Madden NFL 08 Gamecube

Here's a great technique if you're looking to build a dynasty longterm over many seasons. It works best with "great" teams (like the Patriots, Colts and Chargers) and "good" teams (like the Jaguars, Broncos, and Cowboys). Theoretically, though, it can work with any team.

After finishing up your pre-season games, don't advance to the regular season. Instead, head to the trading block. Offer up your first round pick and ask for a first, second and fourth round pick in return. If your team is decent enough you will receive offers from all of the bottom teams (like Buffalo, Houston, Detroit, or whoever happens to be bad that season).

So, with the bad team's first, second and fourth picks (for instance), you can offer your own second, third and fourth picks. Ask for a first, third and fourth pick in return. You have to be flexible though, because you won't always be able to get what you want in return.

If the above works, however, you'll have two first round picks, a second round pick, a third round pick, and two fourth round picks (or something similar). This is absolutely amazing when you are building a franchise. Better yet, you can do this every year, as your franchise gets stronger and stronger with young, talented players.