I have to say I disagree with the OP on the note that FF "Cheapens" the game. OP, you are free to have your opinion, and that's cool, but for myself and others, I used to not watch any football other than my teams. 3 games per week, MAX, and that's if they weren't overlapping. I didn't really care about other teams or other players.
I played FF a couple times and now I have an interest in the entire league. Names are more recognizable, I appreciate great plays more than before.
It's all just a matter of how you treat the games...Yes, seeing your player get a huge gain in a game is great, but at the same time, acknowledging that the game is even on is a good step in the sports world of most people