Fantasy Football Returns: Everything You Need to Know Before Kickoff
- Liam Gatcliffe
- Aug 3
- 4 min read
by Liam Gatcliffe
Explorers… the summer is winding down and the school year is upon us. Yes, yes, I know; back in the classrooms and back to the daily grind. All is not lost, though.
Starting on September 9, America’s most viewed sport is back! The NFL Regular Season commences in Seattle, where the Seahawks will welcome the New England Patriots for a Super Bowl rematch from February. The following Sunday, the long-awaited slate of NFL games begins. That’s all fun, am I right? What if I told you there’s a game within the game of football made just for us fans? Welcome to Fantasy Football.
What is Fantasy?
Fantasy Football is a game created for NFL fans to add extra investment into the season and a competitive twist amongst friends and family. Players create a league with as little as 4 participants (although 10–12 is the normal size). From there, a draft is held in which every quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, kicker, and defense is up for grabs. Fantasy “managers” take turns selecting who they want on their team to create their own lineup.
Every week, your team competes against other league mates. Players score points based on their real-life performances. Field goals, touchdowns, receptions, and rushing yards all produce points that add to your team’s total. The key takeaway is this: your players are scoring live as you watch them ball out on the field. Whichever team scores the most points wins for that week. Most leagues start in Week 1, fantasy playoffs begin around Week 14, and Fantasy Football Championships occur in the final weeks of the NFL Regular Season.
Why should you play?
I started playing Fantasy Football in 2020, and it has completely upgraded my Sunday football experience. Fantasy gives fans a reason to invest in every game. Trust me, there’s nothing better than turning on a random Broncos game at 4:25 p.m. in November and needing 12.7 points from Courtland Sutton to beat your friend.
It leads to fun competition and rivalries among friends. Many leagues even have a punishment for the last-place manager (Milk Mile, staying in a Waffle House for 24 hours and eating your way out, etc.). It really is a blast!
“I love playing fantasy football because it makes every NFL game more exciting…I like trying to build the best team, make smart decisions and compete against my friends. Even as the NFL changes every year, fantasy football keeps the game fun and gives me a new challenge each season.” — Sean Alfonso ’29
How to be competitive
Enough on what the game is about! How do you actually win? Here are a few basic tips:
Draft a Running Back or Wide Receiver early. This player is going to be your workhorse, the guy you can count on for 20+ points week in and week out.
Wait on QB, stack if you can. Oftentimes, there’s no need to waste a top 2 or 3 pick on a QB. Wait and snag a solid middle-of-the-pack QB. Pick one with rushing upside so you can benefit from extra points. Bonus: select a QB who’s on the same team as one of your wide receivers. That way, both benefit from catches and touchdowns.
Pay attention to injuries. Many players miss weeks due to injury. Be careful and don’t rely on these guys too much.
Set your lineup every week. Between bye weeks and injuries, the lineup you set in Week 1 will never be the lineup you keep until Championship Week. Make minor changes every week to optimize your scoring potential.
Trade and use the waiver wire. The players you draft don't always have to be the players you keep. Exchange players with other teammates. Not every player in the NFL gets drafted initially, so look to the waiver wire whenever you’re in a tight spot.
Players to watch this season
This season is going to be just as full of surprises, player breakouts, and broken records as always! Highlighting this year’s draft class are players like Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua, and Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson. Every year has a classic breakout, like Nacua himself a couple years back. Nobody knew his name on draft day, but he was a guaranteed starter by the fantasy playoffs.
Be careful with NFL rookies because they are unproven at this level of the game. For me, I’m being cautious around highly esteemed rookies like Arizona Cardinals RB Jeremiyah Love, who could very easily fall flat and be a busted pick.
Final thoughts: Join soon!
As August approaches and the homework begins, make a league with some friends. It’ll make you more invested on Sundays, add more fun to your weekends, and it's available to all. Whether you’re an expert or newcomer, Fantasy Football is a game where every point matters, every weekend tells a new story, and a lot is on the line come December!
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