10 or 12 team fantasy football league?

Question

I'm in a 10-team fantasy football league that is voting on moving to a 12-team league. For the most part our scoring is relatively standard.

The main thing I like about 10 is that you can have a little bit of depth - 1 injury doesn't necessarily put you out of the running. Plus our existing 10 owners are a pretty good group. But - the added challenge of 12-teams is interesting, too. What do you think?

Answer 1

A 12 man league is definately more tough. You have to rely on your sleepers more, but it can make for a hwole new level of fantasy skill.

You're right though, in a 12 man league, if your first and second round picks are hurt or have the same bye week it's tough to win that week, but all things being equal everyone is in the same boat. The only real problem becomes skill of drafting players. If you draft players that are injury prone and they get injured, then it's on you. If you draft solid players that  have never missed a day ni their lives and they break their leg, then it's just unlucky. But one move could make or break a season.

If you've got 10 guys that actually know what they're doing, I'd say keep it to 10 and enjoy the bragging rights within that group.  

Answer 2

I've maintained a 12 team league for 8 years and there is enough depth. I was just invited to join another league that is extending their pool from 10 to 12 owners. Each team in my league has 19 roster spots, which allows everyone to have enough bench depth. It does force each team to strategically plan how "deep" they will be at each position though and keeps others from hording players that they do not need.

I think 12 teams is perfect.

Answer 3

12 team is much better.  It shows who the real best players are.  You have to go deeper and get the sleeper.  In 10 team leagues there is almost always someone you can pick up and just plug in.  12 team leagues should make the best rise to the top while in a 10 team league it is easier to get lucky and win.

Answer 4

I've played in 12 and 16-team keeper leagues for the past 7 years and they are not for the casual fan. You have to do your homework not only before the draft but during the season, as well. If you can find 12 people who are competitive and willing to play the entire season it can make such a league very challenging.

I started a 10-team league this year just to see what it's like. We went with a 20-man roster (8-man bench) and there's still some wiggle room if FA help is needed. I think this league will be fun but nowhere near as difficult as my other leagues.