QB283 said:Yeah, at this point your competitive success depends on your skill.
100% this. I'm embarrassed to admit that i've become part of the problem (participating in pay to win game mechanics), but it's always a HUGE W when EA drops new players, for free, that are basically best at their position, such as the Gronk card, the new Calvin Johnson (once we get him fully upgraded), two version of John Madden, etc. All the Competitive Field Pass (level 200?) rewards lately are basically starters on all but extremely high end teams. That 6'4" Nahshon Wright DB played absolute lights-out for me on the edge not even a ~month ago. Could be worse, but yeah if you're even remotely decent at the game and have been keeping up with your various Field Passes, most folks should be able to field a somewhat competitive team. I hate to suggest that anyone invest more real dollars into the game, however those theme team pack drops that came out a while back are a great foundation for new players to get up to speed. I spent month trying to collect a 49ers theme team, only to come up WELL short. YMMV, please don't feel compelled to pump cash into P2W cards.
Ultimately, cards (and abilities, specifically) DO matter... a lot. However, most folks (<10%) aren't even confident how to lay out their ability stack, nor how to truly team build to achieve the best results from their existing roster. There's a LOT to learn, it's overwhelming as a somewhat new player, but having a blast. Often times the team building is as much, if not more fun than the gameplay. Had a few really competitive and fun games recently, but there's far more toxic kids who will ultimately rage quit after they throw their first quarter pick. I don't think i can even count the number of 0-0 ties i've won, from kids with 99 OVR Chiefs TT, Mahomes MVP, etc.
EDIT: My apologies for ranting and raving and carrying on, neglected to answer OP's question -- i'd say right now that 97 would be considered above average, however do not stress over that team rating, turns out, it's basically meaningless and just a way to help convey progress, or where we're at in the current stage in the game. For example, i'm running PS2 TOTY out of position at SS, because of his ability stack and slid Derwin James down to CB2, again... based off the specific ability stack(s). PS2 is "only" a 91 OVR at the Safety position, however his abilities and stats don't actually change. This was HUGE pro-tip i received from the community, it's paying dividends.