WILKES-BARRE — Since Fantasy Football is just that — a vehicle for millions of people to fantasize what it would be like to own and manage and coach a National Football League team — what better way to take a “deep dive” into this multi-billion dollar world than to go all-out AI.

Since the entire Fantasy Football world is based on fake teams, fake games and fake results, why not seek out a fake source to learn all about what makes Fantasy Football so popular.

AI — Artificial Intelligence — was well-prepared when I asked it to answer one simple question:

Why is Fantasy Football so damn popular?

Here is AI’s answer, in great detail.

“Fantasy Football’s popularity stems from its unique blend of strategy, competition, and social interaction. It allows fans to become more deeply engaged with the NFL by managing their own teams, making strategic decisions, and competing against friends, family, or colleagues. The game also fosters social connections and provides a fun, engaging way to follow the sport.”

AI says Fantasy Football gives fans a personal stake in the outcome of games, as they’re rooting for individual players on their fantasy team, regardless of the real-life team those players represent. Instead of just following one team, fantasy players become invested in the performance of players across the entire league, making every game more relevant.

And there lies a problem. Traditional football fans root for their teams, yet Fantasy Football requires team owners to discard those traditional values and root, root, root for the Fantasy team players, who might need to be successful against one’s traditional, generational NFL team.

So my pal AI offered a deeper understanding of the Fantasy Football world.

”To succeed in Fantasy Football, players need to understand player statistics, injuries, match-ups, and team strategies, leading to a more nuanced appreciation of the sport.

For instance, AI says Fantasy Football leagues offer a platform for friendly competition, trash talk, and social interaction among participants — often involving friends, family, and coworkers by providing a fun way to stay connected and engage in friendly banter.

AI goes on to explain that Fantasy Football can create a sense of community and belonging, especially in leagues with long-standing traditions and inside jokes.

AI also notes that to participate and be successful in Fantasy Football, players must avail themselves to the abundant resources — websites, apps, and podcasts — that provide information and analysis to help players make informed decisions.

One thing about Fantasy Football — and AI agrees — is that it is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, from casual fans to hardcore enthusiasts who continuously need to make strategic decisions about drafting, trading, and setting their lineups, requiring a reasonably high degree of skill and knowledge.

Players must research player performance, injuries, and match-ups — all crucial for success in Fantasy Football and requiring players to be knowledgeable about the game.

In essence, AI says Fantasy Football provides a unique blend of strategic gameplay, social interaction, and enhanced engagement with the NFL, making it a highly popular and engaging pastime.

So as Fantasy Football leagues begin to gather to conduct their annual drafts, usually sitting in a garage, they will set out to see who is the “Oracle of Fake Football.”

Fantasy Football has grown to a multi-billion annual business, but the heart and soul of Fantasy Football is in those small, neighborhood and workplace leagues where friends and foes gather to select their teams amid chicken wings, pizza and beer as insults fly by faster than AI can compute.

Most leagues utilize 21st century technology — I think they are called computers. But some hardcore leagues rely on the old fashioned tools like pencils and papers and magazines and, well, football knowledge

That said, scoring systems vary league to league, so you must adjust your strategy accordingly.

If you choose right, you could have a great fantasy year. If you rely more on your heart than your brain, you will be in for an extremely long fantasy season.

My advice is to prepare before you head to your draft. Knowledge really is everything.

In the classic baseball movie “The Natural,” Roy Hobbs/Robert Redford says to the attentive bat boy, “Go pick me out a winner, Bobby,” after Hobbs breaks his bat.

Now go pick yourself a Fantasy Football winning team.

Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.