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Fantasy football is based on real football but it doesn't work in the same way. For one, only in fantasy football can you have the potential to get all the best players of the season all in one team with you as the owner. Second, fantasy football doesn't involve any actual play. Instead, it is based on the actual games. How the players perform in the actual games will determine how many points your dream team will earn. But do you actually win? And how long is the season for fantasy football anyway?

The fantasy football season
Fantasy football generally follows the actual football season, so if you're playing, be ready for many weeks of excitement and nail-biting. A regular season in football lasts for 17 weeks. Every week, you will play against one opponent, which is determined by your schedule. Each team owner hopes to make it to the playoffs, to get a better chance of winning the league championship.

The bye week
Not every team will be playing each and every game. There is a rest week for each team where they will be given a break for one week. This is called the bye week. Teams will typically receive this break between week 4 and week 10, so they can rest before playoff run.

So why should you watch out for the bye week? Simple. If one of your players is on the team who will be going for a break, you, the fantasy owner, will have to replace that player with an active player. Keeping that player on your team will not earn you any points. After all, he won't be playing and you'll be wasting the opportunity of raking in the points that an active player might bring.

How much you'll be looking to spend
If you're a beginner, it's best to start playing without spending for anything yet. There are sports sites that let you play the current fantasy football season free of cost. Games on these sites are comprehensive so you get to experience the thrill and excitement of fantasy football without spending a dime. Once you've learned the details and the unique nuances of the game, you can begin to play for a fee. Just don't go looking for prizes if you win in a free game. Free leagues don't have eligibility for champion prizes.

Once you feel you're ready and truly understand fantasy football, you can join a league. You have two ways of doing this; joining a public league or creating your own. If you prefer a public league, make sure you read the description and rules of that league. Join only if you like what you find. If not, get more control by creating a private league with your friends.

The cost of playing fantasy football
The cost will depend on your league. At CBS Sports, for example, owners have three choices: the Silver, Gold or Platinum versions, which cost $14.95, $39.95 and $99.95 respectively, for every team you enter. League championship prizes also vary at $50 for the Silver, $200 for the Gold and $600 for the Platinum. There are also two other versions, the Diamond and the Double Diamond, where prizes can reach $3,500 for league championships.

Check with your league how much the championship prize is and how it will be divided. Although it's not required, especially if you're in a private league run by friends, it's best to get your prize money collection rules in writing so you don't have to deal with confusion later on.

Depending on your league, you might also get 'extras' on top of your winnings. Trophies can vary (and they don't necessarily have to be trophies). Things like football cards, bobble heads and other not-so-expensive football memorabilia are commonly given away to fantasy football league winners.

In fantasy football, you can spend about $100 a year playing. Some fans may even enthusiastically fork out $300 to $500 annually just to play, not to mention hours and hours of their time focusing on any changes that will have a bearing on how their fantasy team performs. Joining the pay games can be more competitive, so you'll have to be an experienced player in order to succeed. If you win, though, prizes can be really good and of course, you get bragging rights, which is unbeatable.

The fantasy football season may seem long but if you love football without prejudice, you have every reason to enjoy it. Although the prizes are great, it's the fun in playing that actually makes hard-boiled football fans go back to fantasy football again and again. Who knows? This could become a major past time for you, too.