Focus on Fantasy Football - Dynasty Leagues
- Phil Mountstephens
- May 10
- 3 min read
Welcome to Phil's Fantasy Focus! A short series of blog posts designed to cover the basics of fantasy football. Whether you have been dabbling for a few years, or frightened to jump in for the first time, these blogs will hopefully bring you into the amazing world of fantasy sports or even just help you tap into some deeper aspects!
What is Dynasty?
Dynasty Fantasy Football is a format that puts you in Howie Roseman's shoes. Similar to Re-Draft, you will begin by drafting a team from all players available and run that team. That is where the similarities end, in re-draft you create a team for the current football season only and that is it, whereas in dynasty you are drafting a team for more than just this season, but for many seasons to come!
So I am drafting for the future?
There are different approaches, but yes you need to factor in what may happen after the current season; Will player X stay healthy? If the current coach gets fired, will player X get more or less touches? Whatever your approach, the long game is the key to consistent success.
Why should I play Dynasty?
Personally, I prefer Dynasty because I like playing 2 games; one for this season and one for the future. I could draft Derrick Henry to start, but how many years will I get from him, is he a good investment? Or maybe I should prioritise Ashton Jeanty over Henry, an unknown rookie with high potential, but how will he do early on? The possibilities are greater for strategies and goals in Dynasty, a smorgasbord of strategies and theories that make for a incredible journey.
So how does it start?
As I mentioned earlier, a Dynasty start-up will be very similar to a re-draft, with a minor difference in player rankings. Rookies will rank different in each format because in re-draft you are solely focusing on their rookie season success, but in dynasty you don't necessarily need them to pop year 1, you can draft rookies for 2 or 3 years in the future when the have their breakout season.
Once you have drafted your team, you can take advantage of bench, taxi and IR spots to manage your roster throughout the season. Bench and IR you may be familiar with, but in dynasty - taxi spots are the additional and often mis-used aspect of the format. Taxi spots are your ally in securing the later round drafted rookies who you just know are going to be big someday, just not right now. Taxi spots are transitional places on top of your main roster to stash that diamond in the rough for another year.
I have my team, now what?
The format really comes into it's own from year 2 onwards - you have your team and they did ok this season, but a new batch of rookies are on the market! Subsequent drafts each year will only consist of rookies, you must decide constantly which vets you must keep in order to make space for that exciting prospect you will draft.
On top of rookie drafts, you will take advantage of waivers and trades to continually position yourself to compete. And if maybe you don't think you will be competitive this year, you can rebuild like the pros and sacrifice top talent for extra picks in future years to get younger and ready to challenge in future years.
Wait - rookies, drafts, trades, waivers. This all sounds confusing!
I'll admit, there is more to think about than standard re-draft. Like I have said, you are Howie Roseman! Does Howie sit there and admire the team he has put together each season? No! He might afford himself a pat on the back here or there, but he is always thinking forward past the current season - looking for a good deal on the trade market, identifying free agents who can add something and scouting! Looking ahead to the rookie class to identify that future star.
You've convinced me, where do I sign up for a Dynasty League?
We offer a limited Dynasty option on our Fantasy League Sign-Ups page HERE. Dependant on interest, we may create more leagues!
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