Fantasy Football taking the fun out of watching NFL football? (1 Viewer)

[Toomuchnv]

I started feeling this way early this year....but then my championship game in my high stakes league came down to me with Brent celek vs. Percy harvin on Tuesday night. I ended up winning on the eagles last possession when celek got 2 catches. I never had a rush of emotions during any other game in the NFL. Examples like that is why I play ff.

 

[duaneok66]

also, I do not like college football (for various reasons) - however I am watching this bowl game between UCF - Georgia only because I have the #3 pick in the rookie draft next year . . .

I am watching Alabama (tomorrow?) for the same reason . . .

 

[Saints-Man]

FF has increased my fun of watching NFL football. I watch and cheer for the Saints, first and foremost. I don't feel bad if a Saints player scores and my FF opponent has that player.

Because of FF, I watch the other games with more interest.

 

[dotman]

Fantasy football only adds for the fun for me, I don't ever remember feeling like it was taking away. If you don't think its fun to root against your team then don't start your guys against them. I realize the amount of luck and involved and don't take it too seriously though.

The NFL on the other hand is starting to take the fun out of watching a game of football though with the inconsistent officiating, and especially the terrible pace of play from all the advertisements and challenges. I can't even sit down and watch primetine games anymore, Ill put them on and find something else to do around the house and check in here and there, I just don't feel like sitting down and wasting 2 1/2 hours watching commercials and guys standing around. BORING.

 

[E_Smith]

I was paying more attention to my computer than to the games. Every score hurt me and helped me, etc... So glad to be retired!

I'm at this point as well. For 3 months, all Sunday, nearly every out of market game, flipping the channel and staring at the computer to watch my scores. Is this even considered actually WATCHING football or is it watching the computer? Even when I won, my lost time investment on Sunday seemed too costly. When I lost it seemed like a complete wasted day.

To the guy who stated fantasy football is a win for the fan over the NFL and the team owners -- believe me the NFL and the teams are getting rich off of the marketing when homer guys like me watch over 5 games a week. I'm sick of the rich owners and players as well but let's not kid ourselves here.

You're right, but now they're chasing us and shaping their production to fit our needs. There would be no Red Zone channel without fantasy football. The only thing I can think of that the NFL offers for free is their fantasy game. The league as a whole is still the big draw, but the individual team can't sit back and expect undying loyalty no matter what they put on the field. Fans will stay at home and follow their "other" team. They're not even guaranteed to sit and watch the game on television. They'll watch many games and check their phone or computer. The NFL hasn't really known what to do with it because they have such little control over it. It's great for the league...but dangerous for individual teams, which make up the league. Many "die-hard football fans" are now less interested in going to a game or following a team as closely as before. Now they're also fans because the league provides the stats that fuels their game, not because they support their team no matter what. People still support their favorite teams, but it's less...fanatic. A Vikings fan who wins his main league's Super Bowl considers it a good year for football. I think that's great.

I think thats true but I don't think its great. I think its distorting the game for fans; its essentially gambling. I think its better for the fanbase to remain loyal to their teams to continue to put pressure on them to win. However, I enjoy it too much to quit. I am pretty good about not letting it effect my rooting for Dallas. I have played long enough that it has gotten kind of old and I don't invest a lot of money. That way I can pretty much tune out fantasy football if the Cowboys are playing (unless its a playoff game). I am only in 2 leagues so that helps too. I also have found that my interest in fantasy has waned because most players in my leagues know as much as I do which makes fantasy much more a luck game. I haven't found newbie leagues to prey on and I'm not really interested in that; there are more efficient ways to make money.

 

[captain_amazing]

Fantasy football motivates me to learn more about the league and keep up on all the teams, and that makes me appreciate the game more.

Exactly my sentiments too. FF helps me appreciate the game much more - but I guess if I was playing for big , the watching nfl football "fun factor" might take a hit. I play in free leagues, so I don't have a financial stake in any games.

 

[Cunk]

I think it's fantastic because it makes many fans a little more loyal to "your" team and a little less loyal to your favorite team.Look, NFL players are NOT loyal to their team. They look out for themselves. They'd wear a hated rival's jersey for a little more money and not think twice. Tell me a Packers fan would wear a Vikings jersey for any reason other than a lost bet. But Brett Favre had no problem at all. Thurman Thomas was a DOLPHIN, for goodness sake.I think it's empowering for fans to get what they want out of the sport, not hope and pray that their favorite team spends enough money to be competitive so they can enjoy the season. Teams show fans little or no loyalty, but expect it in droves. The league charges for every little thing they can. Well, I'm glad fans have something that allows them to bypass the actual team and enjoy the sport on their terms. I'm glad that the NFL doesn't make a penny when you divide up your fantasy winnings. They get nothing. The fans use them for their own enjoyment. Players care about what they get out of the league. Now fans can do the same. Put a crappy product on the field and fans will happily stay home with their computer. I can't help but resent the way fans are treated by major sports a little bit. I think fantasy football is a home-grown equalizer that they can't control. For that I'm grateful even when my fantasy teams don't do well.

I like this Neil Beaufort Zod.