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Are You Ready for Some Fantasy Football Online?

The beginning of the professional football season is upon us... but for millions of hardcore football fans, it is the fantasy football season that may hold greater significance.

Fantasy football brings out the virtual general manager in any football fan as rosters are analyzed closely, friends or co-workers are sudden rivals and every game on TV has importance.

Fantasy football, a niche pastime just 15 years ago, has blossomed to the point that nearly every office has at least one league, probably more.

Participants go to great lengths to prepare strategies for their annual drafts, oftentimes perusing magazines, Web sites and other sources -- all in an effort to get the edge over their opponents. The fantasy football frenzy has littered the country with odd nicknames, strange league traditions and ongoing scrutiny of players and matchups.

How far have fantasy sports permeated the sports entertainment business? Dozens of magazines are currently on newsstands, each promising to help fantasy players find the best players for their team.

In addition, top media companies are also offering their online fantasy games, and run regular statistical updates during games to cater to the fantasy football-playing viewers.

Top free online fantasy football games:

CBS Fantasy Football

ESPN Fantasy Football

NFL Free Fantasy Football

Sporting News Fantasy Football

Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football

Still a newbie when it comes to playing beginner fantasy football? Check out these sites for tutorials and more information on getting started playing the game -- as you scout, coach players, and manage the football team of your dreams...

How Stuff Works - How Fantasy Football Works

NFL.com - Fantasy Football 101