Dynasty Leagues

If you want to create your own franchise like the NFL does, there is no better league than this. Dynasty leagues let owners keep their entire rosters from one year to the next. In the summer there is a rookie (or possibly rookie/ free agent) draft. Teams release their extra players into free agency before the season starts.

Pros: Keeping your whole roster is great if you're a good player. You can just build up your roster and win year after year. You can really feel good about your skills if you can stay on top for a couple of years. It is fun to try and build a franchise like your favorite NFL team would if they weren't completely inept (49ers).

Cons: You really need dedicated owners. I mean really. That is the biggest drawback. If someone loses badly two years in a row, why would they want to come back? It's hard to find people who can lose and will try to turn it around. They could be more likely to seek instant gratification in a redraft league. If an owner leaves, how will you replace them and make the new team at least competitive?

League Size: 12, 14 teams. Ten is too few, I think. You may feel differently.

Draft Type: Regular. Make it fair for the teams at the bottom of the league by using reverse order of finish.

This league should use a regular draft because it most closely resembles real football. Of course, if you're playing NCAA fantasy football, an auction for top players may be more accurate.

Tweaks: Salary cap, IDP, flex lineups, trade draft picks, dual playoffs.