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How to Play

Everything you need to know about Draft Exchange.

The Concept

Draft Exchange is a fantasy sports stock market game. You're given a $800 budget to draft a roster of 7 real NFL player-seasons. Player prices shift based on demand — popular picks get expensive, overlooked gems stay cheap. Once your roster is set, it simulates a 20-game season. Stack wins, earn bonuses, and climb the leaderboard.

How It Works

01Draft Your Roster

A pool of real NFL player-seasons is presented. Pick from the available cards to fill your 7 roster slots. Each pick costs the player's current market price.

02Reroll for New Options

Don't like your choices? Reroll the pool for new players. Each reroll costs more than the last. You can also filter by era or team for a targeted search.

03Watch Prices Move

Every pick, skip, and reroll shifts market prices. Popular players cost more over time. Find value before the market catches on.

04Simulate & Score

Once all 7 slots are filled, your roster simulates a 20-game season. Your score is based on wins, budget efficiency, and player awards.

Roster Breakdown

Your roster has 7 slots. Each position carries a different weight in the season simulation — QB has the most impact, while FLEX slots carry the least.

SlotEligibleWeight
QB
QuarterbackYour franchise signal caller
20%
RB
Running BackGround game anchor
15%
WR
Wide ReceiverDownfield playmaker
15%
TE
Tight EndVersatile safety valve
15%
FLEX
RB / WR / TEBest available athlete
10%
FLEX
RB / WR / TESecond flex option
10%
DEF
DefenseTeam defensive unit
15%

What Makes a Great Player

Each position is rated on different traits. Knowing what matters most can help you spot value picks and avoid overpaying for flashy stats that don't move the needle.

QB
Arm TalentPassing yards, touchdowns, and deep ball ability
Major
AccuracyCompletion percentage, passer rating, and avoiding interceptions
Major
EfficiencyYards per attempt, adjusted stats, and TD rate
Major
VolumeAttempts, completions, and first downs generated
Moderate
MobilityRushing production as a dual-threat
Minor
DurabilityGames started and sack avoidance
Minor
RB
Rushing PowerYards, touchdowns, and first downs on the ground
Major
ReceivingCatches, receiving yards, and catch percentage
Major
Rushing EfficiencyYards per carry and explosive run ability
Moderate
DurabilityGames started and ball security
Moderate
Big PlayLongest rush and reception highlights
Minor
WR
Receiving VolumeReceptions, yards, and target share
Major
EfficiencyYards per catch, catch rate, and yards per target
Major
ScoringTouchdowns and first down production
Moderate
DurabilityGames started and ball security
Minor
Big PlayLongest reception and game-breaking plays
Minor
VersatilityRushing contributions as a gadget player
Minor
TE
Receiving VolumeReceptions, yards, and target share
Major
ScoringTouchdowns and first down production
Major
EfficiencyYards per catch, catch rate, and yards per target
Major
Big PlayLongest reception and explosive play ability
Minor
DurabilityGames started and ball security
Minor
DEF
Scoring PreventionPoints allowed and opponent scoring rate
Major
Pass DefensePassing yards, touchdowns, and efficiency allowed
Major
Rush DefenseRushing yards, touchdowns, and efficiency allowed
Moderate
TurnoversInterceptions, fumble recoveries, and takeaway rate
Moderate
Defensive EfficiencyYards per play and first downs allowed
Minor

Budget & Reroll Costs

Starting Budget$800

Every player pick and reroll reduces your budget. Unspent budget earns you an efficiency bonus on your final score.

Reroll Escalation

1st reroll$10
2nd reroll$20
3rd reroll$40
4th reroll$80
5th reroll$160

Cost doubles each time. Era and team rerolls share this counter. Season swaps cost a flat $10 per player-year change.

Scoring Formula

Base Score

Wins² × 5

20 games means a maximum base score of 2000 — each extra win is worth more than the last

Efficiency Multiplier

1 + (Budget Remaining ÷ 1000)

Multiplies your entire score — saving $200 means a 1.2× multiplier

Accolade Bonus

Total Awards × 10

Added to base before the multiplier — accolade-heavy players cost more to draft

Final Score

(Base Score + Accolade Bonus) × Efficiency Multiplier

Season Simulation

Your roster plays a 20-game season against opponents of increasing difficulty. Early games are easier, late games are tougher — just like a real season ramp.

Each week, your team strength (weighted sum of player ratings) is compared to the opponent's strength using a logistic win probability model. Better players give you better odds, but upsets can happen.

Opponent strength ranges from 45.0 in Week 1 to 85.0 in Week 20. A strong roster should dominate early and stay competitive late.

Recognized Awards

Each award a player earned in their real NFL season adds +10 to your final score. Players can have multiple awards from the same season.

PBPro Bowl
AP-1All-Pro 1st Team
AP-2All-Pro 2nd Team
MVPMVP
OPoYOffensive Player of the Year
OroYOffensive Rookie of the Year
DPoYDefensive Player of the Year
SBSuper Bowl Champion

Strategy Tips

01

Don't blow your budget early — efficiency bonus rewards saving money.

02

QB carries the most weight (20%). Invest in a strong quarterback.

03

Awards are free points. Seek out award-winning seasons.

04

Rerolls double in cost each time. Use them sparingly.

05

FLEX slots accept RB, WR, or TE — use them to double down on value.

06

Older seasons can be hidden gems at lower prices.