Millions Enjoy Fantasy Football

Based in Hanson, MA, Tim Farrell earned a BA in economics from the University of Massachusetts in Boston and takes responsibility for worker safety in the family business. Tim Farrell is also an avid participant in fantasy football, a passion he shares with an estimated 20 million fans.

Fantasy footballers create imaginary National Football League teams, stocking them with actual players. Although the size of rosters varies, most teams have 13 players – a quarterback, two receivers, two running backs, one kicker, and one tight end, along with five bench players. Fantasy managers “borrow” the defensive unit from a particular team.

Play corresponds to the NFL season. Team scores are determined by the performance of their counterparts on the field each week. As in real life, managers can cut injured players or make trades.

Scoring systems vary from league to league. In a typical setup, touchdowns, field goals, and extra points by an actual player are added to the total. Additionally, point systems reward yards gained by runs or passes. Fantasy defenses earn points by making sacks, interceptions, fumbles, and defensive touchdowns.

Leagues generally field 12 teams. At the beginning of the season, managers conduct a mock draft, with a random order of selection. Alternately, leagues can set up an auction draft in which each team has money from which to bid on prospects.

Keys to the New England Patriots’ Recent Postseason Success

 

New England Patriots
Image: patriots.com

Based in Hanson, MA, Tim Farrell has a background in athletics and coaching, and follows a number of Boston area sports teams. Among Tim Farrell’s favorites are the New England Patriots, a team that achieved resounding success in 2018 under the enduring leadership of head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady.

With the seemingly invincible Brady into his 40s and slowing down, the quarterback benefited from an unbreachable offensive line. Going into the Super Bowl, the team’s linebackers allowed minimal penetration and zero sacks, which provided Brady the time he needed to find open receivers and methodically work his way up the field in clutch situations.

With short passes Brady’s bread-and-butter, one critical element that allowed him to mix it up and keep defensive backs guessing was standout performances by running backs Rex Burkhead, Sony Michel, and James White. Often employed for short pass plays during the regular season, the running backs now took balls behind the line of scrimmage with equal frequency, keeping opponents off balance.

On the defensive side of the equation, the Patriot’s pass rush came to life at just the right time, notching a half dozen sacks in the playoffs. Pressuring the quarterbacks of the Chiefs and Chargers served to squelch scoring opportunities and give Brady maximum time on the field, where he is the master at tiring out defenses.