Fantasy football is a fun and competitive way to engage with your favorite sport. Whether you’re playing with friends or joining a public league, getting started can seem overwhelming. This guide breaks down the basic steps for beginners and highlights the massive rewards some players have earned.

Step 1: Understand the Game

Fantasy football is a game where participants act as general managers of virtual teams made up of real-life NFL players. Your team earns points based on the statistical performance of these players in actual games.

Step 2: Join a League

The first step is to join a league. You can either join an existing league (public or private) on platforms like ESPN, Yahoo, or NFL.com or create your own with friends. Different leagues have varying rules, so read the league settings before you start.

Step 3: Draft Your Team

Once in a league, the next step is drafting your team. A draft involves picking real NFL players for your fantasy roster. You’ll need to know which positions to fill, such as quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. Researching player rankings beforehand helps you draft effectively.

Step 4: Manage Your Team

Throughout the season, managing your roster is key. You’ll need to set lineups before each game week and make adjustments based on injuries, bye weeks, or trades. Keeping up with player performance and news is essential for making good decisions.

Step 5: Compete and Enjoy

Once your lineup is set, you’ll face off against other league members each week. Scores are based on how well your players perform in their actual NFL games.

Fantasy Football Winnings

While many play for fun, high-stakes fantasy football can lead to big payouts. In some of the top competitions, players have won life-changing sums. For instance, winners of large-scale contests like DraftKings and FanDuel have walked away with prizes as large as $1 million.