Fantasy Football – Should I Play?

Fantasy football is BIG business. Fantasy sports popularity has gone through the roof in the past 5-8 years. With such a surge in interest, it’s never been easier to get in on the action, with websites and apps designed to stay current with football news, player stats and ‘expert’ advice on how to stay ahead of the competition and be a league champion!

According to Nielsen Scarborough, fantasy sports participation in the U.S. increased from approximately 8.3 million in 2012 to 15.6 million in 2017. That means that 6.2% of the general adult population play fantasy sports… and it’s growing. The increase in interest has had a particularly big impact on professional football, as the number of NFL fans who play fantasy sports grew from 7.4 million in 2012 to 12.5 million in 2017.

Seriously? What’s the big deal? Should you get in on the action?

Before you dismiss it as a waste of time and money; or you feel you don’t know enough about football, consider some reasons you may want to join the other 32 million people sporting team gear and clamoring for bragging rights… and other prizes… in fantasy football!

Water Cooler Bragging Rights and more!

Looking for a reason to be a standout at the office? Play fantasy football. Nothing gets a conversation rolling at the water cooler on Monday morning (or Tuesday or now Friday) like being able to comment on a Mahome’s side arm pass, Todd Gurley running over a DB or how Deandre Hopkins pushed you to the top of your PPR league with those 8 catches. Football is a great conversation starter with workmates or a way to talk to someone you might not otherwise speak with. Figure out your bosses’ favorite team and drop a team stat on him… watch them light up.

If you live with a die-hard football fan, there is no better way to their heart than through fantasy football participation! If you want to impress that someone special, feel free to drop the ‘ol “I’m rooting for my QB to hit that 158.3 rating today” …. They may get on bended knee right then and there.

Are you Watching Football Anyway? Make it More Interesting with a Fantasy Football Team

Not everyone starts out a die-hard football fan (thought we don’t know why??). If that someone special is a loyal football watcher and you’re watching the big game anyway, having a vested interest in every nationally televised game is basically impossible, but when playing fantasy football, a viewer can be ‘invested’ in certain teams, players or match ups. It makes the game MUCH more interesting! Not interested in the Detroit Lions game? You will be if you chose Matt Stafford as your fantasy QB! Don’t normally care what special teams means? You’ll never be more excited for a punt return than you will be when it’s the special teams you chose for your team.

Football is Life

Why not broaden knowledge of how America’s favorite game impacts people? From coaches and players, to fans? How do you get eleven people to work together for a common cause? Why do players get so emotional? How do they play through pain? What is a football mom? There is more football on television now than ever, so fantasy football can be an opportunity to follow the game and understand WHY millions love this game. Play fantasy football for the trash talking and camaraderie that is the true benefit of spending a few minutes each week trying to one up your friends.

Hey, There's Money in It

Aside from the fun, knowledge and bragging rights… you can make a few dimes playing fantasy football. Some leagues play for big money, but that is not remotely necessary to experience the fun of playing in a fantasy league. Most leagues are about the bonding, bragging and fun you have from August to February. Most buy in leagues are cheap, with the champion taking home a couple hundred bucks. You don’t need to get serious. Make it fun. However, with a few bucks on the line, most players stay engaged throughout the season. But in the end… having the offseason bragging rights is what it’s all about!

Give fantasy football a shot in 2019! You don’t have to be a football expert to play and it’s a great way to learn about the game. You don’t have to be on Belichick’s or Saban’s staff to win it all; champions come in all shapes and sizes. Don’t forget, the landscape is littered with fantasy football champions that make decisions based on uniform colors or ‘cute’ players. Hey… if it works, it works!

PLAY!