How to Start a Fantasy Football League? Tips For Setting Up A Fantasy League

Danny Boily helps anyone new to fantasy football but giving them tips on how to start a league.

So, you've decided to dive into the world of fantasy football. Whether you're a seasoned manager or a fresh-faced rookie, the prospect of creating your own league is both thrilling and daunting. The stakes are high, the competition fierce, and the camaraderie invaluable. It's a journey that promises excitement and adventure. 

You must set up your league before you can hoist the coveted championship trophy. But where do you begin? 

Fear not. This guide will empower you with the essential steps to creating a successful and unforgettable fantasy football league. The sense of accomplishment when you see your league in action will be unparalleled.

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The Managers

First, you must secure committed managers (the people who run the teams weekly). The sweet spot lies between 10-12 managers. Eight is workable but a bit thin. 16? Buckle up for chaos (and running out of quality players later in the draft). Here's what "committed" looks like: folks who show up to the draft (or at least participate remotely), actively manage their rosters, and contribute to the league's camaraderie. No one wants that person who auto-drafts a team filled with backup quarterbacks and then disappears at the end of the season.

Fantasy football is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires dedication from draft day to the final whistle of the last game of the season. Commitment means more than showing up; it means staying engaged, active in trades, and not abandoning your team when injuries strike or luck turns against you. Look for managers who understand the grind and are willing to stay the course.

Me at the draft looking at my fantasy roster that has Tua, Breece Hall, Kamara, Chase, Olave, Aaron Jones, and David Montgomery vs me looking at it now being 1-5 on the season pic.twitter.com/UB1Eirb1NW

— Joe™ (@xxscapegoat) October 17, 2023

The Commissioner

The commissioner is the linchpin of your league, the one who keeps the fantasy train chugging. This role requires a healthy dose of organization, a tolerance for whining (because let's be honest, there will be whining), and the ability to make tough calls. But it's also a position of great influence, where you can shape the league's culture and ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all. 

The commissioner sets the rules (usually decided as a group) and ensures everything runs smoothly (there are too many scenarios to cover). A good commissioner is organized, fair, and responsive. They must also be a bit of a diplomat (some say dictator), mediating any disputes that might arise.

The Details

Decide if your league will have a buy-in. A money league ups the ante and keeps managers more engaged. Even a small wager on the line can turn a casual player into a committed competitor.

The draft is the cornerstone of your league. Decide if you'll draft in person, which can be fun and foster league camaraderie, or online, which is more convenient, especially for geographically dispersed leagues. Snake drafts are the most common, but auction drafts add another layer of strategy and excitement.

I strongly encourage every league to try an in-person draft. It's a better experience than drafting online, fostering a sense of camaraderie and excitement among the managers. It's a great opportunity to have fun, share laughs, and build memories. Consider planning it on a night when your favorite NFL team is playing a pre-season game. You can even play yard games before or after the draft. Better yet, plan an overnight trip away to avoid distractions and fully immerse yourselves in the draft experience. 

Me explaining to my girl why I need to lay on the couch all day and watch football for 10 straight hours ignoring everything else that exists in the world.. pic.twitter.com/EBPRU87jz5

— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) September 10, 2023

The Rules

Set clear rules from the start. This includes scoring settings, roster requirements, trade deadlines, and playoff formats. Consider drafting a league constitution, a formal document outlining all rules and procedures. It’s not only a reference guide but also helps prevent disputes. Before you start feeling overwhelmed, just know that a constitution is another way to make the league fun. Come up with some obscure draft day rules that will keep everyone laughing. How are you going to decide your draft order? Cornhole? Darts? Table tennis?

The Platform

Fantasy football platforms (websites and apps) are plentiful, each with strengths and weaknesses. Consider factors like ease of use, mobile functionality, and available stat categories. Popular options include Yahoo!, ESPN, CBS Sports, Sleeper, and NFL. Once you've chosen your platform, delve into the settings. Decide on the number of draft rounds, scoring settings (remember, catches are good!), and trade deadlines. 

If you are just starting, I suggest you go with the following:

Roster: 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 Flex (RB, WR or TE), 1 DEF, 7 Bench and 1 IR

Passing Yards: 20 Yards per Point

Passing Touchdowns: 4 Points

Receiving and Rushing Yards: 10 Yards Per Point

Receptions: 1 Point

Interceptions and Fumbles: -2 Points

Defense: Platform default

Allow fractional and negative points for accuracy and to reduce the chance of a tie. 

Set it so the majority of managers will make the playoffs. The more that have a chance to make the playoffs, the more engaged the managers will be until the end of the season. Want to make the regular season more valuable? The top two records get byes in the first round of the playoffs or receive some type of incentive for next season. 

I strongly encourage all leagues to use an FAAB (Free Agent Acquisition Budget) waiver wire system. This system is the most equitable and engaging way to acquire players each week. It ensures that everyone has a fair chance to acquire the best available talent. It also adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as managers must carefully manage their budget to secure the players they need. 

Keep trades and waiver wire pickups unlimited. The more trades and acquisitions, the more fun!

Keep the Fun Rolling

A league message board is a great start. It’s where managers can talk trash, celebrate victories, and commiserate over crushing defeats. Consider adding features like weekly awards (e.g., highest scorer, biggest blowout, most improved) or side bets. Side bets are additional challenges or competitions that managers can participate in alongside the regular season. For example, they could bet on who will win a specific matchup or who will score the most points in a given week. These side bets add an extra layer of fun and competition to the league, keeping everyone engaged and striving for something, even if their playoff hopes are dim.

Nothing keeps a league lively like a good, old-fashioned punishment for the last-place finisher. From wearing a humiliating t-shirt to hosting the draft the following year or performing a dreaded task, the key is to make it embarrassing enough to keep managers motivated but not so harsh that it ruins the fun.

Starting a fantasy football league is like constructing a masterpiece; it requires planning, dedication, and creativity. By following these steps, you'll create a league that's not only competitive but also a blast for everyone involved. So, gather your friends, set your draft date, and prepare for a season filled with epic matchups, strategic genius, and endless trash talk. May the fantasy gods be ever in your favor!

How it feels when you lose Joe Burrow and Mark Andrews for the season in fantasy while still putting up the 3rd highest score of the week but you lose bc you played the high scorer and they're lighting you up in the group chat and maybe you cried in the shower. Hypothetically pic.twitter.com/Brmi7nFyd0

— Jeff (@TheFantasyEng) November 21, 2023

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