Waiver Wire Strategy

• • Look for players with increasing target shares or snap counts
• • Consider undervalued rookies showing promise
• • Seek out backup running backs with potential for increased playing time
• • Monitor teams with new offensive coordinators for potential breakouts
• • Add high-upside players before they become hot waiver pickups

Key Positions to Watch

• QuarterbackLook for QBs with both passing and rushing potential for higher fantasy ceilings.
• Running BackTarget RBs with clear paths to touches and goal-line opportunities.
• Wide ReceiverFocus on WRs in high-volume passing offenses or clear WR1 roles.
• Tight EndPrioritize TEs with consistent target shares in their offense.

Emerging Trends

• Mobile QuarterbacksQBs who can run are increasingly valuable in fantasy.
• Committee BackfieldsMore teams are using multiple RBs, affecting fantasy value.
• Slot ReceiversSlot WRs are seeing increased usage in many offenses.
• Tight End UsageSome teams are featuring TEs more prominently in the passing game.

Weekly Management Tips

• Matchup AnalysisStudy defensive rankings and adjust your lineup based on favorable matchups.
• Weather ConditionsConsider weather forecasts, especially for kickers and passing games.
• Bye Week PlanningPlan ahead for bye weeks to ensure a full, competitive lineup each week.
• Injury ReportsStay updated on injury reports and have backup plans ready.
• Flex Position StrategyUtilize the flex position to maximize points based on matchups and recent performance.

Long-term Strategy

• Balance your roster with a mix of consistent performers and high-upside players
• Consider strength of schedule when making trade decisions
• Look for potential breakout candidates in high-scoring offenses
• Stay active in trade discussions to improve your team throughout the season
• Plan for the fantasy playoffs by targeting players with favorable late-season schedules

Scoring Systems

• Standard ScoringBasic system where players earn points for yards gained and touchdowns scored.
• PPR (Points Per Reception)Players receive an additional point for each reception, boosting the value of pass-catching backs and receivers.
• Half-PPRA middle ground between standard and PPR, awarding 0.5 points per reception.
• IDP (Individual Defensive Players)Includes defensive players who score points for tackles, sacks, interceptions, etc.
• Custom ScoringLeagues can adjust point values for various stats to create unique scoring systems.

Waiver Wire Strategy

• • Target players with increasing minutes or usage rates
• • Look for rookies or sophomores showing signs of a breakout
• • Monitor teams with injuries for potential replacement value
• • Consider players on teams with favorable upcoming schedules
• • Add specialists to boost specific categories (e.g., 3-pointers, blocks)

Key Positions to Watch

• Point GuardLook for PGs with high assist potential and good steal numbers.
• Shooting GuardTarget SGs with high 3-point volume and scoring ability.
• Small ForwardFocus on SFs who contribute across multiple categories.
• Power ForwardPrioritize PFs with rebounding prowess and potential for blocks.
• CenterSeek centers who can provide blocks, rebounds, and efficient scoring.

Emerging Trends

• Position-less BasketballPlayers who can play multiple positions offer lineup flexibility.
• Three-Point SpecialistsIncreased emphasis on 3-point shooting across all positions.
• Load ManagementStar players resting more frequently, impacting game-to-game value.
• Pace of PlayTeams playing at faster paces provide more fantasy opportunities.

Weekly Management Tips

• Games PlayedMaximize games played by strategically adding and dropping players.
• Category FocusIdentify close categories in head-to-head matchups and adjust lineups accordingly.
• Back-to-Back GamesBe aware of teams playing back-to-back games, as stars might rest.
• Streaming StrategyUtilize streaming spots to gain an edge in weekly matchups.
• Injury UpdatesStay on top of injury news and adjust lineups promptly.

Long-term Strategy

• Focus on category balance and identify areas where you can gain an edge
• Target players with complementary schedules for the fantasy playoffs
• Monitor rookie development and potential breakout candidates
• Consider trading high-performing players before they face tougher schedules
• Build a roster with positional flexibility to maximize games played

League Types and Scoring

• Rotisserie (Roto) LeaguesTeams are ranked in multiple statistical categories, with points awarded based on standings in each category.
• Points LeaguesPlayers earn points for various stats (e.g., 1 point per point scored, 1.2 points per rebound), simplifying player valuation.
• Head-to-Head (H2H) CategoriesTeams compete in multiple categories each week, winning or losing each category individually.
• Head-to-Head (H2H) PointsSimilar to Points leagues, but teams face off weekly, with the highest point total winning.
• Scoring VariationsLeagues may use 8-cat (excluding turnovers), 9-cat (standard), or custom category setups.

Transfer Strategy

• • Plan transfers ahead using the fixture difficulty rating (FDR)
• • Monitor price changes to avoid team value losses
• • Consider players with double gameweeks for captain choices
• • Keep track of blank gameweeks for early planning
• • Save transfers when possible for maximum flexibility

Key Positions to Watch

• GoalkeepersLook for keepers in teams with strong defensive records and favorable fixtures.
• DefendersTarget attacking fullbacks and center-backs with set-piece involvement.
• MidfieldersFocus on midfielders playing out of position (OOP) as forwards or taking penalties.
• ForwardsPrioritize strikers who are focal points of attack and on penalty duties.

Emerging Trends

• Premium DefendersFull-backs with high attacking returns becoming as valuable as midfielders.
• Budget EnablersIdentifying low-cost players who start regularly to free up funds.
• Formation FlexibilityAdapting formation based on fixture difficulty and team form.
• Set-Piece SpecialistsIncreased value of players taking corners, free-kicks, and penalties.

Weekly Management Tips

• Deadline ManagementStay aware of early kickoffs and set your team well before deadlines.
• Captain SelectionChoose captains based on fixture difficulty, form, and historical performance.
• Bench StrategyOrder your bench based on likelihood of playing and fixture difficulty.
• Team NewsFollow press conferences and team news for injury updates and rotation risks.
• Chip StrategySave chips for double gameweeks and plan their use strategically.

Season-Long Strategy

• Build a balanced squad with playing bench options
• Plan transfers around upcoming fixture swings
• Target players from teams with favorable runs of fixtures
• Save chips for maximum impact during double gameweeks
• Monitor price changes to build team value early in the season

Scoring and Chips

• Points ScoringUnderstanding basic points (goals, assists, clean sheets) and bonus point system (BPS).
• WildcardComplete team overhaul - best used during significant fixture swings or international breaks.
• Free HitOne-week team change - optimal for blank or double gameweeks.
• Triple CaptainTriple points for your captain - best used during double gameweeks.
• Bench BoostScore points from your bench - maximize during double gameweeks with full playing squad.

Understanding Scoring Impacts

• Scoring systems significantly influence player values and draft strategies. The way points are awarded can drastically change a player's worth.
• In category-based leagues, balance across categories is crucial for success. Unlike points leagues where raw totals matter most, category leagues require a more nuanced approach.
• Points leagues often favor high-volume players, regardless of efficiency. These formats typically reward raw production over percentages or ratios.
• Custom scoring settings can dramatically shift player rankings. Leagues that implement unique scoring rules, such as bonuses for long touchdowns in football or double-doubles in basketball, can create opportunities for savvy managers.
• Always review your league's specific scoring rules before drafting or making roster decisions. These details can guide your decision-making process throughout the season, from draft day to weekly lineup choices and trade evaluations.

Rosie Sports Analyst

Fantasy Football Specialist

Rosie Sports Analyst

Former Fantasy Scout

Rosie Sports Analyst

Sports Statistician