As you enter the new fantasy football season, we recommend that you take a look at your competition. It would do you good to understand those who seek the league title that you surely long for. Of course, those of you who play in the casual free league may not feel compelled to overdo it with your analysis, but playing against managers with high levels of success deserves your attention. By taking the time to assess your situation, you’ll better understand the effort it will take to claim the title or at least some level of respectability. For money league managers, this is a must.
Rules to manage to win
For inexperienced and novice managers, these simple rules are designed to enlighten you on things that experienced players have already learned. For those of you who think you have everything under control, let this information serve as a friendly reminder.
Rule #1: Manage your team – Year after year and league after league, the coaches who consistently make it to the playoffs have one thing in common; They take the time to manage their team on a weekly basis. They always seem to have the best players on their active roster and never miss an opportunity to storm the waiver wire for up-and-comers. Awareness is key because a player labeled doubtful after going down with an injury on Friday has tripped up more playoff hopes than you can imagine when the coach missed an opportunity to adjust his roster.
Rule #2 – Stats are king – Have you ever wondered why your opponent was clever enough to sit their number one quarterback in favor of number two? The answer is that he probably took the time to find out that his number one was playing against the best passing defense in the league. If that same team’s offense has a great running game, the former number one won’t get the number of chances needed to maximize the scoring. All that astute manager did was use facts to make a decision that, most of the time, turns out to be in his best interest. If you play in money leagues, you are competing against wily ones who use all the tricks. Review your stats and matchups and don’t select your players based on emotion or loyalty.
Rule #3: The Bye Wire in a Sanctuary for Winners – By the fourth week, if not sooner, injuries will start to accumulate and underachievers will be exposed. For every problem, there is a possible solution in the exemption cable that could end up being a diamond in the rough. You should pay special attention to runners no. #2 and no. #3 on each list. The RB sack rate in the NFL is between 35% and 40% each year. Remember, every chance you miss is one your opponent could claim.
Rule #4: Let go of personal biases – You may be fiercely loyal to a particular team or to certain players. That said, fantasy football isn’t personal, it’s a game. Don’t get in the habit of filling your team with the players you love if the facts don’t support your action. Also, you need to be prepared to bench underperforming players who can put you at a disadvantage every week you put them on your roster. This may surprise you, but no one except the coaches in your league will know that you have benched your favorite player.
Rule #5 – Get help when appropriate – There are many free tips related to fantasy football on the internet. Much of this advice comes from people who do the statistical work and don’t mind sharing their efforts with strangers in need. If you’re playing in a serious money league, it might even be worth the investment to pay a small fee for weekly tips. You don’t have to know everything. You will improve your management skills if you learn from the advice you receive for free or otherwise.
Rule #6 – Always play to win – Everyone’s been stuck in leagues where managers wave the white flag and stop managing their teams once they feel like they’re out of the playoff race. Don’t be one of those guys. Be the guy who finished last but cost someone a playoff spot the last week of the season by beating someone, not letting someone beat you. It’s called losing with dignity.
Hopefully this tip will set you free to become the best fantasy football manager you can be. Experience is a great teacher and the only thing you have to learn now is that fantasy football is a game and should be played to be enjoyed, even in the money leagues.