Every fall, with the start of the NFL season comes the onset of an unstoppable epidemic that cripples the productivity of students and teachers everywhere.  That epidemic is fantasy football, which is already in full swing.  However, despite the game’s popularity, many people still do not understand how it works, or what it even is.  Fortunately, it turns out to be quite simple.

“It’s a competitive event where people can manage virtual teams with real NFL players.  Offensive players score based on their weekly performances.  Owners of virtual teams compete against one another, usually head to head, every week, and whoever’s players score most win the match-up,” said junior Oliver Yan.  Teams are selected in a simple fashion.  “You pick players from all different teams to create a team of superstars,” said social science teacher Mrs. Jennifer High. As for why people play fantasy football, this also turns out to be quite simple. “It involves two things: people like football and socializing.  Plus, it’s nice to say you beat someone and, since these teams are virtual, it’s like creating your own dream team,” said freshman Mark Geppert.  Of course, there are other reasons that people love the game.

“It’s because people who play fantasy football aren’t athletic so this is the best option for them,” said senior Michael Havert. For newcomers to the game, experienced players have a variety of strategies they suggest. “Don’t join more than three leagues.  Focus on a few, and the draft.  Trust your gut, and make sure you know who your players are up against,” said Geppert.  Additionally, picking your favorite player might not be a good strategy in the eyes of some players. “Unless your favorite player is Peyton Manning, don’t always pick your favorites.  Sometimes players on teams you hate can give you the best chance of winning your weekly match-up,” said Yan.  Another tactic is to find a diamond in the rough, or a sleeper pick.  Sleepers are players who may do surprisingly well during the season.

“Find a sleeper to draft to make everyone mad because you’re beating them with a player who is surprisingly good,” said Havert.  Research is also critical to building a successful lineup. “I follow ESPN’s suggested list and steal players from people who talk about who they might pick in the draft,” said Ms. High. Fantasy football also has the power to increase one’s interest in the NFL. “I follow stats of various players, I have NFL Sunday Ticket and I watch the RedZone channel,” said Ms. High. This interest has the power to bring people together, which may actually be the greatest positive of fantasy football. “Fantasy football is always a topic of conversation on Mondays and Tuesdays because I play in a couple of leagues with my friends,” said Yan.