Fantasy football is a thrilling and highly competitive game that allows fans to become the owners and managers of their own virtual football teams. With the start of a new NFL season just around the corner, it’s time to brush up on those fantasy football skills. To help guide both beginners and veterans alike, we’ve compiled some expert insights into the dos and don’ts of playing fantasy football.
Dos:
1. Do your research: Before drafting your team, make sure you have a solid understanding of player rankings, injury reports, and team schedules. Pay attention to preseason performances and coaching changes, as they can significantly impact a player’s value.
2. Do diversify your roster: It’s crucial to have a balanced team to minimize risk. While it’s tempting to draft star players from your favorite team, spreading your bets across different teams ensures you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket.
3. Do participate in mock drafts: Practicing mock drafts allows you to test different strategies and gauge player values. Experiment with different drafting positions and see how your team shapes up with various approaches.
4. Do stay active on waivers and in free agency: Throughout the season, be on the lookout for potential breakout players or key injuries that could leave a void in your roster. Prioritize making timely, strategic moves to stay ahead of your competitors.
5. Do pay attention to matchups: Analyzing matchups can be a game-changer. Players facing weaker defenses or those with favorable weather conditions are more likely to perform better. Keep an eye on potential fluctuations in strength of schedule throughout the season.
Don’ts:
1. Don’t overvalue rookies: While rookies can often make an immediate impact, their performance can be unpredictable due to the transition to professional football. Relying too heavily on rookies can be risky, so temper your expectations and consider their potential growing pains.
2. Don’t be swayed by name recognition alone: Just because a player has had a successful past doesn’t guarantee future performance. Falling into the trap of drafting players purely based on their reputation can lead to disappointment. Instead, evaluate their current form and their fit within their team’s offensive scheme.
3. Don’t draft a defense or kicker too early: Defenses and kickers are important in fantasy football, but they shouldn’t be high-priority picks. Most leagues have team defenses and kickers available until the later rounds, so focus on acquiring high-value position players first.
4. Don’t neglect the bye weeks: During the course of the season, each NFL team has a bye week, during which they don’t play any games. When drafting your team, make sure to account for these bye weeks and create a roster that accommodates them. Failing to do so could leave you with a weakened team during critical weeks.
5. Don’t let emotions cloud your judgment: As a fan, it’s easy to let personal attachments and biases influence your decisions. Avoid favoring players from your favorite team or letting grudges against certain teams impact your drafting choices. Creating a team based on unbiased analysis will ultimately put you in a better position to succeed.
By following these dos and avoiding the don’ts, you’ll set yourself up for fantasy football success. Remember that luck plays a part, but knowledgeable decision-making and strategic planning significantly increase your chances of winning. So, gather your friends, prepare your draft boards, and get ready for an exciting season of virtual football competition!