Fantasy Football Terms Every Kid Should Know
If your child is new to fantasy football, all the terms and stats can feel like learning a new language. From “waiver wire” to “PPR,” the lingo can be a bit overwhelming — even for adults!
At Chalkpoints, we believe in making fantasy football fun, educational, and kid-friendly. That’s why we created this easy glossary of fantasy football terms every young player should know — plus a free cheat sheet you can print or save for draft day.
🧠 Why Learn the Lingo?
Understanding the terms helps kids:
Follow the game with confidence
Make smarter picks on draft day
Talk strategy with friends (and parents!)
Enjoy the game more fully
Whether your child is in elementary school or high school, this glossary is a great way to help them learn how fantasy football works without the boring stuff.
📖 Fantasy Football Glossary for Kids
Here are the most common (and important) fantasy football terms — explained in simple, kid-friendly language.
🏈 BASIC TERMS
Draft – When you pick players for your team before the season starts.
Roster – Your team! It's made up of real NFL players you pick in the draft.
Lineup – The players you choose to “start” each week.
Bench – Players on your team who don’t earn points that week unless they’re moved into your lineup.
Bye Week – A week when a player’s NFL team doesn’t have a game. (They won’t score points that week.)
📊 SCORING TERMS
Points – What your players earn for doing good things in real NFL games (like scoring a touchdown or catching a pass).
PPR (Points Per Reception) – A scoring style where players earn a point every time they catch the ball.
Touchdown (TD) – Worth a lot of points! It happens when a player scores in the end zone.
🔄 STRATEGY TERMS
Waiver Wire – A list of players not on any team. You can add them to your team after the games each week.
Trade – When you swap players with someone else in your league.
Sleeper – A player not many people are talking about but who might have a great season.
🧑💼 MANAGER TERMS
Commissioner – The person who runs the league and makes sure everyone plays fair.
Flex Position – A spot in your lineup where you can start a running back, wide receiver, or tight end.
Matchup – The person your fantasy team plays against each week in your league.
👨👩👧👦 Pro Tip for Parents: Make It a Family Activity!
Reviewing the terms together is a great way to help your child get ready, feel confident, and get excited about the season. Talk about your own fantasy football experiences and compare strategies!
🏁 Final Whistle
Learning how fantasy football works starts with understanding the basics. With this simple glossary (and your support), your child will be drafting, trading, and scoring points like a pro in no time.
Want more tools and tips to help your kid get started in fantasy football?
👉 Explore our classes, live drafts, and fantasy leagues! Visit chalkpoints.com for more information!