The Data Game of Fantasy Football
1h 22mIntermediate2019-07-16
Authors

Eddie Davila
Associate Chair for the ASU Supply Chain Management program
Course details
As NFL players ready themselves for a fresh shot at Super Bowl glory, another game starts to invade offices and friend groups: fantasy football. Equal parts number crunching and artful trash talking, fantasy football is a game where a player's ability to parse data can make or break their season. In this course, Eddie Davila breaks down how fantasy football works—and how you can leverage the power of data science to assemble and manage a formidable team. Get expert guidance on drafting players, setting your weekly lineup, and making sound coaching decisions throughout the season. Plus, learn what it takes to start your own league. Whether you’re a fantasy football veteran eyeing another win—or you've been goaded into joining your very first league—this course can help you start the season with confidence.
Learning objectives
How fantasy football is designed to work
The scoring system
Deciphering your league's rules
Preparing for your draft
Optimizing your draft list
Picking a lineup from week to week
Making smart trades
Maximizing your chances of winning near the playoffs
Running your own league
Learning objectives
How fantasy football is designed to work
The scoring system
Deciphering your league's rules
Preparing for your draft
Optimizing your draft list
Picking a lineup from week to week
Making smart trades
Maximizing your chances of winning near the playoffs
Running your own league
Skills covered
Data AnalysisData ScienceBusiness Analysis and StrategyBusiness Software and ToolsOne-Off
Concepts
Introduction
- The obsession with fantasy football
- Course organization
Know Your League
- How fantasy football works
- Owner decisions
- Understanding the scoring system
- League rules
The Player Draft
- Types of drafts - Snake vs. straight
- Types of drafts - Auction draft
- Optimize your draft list
- Basic draft preparation
- Advanced draft preparation
- Putting it together
- Indicators
Strategy and Tactics for the Season
- Setting lineups
- Player acquisition
- Wins and playoffs
Running Your Own League
- The commissioner
- League decisions
- League rules
- Scoring system
- Long-term success
Conclusion
- Next steps