Superbowl...or something like it!

This week marks a huge, huge week for some people. You may ask: "What is so special about Dec 18th week?" Well, I'm glad you asked. This week is Week 16 in the NFL. By the title of this Blog, you'll think I'm crazy. Superbowl is a mere six or so weeks away. Ah-ha! But for losers around the globe, many of which who play fantasy football, will be going head-to-head with another loser in their Superbowl. Week 16 is the best week for this due to many teams rest their players the last week, as the REAL playoff picture has already been scultped. These same superstars, who have carried your teams for the duration of the year, usually will not gain any actual stats week 17, thus no fantasy points will be awarded either!

For those of you who haven't turned on a computer or ESPN in the last 10 years, Fantasy Football has changed the way the NFL is looked at. To me, its a way to follow the sport much closer. Since I can't put together a 4 game parlay to save my life, I will invest money into a fantasy football league. One league in particular consists of 16 guys, sitting in a room, with too much technology for us to figure out and enough beer and pizza to supply the IRA. We draft 16 rounds worth of players. There is a keeper feature that goes along with our teams as well. Anyone drafted after round 4 is able to be a keeper. The catch is, if you do want to keep that player, he is drafted 3 rounds earlier the next year. Such as, if I draft Tony Romo in the 4th round, next year he is my first round pick.

When the player you drafted plays, he plays for you too. The average league gets 1 point for every 10 yards rushed or received, 6 points for touchdowns, 4 or 5 points for quarterbacks who throw for a touchdown, and 1 point for every 50 thrown. Defenses and special teams are also used. Turnovers are usually worth 1 or 2 points, and for shutouts, there is substantional amount of points awarded. Kickers score 1 point for PAT's and 3 per field goals. Finally, your lineup consists of 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 FLEX (any player not a QB), 1 Kicker, and 1 DEFENSE.

I, myself, am lined up to play in the superbowl for my geek-league. This is pretty funny, seeing that I've only been in the league for three years. This certain league has been around for eight years, and there are other players who have not made the playoffs, let alone play for the superbowl. So you may say, I am one lucky geek. So, best of luck to all those going for the big win this week!