10 Things To Do When Drafting Your Fantasy Football Team

Added on Aug 25, 2010 by Scott in

NFL

Whether you’re new to fantasy football or a seasoned veteran, it’s easy to make mistakes when drafting a team. I’ve been playing for 18 years and have screwed up in every possible way imaginable. Take it from me, there’s a fine line between rolling the dice and being stupid. If you’re in it to win it, and I’m assuming you are, then you want to avoid all the common pitfalls. Here are ten things you need to do when building your fantasy football team.

10. Know the scoring rules and roster requirements

One of my earliest bungles was signing up for a league and not reading the rules carefully. I walked into the draft thinking I was the man to beat. My rankings were set and my strategy was sound. Too bad I didn’t realize we were required to start a tight end until it was too late. I ended up with a dud and was never able to land a good one on waivers. This error cost me a playoff spot. Bottom line: do your homework. Being prepared can save you a lot of grief down the line.

9. Don’t overload your roster with players from your favorite team

Just because you’re a Colts fan doesn’t mean you should draft Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne and Joseph Addai. It might seem like an okay idea on the surface. Trust me, it’s not. All it takes is a mid-season slump or an injury and you’re screwed. I usually make a point to not take guys from my favorite team unless it’s an excellent value pick. For example, if Wayne is sitting there late in the second-round and I need a number one receiver, then I’m definitely grabbing him. Use good judgment and you’ll do fine.

8. Beware of position runs

It’s round four. Suddenly, tight ends start flying off the board. Don’t panic. If you know you can get a solid starter in round seven, then simply ignore the run. Don’t let other owners dictate your plans. Take it from someone who has jumped aboard a runaway train one too many times. They almost always crash and burn.

7. Realize the stud RB theory is a myth

Ask some fantasy experts and they’ll swear by the strategy of selecting running backs in the first two rounds. They’ll tell you they’ve done it for years and won a bunch of loot. It can work, but there’s just as good a chance it won’t. I would know because I used to be one of those guys who went RB-RB every year. Inevitably, one or both of them disappoints. Since dumping the stud theory, I’ve won more than lost. You have to get one runner in the opening two rounds, but avoid the temptation of grabbing two.

6. Unless it’s a no-brainer, wait to get your quarterback

I’ve never been a believer in taking a quarterback in the first three rounds. There’s always depth at the position. Tony Romo was nabbed in the fifth-round in 2009. Matt Schaub went in the sixth. Ben Roethlisberger in the ninth. All three finished in the top ten in standard scoring leagues. While others are loading up on Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers, you can be adding value and depth at running back and wide receiver.

5. If you have to start three receivers, don’t ignore the position

This speaks to knowing your starting lineup requirements. If you must start three wideouts, it’s imperative you get two good ones in the first four rounds. I’ve been burned big time by neglecting the position. Don’t make the same blunder. A duo of Andre Johnson and Wes Welker looks a lot better than Chad Ochocinco and Hakeem Nicks.

4. Check the injury report

This seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people look like fools because they fail to check the preseason injury report. Don’t be the guy or gal who drafts the running back who blew his knee out, or the receiver who’s out 6-8 weeks with a bad hip. Players are going to get hurt during the season, so don’t shoot yourself in the foot by adding one who’s already on the shelf.

3. Steer clear of overcrowded backfields

Dealing with dual backfields is frustrating. Dealing with backfields where three or four guys are in play is a nightmare. Save yourself a lot of pain and scratch off teams like the Patriots and Redskins. If the head coach doesn’t know who his starter is, what makes you think you can decipher the mess?

2. Don’t wait TOO long to get a quarterback

Despite what I said in #6, you can’t wait too long to get your starting signal caller or you’ll be left with slim pickings. A couple years ago I waited until the ninth and eleventh rounds and ended up with Eli Manning and David Garrard. Needless to say, I spent the rest of the season searching for a serviceable starter. In 2010, Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan will be solid. Vince Young and Mark Sanchez won’t be.

1. Be careful with rookies

It’s tempting to snag a couple youngsters to round out your roster, but don’t go nuts. Rookies have a tendency to underwhelm, especially wide receivers. Ryan Mathews and Jahvid Best are fine. Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas are risky. It’s also smart not to overvalue rookies. I love CJ Spiller, but not in the fourth-round. Mike Williams from the Bucs has promise, but not in the eighth-round. When all else fails, use common sense.