2009 Fantasy Football Draft Day: Tips and Tricks

For many of us, our fantasy football draft is quickly approaching.

And whether you’re a first timer or a savvy fantasy football expert, there is one constant truth among all drafts. The more prepared you are, the better your chances for success.

I don’t just mean prepared for what you think is going to happen, I am talking about what you do when something happens you didn’t account for. There are always one or two picks made that can leave you scratching your head and send the draft spiraling off in a totally different direction.

These tips, plus a few other helpful tidbits should help equip you for success in your draft and your 2009 fantasy football league.

Create a Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet Ranking List

You can get total player rankings, write-ups and a bunch of other really helpful pre-draft info at Bruno Boys.

However, once you’ve accumulated all the info from the experts, you should always create your own list of player rankings to bring to the draft. It’s true that our cheat sheets will have you fully prepared, but we’re not the one drafting your team. Look at all of our info, and then sit down and incorporate your own thoughts, strategies, and predictions. And don’t forget your gut instincts.

Plus if there is someone you really want on your team, don’t be afraid to move them up a few slots. It is after all, your team.

Do a Mock Draft

Doing a fantasy football mock draft by yourself is tough.

Not only are you guessing and theorizing about what you and other teams will do with each pick, but that much time trying to get in other people’s heads may just leave you talking to yourself in different voices.

So if you find it’s too taxing, you may just want to do three rounds.

Regardless of how deep you go, mock drafts are not about getting it right (though it’s great when you do). The truth is you’re probably going be wrong on lots of picks because you just can’t predict what everyone will do. No matter how off base your mock draft may be, the exercise is really all about clearing those drafting cobwebs, forcing you to analyze other teams and identifying strategies for each possible pick, especially if you’re in a seasonal league and won’t know which pick your getting until five minutes before the draft.

Going into the draft with a complete understanding of your strategies and those that could be used by other teams, gives you a great edge. No matter where you pick, you want to have an idea of what to do and what other teams might do too.

Pay Your Dues and Thank the Commissioner

It may be a small thing, but if you’re in a league that requires money to play, send your check or hand over the cash immediately.

I am always amazed at teams that never pay, but at the end of a winning season still expect to reap in the rewards. Not only is paying your dues in a timely manner the respectable thing to do, it will help the Commissioner get everything settled, which gives them one less thing to worry about.

Speaking of the Commish, take him or her out for a drink or just send them an email saying thanks. It’s a thankless job and a little acknowledgment goes a long way. Plus it always helps to be on their good side if an issue comes up.

Check Injury Reports and Team News from around the NFL

Nothing livens up the draft like the owner who spends their first pick on a running back who’s out all season.

Sure it’s funny, but unless you’re with friends or decent folk who will let you know your mistake, you won’t be laughing when you find out later. Be sure to check up on the latest team and league news. And before you draft go through all major injury reports.

You might also want to check the...ahem...arrest reports as well, since some players may be facing legal issues that could keep them sidelined for part of the season.

Think of fantasy football players as cars. You don’t want to buy one, until you know it runs fine and there are no issues that may keep it off the road.

Repeat after Me, It’s Only a Game

Look, we’ve all wanted to take the cocky, annoying team owner who won the championship, douse them in honey and throw them in a bear cage.

Ok, maybe I’m the only one with issues. The point is, fantasy football can be ultra competitive and that’s fine, but it’s supposed to be fun too.

It is, after all, still a game.

And unless you are throwing down huge chunks of money, it shouldn’t be something you stress about. Draft smart, but don’t be afraid to take some chances. You may even want to keep a late spot open for a guy on your favorite team. Remember that winning isn’t everything, but it’s still the general goal. 

Read more content at: WWW.BRUNOBOYS.NET