Introduction
Fantasy football has become America’s pastime without a doubt. August is the month when every single player does their mock drafts, hoping to pick that perfect team that will guide them to win their league and boast bragging rights for the rest of the year. With the advancements of technology and the inclusion of companies like DraftKings, picking that perfect team takes years of dedication and staying up to date with NFL news on topics like injuries, trades, retirements, and the players each team picked in the draft.
Rookie Mistakes
Fantasy football is completely different from what you may have grown up thinking. Newcomer mistakes include drafting a high-end quarterback in the first round, like Patrick Mahomes, or just because you are a diehard fan of a certain team, drafting their whole offensive lineup. Another mistake is drafting a player who has just undergone a procedure and will not be available for several weeks during the season. This is why staying up to date with football news is essential for your team’s success.
Workhorse of a Fantasy Football Team
The workhorse for all fantasy football teams, without a doubt, is the running back, as they typically get plenty of touches in a game, which equates to yards and points. The issue with running backs is that their position takes so much punishment during the season that the number of injuries they sustain is quite high. So, going with a strategy of picking, let us say, three running backs in the first three rounds is something recommended, as they become a valuable commodity later in the season.
The Hit or Miss of Your Team
Wide receivers are second in the pecking order when it comes to importance in a fantasy team. Their position has more variables that can determine their effectiveness, such as weather, the quarterback throwing them the ball, the offensive linemen, and even the defensive scheme played by the opposing team, which can limit them to very few points. However, they have the biggest upside, as many fantasy point records have been set by wide receivers.
The Hybrids
Third, we have tight ends, which are very rare. If you are lucky enough to pick a Travis Kelce, a Gronk back in the day, or a Jimmy Graham, your team will have solid production from them week in and week out. The main problem with this position is that these top-end players are scarce, and they tend to get injured. So, picking up a decent TE is crucial for a team to be successful.
The Superstar
Next, we have the almighty quarterbacks. Rookie players often brag about picking Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes with their first pick, but this is one of the worst mistakes you can make. Currently, there are about ten top-tier quarterbacks who will give you around the same number of points week in and week out. Picking up a solid QB in the middle of the draft is recommended, as using those early picks on WRs and RBs is critical to your success.
The Forgotten Picks
In your last picks, aim to get a decent kicker and a decent defense. When it comes to these positions, there are always favorites. Any kicker for Denver, for example, will always have better numbers due to the Mile High Stadium, which helps the ball travel farther. Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and Chicago Bears have always been known for having fierce defenses season in and season out.
Best Tips
Use your mock drafts as a starting base, not as gospel. See what the draft is offering and pick the best talent available. For example, if you need a QB but a player like Derrick Henry is still available, trust me, there will be more QBs to pick in the later rounds. This strategy will help you pick the best talent available and allow you to stock up on players that you can later use for trades if you run into injury problems.
Conclusion
Finally, make sure you stay up to date with everything going on in the league, especially with underdog players who are making a name for themselves. These are the players you can claim on waivers, who can completely change the season for your team. Players who are the number two running back for a team but step up when the starter gets hurt are hidden treasures.
Many people say that fantasy football is the most fun you can have with your clothes on, but it is important to note that if there is money involved, you should control how much you are spending. If the fun disappears and you feel like you have no control, seek help.
