Fantasy Football Therapy

Why do we love fantasy football?

Football was great before the virtual gridiron was ever dreamed up. No other sport has ever quite matched the ultimate anthropomorphic chess match that is professional football. But the simple truth is that fantasy has sent the NFL's popularity through the stratosphere and garnered the league more fans than ever. What is it exactly about it that is so compelling? What is it exactly that makes it so popular?

Of course it needs to be mentioned, that people have a tendency to flock to anything you can gamble or put some money on. But that's not it. I feel like in much the same way you take players from all different teams to build the best team possible, it's the communal aspect. People are naturally communal and competitive and with football being so pervasive, it makes fantasy football the ideal game to embrace both of these things. It's a powerful combination. Who more than your friends and family do you want to put your competitive prowess on display? It's great to be able to put yourself in the general manager seat, but it just wouldn't mean as much if it didn't combine the chance to have an ongoing activity and connection with friends and family. So there it is. Playing general manager and money are wonderful motivators, but what ultimately gives fantasy football its immense popularity, is the powerful combination of communal and competitive.