Fantasy football isn’t just a side hobby anymore—it’s a huge part of how people enjoy the National Football League (NFL). Today, tens of millions of people in the U.S. and Canada play some form of fantasy sports, and football is by far the most popular. What started as a few fans keeping score with pen and paper has turned into a massive pastime that keeps growing every season. Millions of people draft teams, track player performances, and compete with friends, coworkers, or strangers in leagues that mirror the real NFL season.

According to the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association (FSGA), more than 60 million people in North America play fantasy sports, with football being the most popular by a wide margin. Within this group, fantasy football alone accounts for tens of millions of participants, making it a cultural phenomenon that has transformed from a niche hobby into one of the most popular forms of sports entertainment in the United States and beyond. But why is it so popular?

One big reason for the boom is how easy it is now. Back in the day, you had to flip through the newspaper on Monday to add up stats by hand. Now, apps like ESPN, Yahoo, and Sleeper do everything for you instantly. You can draft your team in minutes, check scores on your phone, and even get alerts if one of your players is hurt. It’s simple enough that casual fans can play, but still competitive enough to keep hardcore football junkies hooked.

Another reason people love it is the social side. Fantasy football gives friends, coworkers, and even family members a reason to connect every week. Whether it’s talking trash in the group chat, holding a draft party, or sweating out a Monday Night Football game together, it turns watching football into a shared experience. For a lot of people, the league itself is as much about bonding as it is about winning.

The rise of media and social platforms has also made fantasy football bigger than ever. There are shows, podcasts, and entire websites dedicated to fantasy advice. Social media makes it easy to share hot takes, funny memes, or those heartbreaking last-second losses with your league mates. The constant coverage keeps people engaged and makes the fantasy world feel like part of the real NFL season.

Lastly, the popularity of sports betting has helped fantasy football grow, too. Daily fantasy leagues like DraftKings and FanDuel mix in a gambling element, and while season-long leagues are more about bragging rights, the competitive thrill is similar. People love the strategy, the unpredictability, and of course, the chance to win a little money (or at least avoid finishing last).

In the end, fantasy football has exploded because it’s easy, social, and fun. It turns every game into something personal, whether you’re rooting for your favorite team or just hoping your kicker doesn’t blow it. As long as football is around, fantasy football is only going to keep pulling in more players.