Eli Otero Jr. (left) laughs with his son Eli Otero III as they check their fantasy football league standings on Sunday, Dec. 21,
Eli Otero Jr. (left) laughs with his son Eli Otero III as they check their fantasy football league standings on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, at their home in Valparaiso, Ind. The entire basement of their home is decorated with various Indianapolis Colts memorabilia collected by the family over the years. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
NFL season is so close to kicking off its 2026 campaign, and that means fantasy football players are starting to draft their teams for the year.
However, one of the most entertaining parts of fantasy sports is the punishments that ensue. Every year there are winners in leagues, but more importantly, the losers offer up some hilarious moments online.
Every fantasy team is actively looking for elite NFL stars like Josh Allen, Ja’Marr Chase and Bijan Robinson to bolster their rosters. Meanwhile, injuries and underachieving players often derail fantasy seasons just as quickly.
Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel even cracked a fantasy football joke recently. The longtime NFL coach joked about the current Chargers running back room and how players are going to be used throughout the upcoming campaign.
Avoid finishing last place
The “Holmes is Where You Make It” fantasy football league joins in the revelry in matching Detroit Lions track suits during the
The “Holmes is Where You Make It” fantasy football league during the NFL Draft Experience. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Last-place finishers already have to deal with the humiliation that comes with losing amongst their family, friends and coworkers.
However, these punishments can certainly up the ante for those that struggle to find wins in 2026. That’s why managing to avoid the brutal last position in the standings is paramount for fantasy football players.
Below are some of the most entertaining punishments that fantasy leagues can considering handing out for the 2026 season.
MORE: NFL top richest 5 teams in 2026
Audition to be on an NFL team’s cheerleading squad
Enter a bodybuilding competition
Play an entire golf round with strangers without a golf ball
Take the SAT or another college admissions exam
Use a random instrument in public and cannot stop until people donate at least $20
Interrupt a couple’s wedding
Trick-or-treat during any month except October with random costume
This guy had to play an entire round of golf with strangers without using a golf ball and couldn't tell anyone why. It was his fantasy football last-place punishment. pic.twitter.com/o8GJ7OJfUW
— Dudes Posting Their W’s (@DudespostingWs) August 6, 2026
24 hours in a Waffle House or any other restaurant
Referee a random children’s sporting event
Beer mile
Rent a billboard posting your picture and team’s record
Become an Uber driver or chauffeur for one day