Fantasy Football, once a sports game for just computer nerds, has swept the nation and now affects people from every walk of life! From co-workers, to high school buddies, everyone is playing the relatively new sport of fantasy football. And, I would like to mention, this isn't just a game for the male population. Fantasy football is also entering the female world, allowing members of both sexes to dominate the gridiron and partake in the exciting sport!
Fantasy Football: More than just a game
There are a variety of ways to play fantasy football. If you are new to the sport, I suggest you read through this small "Beginner's Guide", if you will, about fantasy football. If you have already played or feel that this might be too remedial for you, go ahead and skip to the place where you will learn how to be a fantasy football winner! Please know that I am not an expert, just an avid sports fan, and have learned a thing or two over the years. These are tried and true recommendations, learned from a variety of trials and tribulations in the sport of Fantasy Football.
1. So many leagues, so little time
First, it is important to find the league that suits you. There are thousands, if not millions, of leagues out there and it is important to choose the one that will be your best fit. There are leagues that require an entry fee, leagues that play for real money. Then there are those that just play for the satisfaction of knowing that you know more about football than your buddy. If you are new to the game, or new to football in general, my reccomendation is to start on a free league. Then you don't have to worry about losing your first time around, and will gain a little experience in the meantime. Then next year, depending on this season, feel free to expand your horizons.
2. Draft League vs. Auto Draft League
In any league you will run into one of these options. A draft league usually involves a group of guys getting together, generally over beer and pizza, and drafting members like mad onto a team. If this is a long standing league, chances are the participants already have a system. Be forewarned that you may be put to the end of this line-up as a newcomer. Each person, in rotating order, chooses a player for their team. Watch players like LaDanian Tomlinson and Peyton Manning go in the first round. This continues until a fight ensues (kidding) or everyone has a completed team. Within the draft leagues, there are also other options. Some leagues play with a salaray cap. Participants are given an "imaginary" dollar amount, and players are each assigned a dollar amount. You then have to pick within the restraints of the money.
In an auto draft league, the pressure of chosing is taken away. In many you can "pre-rank" your players, meaning that you can set priority to the players you can. For example, if you feel very strongly that Peyton Manning will get you closer to a victory, set him a priority #1. As long as he is still in the pool by the time it is your turn, you will receive him on your line up. You do lose a level of personal choice with an auto draft, but it is over in seconds where a draft league can take hours.
3. The best defense is a good offense
This is extremely true in the game of fantasy football. In order to defend your honor in the game of fantasy football, or in order to gain a place in the Fantasy Football Hall of Fame, you must, I repeat, must have a good offense. The defense is good for additional points, and will push you over the edge to a win. Granted, there are teams like Chicago that will get you major points, but they will not win you the season.
Gear Up For The Season
Just like the Pros, all fantasy players need to get ready for the season. Below you can find all the things you will need for the season, minus the chips and beer:
Tips For Winning
Below you will find some simple tips for winning your fantasy football league:
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Keep on eye on last year's stats, but don't keep them as the gospel. Players change over seasons, and new emerging players will pop up. Of course it is a good gauge to start with, but keep an eye out for those break out stars of the year!
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Don't draft a defense, defenseman, or kicker first. These guys won't usually get you very many points in the scheme of things, and it is not good to use a top pick for these positions. Fill in your better, more skilled positions first. I'm talking quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. This are your money positions.
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Diversify! No, this isn't the stock market, but the same rules apply. You don't want one team or game to mess up your score. If you keep your team mixed up amongst teams and divisions, you won't run the risk of bad games ruining your week, or even worse, your season!
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It's not only who you have, but how you play them. Pay attention to your roster throughout the season. I have seen more games lost because someone didn't realize a player was on a bye or on IR.
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Get to know your point system. This will affect your draft, who you play, and so on. For example, if you are going to get more points for rushing yards than touchdowns, adjust your team and players accordingly. The key to winning is often playing the strengths, or avoiding the pitfalls, of a scoring system.
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DRAFT THESE PLAYERS!
If you need a little kick in the right direction, here are some fantastic picks for the year, in no particular order. OK, except for #1. Again, you will see that this list is dominated by offensive players. You don't want to pick a defense in your top picks. Believe me. I did that last year, thinking that Chicago would be a solid pick, only to get schooled during the season. A defense will help you accumulate additional points, but do not use them as your base. These five players below will definitely help you succeed toward a winning season!
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LaDainian Tomlinson - Get him, get him early, get him often
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Peyton Manning - The best quarterback in the league
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Chad Johnson - Can't go wrong with Ocho Cinco
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Marvin Harrison - With Peyton Manning behind this guy, he is pretty much a solid pick for the season
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Terrell Owens - He may be the Bad Boy of the NFL, but his numbers don't lie
Reliving the Plays
Let us bask in the glory of phenominal players, and get excited for the upcoming season!