MidValleySports.Com

Robin Renay and her husband that “49er Fan”.

By Robin Renay

The NFL football season is pushing on to week nine so those of you who, like me, did not partake in a Fantasy Football league, will sadly have to wait until next season. Not to worry though! The positive side to this misfortune is that for those who do not know much about this favorite past time, now is the time to educate yourself about the game. For as it is said, “education is the key to success!”

Before I begin to go over a few basic “need to knows” for Fantasy Football, I will acknowledge the vast majority of you already know all of what I’m about to write, but for the select few who do not know how to even get started, (like me, until I picked my hubby’s brain and jumped on the computer to conduct sufficient research) this article is for you. It is meant to help you feel at ease for next season, and if you wish, follow along with your significant other’s team. Following along will be a good learning tool.

Fantasy Football is a game in which you put together you own team and manage it throughout the entire football season. Your team will be part of a league, and will play against other teams in the league. Each week your team will be awarded points based on the actual stats of the NFL players you have drafted. Which ever team scores the most points will win, and whoever has the most wins at the end of the season, will get to move on to the playoffs to determine the league champion!

With me so far?

If so, onward to discuss the typical Fantasy Football league. Typically, the league will have 8 to 14 teams, with a team roster of 15 players, 9 of which will be your starters, and 6 on the bench. I’ve been told this will vary depending on the number of people in the league.

Part of the fun is when you get together to draft your players. Drafting of the players can be done in many ways. A popular way is to get together as a group and spend some time hanging out and putting together what you hope is the ultimate football team.

Of course, it is recommended some time be spent preparing for the draft. I was told choosing a player because I liked the colors of the team’s uniforms was not the way to go (Not that I would ever do that…). It was recommended I research some players and create a cheat sheet based on the players ranking and how they are projected to do for the season.

Sounds like we are preparing for a big exam, doesn’t it?

Once you have a team drafted, then the fun begins as you follow all of the players you have drafted and others as well. I was told I would watch the game of football in a whole different way. I will begin to know the names and stats of many players, not just the big name guys. One thing I did notice right away this last Sunday, were the player stats that are posted at the bottom of the TV. I actually never paid attention to it before, and I got excited as I realized that was for the Fantasy Football player’s convenience to help keep track of their scores.

The game can also be a bit more exciting as you attempt to better your team with trades, or replacing players with a “free agent”. It also gets fun when you find yourself not being able to root for your favorite team, because you need a player from the opposing team to do well, so you can achieve as many points as possible for a win.

Fantasy Football can be a very fun way to stay involved with your loved one during the season, or a great way to either make new friends, or spend time with your current ones. I can’t wait until next season, for I will be participating in the Fantasy Football phenomenon!

Heck, I might even pick the perfect team, and end up winning the league prize! If that were to happen, I just might have to take the hubby out for an evening, as a “thank you” for taking the time to educate me on football, in such a way that I would be able to “kick his butt” in Fantasy Football.

May week 9 of the NFL bring you a win for your Fantasy Football team!

Robin Renay is a freelance writer living in Michigan, a life long San Francisco Giants fan, and a firm believer in all things Tim Lincecum (even when he’s being paid 35-million over the next two years).