We are continuing our Fantasy Football 101 education with the remainder of Andrew’s Top 10 ways to win your Fantasy League.
6) Fully Understand Your Scoring System
There are two main types of leagues: Standard and Points per Reception (PPR). (FB 101 Ladies, we are doing PPR) They work the same but have a fundamental difference. In PPR leagues, you get a point for every catch your player has, in standard leagues, you don’t. It sounds insignificant, but this can drastically make a difference in a player’s value.
Check out the scoring system of your league and do some research. If you are in a PPR league, you want running backs and receivers who make a lot of catches. In standard league, yardage and touchdowns are the only things that really matter. More complicated league offer even more scoring variations, so look at your league rules because it could easily change how you should approach the game.
7) Do NOT Fall in Love
I am a Dallas Cowboys fan through and through. And in multiple fantasy football leagues, I own a Cowboy or two. But I need to be able to separate NFL football from fantasy football. If I own Cowboys’ quarterback, Tony Romo, and he is not performing well, then it is in my best interest to find a quarterback who will get me more points.
If you have a favorite player, it is totally acceptable for you to get him. Just make sure that you are not sacrificing anything for him though. I promise that he will not be offended by it. He likely will not even know. Also, dreaminess has very little to do with fantasy football. Mark Sanchez may be a hunk, but he can ruin your team in a heartbeat. (Be still my heart! Lisa was so thrilled to have Aaron Rodgers as her QB!!)
8) Be Perceptive of Injuries and Updates
Throughout the year, players on your team will get banged up. So you have to pay attention every week to see if you need to make adjustments in your starters. Often there will be a letter next to the player’s name designating their injury.
P mean Probable, they will likely play. Q mean Questionable, they might play and you should check back before the game to see if they will play. DTD means Day to Day, it is likely that they will not play, but check back to make sure. D means Doubtful, there is a high likelihood that they will not play, but could be back in the coming weeks. O means Out, do not play them. IR means they are on the Injured Reserve, they will be out for a while and it might be smart to drop them from your team. (Write this one down, print it out!!)
9) Steal Points… Everywhere
If one of your players isn’t performing well, find someone else. It’s as easy as that. If there is someone in free agency posting big numbers, pick them up. Find a balance that works for you. Remember that expert rankings are just predictions, no one knows what will happen in a game, much less an entire football season.
My favorite strategy is the Shuffling Defense Strategy. You should check it out. Basically, it is taking the most overlooked position on your fantasy team (the Defense) and shaking up how you play them. Rather than just owning one defense all year, in this strategy you change it based on who they are playing. Read more about it and get 4-6 extra points every week!
10) Watch Football and Have Fun
Fantasy football has become incredibly popular and has introduced thousands of people to the NFL. Even if you have never watched football before, you will find that cheering on your fantasy football players will be a very exciting experience.
Many fantasy owners take the game seriously, but remember, it’s just a game. No player will be offended if you take them out of your lineup. Have fun with it.
So set up your lineup, throw on a jersey, sit down in front of the TV and enjoy a game!
A million thanks to Andrew and GHL! If you have any further questions, or even a specific question about your 2011 lineup, join in on his Advice Time on his website….he will answer your questions, really!
