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Fantasy football: 5 winning strategies to command your league

By Peter Panacy

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints looks on during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on January 1, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints looks on during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on January 1, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 20: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers meets with wide receiver DeSean Jackson #11 of the Washington Redskins after the Green Bay Packers were defeated by the Washington Redskins 24-42 at FedExField on November 20, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 20: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers meets with wide receiver DeSean Jackson #11 of the Washington Redskins after the Green Bay Packers were defeated by the Washington Redskins 24-42 at FedExField on November 20, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Buck the Fantasy Football Trends

This is somewhat related to the previous slide, but it’s different in many ways.

Going for value over position is important. But there’s a good chance you’ll be tempted by a run on wide receivers in the middle rounds or, perhaps, you’ll start to panic with many of those mid-level quarterbacks start coming off the boards.

This isn’t the time to panic.

Fantasy owners will often target players in the middle rounds based off last year’s numbers. In many cases, it’s best to simply let your competitors spill over 2016 stats while you focus more on second-year breakouts, sleepers and guys in contract years.

If you’re on the back end of a snaking draft, you have the chance to really shake things up. Imagine this — owners have taken three wide receivers in a row and, potentially, guys you wish had fallen to your spot.

Don’t jump on the next best receiver simply because you feel you have to. Instead, grab a mid-level tight end and a running back to serve as your No. 2 option or flex player.

By doing so, you’ll solve your impact needs while saving those late-round picks for sleepers who help you win.