Entertainment
The World of Fantasy Sports: A Comprehensive Guide to Fantasy Sports Leagues
In recent years, the world of fantasy sports has exploded in popularity, providing fans with the unique opportunity to step into the shoes of a team owner, manager, or general manager and compete against other players in customized leagues.
With the rapid rise and popularization of the internet and with it the increased accessibility of data, the fantasy sports industry has grown into a multi-billion-dollar business that attracts millions of participants from around the globe. This comprehensive guide will take you through the ins and outs of fantasy sports leagues, from understanding the basics to exploring various league formats and platforms.
Understanding Fantasy Sports
Fantasy sports are online games that allow participants to create and manage virtual teams built on real-life athletes from a professional sport, such as football, basketball, baseball, or soccer.
These virtual teams score points based on the actual performance of the selected athletes in real-world games. The objective of the game is to assemble a team that outperforms other teams within the league, earning bragging rights and in some cases, cash prizes.
Getting Started
To start on your journey into the world of fantasy sports, follow these simple steps:
Choose a sport: The first step is to select the sport you’re most interested in, as different sports offer different experiences and strategies. For reference, some of the most popular fantasy sports include football, baseball, basketball, soccer, and hockey.
Find a platform: Numerous websites and mobile applications host fantasy sports leagues. Some of the most popular platforms include ESPN, Yahoo Sports, CBS Sports, and FanDuel. Research the various platforms to determine which suits your needs and preferences best.
Join a league: Once you’ve chosen a platform, you can either join a public league, create your own private league, or join a private league through an invitation. Public leagues are open to anyone, while private leagues typically involve a group of friends or coworkers.
Draft your team: During the drafting process, participants take turns selecting real-life athletes to build their virtual team. It’s essential to research and develop a strategy before the draft, as your team’s success will depend on the players you choose.
Manage your team: Throughout the season, you’ll need to manage your roster, setting lineups, adding and dropping players, and making trades with other teams in your league.
Compete and have fun: Track your team’s performance and compete against other teams within in your league. Enjoy the camaraderie and excitement that comes with being a fantasy sports owner.
League Formats
There are several different fantasy sports league formats, each offering a unique experience. Some of the most popular formats include:
Head-to-Head (H2H): In this format, teams are matched up against one another each week, with the team accumulating the highest point total and earning a win. The teams with the best win-loss records advance to the playoffs at the end of the season.
Rotisserie (Roto): In a rotisserie league, teams are ranked based on their cumulative statistics in various categories (e.g., points, rebounds, assists for basketball). The team with the highest overall ranking at the end of the season is declared the winner.
Points-Only: This format is similar to rotisserie leagues, but a single-point system is used instead of ranking teams based on multiple categories. The team with the most points at the end of the season wins.
Keeper and Dynasty Leagues: In these formats, participants retain a portion of their team’s roster from one season to the next, allowing them to build a long-term strategy. Keeper leagues typically retain a few players, while dynasty leagues retain the entire roster.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): Unlike traditional fantasy sports leagues that span an entire season, DFS contests are based on individual or specific games. Participants select a lineup of players within a salary cap, and the team with the most points at the end of the contest wins. DFS is available for various sports and can be played on platforms such as DraftKings and FanDuel.
Tips for Success
To excel in fantasy sports leagues, consider the following tips:
Research: A deep understanding of the sport, individual players, and their current form is crucial. Familiarize yourself with player statistics, injury reports, and team dynamics. Utilize reputable websites, podcasts, and expert analysis to gather information and stay updated. If you don’t have the time to stay current, use a service like Doc’s Sports, that has experts providing both free and paid picks.
Draft strategy: Develop a draft strategy based on your league’s format and scoring system. Consider factors such as positional scarcity, player consistency, and potential breakout candidates. Be prepared to adjust your strategy during the draft, as other participants may select your targeted players.
Active management: Successful fantasy sports owners are proactive in managing their teams. Monitor the waiver wire for potential additions, stay updated on player injuries and suspensions, and adjust your lineup accordingly. Don’t be afraid to make trades, but always consider the long-term implications of your moves.
Adapt to league settings: Understand your league’s specific rules and scoring system, as they can significantly impact player values and strategies. Tailor your approach to match the unique aspects of your league.
Engage with the community: Fantasy sports are inherently social, so engage with fellow participants within your league and the broader fantasy sports community. Share insights, discuss strategies, and learn from others’ experiences to enhance your knowledge and enjoyment of the game.
The Connection Between Fantasy Sports and Sports Betting
Both fantasy sports and sports betting require a deep understanding of the sport, its players, and team dynamics. Participants need to analyze statistics, trends, and other factors to make informed decisions. This shared emphasis on skill and knowledge appeals to those who enjoy delving into the intricacies of their favorite sports. In sports betting, for example, bettors might seek out daily MLB picks during baseball season to gather insights and predictions from experts.
As different sports seasons occur throughout the year, bettors often shift their focus from one sport to another, such as transitioning from MLB betting to NBA betting when baseball season ends and basketball season begins. During the NFL season, bettors might concentrate on weekly games and culminate their efforts with bets on the Super Bowl. Daily sports betting is another popular form of wagering, where bettors place bets on individual games or events happening on a specific day.
This type of betting requires constant vigilance, as bettors must stay updated on player injuries, team dynamics, and other relevant factors that can influence the outcome of a game. To stay ahead, successful bettors diligently search for certain odds and reports.
Assemble Your Dream Team
The world of fantasy sports offers a thrilling and immersive experience that allows fans to engage with their favorite sports in a whole new way. By understanding the various league formats, platforms, and strategies, you can maximize your chances of success and enjoyment in this rapidly growing industry. So, dive in, assemble your dream team, and compete for glory in the realm of fantasy sports.
The countdown is on and the winners of the 2022/2023 season will be announced in a live televised ceremony on Sunday, June 11.
Here is who we think will win and who should.
Best Scenic Design of a Play
The Nominees
Miriam Buether, Prima Facie
Tim Hatley & Andrzej Goulding, Life of Pi
Rachel Hauck, Good Night, Oscar
Richard Hudson, Leopoldstadt
Dane Laffrey & Lucy Mackinnon, A Christmas Carol
Most if the technical awards will and should go to this amazing visual production
Will win: Tim Hatley & Andrzej Goulding
Should win: Tim Hatley & Andrzej Goulding
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
The Nominees
Beowulf Boritt, New York, New York
Mimi Lien, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Michael Yeargan & 59 Productions, Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot
Scott Pask, Shucked
Scott Pask, Some Like It Hot
The theatre community is going to want to honor New York, New York in some way, but it is Sweeney Todd that has our vote.
Will win: Beowulf Boritt
Should win:Mimi Lien
Cast of Broadway’s ‘Ain’t No Mo’ Photo by Joan Marcus
Best Costume Design of a Play
The Nominees
Tim Hatley, Nick Barnes & Finn Caldwell, Life of Pi
Dominique Fawn Hill, Fat Ham
Brigitte Reiffenstuel, Leopoldstadt
Emilio Sosa, Ain’t No Mo’
Emilio Sosa, Good Night, Oscar
Emilio Sosa is up for two nominations but will win for Ain’t No Mo’ in order to honor this show.
Will win: Emilio Sosa
Should win:Emilio Sosa
Best Costume Design of a Musical
The Nominees
Gregg Barnes, Some Like It Hot
Susan Hilferty, Parade
Jennifer Moeller, Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot
Clint Ramos & Sophia Choi, KPOP
Paloma Young, & Juliet
Donna Zakowska, New York, New York
Hands down this is Gregg Barnes. His costumes are spectacular and make you want to go shopping on that set.
Will win: Gregg Barnes
Should win:Gregg Barnes
Best Lighting Design of a Play
The Nominees
Neil Austin, Leopoldstadt
Natasha Chivers, Prima Facie
Jon Clark, A Doll’s House
Bradley King, Fat Ham
Tim Lutkin, Life of Pi
Jen Schriever, Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman
Ben Stanton, A Christmas Carol
Most if the technical awards will and should go to this amazing visual production
Will win: Tim Lutkin
Should win: Tim Lutkin
Best Lighting Design of a Musical
The Nominees
Ken Billington, New York, New York
Lap Chi Chu, Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot
Heather Gilbert, Parade
Howard Hudson, & Juliet
Natasha Katz, Some Like It Hot
Natasha Katz, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Natasha Katz is up for two nominations but will win for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in order to honor this show.
Will win: Natasha Katz
Should win:Natasha Katz
photo credit achristmascarollive.com
Best Sound Design of a Play
The Nominees
Jonathan Deans & Taylor Williams, Ain’t No Mo’
Carolyn Downing, Life of Pi
Joshua D. Reid, A Christmas Carol
Ben & Max Ringham, A Doll’s House
Ben & Max Ringham, Prima Facie
The sound design in this show by Joshua D. Reid was spectacular and made the show.
Will win: Joshua D. Reid
Should win: Joshua D. Reid
Joshua Henry, Gavin Creel Into the Woods Photo credit: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
Best Sound Design of a Musical
The Nominees
Kai Harada, New York, New York
John Shivers, Shucked
Scott Lehrer & Alex Neumann, Into the Woods
Gareth Owen, & Juliet
Nevin Steinberg, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Will win: Scott Lehrer & Alex Neumann
Should win:Nevin Steinberg
G.H. Harding
MORNING GLORY — (Via Deadline) Jennifer Aniston is teasing the new season of The Morning Show ahead of its Apple TV+ premiere this fall.
The Friends alum plays a morning show anchor named Alex Levy on the Jay Carson-created drama and is opening up about what to expect in Season 3.
“It’s a good, juicy one,” Aniston told People. “Everybody’s getting in trouble. Everybody has a secret. And everyone’s just walking the line. It’s a lot more sensual this year.”
Aniston shares the screen with Reese Witherspoon and they both executive produce the series. With Season 3 not even airing yet, the stars have already secured a fourth season When the show returns this fall to the streamer, it’ll pick up right after Season 2 ended and as the Covid-19 pandemic ravaged the fictional network UBA.
While making an appearance on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon earlier this year, Aniston teased the new season of The Morning Show and talked about Jon Hamm joining the show.
“Everybody has a secret. We’re revealing a lot of secrets. There’s definitely romance,” Aniston said. “Mr. Jon Hamm is a big one. We were very excited to get him. Isn’t he the nicest guy? He’s this very handsome leading man and then he’s got this funny and… it’s just so fabulous.”
The cast of the show also includes Billy Crudup, Mark Duplass, Néstor Carbonell, Karen Pittman, Bel Powley, Desean Terry, Nicole Beharie, and many more. Steve Carell was also part of the show in its two first seasons.
Season 1 of the show was just sensational with Steve Carrel turning in a great performance. Season 2 was rather awful and because of that I was surprised it was even renewed at all. Aniston and Witherspoon are fantastic; terrific chemistry, but the real stars, at least for me, are Billy Crudup and Mark Duplass. Somehow, Crudup’s character was not given the same attention in Season 2 and that was a huge mistake IMO.
I’m a big Jon Hamm fan as well, so, I’m ready. Bring it on.
Ronnie Wood and Micky Dolenz
SHORT TAKES — Micky Dolenz performed “I’m A Believer,” “Randy Scouse Git” and “Daydream Believer” at last weekend’s James Burton and Friends in London at the Palladium. Also there: Brian May; Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter; Ronnie Wood; and Albert Lee. Here’s Wood and Dolenz …
Donnie Kehr and Lou Christie at Cutting Room
Broadway’s Donnie Kehr delivered a superb show Sunday night at Steve Walter’s Cutting Room in NYC. He performed his current album Beautiful Strange in its entirety. With a top-notch band, it was just sensational. Seen there were: Cori Gardner; Benny Harrison; the China Club’s Danny Fried with daughter Gabriella and Lou Christie. Kehr’s pr-man David Salidor was also on hand. Kehr and his band even performed “Running Back” which was a hit 35 years ago when Kehr was in a rock-ensemble called Urgent. Stellar night …
Surrender/Jann Klose
Jann Klose was at Philadelphia’s Sellersville Theater a week back and Annie Haslam (Renaissance) was on for several songs. His new album Surrender is out and just an excellent work … The long-awaited movie The Flash is out next week and the first reviews are in and they’re sensational. Even Deadline’s moribund Pete Hammond, whose reviews are usually a snore-and-a-bore loved it. He event cited Michael Keaton’s return as Batman as brilliant. Check it out here: https://deadline.com/2023/06/the-flash-review-ezra-miller-michael-keaton-in-brilliant-return-batman-1235409735/ …
Robert Miller
I hear there’s a new Project Grand Slam album out? One of Robert Miller’s former PR-persons (and there have been many) tipped us off about it. Congrats Mr. Miller … HBO, in their infinite wisdom, just cancelled Perry Mason after two seasons. Sad, but not surprising as it was a terrific show that had not only great writing, but great acting. Matthew Rhys and Juliet Rylance were sensational. Their second season was definitely harder to get through than their debut season, but still well written and performed. Sad … NBC’s Carson Daly just previewed what Spotify believes could be the songs of the summer. Taylor Swift; Jack Harlow; Rema with Selena Gomez were all picks; the only thing is, they all sounded the same … CNN’s Chris Licht – supposedly the savior to the network’s failing fortunes was fired Wednesday by David Zaslav after a disastrous article in The Atlantic. From our spies at CNN, this was no surprise and a most welcomed development. Zaz The Butcher should bring Jeff Zucker back … 
Comic-legend Pat Cooper passed yesterday. Anthony Pomes from Square One Publishing said: “Pat was a mighty American comedy legend. He was brash, brave, and fearlessly original in his presentation of all his life’s truths. We (Square One) feel honored to have published his memoir. Having accompanied Pat to several shows and such for PR and to sell his book, I came to see the pussycat behind the scowly owl front. If he yelled at you, that meant that he LIKED you. Godspeed, Mr. Caputo – you were a great one” … And, RIP George Winston and Astrud Gilberto.
NAMES IN THE NEWS — Benny Harrison; Steve Walter; Tony Sachs; Barry Fisch; Eppy; Peter Shendell; Tom & Lisa Cuddy; Lush Ice; Joe Cocker; Kent Denmark; Kim Garner; Elizabeth Warner; Andrew Sandoval; Jason Elzy; Irving Azoff; Anthony Pomes; Anthony Noto; Robert Funaro; Joel Diamond; Vinny Rich; Benny Harrison; The Smith; Sasha Prendes; and ZIGGY!
Off Broadway
Meet The Playwrights of The NY Summer Theater Festival: Dan Brown Brings His Profound Sense of Writing of The Human Condition To Life
Dan Brown is a writer/director from NYC. In 2013 he released the documentary film- John Cori Warned You. In 2020, Dan published a collection of fiction writing- The Sometimes Why. In ’21 he directed the theatre production-Tales From the Sometimes Why. In January ’23 he debuted the stage show; The Eleven Story Drop. His play- The Mollies was selected to the Queens Short Play Festival.
In Sunshine Unlimited a 14 minute play at The New York Festival we meet Martin who was promoted to management. He is the first African American to be elevated to an executive position, but it seems not just , fanfare within the company is linked to the promotion. Months later when his hiring is still being celebrated, Martin experiences doubts about his boss, and himself. Is racism still wrong when the perpetrators have good intentions. Is one truly a victim when racism come with a raise and window view?
Tony nominee Paul Gordon’s new musical The Gospel According to Heather will premiere Off-Broadway this summer at Theatre 555, with performances beginning June 14 ahead of a June 22 opening night. The limited run will continue through July 9.
On Monday the cast premiered a few of the numbers and talked to the press. In this video meet Brittany Nicole Williams (The Prom), Maria Habeeb, Carlos Alcala, Lauren Elder (Hair), Carson Stewart, Donna Trikoff the artistic producer of Amas Musical Theatre, Katey Sagal (The Connors, Sons of Anarchy, Married with Children) as “Agatha,” Jeremy Kushnier (Atomic, Footloose) and composer, lyricist and book writer Paul Gordon.
In The Gospel According to Heather, Heather Krebs wants a boyfriend, but how can she navigate her way through high school if she might be the new Messiah? A small town in Ohio grapples with politics, religion, and teenage romance in the pop musical featuring a book, music, and lyrics by Tony nominee Gordon (Jane Eyre).
The Gospel According to Heather is being presented by Amas Musical Theatre in association with Jim Kierstead, Broadway Factor, Linda Karn and David Bryant.
All video’s by Magda Katz
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