Don’t waste a penny on newsstand rankings. These are published in May and by the time your draft rolls around, they’re as good as obsolete. Instead, peruse local newspaper sports sections during training camp: you’ll find more injury updates than you know what to do with, and you’ll find super-sleepers. For instance, for news on the Vikings, do a Google search for “Minneapolis” and “newspaper”. You’ll find the Star Tribune and Pioneer Press, both of which could be invaluable. For example, this method was used for drafting Nate Burleson, a truly worthy 4th WR find. Watch the runs. A run means, everyone starts drafting from the same position. For example, say you plan on taking your starting quarterback in round 4, and in round 3 there becomes a run on quarterbacks, alter your draft strategy and grab him then. Don’t ever draft a defense or a kicker before you’ve filled most of your skill positions. Defense is basically luck of the draw and week to week match-ups. Consider drafting 16 defenses, that is, draft a moderate team, and then wait a week. Find out who is playing a team with a green quarterback or weak offense and then pick them up. You can find a ripe match-up every week. [2] X Research source As for kickers, just grab a dome booter and you’ll be fine. Find the contract kids. Every year players playing out the last year of their contract perform at much higher levels than their counterparts who’ve signed fat salary sheets. Read How to draft your fantasy football team.
Wait a few weeks before dropping or trading away players you picked within the first 10 rounds of the draft and be patient with wide receivers who tend to post inconsistent numbers from week to week. Players suffering from an entire season’s injury are an exception. [3] X Research source
Trade with other teams to obtain key players to fill gaps in your roster. Be aware that trades need to be submitted to the commissioner before a set deadline, and they can be rejected sometimes.
Follow the football news regularly. Take note of injuries and players who perform above or below expectations. Keep a constant eye on weekly match-ups. Sign up for an update service that keeps you on top of developments during the season. While these services vary greatly in quality, keep looking for a good one and use it; they’re essential if you want to reach the playoffs. Grab running backs whose stats are on the upswing. Keep them on your roster as bargaining chips for trades: running backs are always in demand. A key to drafting running backs is making sure their offensive line is good. A great example is the Dallas Cowboy’s O-line.
