Fantasy Football 101: 10 Terms Every New Fantasy Manager Should Know

New to fantasy football? Before you set that lineup, let's talk about the language of the game.

Fantasy football can be a whole lot of fun, especially when you're competing against friends, family members, or coworkers. But if you're new to it, some of the terminology can leave you wondering what everybody is talking about.

PPR? Waiver wire? FLEX? FAAB?

If you've ever heard those terms and didn't know what they meant, you've come to the right place.

Welcome back to Marshal’s Fan Zone! Today, we're breaking down ten fantasy football terms every new manager should understand.

And for those of you who've been playing for years, stick around. You might have a few tips to share with our new managers.

1. Fantasy Draft

The draft is where it all begins. This is when fantasy managers select the real NFL players who will make up their fantasy teams.

Depending on your league, you might participate in a snake draft, where the selection order reverses each round, or an auction-style draft, where managers use a set budget to acquire players.

Your draft matters, but remember, a good draft doesn't automatically guarantee a championship.

2. Starting Lineup

Your starting lineup consists of the players whose performances will count toward your fantasy team's score that week.

Most leagues require specific positions, such as quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, kicker, and defense.

Here's where things get interesting. Just because a player is on your fantasy roster doesn't mean his points will count. If he's sitting on your bench, those points usually won't help your weekly score.

And trust me, watching a benched player have the game of his life can be painful!

3. FLEX Position

The FLEX position gives managers additional lineup flexibility.

In many leagues, you can place a running back, wide receiver, or tight end in this spot. However, eligibility depends on your league's settings.

Knowing how to use your FLEX position can make a difference when injuries or difficult matchups affect your roster.

4. PPR (Points Per Reception)

PPR means Points Per Reception.

In a full PPR league, a player earns one fantasy point for every reception, in addition to any applicable yardage and touchdown points.

Some leagues use half-PPR scoring, while others award no reception points.

Why does this matter? A player who catches plenty of passes may be more valuable in a PPR league than in a standard-scoring league.

Always understand your league's scoring rules before drafting or making lineup decisions.

5. Waiver Wire

The waiver wire is one of the most important parts of managing a fantasy football team throughout the season.

It allows managers to request available players who aren't currently on another fantasy roster.

Maybe a player gets injured, or an unexpected breakout performer catches your attention. The waiver wire gives you a chance to strengthen your team.

Depending on your league settings, waiver claims may be awarded through priority order or a bidding system.

Don't ignore the waiver wire. Some championship teams are improved considerably after draft day.

6. FAAB (Free Agent Acquisition Budget)

FAAB is a system some fantasy leagues use to manage waiver claims.

Each manager receives a fictional budget for bidding on available players. Managers submit bids, and the highest eligible bid generally wins the player.

Here's the challenge. Do you spend a big portion of your budget early in the season, or save some for later?

That's one of those decisions fantasy managers will debate all season long.

7. Sleeper

A sleeper is a player who may outperform expectations.

Maybe he's a rookie preparing for a bigger role, a veteran who has been overlooked, or a backup who could receive more opportunities.

Identifying sleepers can help fantasy managers find value, especially in the later rounds of a draft.

But remember, a sleeper is a prediction, not a guarantee.

8. Handcuff

A handcuff is a backup player, often a running back, who could become much more valuable if the starter gets injured or loses his role.

Some fantasy managers draft a starting running back and his backup as insurance.

Others prefer to use that roster spot on a player with independent upside.

There isn't one strategy that works for every league.

9. Start or Sit

This is where fantasy football can get personal!

Every week, managers must decide which players belong in their starting lineup and which should remain on the bench.

These decisions often involve looking at matchups, injuries, recent performance, projected opportunities, and league scoring rules.

Sometimes you make the right call. Sometimes you spend the entire Sunday wondering why you left 25 points sitting on your bench.

That's fantasy football!

10. Trade

A trade happens when fantasy managers exchange players or other league-permitted assets.

One manager may need a running back while another needs a wide receiver. A trade can potentially help both teams.

Before accepting a trade, consider your roster needs, player performance, upcoming matchups, injuries, and the overall value you're receiving.

And don't forget to check your league rules. Some leagues have trade deadlines, review periods, or restrictions.

Marshal’s Final Whistle

Fantasy football becomes a lot more enjoyable when you understand how the game works.

You don't have to know every statistic or predict every breakout player to have fun. Learn the rules, pay attention to your roster, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

And if you're already an experienced fantasy manager, remember that everybody had a first season.

Now I've got a question for you.

What's the biggest mistake you made during your first fantasy football season?

Was it a terrible trade, forgetting to update your lineup, or passing on a player who went on to have an incredible year?

Share your story in the comments. I want to hear it!

And while you're here, check out the original game day apparel at Marshal’s Fan Gear.

See you in the Fan Zone!

David
Founder, Marshal’s Fan Gear