With the start of the NFL season, it means that it is the start of the new fantasy football season. Many students and teachers here at Pines Charter take part in this yearly tradition.
Before the NFL season officially begins, friends, family, and colleagues create leagues among each other. As draft day comes, everyone chooses players from current NFL rosters, preparing a dream team.
When the first game officially starts, everyone plays against one person each week, and based on their players performances, they receive points. After the last game each Monday night, points are tallied up and a winner is decided. This process gets repeated each week and towards the end of the NFL season, fantasy playoffs begin and then one person gets crowned the champion.
For most people who play, fantasy football is not just a game, it “brings me together with a group of [friends] that don’t live in the same area”, says Mr. Jablonka, history teacher at Charter. He also says it “gets him to watch more football”, which further emphasizes his love for the game.
Trash talking and just having fun with friends is what makes it so popular. Competing every week and trying to be the best out of all your friends is what also makes the game so enjoyable. Being one of the best in your league also means making it to the playoffs.
“The playoffs is one of my favorite parts about fantasy football”, says junior Christopher Hutchinson.
“It just emphasizes how good you and your team are”, while also predicting he will follow up with another undefeated season by leading his team with his first round pick, wide receiver Jamar Chase.
First round picks are the most important, it sets the momentum for the rest of the team and the rest of the season as well. Star players such as Christian McCaffery, Justin Jefferson, and Tyreek Hill usually get drafted in the first round. For Mr. Jablonka, his pick was Saquon Barkley or “Big Quads” as he likes to say.
There are many reasons for choosing a certain player in the first round. In Mr. Jablonka’s case, his reasoning was because he knew “he’s going to have his offense in Philly rolling”.
As the NFL season gets under way, fantasy football will only get more competitive and even more fun. With a blend of strategy, statistics, and social interactions, fantasy football is one of the best ways to bring a group of people together. 
