How Does Fantasy Football Work

The Basic Concept

Fantasy football transforms you from a fan into a team owner and general manager. You draft real NFL players to create your fantasy team, and their real-world statistics earn points for your team each week. The goal is to accumulate more points than your opponents and ultimately win your league championship.

Think of it like this: Every Sunday during the NFL season, you're competing against other team owners in your league. Your players' touchdowns, yards, receptions, and other stats translate into fantasy points. The team with the most points wins that week's matchup.

Quick Example

If your quarterback throws for 300 yards and 2 touchdowns in their real NFL game on Sunday, your fantasy team might earn 20+ points from that performance. Meanwhile, your opponent's QB might have a bad game, giving you an advantage in your weekly matchup.

The Fantasy Football Season

Pre-Season: The Draft

Before the NFL season begins (usually late August/early September), your league holds a draft where each team owner selects players to build their roster. Drafts typically work in a "snake" format:

Round 1: Teams pick 1-12 (or however many teams are in your league)
Round 2: Order reverses, now picking 12-1
Continue: This snake pattern continues for 15-16 rounds

Draft strategy is crucial—elite players go early, and you must balance different positions to build a complete team.

Regular Season (Weeks 1-14)

Each week, you:

1. Set your lineup: Choose which players to start (typically due by Thursday or Sunday)
2. Watch the games: Your active players earn points based on their performance
3. Track your score: Points accumulate throughout Sunday, Monday, and sometimes Thursday
4. Win or lose: The team with more points wins that week's matchup

Playoffs (Weeks 15-17)

The top teams (usually 4-6 teams) qualify for playoffs based on their regular season record. Single-elimination tournament determines the league champion. Win your playoff matchups to claim the championship and usually a cash prize!

Roster Positions Explained

A typical fantasy roster includes these positions (exact numbers vary by league):

🎯 Quarterback (QB) - Usually start 1

Points from passing yards, passing TDs, and sometimes rushing stats. Elite QBs are consistent scorers.

🏃 Running Back (RB) - Usually start 2

Points from rushing yards, rushing TDs, receptions, and receiving yards. The most valuable fantasy position due to scarcity.

🎣 Wide Receiver (WR) - Usually start 2-3

Points from receptions, receiving yards, and receiving TDs. Deep position with many options.

🎯 Tight End (TE) - Usually start 1

Similar scoring to WRs. A few elite TEs provide huge advantages; the rest are replaceable.

💪 Flex (FLEX) - Usually start 1

Can start any RB, WR, or TE. Provides roster flexibility for your best players.

⚔️ Defense/Special Teams (D/ST) - Usually start 1

Points from sacks, interceptions, fumble recoveries, TDs, and points allowed. You draft entire team defenses, not individual defensive players.

🦵 Kicker (K) - Usually start 1

Points from field goals and extra points. Generally the least important position.

💺 Bench (BN) - Usually 5-7 spots

Backup players who don't score points unless moved to your starting lineup. Use for bye weeks, injuries, and favorable matchups.

How Scoring Works

Most leagues use "PPR" (Point Per Reception) or "Standard" scoring. Here's a typical PPR scoring system:

Passing Stats

• Passing TD: 4 points
• Passing Yards: 1 point per 25 yards (300 yards = 12 points)
• Interception: -2 points

Rushing Stats

• Rushing TD: 6 points
• Rushing Yards: 1 point per 10 yards (100 yards = 10 points)

Receiving Stats (PPR)

• Reception: 1 point (the "PPR" point)
• Receiving TD: 6 points
• Receiving Yards: 1 point per 10 yards

Special Scoring

• Fumble Lost: -2 points
• 2-Point Conversion: 2 points

Example: If a running back rushes for 95 yards (9.5 points), scores 1 TD (6 points), and catches 4 passes for 25 yards (4 + 2.5 = 6.5 points), they score 22 total fantasy points.

Managing Your Team During the Season

Waivers and Free Agency

Players not on any team's roster are available to add:

Waiver Wire: Submit claims on available players (usually Tuesday-Wednesday)
Free Agents: Add players immediately if no waiver period
Drops: Must drop a player from your roster to add a new one

Trading

You can negotiate trades with other team owners to improve your roster:

Propose trades: Offer your players for their players
Negotiate: Counter-offer and discuss via your league platform
League approval: Most leagues review trades for fairness

Bye Weeks and Injuries

Every NFL team has one "bye week" where they don't play. Your players don't score points during their bye week. You must plan ahead and have backup options. Similarly, injuries are part of football—maintain roster depth to handle them.

Make Smarter Fantasy Decisions

Now that you understand how fantasy football works, take your game to the next level. Use our Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer to evaluate trades, optimize your lineup, and make data-driven decisions that win championships.

Start Analyzing Trades

Key Takeaways

Fantasy football is about managing a team of real NFL players who score points based on their actual performance
The season includes a draft, 14 weeks of regular season matchups, and playoffs
You must set your lineup weekly, choosing which players to start
Manage your team through waivers, free agency, and trades
Understanding scoring is crucial—TDs are worth more than yards