Fantasy Leagues are Not Won in the Draft

Now that draft season is for the most part over I have a shocking revelation, your season was not ‘won’ in the draft. Personally I like the saying “you can not win the season in the draft but you can lose it”. If you think you drafted poorly do not be too fearful heading into the season. Every year I think I do great in my drafts but usually only end up keeping three to five drafted players. There are a few keys to winning your fantasy league this year that go far beyond just the draft.

Play the Waiver Wire, Know information First

Aug 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs the ball against the Washington Redskins in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

This may sound quite simple for many but last season Devonta Freeman was a waiver wire pickup that won people leagues. Freeman was usually only drafted as a backup for Coleman and the people who were the first to pick him up had a huge advantage for the rest of the season. When Le’Veon Bell returned from his suspension Deangelo Williams was often dropped. Weeks later when Bell was hurt, people were forced to pick up Williams. The first player to get him ended up having a top fantasy producer for the rest of the season. Being the first person to know about injuries and news goes a long way in changing the outcome of your fantasy season.

Know When to Cut Ties

The worst thing any player can do is to hold onto a player they drafted for too long. People who drafted Eddie Lacy last season saw him struggle early in the season but held onto him anyway. Although Lacy did not pick it up players kept him on the team, eating up a roster spot. Additionally CJ Anderson owners tried to stick to the plan but saw Anderson struggle throughout the season. It is important to know when to cut ties with a player who is not performing and quickly turning into a bust.

Do not Cut too Early

The opposite of what was stated above is also a key. It is as important to not drop players who performed badly in week 1 before week 2. There is a fine line between holding a player too long and cutting them prematurely. Last season Drew Brees started the year off slowly but certainly paid off at the end. Owners who traded him at a low point probably lost a lot of value. Owners who cut him for some reason likely lost their leagues. It is important to know when to cut a player you drafted but the key is to never cut players too early.

Trade High

Nov 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) catches a pass before the game against the St. Louis Rams at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Last season plenty of players had a few strong stretches throughout the season that ultimately led to their value surging. It is a major key to trade these players at a high point and not after they are slowing down. Last season Stefon Diggs had a magnificent three-week stretch between weeks 6 and 8. Players that traded him in week 8 probably got a great deal due to Diggs being at the peak of his season. Diggs obviously slowed down much after this but if he was traded already the damage was already done. It is obviously very hard to tell when or if a player will slow down but it is key to know when to trade a player if you believe they are going to slow down.