Always defer.
If I've learned anything playing Madden, it's to defer and attempt to manage the 1st half so I have the last possession and then get the 2nd half kick-off.
Elect to receive of course if they win the toss and defer.
Reminds me of a time coaching high school ball back in the day and we sent the wrong knucklehead out for the flip. Other team won the toss, deferred, and our guy told them we wanted to kick.