So far, the NFL football season has kicked off to a great start for some fantasy football players. Fantasy football is a game in which people can join a fantasy football league, draft players, track rankings, watch highlights, and more. It is widely played by teens, athletes, friends, and co-workers. There are many steps to playing, but the main goal is to win. Winners get cash payouts and bragging rights.
As stated, fantasy football is played by a diverse group of people, ranging from teenagers to adults. But why do people play fantasy football? According to some teens, it’s for fun with family and friends. Along with that, winning can have its perks, like bragging or even getting money. “[I play with my brothers and a lot of my boy cousins, so they get extra irritated if I beat them. I play just to mess around with them a little bit,” BSM teacher Megan Kern said.
Starting fantasy football can be stressful if you have never played, but experienced players could be in more than one league. “I’m in two leagues right now. Better than ever because I’m winning a lot. I have the best team [with the] most points,” senior Joe Schumacher said.
While fantasy football is fun to play, it can be hard. Every player is important, and drafting the right team is a make-or-break game. “[The draft] was great. So one format I did is an auction draft where, essentially, you start with $100 and you buy your roster, and that league is going fantastic,” Schumacher said.
Schumacher might be doing well, but others aren’t. Every game is important; all the points added up, the scores, and the overall success of your team are graded. It can be difficult to climb back up if you have already placed low midway through the season. “I think my fantasy grade was a D right after draft day, and I think I am one and five. So yeah, not so great,” Kern said.
The struggle with drafting is never knowing which player you can really depend on, and how you will come from a setback if something were to happen. There have been many players out or injured this season, and it has been affecting fantasy football players’ rosters. “[It] makes you get more depth on your roster, and it makes you think about the game more, not just about the star players, but the backups as well,” senior Dylan Warner said.