These are really all simple tips to follow, but it’s amazing how often people just don’t follow them. If you want to give your team the best chance of finishing on top, then apply each and every one of these. You will be amazed at the difference.

1. Draft based on total point totals, projections and expectations, regardless of position. Do not select based on who is the best in the world of real sports. This doesn’t always translate to the fantasy world.

2. Don’t pick for a balanced team. You need to choose the categories to focus on and let the rest take care of itself. Balance=mediocre in the fantasy world.

3. Typically, in baseball draft receivers are last, in football kickers are last, in hockey they are last defenders, and in basketball centers are last (unless you get one of the best centers in the first round).

4. When drafting, you normally want to fill all active player vacancies first before filling bench positions. The exception is if you find an EXTREME value that you have done your research on and feel like it is a bargain. An example is Jered Weaver this year. Yahoo had ranked him much lower in the ranks than I thought he deserved. Therefore, I recruited him before other needs and after he had already filled my SP positions. He has been worth it so far.

5. Follow the latest news of any sport you practice. This will make a big difference in knowing who is hot and who is not, and so on.

6. Don’t keep more IL-dominated guys on your team than you have IL slots. The exception is if they are a top 10% fantasy player and are expected to return with a significant portion of the season remaining.

7. Seek advice before trading. Post it on my website, on any public website, anywhere. Get the opinions of others first.

8. Don’t give up on your team. Many times my teams have been in the bottom half of the league midway through the season only to come back and win or crack the top three when all is said and done.

9. Constantly analyze your free agent picks that seemingly come out of nowhere. Don’t get attached to them. You should focus on buying them low and selling them high. Yes, there are always free-agent snags that will shape your team throughout the year, but more often than not, these players rank 458th for a reason.

10. This is related to #9, but is very important. Look at the free agent pool/waiver cable. When a starter drops or is benched due to poor performance, this often opens the window for a rookie or backup to shine. Don’t be afraid to pick them up right away, but by all means, do your research first. This often happens with MLB closers, NFL running backs, and NHL goaltenders. But of course, this can happen in any sport and in any position. Always be ready.