Welcome to the confession of a fantasy football addict.

I flew home to New Hampshire for the holiday weekend and my 70-hour stay was filled with good times from start to finish thanks to my incomparable family and friends.

It was also consumed with uncertainty, hope, frustration and anxiety.

Usually, this is due to delayed flights, bumpy airplanes and lost luggage. Not this time, though.

My planes were punctual, the flights smooth enough to sleep through and my bags followed me the whole way.

Holiday travel wasn’t the cause of my stress. This was fantasy football’s fault.

I’ve always been a sports fanatic and love statistics — up until my third year of college, I thought my career would revolve around numbers rather than words — so fantasy football is natural fit in my life.

That “fit” has evolved into a borderline unhealthy obsession. After playing in five leagues last year — and winning three championships — I told myself I’d trim it down in 2011.

However, by the time the NFL lockout was lifted, I was thirsty for football, ignored the pledge and found myself in six leagues this year.

Addict is a strong word, but clearly, I match the description.

Of my six teams, three were still alive in Week 16 — one in the championship and two in the semifinals — but I was without access to a TV and computer Saturday morning.

I’m typically a laid-back guy who doesn’t sweat the small stuff and rolls with the punches. But I’m also ultra competitive and crave information, which made my Saturday not so typical.

Between last-minute shopping and making rounds to visit family, I spent much of the day wondering about scores and how much Monopoly money — because gambling is illegal — I was winning or missing out on.

Fortunately, despite the worries, everything fell in my favor. All three teams were victorious and there’s a good amount of Monopoly money heading my way.

Fantasy football isn’t about the Monopoly money, though. The real joy is created by the opportunity to beat down my best friends.

As twisted as this might sound, dominating those closest to me — in just about anything — is among my favorite things in life.

I have the unique excuse of proclaiming my fantasy addiction is to help maximize knowledge in my career field, but in reality, I simply can’t turn down a chance to earn bragging rights over my buddies.

It helps me stay in touch, too, which is easier said than done with friends who are a 10-hour drive away.

Fantasy sports are a great excuse to send a trash-talking text message or call to say, “Hey, how’s life? And by the way, what’s it going to take for you to deal me Mike Wallace?”

Draft-day preparation, scouring the waiver wire and negotiating trades can be tedious. Even the most intelligent moves can be spoiled by bad luck, but win or lose, the friendly rivalries make it all worthwhile.

May the best fan win.

Moderation is a virtue, but I must confess: I can’t get enough fantasy football.