If your crunched for time and know next to nothing about fantasy football, this guide is for you. It will explain all the core concepts of fantasy football, is very skimable, and will give you the essentials to compete in your league. Bookmark this page and check out or other tools, fantasy team names, and other content.

Now on to fantasy, let’s be honest you’re probably reading this right before a draft. First figure out your league scoring, next skim the draft and advanced concept sections and you’ll have a fighting chance. Good luck!

I. Introduction

Welcome to the exciting world of fantasy football! For the complete newbie: Fantasy football is a game where participants act as virtual team owners and general managers, drafting real NFL players to create their own dream team.

The performance of these players in actual NFL games determines the points your fantasy team scores.

Fantasy football has been around since the 1960s, but it exploded in popularity with the rise of the internet in the 1990s. Today, millions of people worldwide (and especially in America) participate in fantasy football leagues, enjoying the thrill of competition, the satisfaction of strategic decision-making, and the enhanced connection it provides to the sport they love.

People play fantasy football for various reasons:

• To add excitement to watching NFL games
• To compete with friends, family, or colleagues
• To test their football knowledge and strategic skills
• To potentially win prizes or bragging rights

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started and set you on the path to fantasy football success.

II. Basic Concepts

A. League Structure

Fantasy football leagues come in various sizes and formats. Understanding these basics will help you choose the right league for your preferences and skill level.

1. League Sizes:
   • 8-team leagues: Smaller, more casual leagues. Each team will have very strong rosters.
   • 10-team leagues: A good balance of roster strength and competition.
   • 12-team leagues: The most common size, offering a good challenge.
   • 14+ team leagues: More challenging, requiring deeper knowledge of players.
2. League Types:
   • Redraft: The most common type. All players are drafted new each season.
   • Keeper: Teams can keep a certain number of players from the previous season.
   • Dynasty: Teams keep most or all players from year to year, similar to managing a real NFL team.
3. Public vs. Private Leagues:
   • Public leagues: Join open leagues with strangers, often hosted on major fantasy platforms.
   • Private leagues: Create or join leagues with friends, family, or colleagues.

B. Roster Composition

A typical fantasy football roster includes:

1. Starting Positions:
   • 1 Quarterback (QB)
   • 2 Running Backs (RB)
   • 2 Wide Receivers (WR)
   • 1 Tight End (TE)
   • 1 Flex (RB/WR/TE)
   • 1 Kicker (K)
   • 1 Team Defense/Special Teams (DEF/ST)
2. Bench:
   • Usually 6-7 bench spots for backup players
3. IR (Injured Reserve):
   • Some leagues offer 1-2 IR spots for injured players

Note that roster compositions can vary by league, so always check your specific league settings.

C. Scoring Formats

Understanding how points are awarded is crucial to success in fantasy football. The three most common scoring formats are:

1. Standard Scoring:
   • Passing: 1 point per 25 yards, 4 points per touchdown
   • Rushing/Receiving: 1 point per 10 yards, 6 points per touchdown
   • No points for receptions
2. PPR (Points Per Reception):
   • Same as standard, but players receive 1 point for each reception
   • Increases the value of high-volume pass-catchers
3. Half-PPR (0.5 PPR):
   • A middle ground between standard and PPR
   • Players receive 0.5 points per reception
4. Custom Scoring:
   • Some leagues use unique scoring systems
   • Always review your league’s specific scoring rules

D. Drafting

The draft is where you select the players for your team. It’s one of the most exciting parts of fantasy football.

1. Snake Draft:
   • Most common draft type
   • Draft order reverses each round (e.g., 1st pick in odd rounds, last pick in even rounds)
2. Auction Draft:
   • Each team has a budget to bid on players
   • Allows for more strategy but can be more complex for beginners
3. Draft Order:
   • Usually randomly assigned
   • Some leagues allow draft position trading
4. Mock Drafts:
   • Practice drafts to test strategies
   • Available on most fantasy platforms

E. In-Season Management

Once the season starts, your job as a fantasy manager begins in earnest.

1. Setting Lineups:
   • Choose which players to start each week
   • Consider matchups, injuries, and recent performance
2. Waiver Wire and Free Agency:
   • Add promising free agents to your team
   • Waiver priority determines who gets players when multiple managers want them
3. Trades:
   • Exchange players with other teams
   • Aim to improve your roster or address team needs

III. Advanced Concepts

A. Position Scarcity

Position scarcity refers to the limited number of high-quality players available at certain positions. Understanding this concept can give you an edge in drafting and trades.

• Some positions (like RB) have fewer elite options, making top players more valuable
• Other positions (like QB) often have many solid options, reducing the need to draft them early

B. Position Values

Not all positions are created equal in fantasy football:

1. Running Backs (RBs):
   • Often the most valuable due to scarcity and high-touch opportunities
   • Top-tier RBs are usually drafted in the first round
2. Wide Receivers (WRs):
   • Valuable, especially in PPR formats
   • More depth available compared to RBs
3. Tight Ends (TEs):
   • A few elite options, then a significant drop-off
   • Top TEs can provide a big advantage
4. Quarterbacks (QBs):
   • Despite scoring the most points, often drafted later due to position depth
   • In leagues that start two QBs, their value increases significantly

C. Quarterback Styles

The style of play of a quarterback can significantly impact their fantasy value:

1. Running QBs:
   • Can accumulate points through both passing and rushing
   • Often have a higher fantasy ceiling due to rushing touchdowns
2. Pocket Passers:
   • Rely primarily on passing yards and touchdowns
   • May be more consistent but have a lower ceiling than running QBs

D. Draft Strategies

Several popular draft strategies exist, each with its pros and cons:

1. Zero RB:
   • Focus on WRs early, draft RBs in later rounds
   • Can work well in PPR leagues
2. RB-Heavy:
   • Draft RBs early and often
   • Aims to corner the market on a scarce position
3. Balanced Approach:
   • Aim for a mix of positions in the early rounds
   • Provides flexibility but may miss out on elite players at certain positions
4. Best Player Available (BPA):
   • Draft the highest-ranked player regardless of position
   • Can lead to strong overall team value but may result in positional imbalances

E. Understanding Luck in Fantasy Football

While skill and strategy are important, luck plays a significant role in fantasy football:

1. Weekly Matchups:
   • You can’t control your opponent’s performance
   • Sometimes a lower-scoring team wins due to favorable matchup
2. Injuries:
   • Can derail a season for even the best-managed teams
   • Emphasizes the importance of depth and waiver wire management
3. Unexpected Performances:
   • Players can over- or under-perform projections
   • Focus on the process of making good decisions rather than results

IV. Tips for Success

A. Research and Preparation

1. Use Rankings and Cheat Sheets:
   • Consult expert rankings to guide your draft and weekly decisions
   • Create your own cheat sheet based on your research and league settings
2. Stay Updated on News and Injuries:
   • Follow reliable sources for up-to-date NFL news
   • Pay attention to injury reports and player status updates
3. Analyze Stats and Trends:
   • Look beyond just point totals
   • Consider factors like targets, red zone opportunities, and offensive line performance

B. In-Season Management

1. Waiver Wire Strategy:
   • Be active in acquiring free agents
   • Look for breakout candidates and injury replacements
2. When to Make Trades:
   • Address team weaknesses
   • Consider trading from a position of strength to improve weak spots
3. Streaming Positions:
   • For positions like QB, TE, and DEF, consider playing matchups week-to-week
   • Can be an effective strategy if you miss out on elite options

C. Matchup Analysis

1. Evaluate Player Matchups:
   • Consider the strength of the opposing defense
   • Look at historical performance against specific teams
2. Understand Defensive Strengths/Weaknesses:
   • Some defenses are strong against the run but weak against the pass, or vice versa
   • Use this information to inform start/sit decisions

D. Long-Term Planning

1. Plan for Bye Weeks:
   • Ensure you have viable replacements for players on bye
   • Consider bye weeks during drafts and trades
2. Prepare for Fantasy Playoffs:
   • Look at player schedules for weeks 14-17 (typical fantasy playoff weeks)
   • Consider trading for players with favorable late-season matchups

E. Using Tools and Resources

1. Fantasy Football Calculators:
   • Use trade value calculators to evaluate potential deals
   • Utilize start/sit calculators for tough decisions
2. Start/Sit Tools:
   • Consult expert opinions on weekly lineup decisions
   • Remember, these are guides, not gospel – trust your instincts too
3. Expert Advice and Podcasts:
   • Stay informed with fantasy football podcasts and articles
   • Remember that even experts can be wrong – use multiple sources

V. Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Drafting Based Solely on Previous Year’s Performance:
   • Situations change year to year
   • Look at trends and situation changes, not just last year’s stats
2. Neglecting the Waiver Wire:
   • Many league winners come from waiver wire pickups
   • Stay active throughout the season
3. Starting Players on Bye Weeks:
   • Always check your lineup for players on bye
   • Plan ahead for bye week replacements
4. Overvaluing Name Recognition:
   • Don’t draft players just because they’re famous
   • Focus on projected performance, not past glory
5. Making Rash Decisions After One Bad Week:
   • Don’t panic if a player has one bad game
   • Look for patterns before making major moves

VI. Glossary of Terms

• ADP (Average Draft Position): The average position a player is drafted in across many drafts
• Handcuff: A backup player, usually an RB, drafted to protect against injury to a starter
• FAAB (Free Agent Acquisition Budget): A system where teams have a budget to bid on free agents
• Sleeper: A player expected to outperform their draft position or ADP
• Bust: A player who underperforms relative to their draft position or ADP
• Stack: Drafting a QB and WR/TE from the same NFL team to double up on touchdowns
• Taco: A term for an inexperienced or unskilled player in your league

VII. Conclusion

Fantasy football is a game of skill, strategy, and a little bit of luck. As you gain experience, you’ll develop your own strategies and insights. Remember, the goal is to have fun and enhance your enjoyment of football. Don’t be afraid to take risks, learn from your mistakes, and engage with your league mates.

Keep learning, stay active on the waiver wire, and trust your instincts. With time and practice, you’ll be competing for your league championship in no time. Good luck, and may your players stay healthy and your touchdowns be plentiful!