Exhibition mode, also known as Play Now, is Madden NFL's basic exhibition mode. This is the general gameplay mode for playing locally, usually against the computer or versus a local player. This mode can give you a chance to experiment with tactics and plays without impacting your head-to-head record on online communities or MUT.
This mode is highly customizable, allowing players to pit any two teams against each other or even have a team play against itself. Additionally, players can select the stadium, weather and team uniforms.[1]
Each Play Now will have the player's Favorite Team set as the default home team, while the default away team will be randomized between the selected favorite team's division rivals.
Play Now Live[]
Madden NFL 18 added a new variation to exhibition mode named Play Now Live. Play Now Live allowed players to play whatever real life game is taking place in a given week and allowed them to continue a franchise or season from there.[2]