Fantasy football

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Fantasy Football[edit | edit source]

Fantasy football is a game in which participants assemble an imaginary team of real-life football players and score points based on those players' actual statistical performance in real games. The game is popular in many countries, particularly in the United States, where it is often associated with the National Football League (NFL).

History[edit | edit source]

The concept of fantasy football originated in the early 1960s. The first recorded fantasy football league was created in 1962 by Wilfred "Bill" Winkenbach, a part-owner of the Oakland Raiders, along with some journalists and friends. This league was called the Greater Oakland Professional Pigskin Prognosticators League (GOPPPL).

The game gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s with the advent of the internet, which made it easier for participants to track player statistics and manage their teams. Today, millions of people play fantasy football worldwide.

Gameplay[edit | edit source]

In fantasy football, participants act as general managers of virtual teams. The game typically follows these steps:

Draft[edit | edit source]

The season begins with a draft, where participants select players for their teams. Drafts can be conducted in various formats, such as:

  • Snake Draft: Participants take turns selecting players, with the order reversing each round.
  • Auction Draft: Participants bid on players using a budget.

Scoring[edit | edit source]

Points are awarded based on the real-life performance of the players. Common scoring categories include:

  • Passing yards and touchdowns
  • Rushing yards and touchdowns
  • Receiving yards and touchdowns
  • Field goals and extra points

League Types[edit | edit source]

Fantasy football leagues can vary in format, including:

  • Standard Leagues: Use basic scoring and roster settings.
  • PPR (Points Per Reception) Leagues: Award additional points for each reception.
  • Dynasty Leagues: Allow participants to keep players from year to year.

Strategy[edit | edit source]

Successful fantasy football players often employ various strategies, such as:

  • Draft Strategy: Prioritizing certain positions or players based on perceived value.
  • Waiver Wire Management: Adding and dropping players based on performance and injuries.
  • Trade Negotiations: Trading players with other participants to improve team performance.

Popular Platforms[edit | edit source]

Several online platforms host fantasy football leagues, including:

Cultural Impact[edit | edit source]

Fantasy football has become a significant part of sports culture, with dedicated television shows, podcasts, and websites providing analysis and advice. It has also influenced how fans engage with the sport, often leading to increased viewership and interest in games.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  • "NFL Fantasy Football". NFL.com.
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD