How to Win at Fantasy Sports

Home, office, and school fantasy leagues are popping up all across America. Everyone has a fantasy team these days. But most lack the skills to win and make fantasy sports truly fun. Whether you're a new participant or a fantasy veteran, the following simple rules will guide you to fantasy immortality in any league and any fantasy sport.

Rule 1: Ignore names. When selecting your fantasy studs, take special care not to select a player for his name only. It is important to realize that great players aren't always the ones who have the best stats. For example, many would agree that Shaquille O'Neal is the best center in the NBA; however, wasting a top draft pick on O'Neal wouldn't be wise. O'Neal, while a major factor for his real team Miami, isn't a top fantasy player because his stats are not top caliber. With this rule in mind, use the numbers to your advantage. Use the numerous media outlets available to research the numbers. So remember, big names don't always equal big fantasy payout.

Rule 2: Draft for Statistical Categories. Prior to your fantasy league's draft investigate the categories that score points. Be sure to note the categories that offer the most payout in fantasy points. Once you have a set idea of the categories that yield the best potential for points, cross reference your new knowledge with top ten rankings of players in each of those categories. Note the range of stats in each category (i.e. the top player's stat - the tenth player's total). If the stat range is small relative to the total of the top player, then the talent pool in this category is deep. If the opposite is true, then the depth of scoring in that category is small. Once you've sorted all this out for yourself, you'll have a great tool to use for your draft. For instance, if homeruns hitters were abundant in a fantasy baseball draft, taking one early would decrease your overall draft grade. On the contrary, you should select players who rule the categories in demand.

Rule 3: Check your roster daily. The easiest way to be the owner of a winning fantasy squad is to participate daily. Even if your sport or league doesn't have games or players changing daily, it's a good idea to check the status once a day if possible. Be sure to put as many players into your lineups as possible. Also, it's a good idea to check the injury notes for your players regularly. This can save you a wasted roster spot during a series of games, which can mean the difference in winning and losing. Because most managers of fantasy teams don't check their rosters daily, you will be ahead of the curve by checking you lineups daily.

The key to fantasy sports is always participation. If you don't play, you can't win. Selecting a team then checking every once in a while puts you behind the curve. Checking daily or on a regular basis will put you right in the thick of things.
If you participate and follow the rest of these simple rules of fantasy sports and you will be the one hoisting the fantasy trophy at the end of the season.