School’s back in session and for die-hard football fans, there are only two things on their mind: the start of a new NFL season and Fantasy Football 2014! Not a football fan? No worries! Armed with this guide, we’ll have you talking like a pro before the start of the season!
What is Fantasy Football?
Part fun, part serious competition, fantasy football lets participants experience what it would be like to own and manage their own professional sports team.
How does it work?
Competitors join leagues, usually made up of their friends, and create custom teams by handpicking real players from the NFL. Players set their starting lineup (see definition below) each week and watch their players rack up points by making good plays, gaining yardage, getting interceptions and fumbles and by scoring actual touchdowns and field goals.
Fantasy Football Lingo
Draft: the process where fantasy team owners take turns picking players for their custom team.
Starting lineup: usually includes one quarterback, two running backs, two or three receivers, one tight end, one kicker and one defense.
Bust: a player who is expected to dominate but ultimately falls short of expectations.
Drop: when an owner releases a player from their team.
Sleeper: a player who exceeds expectations and dominates the field. The player could be a rookie or a seasoned professional.
Super Bowl Slump: the idea that players from the losing team of the previous Super Bowl struggle in the next season.
Trade/Transaction: involves swapping one or more players from one team to another.
Source: http://www.nfl.com/fantasyfootball/help/fantasyglossary