New to fantasy football? Then these are the mistakes to avoid on game day to turn you into a League Winner.
Game day, especially Sunday, is the best day of the week for fantasy football! When it comes to fantasy rosters, however, you have to have strategic decision-making. It’s easy for beginners and novices alike to fall into common habits that can hurt your team. I’ve made some of these mistakes myself. To prevent you from making the same errors, I’m here to guide you with, ‘Mistakes to Avoid on Game Day’.
1. Ignoring Last-Minute Injury Updates
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is ignoring last-minute injury updates. Make sure you check injury updates with enough time to edit your fantasy lineup before the games begin. Sometimes people will be a game-time decision, and you will have to use your gut on whether or not to replace them. If you forget to check and your player is out, it’s guaranteed zero points. That will kill any chances of progression or winning.
2. Overlooking Weather Conditions
Weather can significantly impact a player and team’s performance. Teams like the Buffalo Bills are used to playing in the rain and colder temperatures, while others are better at a higher elevation (Denver) or the heat. You need to keep an eye on where your team is playing and against whom. Also, you need to check the conditions for that specific day. There could be fog, high winds, extreme heat, or cold that could hinder your players. Adjust your lineup accordingly and make sure you keep in mind where the players are from and what weather they are used to.
3. Failing to Monitor the Inactive List
Before games kick off, teams release an inactive list. This includes players who aren’t playing because of injuries, suspensions, or coaching decisions. It’s the same concept as the injury list where if they don’t play they won’t get you points! So always check ahead of game time.
4. Overreacting to Early Game Performances
It’s easy to overreact when your player has a bad game, especially the first week or two. But keep in mind that the first few weeks of football are always unpredictable. I usually count these as practice weeks. You don’t want to get rid of a player that you think is going to be great just because they’ve had a bad week or two. I would suggest holding onto them if you believe in their potential. You don’t want them to do well on someone else’s roster.
A great example of this is Joe Burrow in his first game. It was horrendous; but going forward I don’t think that he’s going to have too many games that are that bad. If I have him on my roster, I’m definitely holding onto him. I may bench him for a game or two, but it’s not somebody that I’m going to let go of, then have somebody else pick up. However, if he continues to play poorly and has a down-year, don’t be afraid to let him go for a player that can contribute instead.
5. Ignoring Matchup-Based Decisions
This is my biggest issue. Keeping my favorite players in my lineup because I like them, or they are one of my favorite players. Personally, I have to get better at looking at who they are going up against. They may be facing a team or opponent who is relatively better, and you’d bench your player for that week. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to get rid of them, but you want to see if your roster holds someone in either a better position, or that will produce more points, so you can move things around.
6. Neglecting the Waiver Wire and Free Agency
Always keep an eye on the waiver wire. I’m basically a rookie to fantasy football, so this is new to me. I have yet to do a great job at picking up players when I’m supposed to. Whether you’re in a league with FAAB or one that uses waiver priority, you always want to keep an eye on the waiver wire and act accordingly. If you don’t continuously look at it, you lose the chance of possibly getting a better player and having somebody else grab them for their roster.
7. Disregarding Game Script and Offensive Game Plans
Last but not least, you want to make sure that you’re looking at potential offensive game plans and the game scripts. Given a team’s matchup, you may see them change their point of attack – either running or passing the ball. Because of that, you may have to change who’s in your starting lineup.
If your team has a favorable matchup and is expected to do well, your running backs may see increased opportunities; so focusing on running backs in that matchup would be the smart thing to do. Always keep an eye on what teams are playing, and their tendencies.
By using these suggestions you will keep your roster up to date, and maybe find yourself as a League Winner when it’s all said and done.
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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