FIVE RULES FOR FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFTS

My Five Basic Rules for Fantasy Football Drafts

I typically don’t give away my secrets, but I did it anyway on my radio show August 25.  I guess in a way they aren’t secrets.  These are simply ways I go about drafting my fantasy football teams. I’m not claiming to be the most knowledgeable.  However, I’ve done it so many times and spent many hours preparing for drafts that I feel like passing along these bits of wisdom. Let’s get to it!

1) Study ahead of time.  Don’t go into your fantasy draft with no preparation.  I try and spend at least 10 minutes out of my day studying different fantasy sites or scanning magazines.  Waiting until the last minute to get ready is a recipe for disaster.

2) Have patience.  Just because someone in your league drafts your favorite player or the guy you wanted right before your selection, don’t fret.  A key contributor could fall in your lap.  You might acquire a sleeper tight end.  Luck could come your way!

3) Please, don’t draft more than one player from the same team.  I know it’s difficult to not be a fan of your NFL team, but avoid it at all costs.

Example: Don’t draft Peyton Manning and then get Reggie Wayne a round or two later.  If one struggles, more likely than not, the other one will too.  I’ve seen way too many teams’ playoff chances crushed because of drafting their favorite players.

4) Wait on defenses and kickers until much later.  It’s sometimes tempting to chase those typically-dominant Ds like Pittsburgh or Baltimore and the top-tier kickers.  Don’t worry because DEF and K will be there no matter what. 

If you can, get them with your final two picks.  Shoot, if you’re really a daredevil, wait until teams are set and scan the waiver wire.

5) Have fun, otherwise it becomes work!  This is the rule I have the hardest time following.  I want to win.  But, if you have played fantasy sports long enough, you understand that luck plays a huge role.

I encourage smack talk.  Make fun of your team and your less-than-clever team name.  If you can’t have fun with fantasy football, then go work in the yard or knit something.