Fantasy Football Dynasty

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The Fantasy Format You'll Wish You Tried Sooner

You won your redraft league. Congrats! But now what?

If that's all you're playing, then you've got a loooong wait before you try to do the same thing again.

Wouldn't you rather spend the months -- and months -- in between playing more fantasy football? And what if you could do so in a format that's bound to make you a better fantasy player overall?

Insert dynasty, a format that'll keep you engaged, informed, and entertained for all 12 months.

Here's more on why you'll love playing dynasty:

1. You Can Trade 365 Days a Year

With the right group, trading becomes an integral part of building a long-term juggernaut -- no matter the month. 

In April, I dealt Marvin Harrison Jr. and rookie pick 1.09 for Baker Mayfield and the 1.07. (Don't worry, we're talkin' superflex. Previously, this team was desperate for a second QB.) In May, I moved back to the 1.10, scooping up a later-round pick.

The thought process? By the time I was up, there were several players in the same tier. So, I explored trade-down options, and one worked out.

Your trading strategy will also be influenced by some big-picture questions:

Are you planning to push for a championship THIS year? Maybe you trade away a first- and/or second-round pick for a proven veteran.

Looking to sell and position yourself for future success? Strategically move veteran players for picks (or younger players) before their production dips.

2. Rookie Drafts Keep the Offseason Interesting

Aside from winning, drafting is the best part of fantasy football.

Fortunately, you can still satisfy that craving with yearly rookie drafts. These are typically three- to five-round non-snake drafts held after the NFL Draft. (Some offseason drafts even include veterans, adding another strategic layer.)

If you’re a contender, maybe you lean toward a pro-ready player. If not, perhaps you take the patient approach with a higher-upside talent.

Think about the decision between Saints QB Tyler Shough and Seahawks QB Jalen Milroe, for example. Shough has a real shot to start most games for the Saints this year, so he should deliver some superflex value.

Milroe? Not so much. He's behind Sam Darnold (and, for now, Drew Lock).

But Milroe's Lamar Jackson-like rushing upside might be worth the wait in dynasty -- say, 1-2 years -- if he can deliver on a ceiling that far exceeds Shough's.

Also: Should you draft for need? Or just take best player available?

There’s always a unique angle to take based on your roster's age and competitiveness.

3. You Might Fall in Love with the College Game

As a kid, I dreamed of being an NFL GM. I spent more time than I care to admit playing Madden on Franchise Mode.

Dynasty carries a lot of that same appeal. You’re scouting future draft classes to see where the strengths and weaknesses may lie. And you’re watching college games with a renewed interest.

Don't have time? Our guy Shane Hallam has already released a piece on 2026 dynasty rookie rankings.

Put in the work, and you’ll also be ahead when your redraft leagues renew. 

4. Dynasty Expands Your NFL Knowledge

Dynasty leagues require deep benches. Think rosters of 25+ players, depending on the site and format.

That means you’re likely to learn more names than you would in a redraft league. Your GM-like role will include deep dives on depth charts, contract situations, and beat writer insights.

And just in case you miss anything, our Shark Bites deliver all the latest fantasy football news you need to know.

Dynasty managers mean business, so do your homework and always be on the lookout for an edge.

5. Every Week Matters ... Even if You're Not Contending

Your league should be structured to make every week matter.

Not in the playoff hunt? That stinks, but making the right Week 17 lineup decisions could mean the difference between holding – or losing – the 1.01 rookie pick.

Rookie drafts can be determined in several ways, but ordering by record, total points, or a separate playoff format keeps each week engaging.

Worried about some managers going full "tank" mode and simply ignoring their teams late in the year? Your league can set rules to keep that from happening.

6. More Investment Adds to the Thrill of Victory

Maybe this one’s just me, but consider this:

I’m in Year 7 or later in two of my dynasty leagues. In one, I didn’t win the title until last season. 

Looking back, I exited the startup draft with a win-now squad. Just one problem: I didn't deliver on that approach, and it set me back in my team building. 

Keep that possibility in mind if you're crafting a veteran-heavy approach.

All that said: Winning a league title erased the memories of those rocky seasons. It's a sense of long-term investment -- or attachment -- that sets dynasty apart from your typical redraft league.

Turning around an “orphan” team produces a similar feeling. These are usually discounted buy-in teams that another manager has abandoned. Who else will come to the rescue if you don't?

Where Can I Play Dynasty?

You can grab your buddies and choose among several platforms. 

After a thorough review, we’ve found Sleeper to lead the best fantasy football sites for dynasty.

The FFPC deserves a mention, too. All leagues are 12 teams, and you can compete against managers from across the country. 

The FFPC offers several formats, including dynasty superflex and dynasty best ball. Their unique angle: TEs earn 1.5 PPR, which is a fun way to rebalance positional value.

Watch This Video Before Your Startup Draft

You need to draft well to kickstart your dynasty squad.

That's why we released a recent video on startup draft strategy. Matt, Jared, and Shane bring loads of collective dynasty experience and share their tips for building a winner: