🚌 The Bus Driver’s Guide to Fantasy Football for Beginners 2025 Season and Beyond

By The Bus Driver, Shady Sports Network

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Table of Contents

• Introduction: Welcome to the Bandwagon

• Chapter 1: Fantasy Football 101 – The Basics

• Chapter 2: Key Fantasy Terms & Definitions

• Chapter 3: Fantasy Football Basics

• Chapter 4: League Formats

• Chapter 5: Starting a League from Scratch

• Chapter 6: Drafting 101

• Chapter 7: In-Season Management

• Chapter 8: The Playoff Push

• Chapter 9: Fantasy Etiquette & League Culture

• Chapter 10: Beyond the Basics

• Conclusion: Final Stop on the Bandwagon

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🚏Introduction: Welcome to the Bandwagon

Welcome to the bandwagon—303Bandwagon, that is.

I’m The Bus Driver, part of Shady Sports Network. Whether you catch me on The Bus Stop or Fantasy Reports, my goal is simple: help you have more fun and more success with fantasy football.

This guide is your ticket to the fantasy season. I’ll be driving the bus—pointing out key stops, warning about potholes, and making sure you arrive at your destination: building a winning team and enjoying the ride.

Fantasy football can feel overwhelming at first with all the stats, acronyms, and strategies—but once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever watched football without it.

So buckle up and let’s get it. By the last stop, you’ll know the rules, the language, and the strategies to start your fantasy season right.

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🚏Chapter 1: Fantasy Football 101 – The Basics

Welcome aboard, rookie—welcome to the 303Bandwagon.

If you’re here, you’re either brand new to fantasy football or ready to finally get serious. Either way, you’re in the right seat.

Fantasy football, at its core, is simple:

👉🏾 Draft NFL players

👉🏾 Their real-life performance earns you points

👉🏾 You face off against another person each week

👉🏾 Whoever scores more, wins

Everything else—waivers, trades, bye weeks, playoffs—is just fine-tuning the ride.

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The League: Your Team’s Playground

Think of the league like your bus route. Most leagues have 8–14 players, with beginners often starting in 10 or 12-team leagues.

Every league has a commissioner who sets the rules, chooses the platform (ESPN, Yahoo, Sleeper, NFL.com), and makes sure things run smoothly. If you’re brand new, don’t stress about being the commish yet—ride a season or two before grabbing the keys.

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The Draft: Where It All Begins

This is the first stop on your journey—where everyone builds their team:

• Snake Draft: Picks go 1–12, then 12–1, and repeat. Most common and beginner-friendly.

• Auction Draft: Managers “bid” on players with fake money. More advanced, but very fun.

Most beginners start with snake drafts—it’s simple, fast, and fun.

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The Season: Week by Week Battles

Your weekly lineup usually looks like this:

• 1 QB

• 2 RBs

• 2–3 WRs

• 1 TE

• 1 FLEX (RB/WR/TE)

• 1 Defense/Special Teams (DST)

• 1 Kicker

The rest of your roster sits on the bench, ready to sub in when needed.

Points come from real-life NFL stats. When your QB throws a touchdown, you score. When your WR flops, your team stalls out.

At the end of the week, the highest score wins.

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The Playoffs: The Road to the Title

Most seasons run 14 weeks, then the top 4–6 teams make the playoffs. Playoffs are single elimination: win and move on, lose and you’re off the bus.

Nothing beats the thrill of making the championship game and watching your squad dominate while your buddy’s team puts up a dud.

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Fantasy = Fun + Bragging Rights

At its core, fantasy football is about connection—talking football all week, trash talking on Sundays, celebrating (or crying) together.

That’s what we do at Shady Sports Network: chop it up, share takes, and help you get better at this game we love.

Now that you’ve got the basics, let’s hit the gas. Next stop: learning the lingo.

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🚏Chapter 2: Key Fantasy Terms & Definitions

• ADP (Average Draft Position): The average spot a player is picked across fantasy leagues. A guide to when players are likely to be drafted.

• PPR vs. Standard:

• PPR = 1 point per reception

• Standard = yards + TDs only

• Half-PPR = 0.5 points per catch

• Flex: A lineup spot where you can play RB/WR/TE.

• Handcuff: Drafting a backup RB to cover your star (ex: CMC + Elijah Mitchell).

• Sleeper: A late-round pick with breakout potential.

• Bust: A high draft pick who underperforms.

• Waivers: Weekly process where free agents can be claimed.

• Streaming: Using different players weekly instead of sticking with one.

• Bye Week: A week when a player’s NFL team doesn’t play.

• IR (Injured Reserve): A roster spot for injured players.

💡 Why it matters: Once you know the lingo, you’ll follow analysis, rankings, and Shady Sports Network shows without feeling lost.

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🚏Chapter 3: Fantasy Football Basics

Welcome back to the ride. Before we talk strategies and league setups, we’ve gotta cover the fundamentals. Think of this as learning to read the road signs before hitting the freeway.

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What is Fantasy Football?

At its core, fantasy football is like being the GM of your own NFL team.

• You draft real NFL players.

• Each week, their real stats = your fantasy points.

• If your squad balls out on Sunday, you rack up wins.

• If they flop… well, you’ll be hunting trades real quick.

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Key Terms to Know

• Roster → Your squad. Usually QB, RBs, WRs, TE, Flex, Kicker, and Defense.

• Waiver Wire → Pool of free agents available during the season.

• Bye Week → When a player’s NFL team doesn’t play—gotta fill that spot.

• Lineup → The starters you set each week. (Set it before the deadline, or you’ll be heated.)

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The Goal

Win games.

Make the playoffs.

Bring home the trophy (or at least bragging rights if your league is cheap).

Fantasy is half skill, half luck—but 100% fun when you’re in it with the right crew.

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🚏Chapter 4: League Formats

Not every bus takes the same route, and not every fantasy league plays by the same rules.

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Common Scoring Systems

• Standard → Old school. Touchdowns are king. RBs shine.

• PPR (Points Per Reception) → 1 point per catch. WRs & pass-catching RBs thrive.

• Half-PPR → 0.5 points per catch. Balanced between RBs & WRs.

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League Styles

• Dynasty → Long haul. Keep your roster year to year, with rookie drafts each offseason.

• Keeper → Mix of redraft & dynasty. Keep a set number of players each season.

• Daily Fantasy (DFS) → Draft a fresh lineup each week (FanDuel/DraftKings). Usually played for money.

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💡 Bus Driver’s Tip:

If you’re brand new, start with a Redraft PPR league. It’s the most common, easiest to learn, and the best way to chop it up with other players while you learn the ropes.

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🚏Chapter 5: Starting a Fantasy Football League from Scratch

Welcome to the control room—you’re the commissioner now. Don’t stress. I’ll drive you through setup so your league runs smooth and everybody has fun.

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Step 1: Pick Your Platform

• Sleeper → Most customizable, slick app, great for PPR/dynasty/best ball.

• ESPN / Yahoo → Beginner-friendly, huge user base, solid defaults.

• NFL.com → Clean, official feel.

💡 Bus Driver’s Tip:

First-time commish? Go 10–12 teams, PPR redraft, on Sleeper or ESPN. Easy to run, easy for rookies to learn.

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Step 2: Set League Size & Rosters

• Teams: 10–12 is the sweet spot.

• Starters: 1 QB | 2 RB | 2–3 WR | 1 TE | 1 FLEX | 1 DST | 1 K

• Bench: 5–7 spots

• IR: 1–2 spots (keeps managers engaged despite injuries).

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Step 3: Choose Scoring

• PPR / Half-PPR / Standard

• QB Scoring → 4 or 6 pts per pass TD, -2 for INTs

• Bonuses (optional) → 100-yard rush/receive, 300-yard pass games

• DST/K → Keep simple your first year (or skip K altogether).

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Step 4: Draft Format & Logistics

• Type: Snake (beginner default) or Auction (advanced).

• Date: Close to the season to avoid preseason injuries.

• Order: Randomize & announce.

• Clock: 60–90 seconds per pick works.

• Live vs. Slow Draft: Live is more fun, slow is safer for busy schedules.

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Step 5: Waivers & Free Agency

• Rolling Priority → Last pick gets first claim next week.

• FAAB → Teams bid with a fake budget (fairer, more strategic).

• Run Time → Tues night/Wed morning.

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Step 6: Trades

• Review: Commish only rejects for collusion.

• Deadline: NFL Week 10–12.

• Processing: 1–2 day review window.

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Step 7: Schedule & Playoffs

• Regular Season → Weeks 1–14

• Playoffs → Weeks 15–17 (6 teams in 12-team leagues; top 2 get byes)

• Tiebreakers → Total points, then head-to-head

• Consolation Bracket → Keeps eliminated teams engaged

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Step 8: Money & Payouts

(If cash is involved)

• Buy-in: $25 / $50 / $100

• Example payout for 12 teams @ $100 each ($1,200):

• 1st = $700

• 2nd = $300

• 3rd = $100

• Points Champ = $100

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Step 9: League Culture

• Group chat / Discord = updates, memes, trash talk

• Weekly commish note → standings, top score, waiver steal

• Fun punishments / trophy (keep it respectful)

• Plug into Shady Sports Network shows for ongoing tips & laughs

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Step 10: Commish Checklist

✅ Pick platform + create league

✅ Set size, rosters, scoring

✅ Choose waiver system (FAAB recommended)

✅ Lock draft date & order

✅ Write quick bylaws (trades, payouts, tiebreakers)

✅ Collect buy-ins (if cash league)

✅ Invite managers

✅ Send welcome + settings info

✅ Post mock draft links

✅ Day before draft → send reminder & confirm settings

💡 Bus Driver’s Tip:

Keep it simple Year 1. You can add fancy rules later. The goal: fun first, trophies later.

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🚏Chapter 6: Fantasy Football Drafting 101

This is where championships are won—or lost—before Week 1 kicks off. Think of it like boarding the bus: pick the right passengers, and the ride is smooth. Pick wrong, and it’s a breakdown waiting to happen.

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Fantasy Football Draft Prep

• Know your scoring system → PPR vs Standard changes everything.

• Mock drafts → Free practice. Do a few so you’re not winging it.

• Cheat sheets/rankings → Have them ready.

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Fantasy Football Draft Strategy Basics

1. Early Rounds (1–3): Lock in studs (RB/WR workhorses).

2. Middle Rounds (4–7): Build depth—grab your QB, WRs, RBs, or a top TE.

3. Late Rounds (8+): Swing for upside with sleepers.

4. Final Picks: Defense + kicker (never early).

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ADP (Average Draft Position)

ADP = where a player usually goes in drafts.

👉 Don’t reach 2 rounds early unless you have a very good reason.

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Fantasy Football Position Notes

• QB → Wait in 1-QB leagues; in Superflex, draft early.

• RB → Workhorse touches = gold. Handcuff your star.

• WR → In PPR, stack ‘em—you need 2–3 weekly.

• TE → Either grab an elite one early, or wait and stream.

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Fantasy Football Draft Tactics

• Read the room → Don’t panic when runs happen.

• Stacking (advanced) → QB + WR/TE combo boosts weekly upside.

• Bye weeks → Don’t overthink—talent > tidy bye chart.

• Risk balance → Mix steady producers with a couple upside shots.

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Auction Draft Quick Primer

• Budget → Stars + solid starters > 1 mega-star and scrubs.

• Nominate smart → Throw out players you don’t want to drain others’ money.

• Patience → Save $$ for mid-auction bargains.

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Draft Etiquette

• Be on time.

• Keep it moving.

• Don’t clown rookies learning the ropes (beat them instead).

• Screenshot settings before draft—avoids arguments later.

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Post-Draft 48-Hour Checklist

✅ Queue waiver targets (handcuffs, injury stashes)

✅ Set Week 1 lineup

✅ Share roster in group chat → let the trash talk begin

✅ Plug into Shady Sports Network for weekly start/sit, waivers, and trades

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💡 Bus Driver’s Tip:

Don’t draft with your heart. Love your hometown squad (Broncos Country, I see you)—but stacking your team with all local players is a fast way to crash the bus.

🚏 Chapter 7: In-Season Management

The draft gets you on the bus. Managing week to week? That’s what keeps the wheels turning toward a championship.

🏈 Weekly Lineups Fantasy Football

• Set your starters before the deadline.

• Always check matchups, weather, and injuries.

• Don’t bench your studs or start guys on bye. Rookie mistake.

🔄 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire

• Championships are won here.

• Look for breakout players, injury replacements, and favorable matchups.

• Stay active—if you snooze, you lose.

🔁 Fantasy Football Trades

• Trade to fix weaknesses, not just for fun.

• Watch value trends—sell high, buy low.

• Don’t give away talent just to “help out” another team.

⏳ Bye Weeks & Injuries

• Stay ahead of the schedule.

• Depth wins championships.

• Always have a backup plan for injured stars.

🎯 Streaming

• No top QB or TE? Stream based on matchups.

• Same with defenses—target weak offenses.

⚡ Staying Active

• Check lineups daily during NFL weeks.

• Watch games, follow injury reports, and stay plugged in.

• Inactive managers don’t win. Period.

💡 Bus Driver’s Tip: The draft is your foundation, but in-season management is your engine. Play matchups, grab waiver wire gems, and keep the bus rolling.

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🚏 Chapter 8: The Playoff Push

The stretch run is here—time to turn all that work into wins when it matters most.

🔄 Adjust Your Strategy

• Weeks 1–12 = build points and depth.

• Weeks 13–14 = prep for playoff matchups.

• Favor players with strong end-of-season schedules.

👥 Roster Depth Is King

• Handcuffs and bench depth matter more than ever.

• Don’t hesitate to grab late-season breakout players.

📅 Schedule Scouting

• Study your playoff opponents.

• Bench a star if the matchup is brutal and you’ve got a hot alternative.

🔁 Smart Trades

• Sell high on peak performers.

• Buy players with soft playoff schedules.

• Don’t over-trade and wreck your roster balance.

🧠 Mental Edge

• Don’t panic.

• Trust your prep and the info you’re getting from Shady Sports Network: Fantasy Reports—we’ll keep you sharp for the playoff push.

💡 Bus Driver’s Tip: The playoffs are about momentum and management. The most active, informed, strategic managers usually win—even if their draft wasn’t perfect.

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🚏 Chapter 9: Fantasy Etiquette & League Culture

Fantasy football isn’t just stats—it’s community. Keep your league fun, fair, and competitive.

🗣️ Trash Talk (the Fun Way)

• Bring the hype with friendly banter.

• Keep it respectful—make people laugh, not mad.

🤝 Trade Fairness

• Don’t lowball nonstop—it ruins trust.

• Collusion = instant league killer.

🏆 League Traditions

• Trophies, punishments, or weekly awards keep things lively.

• Example: loser wears a costume, or weekly top scorer gets a bonus prize.

📲 Communication

• Group chat, Discord, or text thread = must-have.

• Weekly notes, updates, and check-ins keep everyone engaged.

🎉 Keep It Fun

• Encourage beginners.

• Celebrate wins, laugh at losses.

• Engaged leagues = returning players.

🔗 Community Plug

• Join the Shady Sports Network Discord.

• Tune into shows like Fantasy Reports, The Bus Stop, and Dynasty Academy.

• Stay connected with other players all season.

💡 Bus Driver’s Tip: Your league is your bus. Respect the passengers, keep the ride smooth, and the fun will outlast any one season.

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🚏 Chapter 10: Beyond the Basics

Ready to level up? Here’s how to take your game to the next stop.

🏗️ Dynasty Leagues

• Keep most/all players year to year.

• Rookie drafts add fresh talent.

• Think long-term value, age curves, and scarcity.

🔄 Keeper Leagues

• Hybrid style: keep a few players each season.

• Rewards smart drafting and management.

🎲 Daily Fantasy (DFS)

• Draft new lineups weekly (FanDuel, DraftKings).

• Short-term fun, but play responsibly.

💰 Betting & Fantasy Crossovers

• Use fantasy knowledge to inform prop bets or predictions.

• Stay smart—fantasy should stay fun, not become gambling stress.

🌍 Fantasy Communities

• Reddit (r/fantasyfootball) = trade talk, rankings, memes.

• Discord = join our Shady Sports Network server.

• Podcasts/YouTube = stay sharp with weekly analysis.

📺 Shady Sports Network Show Schedule (Denver/MST unless noted):

• Fantasy Reports → Tuesdays 7PM & Sundays 7AM

• The Bus Stop → Saturdays 9:30AM

• Dynasty Academy → Thursdays 8PM EST

💡 Bus Driver’s Tip: The deeper you go, the more rewarding the ride gets. Tap into the community and level up.

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🏁 Conclusion: Final Stop on the Bandwagon

Congrats—you made it. Here’s what you now know:

• ✅ How to start and run a league

• ✅ Draft strategy and roster construction

• ✅ In-season management, trades, and waivers

• ✅ Playoff strategies and league culture

• ✅ Advanced formats, DFS, and fantasy communities

Fantasy football isn’t just about points—it’s about connection, competition, and community. You’ve got the roadmap to ride with confidence all season long.

🚍 Final Call to Action:

• Join the Shady Sports Network Discord

• Subscribe to our YouTube channel

• Follow us on X → @ShadySportsNet & @303Bandwagon

• Join our Facebook groups → Shady Sports Network & Mile High Bandwagon

I’m 303Bandwagon, your Bus Driver. We ride together, we chop it up together, and most importantly—we get it done.

Bus Driver Out. 🏆

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