With the offseason in full swing, it’s the perfect time to explore different ways to enjoy fantasy football. Whether you’re a long-time player or just getting into the game, it’s always interesting to reflect on the various formats and consider what suits your style best.
Personally, I’m at a bit of a crossroads—debating whether to invest more in best ball leagues, wait and dive into DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports), or just stick with traditional leagues and pivot to DFS if my team crashes mid-season. I imagine many of you are facing similar questions, especially with so many ways to play now.
Let’s break down the main formats and how each one offers a unique experience:
Traditional Fantasy Football
Format: 8–16+ team leagues with waiver wires and weekly lineups.
The Experience: The classic setup most people start with. You manage your team weekly—picking up free agents, making trades, and stressing over start/sit decisions.
The Question: How many leagues is too many? What's your sweet spot for maintaining excitement without burnout?
DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports)
Format: Build a new team each week—single games or Sunday slates. Options include 50/50 contests or large tournaments with big prizes.
The Experience: High-risk, high-reward. It’s perfect for quick action without season-long commitments.
The Draw: Freedom to play when you want. But does it match the emotional highs of a full-season league?
Best Ball
Format: Draft your team once—no waivers, no weekly lineups. Best scores auto-start each week.
The Experience: Drafting is the highlight here. Great for the offseason and for those who love building rosters.
The Dilemma: Is it satisfying enough without the week-to-week engagement?
Prop Parlays (Underdog, PrizePicks, etc.)
Format: Pick player props and stack them into parlays for higher payouts.
The Experience: A different kind of thrill—less about team-building, more about predicting performances.
The Fun Factor: It can be a blast to throw a few together on Sundays. But do you trust the odds and find real value?
I’d love to hear what works best for you. Most of us probably dabble in more than one format, but how do you balance them? What keeps it fresh and fun for you each season?
Let’s hear your thoughts—it could really help others who are trying to figure out their own fantasy football approach for the upcoming year!
Follow us online for more great exclusive content!
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.