Fantasy Footballers Podcast 2016 - 10 Tips and Tricks to Win Your Fantasy Football League

Release Date: August 19, 2016

Introduction

In this engaging episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve deep into their top 10 tips and tricks designed to help fantasy football enthusiasts dominate their leagues. Packed with expert analysis, strategic advice, and entertaining banter, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide for both seasoned players and newcomers aiming to enhance their fantasy football prowess.

Tip 10: Keep an Eye on the Injured Reserve (IR)

Overview: The hosts emphasize the strategic advantage of utilizing the IR spot effectively. By drafting players eligible for IR or promptly moving injured players to this slot, managers can free up valuable roster spots to bolster their teams.

Key Points:

• Proactive Management: Instead of reacting to injuries as they occur, prepare preemptively during drafts and before the season starts.
• Example: Mike Wright cites Dion Lewis, suggesting that drafting an IR-eligible player allows managers to replace him without losing a roster spot.

Notable Quote:

Jason Moore (07:52): "If you've drafted Dion Lewis is marked as an O, you might think, and maybe, maybe because of that he drops down your draft, you get a value on Dion Lewis."

Tip 9: Tier-Based Drafting

Overview: Tier-based drafting is presented as a superior method over traditional ranking lists. By categorizing players into tiers based on their projected performance, managers can make more informed decisions during drafts.

Key Points:

• Value Identification: Helps determine when to draft from a particular position by comparing tiers.
• Strategic Flexibility: Allows managers to pivot between positions based on remaining player tiers.

Notable Quote:

Mike Wright (10:53): "What you need to do is you need to actually have every single position with tier breaks and you can make them yourself or look at ours on Ultimate Draft Kit."

Tip 8: Running Back Strategy

Overview: Contrary to some community beliefs, the hosts argue that running backs remain a crucial component of a successful fantasy team despite recent trends questioning their reliability.

Key Points:

• Positional Scarcity: Running backs are harder to replace compared to wide receivers.
• Value in Depth: Possessing multiple running backs increases the likelihood of having a reliable starter each week.

Notable Quote:

Jason Moore (16:05): "They are more valuable because they are harder to get. And when you're drafting, you should always have more."

Tip 7: Know Your Surroundings During Drafts

Overview: Understanding the dynamics of the draft environment is essential. This includes monitoring other teams' selections and adjusting strategies accordingly.

Key Points:

• Track Draft Progress: Keep an eye on which positions other teams are filling to identify potential value picks.
• Trade Opportunities: Recognize moments to trade up based on draft trends.

Notable Quote:

Mike Wright (17:59): "Look, everyone in the league, in your league, loves their own players. That's the reality."

Tip 6: Master of Trades

Overview: Effective trading can significantly enhance a team's performance. The hosts advocate for strategic multi-player trades to maximize value and roster flexibility.

Key Points:

• Two-for-One Trades: Trading multiple players for one high-impact player while considering future waiver wire pickups.
• Strategic Advantage: Gaining top-tier players provides a competitive edge over league opponents.

Notable Quote:

Jason Moore (20:15): "I love two for one and three for one trades. Because what you realize is that you are sending two players away and receiving one player plus a roster spot."

Tip 5: Harness the Information Superhighway

Overview: Leveraging online resources and social media platforms, especially Twitter, is crucial for staying ahead with real-time updates and insider information.

Key Points:

• Real-Time Updates: Follow beat reporters and fantasy football experts on Twitter for the latest news.
• Draft Resources: Utilize tools like DraftWizard.com and the Fantasy Footballers' Ultimate Draft Kit for mock drafts and tiered rankings.

Notable Quote:

Jason Moore (23:06): "If you are not on Twitter, please make an account. You can do that. I'm not saying you need to participate in conversations, just be there for information."

Tip 4: Maintain Composure During the Season Start

Overview: The initial weeks of the fantasy season can be turbulent, but maintaining a calm and strategic approach is vital for long-term success.

Key Points:

• Avoid Overreactions: Don't panic over a single bad week or rave over an unexpectedly good performance.
• Focus on the Long Game: Stick to your draft strategy and make informed decisions based on overall season performance rather than short-term outcomes.

Notable Quote:

Jason Moore (26:27): "Take deep breaths. Don't panic. Stay calm. You'll be okay."

Tip 3: Go Deep on Quarterbacks

Overview: While quarterbacks are essential, the hosts recommend waiting until the later rounds to draft them, allowing managers to allocate early picks to more scarce positions like running backs and wide receivers.

Key Points:

• Streaming Strategy: By drafting quarterbacks late, managers can utilize the waiver wire to replace underperforming QBs week-to-week.
• Value Maximization: Drafting high-performing QBs late can yield significant points without sacrificing early draft picks on position scarcity.

Notable Quote:

Mike Wright (30:15): "Because you can get quarterback production nearly anywhere. You can get it out of the dumpster."

Tip 2: Embrace the Grind of the Champion

Overview: Winning a fantasy league extends beyond the draft; it requires continuous management throughout the season, including active waiver wire pickups and savvy trade decisions.

Key Points:

• Ongoing Effort: Success is built through consistent weekly management rather than relying solely on draft performance.
• Adaptability: Being responsive to player performances and injuries can make the difference between winning and losing.

Notable Quote:

Mike Wright (34:33): "You can't just put in a little bit of work right before your draft and then say my job is done. You have to do that from week one through sixteen."

Tip 1: Focus on Fun and Traditions

Overview: Fantasy football isn't just a competition; it's a social and entertaining endeavor. Building traditions and enjoying the camaraderie with league mates enhances the overall experience.

Key Points:

• Engagement: Establishing unique league traditions, such as fun bets or thematic drafts, fosters a more enjoyable environment.
• Community: Interacting with friends and rivals in creative ways adds depth to the fantasy football experience.

Notable Quote:

Jason Moore (37:23): "Fantasy football is also about the traditions that you build in your league. That's what addicts us to fantasy football."

Conclusion

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast encapsulates a wealth of knowledge aimed at elevating listeners' fantasy football strategies. From draft day tactics like tier-based drafting and IR management to in-season strategies such as maintaining composure and active team management, the hosts provide actionable insights backed by their extensive experience. Additionally, the emphasis on enjoying the game and building league traditions underscores the holistic approach the Fantasy Footballers advocate for a fulfilling fantasy football experience.

Whether you're gearing up for your draft or navigating the complexities of the season, these 10 tips serve as a valuable roadmap to achieving fantasy football success.