by Jeff Mclaughlin

Created on: January 28, 2007   Last Updated: February 13, 2010

Fantasy Football is like singing. Everyone can do it, but not everyone can do it well. Playing the game is the simple part. Just figure out what style of league fits your interest and read the rules of scoring and drafting so that you know what is happening. To play fantasy football well is more complicated. You can be lucky sometimes, but consistently being good requires some research and critical thinking. And most importantly, if you want to win, don't select players just because you like them or not select someone you don't like. Terrell Owens is the perfect example. Sure he is a poor teammate on a real football team, but no one had more receiving touchdowns in 2006 than Owens. Fantasy football is strictly a numbers game and the team with the best numbers will win. There is no locker room for Owens to upset with your team. After conducting your research, draft accordingly. Take the best player available at a position where your need is greatest. What separates the league champion from the middle of the league team is knowing what you need, who is available, and where you might can get him the draft. This aspect of drafting is critical to your success.  Try this draft scenario, If you need a quarterback and a wide receiver take the quarterback earlier because the depth at that position in the NFL is rather shallow. On the contrary there is always a wide receiver capable of 600 yards and 5 touchdowns available at any round of the draft.

The most successful players in fantasy football do not just draft well, but are quick to pick up the surprise performers from the waiver wire.  The waiver wire is a list of all eligible NFL players not currently on a fantasy team in your league.  A good habit to develop is checking the wire at least once a week.  You have to be fast when picking up someone off of the wire, because once he emerges he is likely to be picked up soon.

Once you have the research, have mastered the art of drafting, and have become proficient at waiver wire management, the only two things to worry about are your trash talking skills and coming up with a clever name for your team. Most of all have fun with it whether you are dominating your league or you are on the bottom of the pile.

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