Fantasy Football 101 Series: Basic Strategies; League & Draft Formats; Scoring; The Draft; Setting Your Lineup; Trades; How to Pick Up Players

It is widely accepted that the draft is the single most important day in the fantasy football season, despite the fact that no games are played. Destination drafts have now become routine as many fantasy football managers have moved to different locations over time, but still enjoy competing against the same managers. With the internet sites moving fantasy football to a virtual event, many still crave the excitement of being all together during a draft. Locations usually involve a restaurant, casino, or large meeting space and some leagues conduct large, extravagant drafts that last multiple days.

How the Draft Works:

You will draft a team of NFL players to form your idea of a perfect "fantasy" football team. You must "draft" (select) a player when it’s your turn based on the skill of the player and/or your need for that player to fill a certain position on your team.   The positions for which you need to draft are: Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Wide Receivers, Tight Ends, Team Defenses and Kickers. Some leagues require more players such as Individual Defensive Players (IDP's).

Starters

Most league rules require that you start 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 DEF, and 1 K. These are known as your "starters" and they are the minimum amount of players at each position that you must choose to play every week. You only earn fantasy points based on the players that you "start".

Bench Players

Players that you draft, but do not start are considered your “bench” players. You do not earn points for any player you do not start. The starters and your bench compile your "roster", otherwise known as your "fantasy football team".

Below you can see an example of what is meant by "starters" and "bench" players in your lineup. Remember, you DO NOT earn points for players on your bench.

WHEN YOU ARE DRAFTING PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR PLAYERS BYE WEEKS. This cannot be emphasized enough in that it makes no sense to draft 2 quarterbacks that are on the same bye week. When that bye week comes, you will without a doubt be in trouble unless you pick up a lower tier quarterback through free agency. Think ahead!

Owners for each team then determine each week which players will start (within the rules) and which will be "benched". Just like in real football, bench players can become starters for various reasons: due to other players’ injury, poor performance, or if another player’s team has a bye.

Each week, owners choose their starters for a game before a certain deadline. Whether to sit or start a player is usually based on strategic considerations including the player’s past and expected performance, defensive match ups, and so on.

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