Fred Bowen's "The Score" column,
August 24, 2007, Washington Post

Football: Fantasy and Reality

The National Football League season will be starting soon. But if you check the sports magazines at a local bookstore or the sports sites on the Web, you might think that it's the fantasy football season that is about to get underway.

Fantasy football is a game where folks pick NFL players to create pretend, or fantasy, teams. The fantasy teams compete against each other in a league during the regular NFL season. How well a fantasy team does depends on how the real players perform.

For example, your fantasy team would get points whenever the NFL players you chose score a touchdown, kick a field goal or extra point, pass for a touchdown or gain lots of yards in a game.

Many adults enjoy fantasy football every fall. But should kids play?

Although it's always better for kids to participate in real sports, I think it's okay for them to play fantasy football. In fact, fantasy football could help kids learn important skills.

Think about it. To choose the right players, a kid has to read about the players on all 32 NFL teams. You might be a super Redskins fan who knows all about running backs Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts. But you better also know about LaDainian Tomlinson of the San Diego Chargers and Steven Jackson of the St. Louis Rams.

Then you have to compare the players. When drafting a quarterback, do you want Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts or Tom Brady of the New England Patriots? Manning is great, but remember that Brady will be throwing to star wide receiver Randy Moss this season. They could combine for a lot of touchdowns. Or maybe you think Carson Palmer of the Cincinnati Bengals is going to have a big year.

Finally, running a fantasy league means you are always dealing with statistics and numbers. That might help you get better at math.

If you decide to start a league, here are a few suggestions. First, limit it to your friends. It's simpler and more fun that way. A league with six kids who like football should be enough. Second, ask an adult to help set up the league and figure out the rules. Third, don't spend too much time on fantasy football. Remember to leave time for real sports and homework.

Oh, and one more thing: Don't play for money. Maybe the other players in your league could take the winner out for pizza at the end of the season. But fantasy football should be like any kids sport: You should play for fun.

Fred Bowen writes KidsPost's sports opinion column and is an author of sports novels for kids.

© 2007 The Washington Post Company