August 1, 2023

Fantasy Football Guide: What to Know

About Nicole Pajer

Nicole Pajer is a Los Angeles-based freelance published in The New York Times, Woman's Day, AARP, Parade, Wired, Glamour, People and more.

a football, notebook and pair of glasses

Are you a sports fan looking for a new hobby to do with your friends? Fantasy football can be a great activity for seniors who are looking for a fun and engaging way to stay active and connected and may be especially enjoyable for avid fans of the sport. Each year, fantasy football is growing in popularity worldwide, with a loyal fan base of both older and younger generations. So why not participate this season? A little competition is always fun among friends!

Some of us may have heard of fantasy football but many of us probably don’t have a clue as to what it is or how it works. “Think of fantasy football as a game of make-believe; where you are the manager of your very own football team,” says Ernesto Cova, a sports psychologist and senior sports writer at NBA Blast. You get to pick your very own players based on real-life football players from different NFL teams. Then you compete against other participants' teams!

And the social aspect? “Fantasy football is similar to a book club for sports enthusiasts, but instead of discussing books, you discuss and manage football players,” Cova explains. “It's a great way to learn more about the sport, stay engaged throughout the season, and connect with other fans. Just like in a book club, the more you participate and learn, the more you'll enjoy the experience!”

How do you participate in fantasy football?

Participating is simple. First, gather a group of football-loving friends (12-14 is recommended) for your fantasy football league. The participants will then draft their players and manage their teams throughout the season. There is generally nothing to fear when it comes to starting your fantasy football journey, because you're never alone in this adventure. There are countless online resources and video tutorials to help guide you through the entire process!

Forming a league

The first step to kicking off your fantasy football league is picking a commissioner. This person will be in charge of starting the league on a fantasy football website, which includes naming the league, choosing the rules, scheduling the draft, and inviting the participants. The commissioner is also in charge of holding on to the prize for the winner. (Although not required, many leagues have a “buy-in” then the winner gets the pot at the end of the season).

If you will be the commissioner, rest assured that creating your fantasy football league is often incredibly simple! There are many websites you can use to start your own league and Yahoo Fantasy is a great option. Here’s a step by step guide on how to do it.

Once the league is established, each participant will have the opportunity to create a unique team for themselves (by drafting players) as well as coming up with their own team’s name.

Drafting players

Like in the NFL, the draft is where you'll select the players for your team. This is done on a specific date and time, set by the commissioner. “The draft order is usually determined randomly, and it's crucial to be strategic and flexible as the draft unfolds,” says Cova. He recommends keeping an eye on your list of preferred players and being prepared to adjust your strategy if they get taken by other teams. “As you draft your team, make sure to select a well-rounded roster, including players from various positions,” Cova adds. “I'd advise [new fantasy football participants] to prioritize selecting players from key positions such as quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers.” These players, he says, typically score the most points in fantasy football, so having strong performers in these positions should give your team a solid foundation.

How to score points

The players you draft earn points for your team based on their real-life in-game statistics, such as yards gained, touchdowns scored, receptions made, and more. When a player is on fire in an actual game, racking up impressive stats, they'll be bringing in a significant number of points for your fantasy team as well! “This connection between real-life performance and fantasy points is one of the most exciting aspects of playing fantasy football. It adds an extra layer of engagement when watching NFL games, as you can cheer for your fantasy players and see the direct impact of their success on your fantasy team,” says Cova.

Selecting your player lineup

Before each week's games, you'll need to decide which players will be in your starting lineup. You'll choose who plays positions such as quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, kicker, and defense. In addition to your starting lineup, you'll also have a few bench players who can be used as substitutes. This decision is crucial because you only earn points for the players in your starting lineup, not for the ones on the bench. At some point each week, your lineup for the week will become locked, and after that you won't be able to make changes until the following week. “When selecting your starting lineup, it's essential to consider factors such as player matchups, recent performance, and injury status. A well-informed decision can be the difference between winning and losing in any given week,” Cova explains. You can also just wing it and pick players based on who you like the best! It doesn't have to be taken super seriously; it is just a game after all.

When does the season start?

Fantasy football typically starts around the same time as the NFL season, which is usually early September. However, there are pre-season preparations and drafts that happen in August, so it's important to keep an eye on the calendar.

Keep it fun

Like any new hobby, it might take some time to get the hang of fantasy football, but practice and experience can help you improve over time. Checking sports news, watching NFL games and highlights and following your players' progress can be both helpful and entertaining, but not necessary. The important thing is to have fun and not get too caught up in the technical or competitive aspects of the game. “The experience of playing fantasy football can be rewarding in and of itself, providing a fun and engaging way to stay active and connected with others and winning is just a bonus,” says Cova.