The NFL preseason has begun, which means the first regular season game is only a month away. And with the regular season right around the corner, it is time to do your mock drafts and get ready for your fantasy football draft. The last thing you want to do is go into your draft unprepared. Here are eight steps to assure that you will be perfectly prepared come the time you make your first round selection.
1. Know your draft position
Traditionally, a fantasy football draft is “snake,” meaning the order of the first round flips for the second and flips back and forth until the end. Having an early first round pick means you will have to wait for a long while until you get to pick again. Having a late first round pick means you may not be able to get the best available talent immediately, but you have the best chance to snag a player that slips with the early second round pick.
2. Use multiple fantasy rankings.
There are numerous fantasy football rankings around the Internet from several highly touted analysts. Even though your draft site provides rankings, get a range of draft position projections and season total projections from different fantasy football sources to comprehend the potential values of the available players.
3. Keep track of bye weeks.
From Week 4 to Week 11, all 32 teams will have their bye week, meaning for one week your player will not be playing. Plan accordingly to avoid any conflict with your roster. The last thing you want is waste a waiver claim on a sub-par quarterback when your other two QBs have the same week off.
4. Get an idea of team schedules.
The value of some players is not solely dependent on their skills, but more on their matchups this season. A team that faces the AFC South may have a break facing the defenses of the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars. On the flip side, a team may have a hard time if they face the AFC North, which includes notoriously difficult defenses like the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens.
5. Know the league’s system.
A traditional league’s scoring system is relatively straightforward and the lineups are usually very standard (QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, TE, Flex, DST, K). However, some commonly custom league styles that change both the scoring system, like PPR (points per reception) and the lineups, including IDP(individual defensive players). If your league has these added parts, keep an eye on specific rankings involving fantasy specialties.
6. Single out the rookies.
Every season has its slew of rookies, so keep an eye out on rookies that will likely see a great deal of playing time not only during the preseason, but also during the regular season. Keep in mind, these rookies do not have prior NFL experience, so it's risky investing in a rookie player in your fantasy draft.
7. Keep the off-season in mind.
This past off-season included plenty of trades and free agent signings, which means some highly valued fantasy stars may have relocated into new systems. Some players are coming off injuries or surgeries, so be careful when considering them in the draft. Certain players are in the last year of contracts, which means they are susceptible to increased production in an effort to prove their worth. Also, the NFL has handed out several suspensions, which limits the value of those players. If you decide to bite the bullet on a suspended player: make sure you can replace them for the time being.
8. Be confident and be smart with your picks
Let’s be honest, you are not going to get every great player in the league, but even the mid-level players can break out for huge fantasy seasons. But don't try to overvalue players because it's not worth wasting a first round pick on a third-string wide receiver.
Remember, the draft will set the tone for your fantasy football season, so make it worth something. Good luck to everyone this fantasy football season!
