If you’re one of those that has just stumbled into the glorious world of fantasy football, you may be wondering what in the hell you’re doing. Chances are by now, you’ve already drafted your team, so most of the guesswork is out of the way. You’ve also probably done a quick Google search for a clever team name that’s sure to get a giggle (and if not, I suggest doing so, it’s a key to winning).Now you’re trying to get into the flow of managing your team with all the injuries, busts, and whatever other bad luck your team has gotten into (i.e. DUI. I'm looking at you, Braylon).
(Nice beard.)Here are some surefire ways to stay ahead in your league (or at the very least, not be the worst):
1. Don’t jump the gun.
This is a trap all fantasy newbie’s fall into. If one of your first-rounders hasn’t racked up the points in the first couple weeks, don’t be so quick to look for a trade. Give him time to get into the flow of the season. If he doesn’t start racking up the points for you by Week 5, shop him around and see what you can get for him. You may be able to get 2 or 3 solid players for him.
(Ray Rice is off to a slow start, but hold on to him.)2. Don’t be fooled by a lucky week.
Some guys will have one monster week (see: Hakeem Nicks, Week 1). This actually happens quite often where a guy will have a huge week, then follow it up with very mediocre weeks. Do not waste a trade or waivers pickup over one good game.
(Nicks had three touchdowns in a Week 1 victory over the Carolina Panthers.)3. Pick on the know-nothing.
Chances are, there is someone in your league who has less football knowledge than you. You’ll know how to spot these people. They’re the ones who make the fan picks, like drafting Tony Romo with the third pick in your draft. Yeah, that guy. Use his weakness to your advantage. Propose a lopsided trade, especially if you have a player you know he’ll jump at. If it pans out and they bite, you’ll be looking like the genius of your league. It’s like stealing candy from a baby.
(Where have you gone, Jessica Simpson.)4. Stay up to date on injury reports.
There’s nothing like checking your team on Sunday evening, only to realize your top receiver sat out due to injury. Trust me, this will happen to you, and nothing feels worse. It’s best to know if a player is questionable and have a backup just in case.
(Dennis Dixon, for example, is out. Don't start him.)5. Talk smack, and lots of it.
Nothing makes being in a fantasy league with all your buddies quite like talking smack about everyone. Don’t hold anything back. The more smack you talk, the more points you score. Trust me, it’s science (warning: may not actually be science).
(Need trash talking tips? Watch the Player Haters Ball sketch from Chappelle Show.)- Scott Simone
Don't forget Scott, about the backlash from the trade which, if too lopsided, will make at least three players threaten to quit, and cause a brawl. Then again, this is in no way, saying that the deal shouldn't be done.
ReplyDeleteThe worse is when you propose a lopsided trade, thinking that you've found the weak link in the league...and it turns out they know their stuff and flip out. That makes it very awkward very quickly.
ReplyDeleteI have indeed had that backlash. Makes things even more fun!
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