(such as hyphens) to indicate the breaks. So, when using a web address that spans two lines of text, type in exactly what you see, pretending as though the line break doesn’t exist. For the fantasy websites, I also capitalize all the links to help you easily identify them.
Although you can choose to play fantasy football on a wide array of web providers, to simplify matters throughout this book I use the default settings for Yahoo!. No matter what provider you choose, make sure you double-check the league settings before you start to play.
Furthermore, because fantasy football is a game based on the National Football League (NFL), it can feature some confusing terminology. For example, each person who plays fantasy football is a player in the fantasy game, and they depend on the players in the NFL game. See what I mean? Therefore, when I refer to coaches, I mean you, the fantasy participant — unless I specifically say “NFL coach.” Whenever I say player, I’m referring to the NFL players who make up your fantasy league.
Finally, fantasy sites and experts use a lot of positional shorthand based on NFL depth charts, and this book is no different. I call the starting running back the RB1, and his backups are called RB2 and RB3. You can apply the same shorthand when you’re the king of your own team’s depth chart. Here are the positional abbreviations to look for:
QB = Quarterback
RB = Running back
WR = Wide receiver
TE = Tight end
K = Kicker
DEF = Team defense
D/ST = Defense/Special teams
What You’re Not to Read
Throughout the book, there might be personal asides or historical references to the crazy game we call fantasy football. These anecdotes, which I often place in sidebars, are not essential reading in order to grasp fantasy football.
Foolish Assumptions
When writing this book, I made a couple of assumptions about you, my dear reader. Here are my two main assumptions:
You’re a football fan. I don’t explain how offenses can get a first down or when the forward pass was invented. You know the pro league, and you know many of the NFL stars by name. Understanding the game helps you evaluate talent and choose quality players during the fantasy draft process and during the season. It’s possible to stick only to expert advice and cheat sheets to play fantasy football, but I don’t advise it. For a more in-depth look at the game and rules of football, check out Football For Dummies, 6th Edition, by Howie Long and John Czarnecki (Wiley).
You own (or have regular access to) a computer or a smartphone and you’re not afraid to use it. Almost all fantasy leagues are run exclusively online, from the drafting process to weekly team management. I assume that you can surf the web, download an app and click on links. Being able to navigate the Internet quickly and effectively is part of the game.
How This Book Is Organized
Fantasy Football For Dummies explains the game to you from start (the draft) to finish (the championship). However, like the NFL, the fantasy season is never truly over. You can use the research information to scout players and potential sleepers year-round. This book is organized so that you can jump in anywhere, depending on your experience level and the status of your season and league.
Part 1: The Xs and Os of Fantasy Football: Just the Basics, Please
Part 1 provides readers with an overview of the game. You find out how it works, how different fantasy leagues are set up and run, why scoring is so important in fantasy football, and how you can join or create a league that’s right for you. I also explain how you can prepare for the most fun day on the fantasy calendar: the all-important fantasy league draft.
Part 2: Advanced Scouting and Drafting Secrets
Researching the NFL players and picking the best possible talent for your fantasy team is a very important aspect of fantasy football. This part provides guidelines for you to use when you try to separate the wheat from the chaff at the different roster positions. Then when you’re ready for draft day, this part explains important draft strategies to help you assemble your team.
Part 3: Let the Games Begin: In-Season Strategy Guide
After you assemble your dream team in the draft (or endure a nightmare brought on by another coach always selecting your coveted players), you need to know how to guide your team to glory during the fantasy season. This part walks you through your many in-season management duties and breaks down the most common issues you’ll face and decisions you’ll have to make. If you draft well and you make some shrewd moves during the season, your team may qualify for your league’s playoffs, and you may even win your league championship! The fantasy postseason is its own beast, so I end this part by explaining the rules and strategies for enjoying postseason success.
Part 4: Daily Fantasy Football – A New Draft Every Week
Fantasy football can be fun, but what happens when you aren’t interested in playing through a whole season? Is there a way to apply your fantasy football drafting skills for one week, or even just one game? Yes. It’s called Daily Fantasy Football. And it’s taking the NFL and fantasy sports by storm.
Part 4 focuses on introducing you to this exciting recent development in fantasy sports, by exploring the basics of finding a DFS provider, setting up an account, and then getting started entering tournaments and competitions. Learn the difference between popular contest types, from 50/50s to H2Hs to larger Guaranteed Prize Pool tournaments worth hundreds of thousands of dollars!
Part 5: The Part of Tens
Part 5 is the classic For Dummies feature, the Part of Tens. The chapters here are filled with quick reminders that you can refer to before your draft and well into the fantasy season. Specifically, I present ten quick fixes you can make after your draft concludes and you determine that your team is less than perfect. I also cover ten common rookie mistakes you should avoid at any time during your fantasy season. Finally, I offer ten tricks and tips to get winning in Daily Fantasy contests and tournaments.
Icons Used in This Book
To help you navigate your way through this book, I provide the following friendly and useful icons in the left margin. These little pictures enhance your reading pleasure and point out specific types of information.
