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10 Things NOT To Do In Fantasy Football

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Fantasy Football Mistakes To Avoid

Fantasy Football is a fun and addictive game. There are tons of guides to help you learn how to play and what you should do to win.

The list below is stuff you shouldn't do when playing Fantasy Football. These things will either screw up your chances of winning or annoy your league so much that you won't be invited back next year.

Don't Be The Fantasy Coach Who...

1. Pays The League Entry Fee Late

(or not at all)

You knew there was an entry fee when you joined the league, don't make excuses and turn into a deadbeat. That's one of the best ways to never get invited into a fantasy league again. You also risk your friendships with the commish and other coaches in the league.

If he's smart, your league commissioner will set a payment deadline before the season starts and boot you out of the league for not paying.

2. Comes To The Draft Unprepared

Invest some time into preparing your cheat sheet before the draft. Then remember to bring it with you.

Plan your draft strategy ahead of time and be prepared to adjust it during the draft if needed.

3. Drafts A Kicker Early

Anything before the last two rounds of the draft is too early. Yes, some kickers are better than others, but none are worth wasting a good pick on.

If your league does an auction draft, don't pay more than $1 for a kicker.

4. Bombards The League With Really Lame Trade Offers

There's nothing wrong with making a low offer and trying to get the better end of a fantasy trade deal. But no one will take you seriously if all you do is send out low ball offers and make ridiculous counter offers.

5. Forgets To Cover His Bye Week Players

Every NFL team's schedule includes a bye week. Every fantasy football roster shows when a player is on bye. Most fantasy sites allow you to set your roster for future weeks.

There's no excuse for starting a bye week player and guaranteeing yourself zero points for that position.

6. Doesn't Respond To Trade Offers

Another good way to annoy the other coaches in your league is to totally ignore their trade offers. You don't have to make a decision immediately, but at least acknowledge that you saw it and give the guy an idea when you'll respond.

If you plan to be on vacation or away from the computer for a few days, post a notice on the league message board. That way other teams won't curse you while waiting for a response.

7. Ignores What's Happening In The NFL

Injuries, lineup changes, arrests and changes in performance can happen quickly in the NFL. You need to know what's going on in the real game to effectively manage your fantasy football team.

8. Doesn't Think Long Term

It's easy to only focus on winning this week's game. Especially if you're trying to salvage a losing record. Remember to spend some time planning for the rest of the season.

How will I cover next week's byes? What will my match-ups be in the playoffs? Those are the types of questions to ask yourself each week. These are also good questions when evaluating trade offers.

9. Quits Managing His Team

You're 2-10 with 2 weeks left in the season. Clearly not making playoffs so why bother setting your roster each week?

1. Pride
2. The integrity of the league. You could play spoiler or otherwise affect the playoff seeding so do everything you can to win your last games.
3. If you give up near the end of the season, it's doubtful you'll be invited back again.

10. Complains About Everything

The draft date, the scoring rules, your draft position, someone called you a bad name, your player got a boo-boo, your fantasy team sucks, your NFL team sucks...the message board is full of your whining. If you've got a legitimate beef, then air it. Otherwise shut up and play.

What is the biggest Fantasy Football mistake?

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More Fantasy Football Advice...

Fantasy Football Fumbles...

What is the dumbest mistake you've made (or seen someone else make) playing Fantasy Football?

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nsixx99 Oct 12, 2011 @ 2:50 pm | delete

I am a league commissioner and by biggest pet peeve is the guy who calls me 10 minutes before line-ups lock and begs me to start his team. I have started other peoples teams in cases that had legitimate reasons, but just because you forgot does not mean I am going to help you win. Great lens I love it!

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Mac33 Oct 18, 2011 @ 6:55 am | delete

This hasn't happened to me as a commish but I've heard about it from others. Players have to plan ahead and manage their team.

Reply

OneFootPutt Sep 11, 2010 @ 12:48 am | delete

You have to try to win every week. Why else play fantasy football?

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Screwed by the Commish and League Sep 10, 2010 @ 8:25 pm | delete

I have to vent. I joined an FFL at work. The commish changed the schedule TODAY...after the first night of games!! Who does that???

Also, I had a pre-season trade VETOED by 5 of the other 10 teams not involved in the trade. Yes, I was getting Romo for Barber, but the other guy approached ME about getting Barber for Romo and I need a better QB. There was nothing shady in this deal, but apparently 5 people thought I was getting too much for too little and felt they had to be someone's mommy and stop them from making a mistake. Sheesh. I'll remember not to play in this league next year.

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bengriston Sep 21, 2009 @ 1:10 pm | delete

I can't stand those who quit managing their teams just because they lost a couple of games. It is still fun to see if you can pull out a decent record and try to be the spoiler.
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