Are the ratings in this game like madden or is it a more balanced type? Would a 50 in this game be a horrible player or would he be average?

I'm new at this game and I would love to receive any answers so I can start my rebuild.

The default weights assigned to player rating are not very good. You need to customize those scores with a major emphasis on speed to see something closer to what players are really worth. You can get by with 50 or lower in certain skill ratings, but obviously higher is better, just don’t sacrifice speed to get it. There are several posts in the forums that give suggested weights and other tips, just might take some digging. I don’t have a link ready to go, might get back with one later.

Try these 3 posts, lots of good info and will get you off to a good start

https://usflwfl.myfootballnow.com/community/3/7428?page=1

https://usflwfl.myfootballnow.com/community/3/7494?page=1#45190

https://usflwfl.myfootballnow.com/community/3/7400?page=1

defualt ratings are trash.
I started a few months ago, would definitely point towards the last community accepted baseline player weights (you'll make your own modifications)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MxHipSv4rfFQr-zpzWoiJN4r8a4QYhUJ/view

and also this (most valuable player weights by position):
https://fantasy-league.myfootballnow.com/community/3/2443?page=12

Speed kills.
Don't make any major moves until you adopt the baseline.
All i did was read forums, follow the leader, and then work on figuring out what works for me.
8-1-1 on my first season.

What I have found is MFN has not been updated in 2yr+, any and all info on the forums is to be used and abused.
Assuming you can read with basic comprehension, and have the slightest, tiniest bit of motivation, you will be more than fine.
Any Setherick post is a cheat guide. Its been 2 years since an update an the elders have laid out everything.
If I can win with a full basic approach to what information is proven, so can you.
You got this!
Don't let the sharks eat you with the roster/trades/blahs, because they absolutely will try to do so.
READ!!
...and hope for an easier, user friendly forum search bot :)

Trade scores are also trash, I'd recommend treating them accordingly.

Ok thanks for all the help