The Basics of Fantasy Football
by Christian of RotoPicks.com
First off, you need to know the basics to fantasy football. I find that many people hear the word "fantasy" and believe it's way over their head when in fact it's a very easy game to pick up. You will have a league of either people you know or others across the nation/world. The league manager sets the date and time for your draft. The draft is the key to your fantasy lineup being successful, although it's much like real life in the way you can add/drop and trade players.
Your first key is finding out whether you're in a Quarterback driven league or if Running Backs are worth more. The most popular way is to draft a top 5 back and then a Quarterback as your second pick, however, if there is a Quarterback out there that averaged 25 plus points a game that could also be a great way to go with your first selection.
Most leagues run a format in which you start one quarterback, two running backs, a flex player (your choice between a receiver and running back), two receivers, a tight end, a DST (defense + special teams combined), as well as a kicker. You will have the remaining players you aren't starting on your bench and will be able to change your rotation as you please.
There are two different formats to a fantasy draft. One is a snake draft in which there is no salary cap involved and runs much like the NFL draft in which your picks are randomized.
The other way is called an auction draft. The auction draft is more complex and uses a salary cap, where you have to bid and spend a certain amount of money on the players you want. My advice is to start in a less complex snake draft. Most experts would advise taking a top 3 quarterback first, if he falls to you, however, if your draft position is lower, it is a smarter choice to take a running back that averages over 20 carries a game and can get into the end zone.
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Keep a close eye on your players bye weeks. You don't want your roster to be full of players that have the same bye week, or you'll be forced to scour the free agent wire for scrubs, which means that you'll have to waive a player that probably has value to you.
The scoring works on a case by case basis, but in most leagues it is 6 points per touchdown and 1 point per ten yards gained. Some leagues named PPR (Points Per Reception) categorize points through receptions instead of yards. This can change your mode of drafting, considering tight ends and running backs who tend to get balls but not gain many yards.
I would recommend to start your first year with multiple leagues with no money on the line, just to get your feet wet. Money leagues are much more intense and can range from a small wager to high roller money.
Let's say your league entry is twenty dollars and you are in a league of twelve teams. Winning the league would mean you win two hundred and forty dollars (In a winner take all format. Many leagues pay the top 5.) Remember not to draft a kicker or a defense until your skill positions are full. You can always find a starting kicker in the free agent pool. If you want to reach for a really good defense, do it late in the draft.
A smart way to select players is to stay away from rookies or up and comers and go with a reliable option that has been successful in recent years but is not yet past their prime. I would advise to only start players who start on their teams, with the exception to some running backs/wide receivers that are put into the game in red zone situations. Also, don't pay attention to those magazines that are released in early spring that claim to give you fantasy advice. Many things can happen such as trades, injuries, players being cut due to fat salaries or lack of productivity. Those magazines are about as accurate as the preseason polls for college football.
Another thing to key on is injuries. Just like in real life, when a man goes down to injury, another man steps up. It is key to pay attention to these injuries and possibly pick up the back up on waivers if you are in need of fantasy points.
Don't be a "homer." Many Fantasy owners tend to pick players who are their favorite or from their favorite teams. I have found that this can be detrimental to your fantasy team and team spirit should be separated from fantasy to a more "business" standpoint.
You should be well versed now in fantasy football, although there is nothing better than having experience at this game. Some people like to use a cheat sheet that they have scouted prior to the draft. You can do this, or just freestyle your picks if you have good knowledge on the league and it's players. Good luck and enjoy this wonderful endeavor!
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Building a Winning Salary Cap Lineup - Adam gives great advice on how to turn that empty roster into a winner using positional point targets.
1.5 Points Per $1000 Strategy - Adam shares the secret sauce that many professional fantasy football players use to help them achieve success in salary cap leagues and guaranteed prize pool tournaments.
When Do Running Backs Decline - Rob takes an in depth look at some studies of current and past players to determine that magical age when running backs become non serviceable.
What is Fantasy Football? - We explain how the game works for those of you looking to get into the action!
What are PPR Leagues? - Ray explains what point per reception leagues are and how they work.
Daily Fantasy Football Rules - If you're going to play the game, you've got to know the rules! Elliot sets you straight on everything from salary cap leagues to snake drafts to survivor tournaments.
