Decline challenges by players that are obviously pushing a stronger team. There will be no loss in fans by doing so, and the rewards for winning against a much stronger team is not worth the risk. Try to face opponents that are more evenly matched with your own team. Use the "Strategy" option to defend against specific plays that are being run against you. Because you are not in control of the defense in Head-to-Head games, take note of the plays that opponents like to run and make sure you have the most common ones in your active slots. When on a fourth down, go for the field goal if you are in range. Although unrealistic, scoring at every opportunity is the most important aspect in this mode.