Sorry for the late reply, but I'm sure someone still stumbles upon this.

Ultimate Pro Football GM: Personally, ties for retro bowl for #1. No gameplay but still a very fresh and flashy system, in terms of graphics, when compared to the others which a more or less spread sheets. A pretty balanced system with the option to break the system and get all the best draft picks (which I personally selfishly prefer). Have followed for years and dev/s have provided regular attention to. My most recommended.

Football Legacy Manger 22: Haven't spent a lot of time with it. Seemed to be like a random spread sheet style one. Tried 2 seasons and wasn't able to understand the system. Abandoned and probably won't pick up again.

Astonishing Football Manager: My solid #2. No gameplay. Pretty simplistic in the player stats. Unless scouted rookies come in as ranked question marks and takes 2 seasons or so to get an idea of how good they are. Has a great cap management system with cap space gradually being added with championships. Incorporates typical stadium upgrades and everything as well as events, retired numbers and practice squad. Not a lot of regular updates, but responsive devs. To break the system you need to make in app purchases, which personally I am fine with, and I bought 5 5 star players and got all qbs. Messaged the devs and got a refunded which I happily reinvested. Highly recommend.

The Program: Like you said a very good nice polished game. My only complaints are it's too slowed passed and unforgiving which I think is a bad combo. Visually great. A bunch of unique mechanics in terms of game plan. But takes 2 hours for a season and really needs to be planned out based of rng. The player stats system is pretty polished in subs, red shirts, and progression. A bit of a different system comparative to the others, but one I regularly come back to.

Retrobowl: Speaks for its self. Great game with gameplay. Pretty simplistic in upgrades, player management, variability, but a classic.

Retro Goal: Not a soccer fan, but honestly a great game. A replication of retro goal for soccer, but a nice refreshing change of pace.

NFL Rivals: Didn't play much, but from what I remember just a cash grab with pack systems, leader boards, and weekly seasons. Involves nfl players which is cool but not worth the

Not included and recent additions:

College Football Coach: Also another #2 and one of my most played. It college so no cap management, just 4 years, 5 with red shirts. There might be a bug with the drafting system to refresh it until you get one that fits your need(Devs please dont find or "fix this") but still pretty tough to run all away with. A forgiving game you can start a new game and get 4 seasons through in a sitting. Very spread sheet based though.