ESPN's Fantasy Football game is back for 2026 -- and there's still time to get involved.
Build a roster featuring some of the NFL's biggest stars, compete against friends, family or other fans and put your knowledge to the test throughout the season.
It's free to play, easy to get started and gives you another reason to follow the action every week as you make trades, tweak your lineup and try to lead your team all the way to a fantasy championship.
Whether you're an experienced fantasy player or giving it a go for the first time, here's everything you need to know to get started with the Official Fantasy Game of the NFL.
What is Fantasy Football?
It's not complicated -- and there's a good chance you've already played games such as Fantasy Premier League. You select your own team of NFL players, setting a lineup every week. Then, you watch as they run, pass, catch and score touchdowns, all of which are worth fantasy points.
Each week, you are matched up against another manager in your league, and whoever has the most fantasy points that week, wins -- giving you a win or a loss on your season record.
Then, the following week, we do it all over again - and so on. Those results build up over the season and determine the standings in your league. Finish with one of the best records and you'll qualify for the fantasy playoffs, where it's win and advance or lose and your season is over. The last team standing is crowned your league's fantasy champion.
If you need to know more, ESPN's resident Fantasy Football expert Field Yates wrote a beginner's guide to fantasy football specifically with new players in mind.
Who can you play against?
Anyone, basically. You can create a league with family or friends or if you're not sure who to play with join a public league with other fans.
Need some help selecting your team?
Don't worry if you don't have infinite NFL knowledge, that's where we come in.
ESPN has rankings, projections and advise to help you build your roster and manage it throughout the season. We've got our Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet for Beginners to start with.
Then, if you're feeling even more confident, there is Mike Clay's Playbook for a master class on how he expertly approaches his draft.
Pick a cool team name
We've even got that covered. Our Fantasy Football Name Generator will reveal a football-themed team name for you!
Where to sign up?
With ESPN of course! You can sign up for the game here and away you go.
Don't forget the ESPN Fantasy App!
Make lineup moves, savvy free agent pick ups, and trade with friends wherever you are.
You can also use FantasyCast to follow your matchup throughout the weekend and keep track of how your players are performing.