Fantasy Football 101

Fantasy football is an online game where you assemble a virtual team of real NFL players. Each week, your players earn points based on their real-world performance — touchdowns, yards, catches, and more. You compete against other managers in your league, and the team with the most points wins that week's matchup.

The goal is to build the best roster through the draft, free-agent pickups (waiver wire), and trades — then ride your team to a championship.

1. Join or create a league (usually 8–12 teams). 2. Hold a draft — each manager picks players in order. 3. Set your weekly lineup before games start. 4. Score points based on your players' real NFL stats. 5. Win or lose each week against a league opponent. 6. Make roster moves (trades, waiver claims) to improve your team. 7. The top teams advance to playoffs at the end of the regular season.

• Snake Draft — The most common format. Teams pick in order (1–12), then the order reverses for round 2 (12–1), and so on. Simple and fair.

• Auction Draft — Every manager gets a budget (e.g. $200) and bids on players. Any player can be nominated. Rewards strategy over luck.

• Best-Ball — You draft a full roster but never set a lineup. The platform automatically uses your highest-scoring players each week. Great for low-maintenance play.

• Dynasty Draft — You keep your roster year to year, building a team for the long haul. Adds a deep layer of roster strategy.

• Standard Scoring — Points per touchdown and yards gained. No points for receptions.

• PPR (Points Per Reception) — Players earn 1 extra point per catch. Heavily rewards pass-catching backs and wide receivers.

• Half-PPR — 0.5 points per reception. A popular middle ground.

• Custom Scoring — Most platforms let you fully customize how points are earned, including bonuses for long plays, sacks, return yards, and more.

The waiver wire is the pool of players not currently on any team's roster. When a player gets injured, breaks out, or gets a role change, you can claim them from waivers.

• Waiver Priority — Most leagues use a priority system. Managers who haven't made recent claims get higher priority.

• FAAB (Free Agent Acquisition Budget) — Some leagues give each team a budget to bid on free agents. The highest bid wins.

Mastering the waiver wire is often the difference between a good and great fantasy manager.