by Mark Schwartz

Created on: June 27, 2009   Last Updated: July 04, 2009

For many people, fantasy football is the most exciting thing about football season. When I did my first fantasy season, I did horribly, mostly because I didn't understand how fantasy football worked. Here, then, is a quick outline of the fantasy football rules so you don't end up like I did.

How do I get my players? Most leagues have a draft, either in person or online. All the owners in your league need to get together to do the draft at the same time. While you can have the system pick players for you if you can't make it to an online draft, you should make every effort to be at your draft. It's usually a lot of fun critiquing each owner's picks and talking trash.

Which players do I get? Only players with countable statistics are included (no offensive linemen). This includes the basic offensive skill position players (quarterback, running back, receiver, and tight end), the kicker, and the defense as a unit.

How do I know which players are good? Many publications, both online and in print, are devoted to this, and they are readily available. They all speculate on what kind of season every fantasy player is likely to have. Don't trust them too much, though, as players suffer season-ending injuries all the time even Tom Brady. Most players are likely to produce in accordance with their position on the team it's good not just to take a skilled running back, for example, but to take the featured back for a team that likes to run the ball. Typically running backs are drafted first, as they are more likely to produce consistently when healthy.

How do I count a player's points? While some leagues still measure only touchdowns, most leagues now count touchdowns and yardage. The exact amount varies by system, but you might see 6 points for a touchdown, 1 point for each 10 yards of rushing or receiving, and -2 points for a fumble. Quarterbacks get points for touchdowns and yardage as well, and lose points for interceptions (some systems even take away QB points for sacks). Kickers get points for made kicks, with extra points typically worth 1 point and field goals worth more points the farther out they are (30+ yards = 4 pts, 40+ yards = 5 pts, etc.), and they lose points for missed kicks. Two-point conversions typically get 2 points for whoever scored (and also for the QB on passing plays). Defenses get points for keeping the opponents from scoring (on a sliding scale that varies by system), and also for interceptions, sacks, fumble recoveries, return touchdowns, etc. In most leagues, the defense and special teams are lumped together, so a punt return touchdown counts as points for the defense, just like an interception return for a touchdown.

Those are the basics of fantasy football. It requires some understanding and preparation, but in the end there's a good deal of luck involved as well. Have fun with it, but don't get too worked up about the results.

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