL head coaching opportunity. For anyone interested in watching a disaster in the making, this series is the perfect opportunity and an easy watch.
The League - 8.3
For fans of Fantasy Football who don't necessarily want to spend the offseason listening to fantasy sports podcasts, The League was a comedy show that followed a group of friends through their Fantasy Football-related shenanigans. Filled with drama and (somewhat) lighthearted humor, the show managed to earn an avid fanbase.
The League doesn't even require that viewers be well versed in the rules of football or its fantasy offshoot. As long as viewers are looking for a fun way to the days, The League is an available option and sure to be a good time.
Hard Knocks - 8.4
Another show exploring behind-the-scenes footage from NFL teams, Hard Knocks takes the unique approach of ignoring the regular season. The show specifically focuses on training camp and other offseason preparations by teams, including practice, personal lives, and the inevitable and tragic day when teams need to cut down the roster size.
With over a dozen seasons, Hard Knocks introduced fans to what it's really like in an NFL training camp. It also helped produce a great deal of sympathy for players and coaches, as they're forced to whittle their way to the regular season with only a fraction of the players the seasons start with. Often heartwrenching for fans, the show really proves what it takes to be an NFL coach, and how hard it can be to be a player.
Playmakers - 4.4
Playmakers was a drama revolving around the lives of a few professional football players trying to make it in a fictionalized version of the NFL. Not really a show made for non-football fans, the show detailed some of the difficulties of surviving as an NFL player, like dealing with the Injured Reserve, mandatory drug testing, personal romantic lives, and legal issues.
The show earned several awards during its one-season run and was only brought to its swift end due to external pressure on the producers from the NFL. Still, even despite its short run, Playmakers was an incredible series that is sure to entertain most any NFL fan.
Blue Mountain State - 8.4
A sports show for people who aren't sports fans, Blue Mountain State was less about the reality of college football and more about the hijinx of a backup quarterback and his entourage. The show's unrelenting humor helped carry it to its high IMDb rating, and into the hearts of countless fans.
For fans in the mood for a football show that doesn't take itself too seriously, isn't worried about the Xs-and-Os of football, and doesn't mind being raunchy from time to time, Blue Mountain State is a great way to the time.
All or Nothing: A Season with the Arizona Cardinals - 8.6
In the first season of All or Nothing, fans were given the chance to watch a Super Bowl contender go for it all on a national scale. The series explores the evolution of the team from NFL Draft season to a tragic ending in the playoffs.
Filled with drama, turmoil, and a surprisingly detailed look into NFL operations, this series is a must-watch for football fans and a compelling documentary for anyone who might wonder what it's like behind the scenes of a successful NFL team.
Friday Night Lights - 8.8
A fictional of a high school football team, Friday Night Lights follows a coach and his family through several seasons and many moments of intrigue and drama. Exploring the effects of significant injuries, family struggles, and relationships, the show is surprisingly heartfelt and gained a quick following.
Having earned an 8.8 rating on IMDB — the highest for any football show — the series has many fans who it fondly even today, 10 years after it finished airing. For football fans looking to time until the Draft, there's no better way to do it than with Friday Night Lights.