I've seen guys spend money right and left for Draft Kits, Mock Draft Software, etc. - all without realizing you don't have to spend a dime to be successful at Fantasy Football. You just need to stay a step ahead of your opponents and use your head a little bit. Let's begin at the beginning - which is…
Recognize the Importance of the Draft.
I have been playing Fantasy Football for many years now and I can tell you straight out that if you don't recognize the importance of your league's draft, you won't win - period! Except in the rarest of occasions, you may have some wins, but you won't WIN consistently and most likely will never win your league. The guys who compete and are at the top of their leagues spent time preparing for the draft - I guarantee it. You cannot just take the default rankings handed to you by your FFL website. Take time to learn how players are ranked according to position and set your pre-rank order accordingly…
Creatively Pre-rank Players.
Having established the importance of the draft, how do you go about it? You're not going to do as well if you just leave the pre-rankings untouched. I have been using a strategy for a few years that has worked well. Most people go for running backs at the outset. This is because there are at least 2 RB positions on every team as well as a flex position (running back/wide receiver). So, if you are able to pick up 2 top running backs, you are going to rack up some big points. That's why everyone goes for them first. However, I have always tried to use this tendency to my advantage.
For example, while everyone else has their desired running backs stacked at the top of their draft order, I'll bump my desired quarterback (usually Peyton Manning) up and also one or two top tier receivers in my draft order. The list of running backs is very long (just check your default pre-draft order).
The strategy is, while everyone else is picking running backs, you're picking your quarterback. In the second round, others may still be picking running backs while you get your top-tier receiver. By the third round, you can then still get a solid (not great but solid) running back. In this way, you stay one step ahead of everyone else's pick.
I used this method a couple of years ago and got everyone I wanted (because throughout the draft, every one was 1 pick behind me) and ended up winning the league. I have used this method ever since then and have always been contending at the top of the league. This year so far, I have the best record in our league. With a little forethought, you can pre-rank your players and stay one step ahead in the draft and come out with a solid team. But, you're not done. You still have to pay attention to…
Post Draft Acquisitions:
Okay, now you've done well in the draft…you're not done. Immediately following the draft (and I mean immediately following…) you need to be at your computer. Grab some coffee and a donut log on as early as possible after your draft. This is one of the most critical times as you may have a chance to “scoop up” some looked over players. In addition, there may be a flurry of activity as players begin to drop players in positions where they are too “heavy” (for example a team with too many good running backs, but in desperate need of a quarterback).
This could be the best time to upgrade your “solid” running back to an even better one. Or a perfect time to grab a great defense while others spent too much time in the draft going for other positions. Scan the available players immediately after your draft and you are most surely going to be able to make improvements.
Make the most of this time and you can really beef up your team in a hurry. Beat other guys to the punch here and you will most likely beat them during the season. Okay, you have your team; you've picked up some other available players from the free agent pool, now it's time to…
Trade:
This, of course, can happen throughout the season, but often your greatest leverage for trading is going to come immediately after the draft while teams are all out of balance. Almost surely, after your draft, you are going to have an extra player or two (and usually a pretty good one) that you do not need. This is leverage - powerful leverage - that you can use to trade with.
Where are you light? Did you get the quarterback and receivers you wanted, but didn't get a good running back? Are you sitting on another top-tier quarterback? Scan through the rosters of other teams in your league (you should be able to access them) and see who needs what. Often you'll find someone in the same boat you're in, but with opposite needs.
Propose a trade with your extra quarterback to someone who is “heavy” in the running back department. Remember, this will be the most critical time throughout the season to trade. Teams are out of balance now. Make a wise move here, and you can prepare your team even more for a great season.
Greatness happens here - immediately before and immediately after your draft. Spend the time here, and you will be positioned to be a contender in the top levels of your league. And you don't need to spend a dime to do it. You don't need draft kits or anything fancy. You just need to be a bit savvy at the right times. The draft is one of those times. Watch for my next article which will deal with strategies for setting up your team for winning throughout the season…
