Happy draft month! Yes, it’s finally here. The calendar has moved to August and that is officially fantasy football draft month. We’ve been waiting for this all year and now it’s here. Last month I shared some insights and knowledge to help you prepare for your draft. This week I’ll wrap up the series with a few last minute things you need to know to have a fun, successful, positive and winning season.
When preparing for your live draft, always come prepared with a game plan. I still like to type out my own power rankings by position and bring them with me along with a pen so I can cross them off when they are selected. If you don’t have time for that, there are plenty of power rankings online that you can print out or just pull up on your phone. Also, always research the league rules, format, and settings before you draft. A responsible league commissioner will announce all of this information before the draft. There’s nothing worse than drafting and then finding out there’s a different format than the one you were preparing for.
If you’re hosting the draft at your home, there are a few guidelines. First, respect other people’s situation. If you have a sober person in the league, try not to leave alcohol or other tempting items out in the open. Second, make sure you have plenty of food and have it ready to hand out when guests arrive. Have a draft kit that’s large enough and easy for everyone to read. Most draft kits have color-coded stickers that indicate what position the players are (red for quarterback, blue for running back, green for wide receiver, just as an example).
Once your draft is complete, keep an eye on your team. Make the appropriate adjustments each week based on health, off weeks, and matchups. We all want to win, so make sure you’re active on waiver wire and trades. Always be several steps ahead of the competition; stay informed of injury and weather reports. Weather plays a big role in fantasy football. High winds, rain, and snow will affect your team, so plan accordingly.
And finally, if you gamble, please gamble responsibly. Only bet what you can afford to lose. Don’t bet on what you can win, only bet on what you are willing to lose. If you have a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537).
Dennis D. Cruz is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. Reach him at [email protected] or call 847-3021.
