Fantasy football users face a challenging season filled with research and draft preparation. Needless to say, the amount of time one puts into research for their draft is at least mildly daunting, and if that draft doesn’t go according to plan, it could be a long, ugly season.
While traditional leagues require ongoing commitment, daily fantasy sports (DFS) offer a fresh start each week. Whether you’re managing a season-long team or entering weekly DFS contests, smart decisions are key.
Here are some points to keep in mind and stay competitive throughout the year.
- Tip 1: Do Your Research Before Draft Day
- Tip 2: Understand Your League Settings
- Tip 3: Prioritize Running Backs Early
- Tip 4: Be Flexible with Your Draft Plan
- Tip 5: Wait on Drafting a Quarterback
- Tip 6: Focus on High-Upside Late-Round Picks
- Tip 7: Monitor the Waiver Wire Religiously
- Tip 8: Be Strategic with Trades
- Tip 9: Stay Updated on Injuries and News
- Tip 10: Explore Advanced Fantasy Formats
- Conclusion
Tip 1: Do Your Research Before Draft Day
Preparation is the key. Before draft day, dig into player stats, check injury reports, and understand team dynamics. Know which players are recovering from injuries, which rookies might break out, and how changes like new coaches could impact performance. Participating in mock drafts is a great way to experiment with different strategies and get comfortable with the draft process, making you more confident on the actual draft day.
Tip 2: Understand Your League Settings
Your draft strategy should fit your league’s settings. In a PPR league, wide receivers and pass-catching running backs are more valuable, while in standard leagues, touchdowns and yardage are king. Superflex leagues, which allow a second quarterback, make QBs more valuable. Adjusting your draft approach based on these rules—like focusing on high-volume receivers in PPR or prioritizing QBs early in Superflex—can give you a huge advantage.
Tip 3: Prioritize Running Backs Early
Running backs are often the cornerstone of a winning fantasy team. Elite running backs give consistent points through rushing and receiving. However, quality RBs become scarce quickly after the first few rounds. By drafting top-tier running backs early, you ensure a strong foundation for your team. Using tiered rankings helps you stay ahead of positional runs and get the best value.
Tip 4: Be Flexible with Your Draft Plan
While having a draft plan is important, flexibility is crucial. Fantasy football drafts are unpredictable—other managers might make unexpected picks that throw off your strategy. Be ready to adjust on the fly, whether that means changing your position focus or grabbing a high-value player who unexpectedly falls. Staying adaptable ensures you make the best possible picks at every stage of the draft.
Tip 5: Wait on Drafting a Quarterback
In most league formats, it’s smart to wait on drafting a quarterback. The position is deep, and you can usually find a reliable starter in the middle to late rounds, allowing you to focus on running backs and wide receivers early. Late-round QB steals—players with favorable schedules or high upside—can provide great value without sacrificing your early picks.
Tip 6: Focus on High-Upside Late-Round Picks
The late rounds are where you can take calculated risks. Target players with high upside, like promising rookies or veterans coming off injury. These picks can turn into league winners if they break out. Don’t just play it safe—taking a few risks can pay off big, especially if those players exceed expectations.
Tip 7: Monitor the Waiver Wire Religiously
The waiver wire is crucial throughout the season. Injuries, coaching changes, and emerging talent can turn undrafted players into stars. Staying active on the waiver wire lets you capitalize on these opportunities. Look at past seasons—many breakout players were mid-season waiver pickups. Regularly checking the waiver wire and making smart claims can give your team a significant boost.
Tip 8: Be Strategic with Trades
Trading is key to managing a fantasy football team. The best trades come from good timing and understanding player value, both in points and positional needs. Look for chances to buy low on underperforming stars who are likely to bounce back, and sell high on players who might not sustain their hot start. Always consider how a trade affects your roster balance and depth before making a move.
Tip 9: Stay Updated on Injuries and News
Injuries can derail a fantasy season, so staying informed is crucial. Use apps and tools that provide real-time updates on player injuries and news. Adjust your lineup based on the latest information, especially with last-minute changes before games. Staying on top of injury reports also helps you make smart waiver claims or trades, ensuring you’re not caught off guard by a player’s sudden absence.
Tip 10: Explore Advanced Fantasy Formats
If you’re a seasoned player, exploring advanced formats like Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) or superflex leagues can offer new challenges. In DFS, lineup stacking (pairing a QB with a WR from the same team) can maximize points from high-scoring games. Understanding ownership percentages and leverage plays is also crucial, as it helps differentiate your lineup from others, giving you a better chance at winning big.
Conclusion
To sum up, the best daily fantasy football tip of all is to make the previous 10 tips second nature when you’re preparing each week to dominate in fantasy football. Once you have these tips down, you can dig even deeper with advanced stats and focus more on aspects of the game no one else is. With a set foundation like this in place, you could be well on your way to dominating. Read more content like this by checking out how to play daily fantasy football.
