Secrets To Success

4

Pay heed only to the first half of preseason games and ignore all preseason stats

Most of the guys playing in the second half of a preseason game are fighting for the last few roster spots and won't survive the final cut. Numbers become inflated as subpar players hit the field, so be wary of preseason sensations who may never see the field when it counts. Don't get overly excited by your "discovery." And don't forget that one team might approach a preseason game differently from another.

Important information, however, can be gleaned when the first-stringers are in the game: What receiver is being thrown the ball on third down? Who's getting the carries at the goal line? Do players coming off injuries look recovered?

5

Beware of byes on the schedule

If you were to draft a team consisting of Jones, quarterback Marc Bulger, running back Tatum Bell and receivers Torry Holt and Eric Moulds, you'd be ecstatic, right? Except in Week 9 this season, when the teams of all those players have their byes. Bring an NFL schedule to your draft to avoid selecting players with the same bye week--or you may find yourself giving away an entire week.

6

Draft some fantasy reserves before filling out your starting lineup

Always draft the best available player, regardless of position. Losing players to injuries is a certainty. With strong backups at a position such as running back, you not only protect yourself but you also can deal with a team in need at that spot, often acquiring a player much better than one you would have drafted.