When Does Fantasy Football Start in 2025?

By Emma Wilson · August 19, 2028

Fantasy football typically starts in early September, aligning with the kickoff of the NFL regular season. For the 2025 season, fantasy football leagues are expected to begin on Sunday, September 7, 2025, following the Thursday night NFL opener on September 4. Most fantasy platforms, including ESPN, Yahoo, and NFL.com, will have drafts starting in late August, allowing team managers to prepare rosters before Week 1.

When Does Fantasy Football Start in 2025?

The fantasy football season mirrors the NFL calendar. In 2025, the NFL regular season begins on Thursday, September 4, with the defending Super Bowl champions hosting the opening game. Fantasy football contests officially start the following weekend, with most platforms locking lineups for Week 1 on Sunday, September 7, at scheduled kickoff times.

Drafts for fantasy leagues usually occur between mid-August and early September. Keeper and dynasty leagues may begin earlier, often in June or July, to allow time for trades and roster adjustments.

Key Dates for Fantasy Football 2025

NFL Kickoff Game: Thursday, September 4, 2025
Fantasy Week 1 Start: Sunday, September 7, 2025
Draft Period: August 15 – September 3, 2025
Super Bowl LIX: February 8, 2026 (end of fantasy championship)
Fantasy Playoffs: Weeks 14–16 (varies by league settings)

How Fantasy Football Aligns With the NFL Season

Fantasy football is directly tied to the NFL’s weekly schedule. Each fantasy week corresponds to an NFL game week, with points awarded based on real player performances. The standard fantasy season consists of 13–14 regular-season weeks, followed by a 3-week playoff period culminating in a championship matchup around mid-December to early January.

Weekly Structure of Fantasy Football

Most leagues operate on a weekly cycle that includes:

Drafting rosters before Week 1
Setting starting lineups each week
Monitoring bye weeks and injuries
Conducting trades and waiver claims
Advancing to playoffs based on win-loss record

Season Year	NFL Start Date	Fantasy Week 1	Draft Window	Championship Week
2022	September 8	September 8–11	August 1–September 7	Week 14 (Dec 25–29)
2023	September 7	September 7–10	August 10–September 6	Week 14 (Dec 24–28)
2024	September 5	September 5–8	August 14–September 4	Week 14 (Dec 23–27)
2025 (Projected)	September 4	September 7	August 15–September 3	Week 14 (Dec 22–26)

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a consistent pattern: fantasy football begins within days of the NFL kickoff game. Draft windows typically open four weeks prior, giving players ample time to research rankings and simulate drafts. Championship weeks are scheduled before the NFL playoffs, ensuring fantasy conclusions precede the postseason.

Preparing for Your Fantasy Football Draft

Success in fantasy football hinges on preparation. Here are essential steps to take before draft day:

Top Draft Preparation Tips

Research player rankings: Use trusted sources like ESPN, FantasyPros, and Pro Football Focus.
Understand your league settings: Scoring rules, roster size, and playoff structure impact strategy.
Identify sleepers and busts: Find undervalued players and avoid overhyped names.
Practice mock drafts: Simulate drafts to refine your approach and timing.
Monitor preseason injuries: Key absences can alter projections significantly.

Fantasy Football Platforms Compared

Several platforms dominate the fantasy football space, each offering unique features:

ESPN Fantasy Football: Largest user base, robust analytics, live scoring updates.
Yahoo Fantasy: User-friendly interface, excellent trade tools, customizable scoring.
NFL.com Fantasy: Official NFL partner, seamless integration with news and stats.
Fantrax: Advanced customization, ideal for niche or dynasty leagues.
Sleeper: Modern app design, strong social features, popular for mobile users.

Common Questions About When Fantasy Football Starts

When does fantasy football start in 2025?

Fantasy football for the 2025 season starts on Sunday, September 7, 2025, following the NFL kickoff game on Thursday, September 4. Leagues on ESPN, Yahoo, and NFL.com will begin scoring Week 1 matchups then.

Can I draft my fantasy team after the NFL season starts?

Yes, some platforms offer auto-drafts or late-entry leagues if you miss the draft window. However, starting late puts you at a disadvantage due to early injuries and bye weeks.

Do fantasy football playoffs coincide with the NFL playoffs?

No. Fantasy playoffs typically end by early January, before the NFL Conference Championships. The Super Bowl occurs in February, but fantasy leagues conclude weeks earlier.

How long does the fantasy football season last?

A standard fantasy season lasts 14 weeks: 11–13 weeks of regular play and 3 weeks of playoffs. Some leagues extend into Week 17 depending on settings.

What time do fantasy lineups lock on Sundays?

Lineups lock at the scheduled kickoff time of each NFL game. For Sunday afternoon games (1:00 PM and 4:05 PM ET), those slots lock before the first whistle. Monday and Thursday games have later locks.