For many years fantasy football was as much a guy’s only institution as golfing at Augusta National. Many men, including myself, used fantasy football as a way to escape the rigors of married life without the stigma of sitting at a bar alone.
Recently, the fantasy football landscape has change. No longer is it all about sports geeks, who like to crunch numbers. Today fantasy players represent a large cross section of the population. In the past decade female participation in fantasy football has grown exponentially. Since 2002, female participation among women has grown nearly 27 percent each football season. And the growth is even bigger among women 12 to 17 and 55 to 64, where the growth tops 45 percent in each group.
What is it about fantasy football that makes it a draw for women? The answer isn’t that hard to find. Like men, female participants like fantasy football because it enhances their love for the NFL. It is also a way for female players to have something in common with their male peers and co-workers.
No longer a good old boys club, fantasy sports are for everyone. Here are a few tips from an experienced fantasy player for women who not only want to play, but want to dominate their league.
Do your Homework:
Thousands of women know as much or more about NFL football than some men. It isn’t 1950 anymore. Go to a sports bar on a Sunday afternoon and women are just as well represented as men.
Before jumping into the world of fantasy football, it is good for any player to learn the game. How can you determine who to draft or play if you don’t know about bye weeks, passing yards or scoring average? Like they say, knowledge is power. Once you know football from a statistical standpoint you are ready to play.
Find the Right League:
If a female player shows interest in playing, there is no doubt she can find a league. However, make sure that the league you join is female-friendly and not just a group of males intent on showing the girl whose boss. I’ve been in leagues where women are recruited to play, just to increase the winner’s pool and give the hardcore male players a few easy wins each season.
Find a league that suits your interest in playing the game. If it isn’t going to be fun, why play? Instead join an existing league of people you know and trust or start your own. Online sites like Yahoo allow players quick and easy access to free leagues.
And while all-female leagues are cool, nothing busts the chops of a male player more than getting beat by a girl, take it from me.
Pick Your Team Right:
All fantasy players should put together a team that will win games and not just look good on paper. Too often novice players pick players who are household names, but not great fantasy picks. Remember you are assembling a team, probably one with some sort of salary cap: Look for value and let the statistics be your guide. Take for instance the quarterback spot: While many female players like to own Tom Brady because he is dreamy and a great player, other quarterbacks like Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Eli Manning put up comparable numbers and can save you precious salary dollars.
The more you know about players stats and his past performances, the better of a decision you can make when constructing your team.
It’s Just a Game:
The most important tip I can give from one fantasy player to another is to have fun. If it isn’t enjoyable, you shouldn’t be playing. Men and women are on an even playing field when it comes to fantasy football. With a little bit of homework and some luck female players will find continued success in one of the world’s fastest growing hobbies.
Blair Reynolds is a freelance writer and avid fantasy football player based in Minnesota.
