Fantasy Football 101 - What is a Vampire League?
The variations of fantasy football leagues continue to grow each year. One league format that has been rising in popularity is a Vampire league. Vampire leagues are very unique in both setup and management. If you are unfamiliar with what a vampire league is, this guide below will break it down for you.
Fantasy Draft
Like all fantasy redraft leagues, the order in which the draft occurs is done at random. Whichever team is listed as the last person to draft is considered the vampire of the league. The vampire does not get to draft a team. Instead, the remaining members treat the fantasy draft like any other draft (snake or auction style) and build the best team possible. Once the draft is over, both the free agency and waiver wire is locked for all teams that drafted, and the vampire must select their team based off of the remaining undrafted players. In other words, the vampire will be starting the season at a major disadvantage.
Once the initial draft is completed, both free agency and the waiver wire are locked for all members of the team for the remainder of the year - except for the vampire! The vampire has an uphill battle as their team will start off incredibly poor. However, as NFL rosters change, trades occur, and injuries happen, the vampire will be able to capitalize on this being the only member to utilize free agency for the season.
Advantages of being the Vampire
The vampire is at an incredible disadvantage to start the fantasy season. They have to do a lot of work to build a competitive team. Being the only member to access the waiver wire all year is very advantageous for them to build their team.
Also, when the vampire does win a game against their opponent, they get to choose any member of the losing team's starting lineup to add to their roster. When taking a player from the opposing team, the vampire must also give up one of their own players to the losing team as well at the same position they stole. So the vampire is able to build their team through weekly victories. For example: the vampire has a matchup against a team that has wide receiver Justin Jefferson. If they defeat that team, and Jefferson was in their starting lineup, they are able to steal Jefferson from that team to have on their own going forward. The vampire is then required to give that team a wide receiver from their own roster.
Strategies to beat the Vampire
When it comes to facing the vampire, there are a few approaches.
First, we recommend having several running back and wide receiver backups on your team. With no waiver wire and free agency, injuries are inevitable, so your bench is crucial.
Second, be mindful of who you are starting when facing the vampire. The vampire is only allowed to take players in your starting lineup. Though you are required to field an actual starting lineup, you may need to be mindful on how you play if you think the matchup will be close.
Lastly, utilize trades! The vampire has the entire free agency on his roster. As injuries and NFL transactions occur throughout the season, use the vampire's unlimited roster to work trades to build your team.
Trading Players
Trades are allowed in a vampire league. Players are allowed to trade with other members, as well as, the vampire in the league. This is the sole way that a non-vampire team can build their roster.
Playoffs in a Vampire League
Once the playoffs hit, the league goes back to a typical redraft league. Waivers and free agency open back up for all, and the vampire no longer has control over this space.
Conclusion
A vampire league is a great way to mix up things. They may not be for the casual fantasy player, but they are a lot of fun. This goes great as a secondary league to your existing redraft and/or dynasty leagues you have in flight.