In the world of fantasy football, winning streaks can make you feel invincible. Meanwhile, losing streaks can leave you questioning your skills and strategies. What you have to remember, is that even the most experienced fantasy players can have a few off weeks – even if those weeks happen to be four in a row! In this post, we’ll explore valuable tips and strategies to help you handle and overcome those dreaded losing streaks. So, let’s dive in and learn how to rise from the pigskin ashes!
1. Assess your team and strategies
Take a close look at your team’s recent performance. Identify any patterns or weaknesses. For instance, in my own leagues, I have been avoiding the Bengals and Joe Burrow.
If you keep an eye on what’s going on week-to-week it will help you gauge your players and waiver wire decisions. The best way to do that is to watch condensed games (games without commercials). I personally don’t trust many other opinions, so watching the games myself is the only way I can be sure that I know what i’m talking about.
Evaluate your draft picks, trades, and waiver wire acquisitions. Consider which decisions may have contributed to the losing streak. You want to make sure you are keeping tabs last minute gameplay decisions, injuries, and players that aren’t doing well from week-to-week. Based on your analysis, make necessary adjustments to your lineup, roster depth, and overall game plan.
2. Stay calm and focus on the type of league you are in
Avoid the fantasy panic. Resist the urge to make impulsive decisions or drop potentially valuable players out of frustration. Stick to your initial strategy unless well-thought-out changes are warranted.
Manage Your Emotions
Losing streaks can be frustrating, but it’s crucial to stay calm and maintain a positive mindset. Remember that fantasy football is a long-term game. Fortunes can change quickly. Who thought that Zach Wilson would be a startable QB in Week 5, and that Joe Burrow would be unstartable (even with his injury).
3. Seek opportunities on the Waiver Wire
Identify Emerging Players
Scan the waiver wire for potential breakout candidates or players who have seen increased opportunities due to injuries or changes in team dynamics.
Be Proactive
Don’t wait for a player’s breakout performance to add them to your roster. Act swiftly if you spot a player with significant upside or a favorable upcoming schedule.
4. Leverage Trade Opportunities
Identify Trade Targets
Look for undervalued players on other teams who may be struggling or overlooked. Target players who have a favorable schedule or are primed for a bounce-back performance. Use the advantages that you have in the leagues you are in to do this.
Offer Fair and Balanced Trades
Approach other managers with reasonable trade proposals that benefit both parties. Don’t undervalue your players in desperation to break the losing streak.
5. Seek Advice and Outside Perspectives
Consult Fantasy Resources
Read articles, listen to podcasts, and follow fantasy football experts you trust that offer insight and provide guidance on player evaluations and strategies.
Engage with the Fantasy Community
Join online forums or social media groups where you can discuss your situation. Seek advice, and gain perspectives from other fantasy football managers. Personally, the guys and gals from the FF Expo have been my sounding board and forever will be. Get yourself a group from your area or chat with your football people and stay in contact with them. Ask for their opinion on trades and strategies.
It’s also a good habit to get on X (formerly Twitter) and talk throughout the game or after. You will get a lot of information from social media in general.
Experiencing a fantasy football losing streak is downright frustrating, but it’s important to remain resilient and maintain a positive mindset. By assessing your team, making strategic adjustments, and leveraging opportunities on the waiver wire and through trades, you can set yourself up for a comeback. Remember, losing streaks are a part of the game. How you handle that will show the type of player you are.
Keep in mind that you want to be a gracious loser as well as winner. We all have good and bad weeks, make sure you be the player that someone wants to play with again next year!
Good luck and feel free to reach out if you have any trade questions or need some help along the way!
Tracy Gilroy-Norton
When I'm not walking dogs/pet sitting for my own company I am thinking about football. I have been a Jets fan since living in Northern Ireland, where I was born, but my die-hard team is the Chiefs. I was lucky enough to join The League Winners this year which lets me showcase two of my favorite things, writing and football. One of my newest passions is IDP leagues with a goal of making it into the King's Classic! I believe in always following your gut and am never afraid to reach in a draft! I welcome any questions or advice so always feel free to reach out! "Football is life" --> Danny Rojas