Fantasy football. An industry that may be larger than the game itself. Nearly 60 million people are reported playing it, which has become a multi-billion sub-industry. What makes this “imaginary” game so popular, and how can someone win their league?
Fantasy football revolves around the National Football League (NFL). Participants create their own leagues, of up to 12 players, and select real-life NFL players for their teams. This selection can either be done through an auction house-type format, where the players are bought with a salary cap restriction, or through a draft where players are picked over 16 rounds.
Generally, each fantasy football team will have one quarterback, 2 running backs, 2 wide receivers, 2 tight ends, 1 miscellaneous flex position (this could be either a tight end, receiver, or running back), 1 spot for defense, and a kicker. However, there are also “IDP” leagues where you draft individual defensive players and the amount per position can also be changed by the league commissioner. The most commonly played format is the snake draft, where the person with the 1st pick has the last pick in the second round, with the traditional positions and 10-12 players in the league.
Points are awarded regardless of league format based on how the player performs in real life. The more yards, touchdowns, carries, or receptions a player gets, the more points they receive. Just like in real football, the person who scores more total points wins their matchup for that week. The end goal is to win as many weeks as possible and secure a championship.
In a snake draft, it is recommended to take elite WR or Running-Backs in the early rounds. Many newbies to fantasy make the mistake of taking big-name Quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes or Lamar Jackson; however, the options of truly elite receivers and running backs that can produce 20-30 points every week are thin. In the past couple of years, some of the best options in the early rounds include Justin Jefferson (WR), Christian McCaffrey (RB), Tyreek Hill (WR), Saquan Barkley (RB), and Jamarr Chase (WR). It is important to have at least 1-2 elite or really good wide receivers on a team.
Positions such as tight end and quarterbacks are generally dealt with in mid to late rounds. Although, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has been the exception to this with his elite wide-receiver-like production in recent years. In a 10-12 man league, elite quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen should be picked only after the first 3 to 4 rounds. Even then, the Quarterback position is so deep that it is easy to find serviceable talent like Kirk Cousins in later rounds.
The final rounds of the draft are where championships are won. This is where “sleeper” picks come into play; these are players who are not considered elite by the general public but have potential for elite-level production. An example of this last year was Raiders running back Josh Jacobs, who was a late-round pick in most leagues or even a waiver-wire add. However, his production last year equaled that of elite running backs such as CMC and many who picked him up won championships.
This year there are quite a few sleeper options. One could be Jaguars WR Calvin Ridley, who is coming off a one-year suspension. He will drop in many leagues due to fantasy owners fearing rust; however, he could provide WR1-level production if he meshes well with QB Trevor Lawrence. Based on week 1 and 2 of the NFL season, another sleeper could be Puka Nacua. With superstar WR Cooper Kupp injured, the Rams have been forced to give their young receivers opportunities. Mathew Stafford has been the QB of many monster WR fantasy seasons in the past with Kupp, Marvin Jones, and Calvin Johnson. If week one is any indication, Nacua and Stafford seemed to have developed excellent chemistry.
Whether it be in a competitive 12-man league or a casual league with family, fantasy football can be a great source of competition and enjoyment.
